WW1 surplus in WW2?

**Bruce Scott** · 24th May 18, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Mike S

Yes, 1908 pattern webbing AND the MkIII pattern Lee-Enfield SMLE rifle as well.

Australia continued to use the SMLE No.1 MkIII* throughout WWII and while there were British built pre-war rifles in use, the bulk of them were built at the Lithgow small arms factory in NSW.

**The Q** · 25th May 18, 04:25 AM

In 1977,
I was issued with socks, sea boot, date of manufacture 1948
Tin hat, date packing 1945. ( so it may be older and have seen service in WW2)
Vest String, date of packing 1949.
The combat uniform was 1970 though..
Green Goddess, date of manufacture 1955.

The military have all sorts of things hidden around the place..Just in case..

It's funny to think that I am now further away from that day in 1977 than I was from WW2 at the time...

**Mike S** · 25th May 18, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by The Q

In 1977,
I was issued with socks, sea boot, date of manufacture 1948
Tin hat, date packing 1945. ( so it may be older and have seen service in WW2)

I assume it was the late war/post war MKIII "Turtleback" model, and not the earlier MKII Brodie derivative helmet?

**Tobus** · 25th May 18, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Bruce Scott

Australia continued to use the SMLE No.1 MkIII* throughout WWII and while there were British built pre-war rifles in use, the bulk of them were built at the Lithgow small arms factory in NSW.

Indeed. I have one dated 1943 that I still use to this day. Heavily modified for sporting purposes, but still kicking after 75 years!

**Mike S** · 25th May 18, 03:23 PM

I have a few examples of the Lee Metford, MKIII, and No. 4 rifles in my collection. No American or Canadian made examples though. All are in original condition and configuration. I even have one of the infamous No. 5 MKI Jungle Rifles, and can confirm the wandering zero over time issue. ;)

**Tobus** · 25th May 18, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Mike S

I have a few examples of the Lee Metford, MKIII, and No. 4 rifles in my collection. No American or Canadian made examples though. All are in original condition and configuration. I even have one of the infamous No. 5 MKI Jungle Rifles, and can confirm the wandering zero over time issue. ;)

I've never had a wandering zero with my No.5 Mk.I. It's a thing of beauty. I did have one with a worn-out bore, though, and even hitting the proverbial broad side of a barn was a challenge with it. These are great carbines and I can see why they adopted them for the Pacific theatre. But that narrow rubber butt pad was an error in judgment!

**Mike S** · 25th May 18, 03:54 PM

The wandering begins after putting a few hundred rounds down range. In the case of mine, it isn't profound, but enough to be irksome, and I'd be afraid to rely on it in prolonged combat situation,, where more that a wee bit of "Kentucky windage" would be necessary.

I think that, based on my own experience with the rifle at least, the MOD abandonment of the carbine was based on some legitimate issues that were apparently never resolved. YMMV.