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Slight correction learned during a phone call. The L1A1 bayonet trial was about the time of Gulf 1. Gulf 1 was carried out using what is termed a 'mixed fleet' of small arms as opposed to complete standardisation across the board for various reasons. The bayonet trial was also to ascertain whether the problems in fitting the L1A1 rifle bayonet in extreme environments would jump the species to affect the SA80 bayonet fit - it didn't!
Until I unearth the odd papers or the microfische (was it one I sent to you KtK?) the L1A1 bayonet was troublesome in desert conditions where the ultra fine dust (it's like cement dust or talcum powder believe me.....) simply hardened when mixed with oil in the front end of the 'T' shaped bayonet standard recess. Then it sets and the only thing the average crunchie has to get it out is a the screwdriver ends of the combination tool. He can try, but it ain't going to work.
They tried to copy the cross-hole idea as per the No1 and 5 bayonet but there were problems to do with the geometry of the blade part of the bayonet in relation to the rivetted-on hilt part where the bayonet standard fits
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Thank You to Peter Laidler For This Useful Post:
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03-27-2016 11:05 AM
# ADS
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Contributing Member
Post #29 ~ I was with Perth Modern Cadet Corps for 2 years and we were not allowed bayonets
Last edited by CINDERS; 03-29-2016 at 10:28 AM.
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Contributing Member
At last weekend's Malvern Militaria Fair The T.A. Rgt of The Mercian Rgt had a stand; as well as the standard SA80 rifle they had on show they also had the light support version which I wasn't aware was still in use by U.K. Regular or T.A solders. I thought that it had been relegated to cadet use only.
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