Flanders mud flaps, post WW1 use.

[Strangely Brown]

I don't think for a moment the train was used for moving target practice given that the sand & sky targets are for normal application practice; the amount of time lost on a miniature range changing targets along with having to clear rifles often takes up more time than actually firing them.

For those us with a nerdy interest the moving targets of the period would have been the reduced No.5, replaced the year after the picture was taken with the No.6 reduced target.

[mrclark303]

So, thoughts on the flaps guys, has anyone seen any other pictures of the flap in use post WW1?

I have a Mayers made example on my 1917 Enfield.

[Alan de Enfield]

So, thoughts on the flaps guys, has anyone seen any other pictures of the flap in use post WW1?

I have a Mayers made example on my 1917 Enfield.

Well "sort of in use"

On my 'one of a kind' SMLE with parts from (almost) every continent.

[Warren]

They are probably using the horizon sighting method when shooting at the train.
The picture gets blurry when I try to expand it and I cannot see the rear sight close enough.
Same system used with the No.8 rifles

[Surpmil]

Also noticed, the far rifle does have the transitional forend, with the volley sight dish area in evidence, suggesting a 1916/17 production rifle.

And I think the rifle closest to the camera also, and what is more something I have not seen before - what looks like a patch let into the forend to eliminate the recess for the long range dial sight.

[5thBatt]

Couple of photos of Flanders flaps i have seen posted of late

Attachment 118533
Attachment 118534

[Ovidio]

Very interesting indeed.
I had never seen the mud flaps and didn’t even know what they were. It took me a qhile to understand…
What a shame…

[Bindi2]

the train used as a quick way to change targets. Simple, quick and safe no body forward of the firing line. Wouldnt mind one of those flaps.

[AD-4NA]

Thanks for the feedback guys. So we have no reason to doubt the attributed 1938 date.

I seem to remember that the flaps were declared obsolete after WW1?

To me, this suggests a TA unit, they would have older rifles and flaps would possibly still be 'on a dusty ​shelf'.

It suggests a photographic opportunity with their full bore rifles.

Service Dress and Service caps at that date might indicate that too, right?
Those other two photos are differently WWII period, interesting.

[Alan de Enfield]

Very interesting indeed.
I had never seen the mud flaps and didn’t even know what they were. It took me a qhile to understand…
What a shame…

There are a lot of reproductions in Europe, there is a French company making them and a UK company having them made in the Phillipines.

The UK company are honest in their descriptions (on ebay) and explain the markings are their names so as to identify them as reproductions.
The problem happens when the buyer then decides to sell his repro, and the "J&P" become an unknown WW1 manufacturer.

Here is their advert :


SMLE Cover "The Flanders Mud Flap" FF.01

A museum quality replica of this 1915 classic designed to keep water and mud out of the barrel
Copied from an original in every way with the exception of a couple of minor differences to prevent them from being sold as original.
Firstly we have stamped them with the makers name J&P (Jay & Paul) The originals did not have a makers name. Secondly we have finished them in a hard wearing matt black powder coat instead of the blackened oil finish of the originals. None of these changes detract the item from being ideal for re-enactors or as a perfect utility for any SMLE owner.
Our example will fit the majority, but should yours not fit correctly you will have to file a little off each end of the stabilising lug which fits into the foresight slot