Buttstock markings on No 5 carbine.

[Anzac15]

Picked up a very nice No 5 today, 1945 dated, appears to have spent some time in India (Ishy screw) Was wondering about the markings on the butt..BW/S/9/50. Singapore?

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Yep, got it in one. 40 Base Workshops Singapore, September 1950. Been there, done that, fixed hundreds of them!

Remember that the so called 'ishy screw' was in fact a British inspired repair that fell out of use during the 50's or so BUT the authority to use this method of repair was never withdrawn. So it could well have been done there during that time. Unless the general overall dire state of the rifle lends itself to something from India. Generally speaking, the Malay Army and Police had good kit and their Armourers were trained either locally or at Bordon in England where they'd come on courses. My No5 is marked the same but 6/69

[Anzac15]

Thanks Peter! The rifle definitely is in better than average condition, much nicer than what is usually seen coming out of India. So the chances of this carbine seeing action during the Emergency are pretty high, I take it? Thanks for your response.

[Anzac15]

Was 40 Base Warehouse, Singapore a place where weapons were stored/distributed? Army post?

[Peter Laidler]

No. It was 40 Base WORKSHOPS. The main repair centre for the whole of the Far East. Weapons were actually stored at 221 Base Ordnance Depot. How do I still remember all of this useless guff.........?

[Anzac15]

Whoops! Workshops..gotcha. How do you remember all that useless guff? Same way I do. It's amazing what sticks with you from the service. I remember the serial # of the first M16A1 ever issued to me!