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(Swiss Rifles Forum)
Rosalie, 22nd battalion French Canadian
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The Following 3 Members Say Thank You to diopter For This Useful Post:
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03-23-2014 03:32 PM
# ADS
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Advisory Panel
Great story. Of course he would have been issued a Ross MkIII until the Ross was withdrawn in 1916. Since "Vimy" is carved on the stock, the work must have been done after that battle in April 1917. The rifle would have been impounded for refurbishment, not destruction. It might have been a rifle he salvaged from a casualty rather than his issue rifle. If it has no C Broad Arrow stamps that might be the case: a rifle from a British casualty. From the condition it's hard to believe that rifle was found on the battlefield after the war. More likely one of his comrades saved it, or perhaps at some point while at Enfield a new barreled action was fitted to the stock.
Amazing story anyway, thanks.
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Advisory Panel
I'm surprised that I didn't see this rifle when I attended the R22ER museum. It should have jumped out at me. I went through with a fine tooth comb and even discover, by myself, the North American 1911 on display. The Van Doos knew nothing of it's history or value. I've heard stories like this before...lovely story.
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Legacy Member
Originally Posted by
Surpmil
From the condition it's hard to believe that rifle was found on the battlefield after the war.
Arras is the last battle listed. And it occurred during the Hundred Days when the front was pushing east daily. So the rifle would likely have been gathered up along with hundreds of others within days of the fighting. Not lying rusting in No Man's Land for weeks or months.
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