Photograph of rare Canadian Telescopic Rifles from WWII (Expert opinions wanted)

[CheesyCigar]

I recently came across a photograph of my grandfather from his scout-sniper training course at Camp Borden. It's dated for January 1945. I am going to give my interpretation of what I see, based on research I have collected. Don't count on it being totally correct.

As soon as I took a look, I noticed that the man standing 2nd from the right (bottom row) was holding a cut-down Lee Enfield. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that (with the exception of 1 rifle) every Lee Enfield in this picture is quite rare, or mounts a rare scope.

The two men on the left are holding regular No.4 configured sniper rifles, however the scopes (and presumably the scope mounts) are not standard. I quick reference to Skennerton's book reveals that these scopes are 2 of about 100 Lyman Alaskan telescopic sights that were purchased for the Canadian Army. As well, the mounts appear to be the Griffin & Howe type mounts that were purchased along with the scopes.

The 5th man from the left appears to be holding a plain-jane No.4 telescopic rifle. (unless someone can spot something out of the ordinary)

The man 6th from the left is holding a cut down rifle. I am almost certain that it is (or is closely related to) this rifle: Milsurps - 1943-44 Enfield No.4 Mk1* Experimental Long Branch 'Scout' Sniper Rifle

Like the rifle listed in the Knowledge Library, it has a cut-down stock, a totally new buttstock (rollover cheekpiece and a rubber butt), and no charger bridge. From this angle, it's difficult to tell whether or not it's fitted with the windmill-style 4 position backsight (which was mounted on the left side of the receiver) As well, this rifle mounts a different scope: the C No.32 Mk 4 (C No.67 Mk I) onto what should be a Griffin & Howe mount. (which was what the type was configured with. I, however, might be incorrect. But from I can see, it appears to be a match)

Finally, the last man (and my grandfather) is holding a regular No.4 that has a different buttstock: the same as the previous rifle. It also appears to have the same No.67 Mk I telescope and mount. (once again, I might be wrong here) The book reveals that the rifles with the sporter-esc buttstocks were tested (I don't know how many), but it doesn't reveal whether or not they were put into service. For all I know, my grandfather may have been issued an incredibly rare trial rifle.

Take anything I say with a grain of salt. Truth be told, I know next to nothing about this particular topic, and what I am saying is pretty much taken from Skennerton's book and pictures of the rifle from the Knowledge Library.

I would greatly appreciate it if a Lee Enfield expert could weigh in on this photograph and tell me more about it. (and correct any mistakes I might have made. I wouldn't want to give other people incorrect information) Why was my grandfather's unit issued with non-standard rifles? Was it an experiment to see how the rifles and scopes performed? As well, I'd like some more information about the particular rifle my grandfather was issued.

-Please note that I did not use Skennerton's book about British Snipers. Unfortunately, I don't own a copy-

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