SMLE rifles used by British troops, Germany May 1945

[Peter Laidler]

The issue of equipment isn't all cut and dry as some of you might suggest. What a regiment IS issued with and remains issued with and is replaced with is down to the Regimental Quartermaster. Rifles and replacements would be what is on hand and what comes through the Ord supply system. Both sorts of rifles were in the system and both sorts serviced on a large scale. Think of Bren guns. Would any QM care that he still had old tired Mk1's when Mk2's were available? Nope. He has 875 .303" rifles and 91 Brens issued to the Regiment