24463988 Posted 28 November , 2011 Share Posted 28 November , 2011 Greetings, I'd appreciate it if a kind soul could identify the model of rifle grenade shown attached to the SMLE in this image. Many thanks, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyE Posted 28 November , 2011 Share Posted 28 November , 2011 Looks like a no.3 grenade. Here is a picture of mine. Interesting that the rifle is an SMLE Mark I. Regards TonyE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connaughtranger Posted 28 November , 2011 Share Posted 28 November , 2011 Could it be .303 Short Rifle Grenade No20 or No24? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connaughtranger Posted 28 November , 2011 Share Posted 28 November , 2011 I think TonyE's looks the more likely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyE Posted 28 November , 2011 Share Posted 28 November , 2011 The No.20 and 24 do not have the distinctive set back collar that covers the wind vanes. Compare the picture with my example. Regards TonyE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
59165 Posted 28 November , 2011 Share Posted 28 November , 2011 Is this photo of a re-enactor? It's an officer firing/posing so I am guessing,if it is period,it is a photo of the trails.Cut off is in,rifle doesn't match 1915 stock for most front liners. Odd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Upton Posted 29 November , 2011 Share Posted 29 November , 2011 Is this photo of a re-enactor? It's an officer firing/posing so I am guessing,if it is period,it is a photo of the trails.Cut off is in,rifle doesn't match 1915 stock for most front liners. Odd. It's an original picture - as Tony has already pointed out its a very early MkI SMLE, hence having certain unusual features compared to the more common later marks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 29 November , 2011 Share Posted 29 November , 2011 It's an original picture - as Tony has already pointed out its a very early MkI SMLE, hence having certain unusual features compared to the more common later marks. Quite a few of these rifles appear to have been supplied to Ireland post WWI (in MkI*** format) and a good number appear to have become GF rifles, is an Irish connection possible with this photo? Just to enumerate the distinguishing features alluded to by Andrew: No charger bridge over the action Sliding bolt head charger guide Rear Sight protector "wings" integral to the handguard rather than separate Rear Sight of different design (more complex and windage adjustable) Foresight protector ears curved inward rather than straight as later also (but not visible) the internal barrel band is under the external band (which created a weak point in the fore-end Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
24463988 Posted 29 November , 2011 Author Share Posted 29 November , 2011 Is this photo of a re-enactor? It's an officer firing/posing so I am guessing,if it is period,it is a photo of the trails.Cut off is in,rifle doesn't match 1915 stock for most front liners. Odd. This a section of an image taken in the UK in early 1916. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
24463988 Posted 29 November , 2011 Author Share Posted 29 November , 2011 To clarify - the image was taken in early 1916 and is one of two surviving negatives from a set taken at an army bombing school in south London. In a separate post I have been given help identifying the actual location - because the original caption refers to Southfields and friends on the forum suggest Clapham Common was the actual site. The second image shows a Leach Trench Catapult being fired by men of the Coldstream Guards. Thank you all for your brilliant responses to my questions. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
59165 Posted 29 November , 2011 Share Posted 29 November , 2011 Thanks,Mark.Makes sense now. I put trails instead of trials & stock as in what was available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
24463988 Posted 13 December , 2011 Author Share Posted 13 December , 2011 Thanks,Mark.Makes sense now. I put trails instead of trials & stock as in what was available. Absolutely right. I am slowly unearthing a range of images which haven't seen the light of day for a great many years. It's a shame so much of the original archive was destroyed by the Luftwaffe - but that's spilled milk. I really appreciate all the feedback and support I receive. Happy Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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