UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE BRITISH ARMY DURING WW2
This pictorial library is devoted to the recording of "Uniform and Kit" issued to a British Soldier of any corps, during the Second World War. Consider it a virtual "Q" Store in British militaria. It is not exhaustive and will be added to over time. Any reader who wishes to contribute photographs and text will be recognised and credited with such information. I also invite collectors of other nation's militaria to forward content (please see our other countries listed on the drop down menu) - so that a comprehensive list of "Axis" and "Allies" uniform/kit is detailed.
THIS WEBPAGE IS CONSTANTLY BEING ADDED TO - SO PLEASE VISIT AGAIN
Rifle No.4 Mark 1
Although the S.M.L.E. No.1 Mk111 was an excellant rifle, it's manufacturing process was very time consuming and demanded much machining and hand fitting. It was also fitted with open "V" sights, which some say were hard to master. This eventually led to a desire to simplify the manufacturing process and move the sights more rearward, so that they were closer to the eye. Earlier experiments (namely the Mk.5 & Mk.6) led to the adoption of the rear "peep" sights, so as to improve the marksmanship of infantry soldiers in combat. Although the No.4 was first issued (in limited numbers) in late 1939, it was officially adopted in February of 1941. Some of the old 'Territorial' soldiers preferred their trusted No.1 Mk.111, but the No.4 proved itself in action and became popular amongst the troops. It is easily recognizable by the protrusion of the barrel at the very end of the weapon. This necessitated the re-design of the bayonet which took on a number of forms; however it is the simply "spike" bayonet which is most common.
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