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Thread: David HOwroyd and the Sterling sub machine gun

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    David HOwroyd and the Sterling sub machine gun

    When you next look at that Rolls Royce of SMG's, the Sterlings remember David Howroyd who passed on last Saturday, 17th Feb 2017.

    It was David as the engineering manager (later the Engineering director) who incorporated all that was best from the original prototypes, engineering samples and pre-production guns into what became the Mk4 or L2A3. And later put the Mk5 and later variants into production
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    I am very sorry to hear that.

    He seemed to genuinely enjoy sharing items from his collection, posting and discussing the Sterling on Uzitalk.com

    I understand he would have been 95 in May.
    Last edited by Lee Enfield; 02-23-2018 at 03:36 PM.
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    Sad news. I will put 21 rounds through my Mk4 for David.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Laidlericon View Post
    L2A3
    I had one and shot my share through it.
    Regards, Jim

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    Maybe Lee Enfield could pass on the news to UZITALK forum who also dealt with the Sterling SMG's. Thanks.

    I will download all the comments after a few weeks/a month and pass them on to his daughter. If anyone wants to add to them.

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    We have many unsung heroes amongst us, and certainly David was one.
    His ingenuity and dedication to passing on his expertise on a number of weapons he had in his charge,namely the MK 4 & 5 Sterling SMG, made the Britishicon & Commonwealth soldier a formidable fighting force for many decades.
    He will be sadly missed by all that had the pleasure to either know him, or use one of the weapons he influenced and brought to bear, during some dangerous operations.
    RIP David
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    'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA

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    Attachment 91029The L2A3 really was a beutifully engineered SMG, as Peter said, the Rolls Royce of Sub Machine Guns.

    Britainicon has always been a word leader in producing first class engineers, David was clearly among those hallowed ranks.
    Last edited by mrclark303; 02-26-2018 at 04:31 AM.
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    Little known fact that David Howroyd was the prime mover behind the Sterling sling too, mainly the spring loaded 'closing lock' - the brass clip at the end. The Company didn't bother patenting it because it was technically difficult and already a common design that they'd already copied (from the Sten?). It was the closing-lock that made it a one-size-fits-all SMG sling and very versatile bit of kit. They just added one with each gun sold. He said that he wishes that he'd got 1d (an old penny) in royalties for each one made

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    Peter,
    What is terribly sad when these guys go, is the fact that so much information goes with them.
    I appreciate you and I would probably know David for his engineering prowess, but SO many people in the future, will never know this mans input into a weapon that became iconic in its role with the Britishicon & Commonwealth Armies and the way the weapon evolved too.
    It went all round the world, a weapon that could absorb terrible conditions of sand and snow thrown at it, and still carry on as it was designed to...............brilliant!
    'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA

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    Quote Originally Posted by mrclark303 View Post
    Attachment 91029The L2A3 really was a beutifully engineered SMG, as Peter said, the Rolls Royce of Sub Machine Guns.

    Britainicon has always been a word leader in producing first class engineers, David was clearly among those hallowed ranks.

    Looking at your example John I recall a few regrets in life, one is getting rid of my Deactivated SMG's (all old spec) ........... especially the Sten, Sterling and Lanchester.

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