Canadian Issue M17

[G.A. Rempel]

Good afternoon,
Just looking for a bit of info, I noticed in a previous thread dated 2013 a member was wondering what a stamp on his rifle meant, ie 12 TC and a number, and I see, he never received a response. One of my Canadian issued M1917s also has a similar number stamped into the butt - 31 TC over 616 along with a C broad arrow. I can't seem to find what the 31 TC is for, so am unsure if it's a US stamp from previous issue as I can't find a Canadian Unit for that after it was purchased by Canada, or, if it is Canadian. Thanks for any help, gerry

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[Giove]

I Think TC is Trainig Centre (Army). No. 12 and No. 31 are both in Ontario.

[browningautorifle]

Working from that theory, my late Father-in-law was a Zombie during WW2 and posted to Fredricton NB where he was a driver on a base...don't know what they trained there exactly but Camp Gagetown didn't exist then, I'd guess it was normal basic training. He told me he was issued an M1917 complete when he was there...and used it every Sunday to "Play soldier" in the field across the road from the camp. With What Giove suggests then maybe it's one of the rifles issued to a base, not to go overseas because it's non standard caliber?

[Giove]

BAR, this is what I think, not a theory.

The M1917 in Canada was used, as far as I know, by the H.G. and for training.

Now I am curious to know your own theory, since I am here to learn and share, not to teach.

Regards.

[browningautorifle]

The M1917 in Canada was used, as far as I know, by the H.G. and for training.

That idea would be correct as well as used by the PCMR for an issue rifle...among others. What I meant about your theory or what you think is your informed opinion...and sometimes this is what we have to put these things together. Like the story my past father in law told me. Lost records of word of mouth. Just that these rifles didn't go overseas.

[boltaction]

You are correct that these were mostly used by Home Guard units, and also by RCAF as they are sometimes marked with that. I would assume that the RCAF used them to guard bases and such in Canada as there is no evidence these went over to England at all, and the ammunition issues would be problematic. I also read somewhere, but can't remember where, that they were also used by POW camp guards in Canada. Canadian used ones will all have a red band of paint over the fore stock to identify them quickly from P14's.

Ed

[browningautorifle]

used by POW camp guards in Canada

Weren't those home guard types or over age men that did that? I talked to one that had been overseas and returned to be camp guard, think he'd been wounded out of regular service.

[jamie5070]

I have one marked "25 RCA". Someone told me that it was issued to an artillery regiment.