I believe the two new Ross MkIIIs that Iriam recounts being issued in mid-1918 were in fact 1918 dated rifles, which we know from surviving examples were made.

As for smiling, I don't think by then they had much to smile about. McBride drank himself to death, probably to help forget his "hundred file". Iriam provides plenty of detail on the realities of the life.

There are photos of groups from a number of battalions with cut down MkIIIs and A5 scopes. Whether it was allowed would probably depend on the battalion OC or on orders from Brigade or Divisional HQ. The bull and blanco type OC's probably wouldn't have permitted it. Somewhere I read the 3rd Division did not, for example.