nthornton1979 Posted 21 March , 2014 Share Posted 21 March , 2014 Hi all, Rifles really are not my thing and it's safe to say I know next to nothing about the different models of SMLE during WW1. I am looking for photos (and clarification of model) for the rifle that a British Tommy would most likely have in September 1916. I believe the rifle would be the MKIII issue without the magazine cut off and volley sites? Does anyone have photos of this rifle? It is to be a part of a life-size bronze sculpture and needs to be 100% correct. Many thanks Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5thBatt Posted 21 March , 2014 Share Posted 21 March , 2014 (edited) In September of 1916 it would have been either a MkIII or a MkIII* The MkIII* was introduced January 1916 so plenty of time for them to make it to the front. It should also be noted CLLE (Charger Loading Lee Enfields) & Mk1 SMLEs were also used extensively early in WW1 by some regiments. MkIII MkIII* Edited 21 March , 2014 by 5thBatt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 21 March , 2014 Share Posted 21 March , 2014 Neil THIS LITTLE GUIDE - while not exhaustive may be of some use. 5th Batts excellent pictures above will give you the overview - if you want specific angles or views just ask - I am sure one of us can oblige. On the western front most MLEs/CLEs had gone by early 1916 - the battalion of particular interest to me traded theirs for SMLEs in Feb 1916 Cheers Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khaki Posted 22 March , 2014 Share Posted 22 March , 2014 Hello Neil interesting project, can you tell us more about it?, perhaps there is a Great War reenactor group or a museum near to you that will let handle and measure a genuine rifle. I am sure there are forum members that could steer you in the right direction. regards khaki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinBattle Posted 22 March , 2014 Share Posted 22 March , 2014 it's safe to say I know next to nothing about the different models of SMLE during WW1 . rather obvious from the thread caption: SMLW Expert? Advice on model for 1916 sought You can amend the caption using the "Advanced Edit" option, but it brought a smile! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Wade Posted 22 March , 2014 Share Posted 22 March , 2014 Neil THIS LITTLE GUIDE - while not exhaustive may be of some use. 5th Batts excellent pictures above will give you the overview - if you want specific angles or views just ask - I am sure one of us can oblige. On the western front most MLEs/CLEs had gone by early 1916 - the battalion of particular interest to me traded theirs for SMLEs in Feb 1916 Cheers Chris That's a fantastic bit of information Chris, have saved a copy. Many thanks for posting it! Kind regards, Andy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Wade Posted 22 March , 2014 Share Posted 22 March , 2014 Hi all, Rifles really are not my thing and it's safe to say I know next to nothing about the different models of SMLE during WW1. I am looking for photos (and clarification of model) for the rifle that a British Tommy would most likely have in September 1916. I believe the rifle would be the MKIII issue without the magazine cut off and volley sites? Does anyone have photos of this rifle? It is to be a part of a life-size bronze sculpture and needs to be 100% correct. Many thanks Neil Hi Neil, I'm not sure whether you'd ever get the chance but Keighley's War Memorial has a soldier with an SMLE and you can get pretty close to it to see the rifle he is holding. Might be useful for what you're planning. Here's a picture of it. I'd say the figure is about 8 feet tall so a bit larger than lifesize: Kind regards, Andy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asanewt Posted 22 March , 2014 Share Posted 22 March , 2014 . rather obvious from the thread caption: SMLW Expert? Advice on model for 1916 sought You can amend the caption using the "Advanced Edit" option, but it brought a smile! More obvious , to me, from reading OP a banana finger aimed at E Great photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nthornton1979 Posted 23 March , 2014 Author Share Posted 23 March , 2014 Very many thanks for all your comments guys... Much appreciated and a big help indeed. Hello Neil interesting project, can you tell us more about it?, The statue is of a local Victoria Cross recipient and will be depicting him in the act of entering a trench when he got the VC - September 1916 at Morval on the Somme. The soldier in question is this chap - http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=114390&hl=%2Btodger+%2Bjones The sculptor has asked me if I have a rifle that he can work from or, failing that, photographs showing the rifle from all angles. I am in Cheshire and the sculptor is in Scotland so it won't really be feasible for me to 'loan' a rifle from someone and post it up and down Britain. Andy, thanks for the photo of the Keighley war memorial. Is this a MkIII or a MkIII*? I guess I'll have to decide which one we are going to sue and then send him photos covering all angles for him to work off. Thanks again guys. Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nthornton1979 Posted 23 March , 2014 Author Share Posted 23 March , 2014 Here is our early 'artists brief' for the pose - http://www.todgerjonesstatueappeal.co.uk/statue.html Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khaki Posted 25 March , 2014 Share Posted 25 March , 2014 Nice design and location, I like the barbed wire, very effective. khaki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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