A question for Australian and New Zealand members from North America:

[Brian Dick]

I have a 2L LB with NZ ownership marks in new condition and it doesn't have the waisted front sight guard or hinged upper band. I'd guess there aren't many so equipped.

[fernleaf]

Regarding Aussie issue of No.4 rifles, I did things the old way and read a book.....

Mr. Skennerton writes in 'Australian Service Longarms' of 1976 - my copy is number 1197 of 2000 printed - on page 169...

"About 2,000 No.4 Mk I rifles made at Long Branch, in Canada, were diverted to Australia in 1942 when Allied forces were defeated in Asia. They were issued to RAAF and AEME (Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) for training purposes."

The rifle shown on this page is a true No.4 Mk I not a * and is said to have Australian Issue marks on the butt and has the early button cocking piece, but a standard straight frontsight protector.

[Capt.Mainwaring]

The rifles were possibly intended for the Canadian Army in Hong Kong, which fell on Christmas Day 1941.

No.4's were also used by the Volunteer Defence Corps. From the AWM collection #063000:
"YUNGABURRA, QLD. 1944-01-16. LANCE CORPORAL J. S. RUSSELL OF NO. 10 PLATOON, 17TH BATTALION, VOLUNTEER DEFENCE CORPS GETTING THE FEEL OF HIS NEW RIFLE AND BAYONET"

#063700
MOSSMAN, QLD. 1944-01-24. THE SECOND IN CHARGE OF E COMPANY, 17TH BATTALION VOLUNTEER DEFENCE CORPS INSPECTING TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER MEMBERS OF THE UNIT. LEFT TO RIGHT: Q219685 LIEUTENANT A. J. MORGAN; Q219728 PRIVATE D. PITT; Q219716 PRIVATE P. JOSE; Q219698 PRIVATE W. AH WONG.