Weapons.

Within this section will be found a listing of the weapons issued to the British 'Tommy' prior to - and during the Great War period, as a part of his Basic Scale of 'Kit'... thus required by the individual in order to participate as a member of the
                                       '2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers (Great War Re-enactment Group)'.

The weapons listed within this section, will be described in greater detail on a more dedicated subject page within this site:- 'Weapons of the Lancashire Fusiliers'. 

​Links to relevant pages of subject interest within this site, can be found at the foot of this page. 
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The .303.inch SMLE (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield) No.1 Mk.3 [illustrated above - top](1906 to 1916), or Mk.3* [illustrated above - bottom] (1916 to 1918), are both acceptable for use. The 'SMLE' underwent many modifications during its long service history from '1906 to 1982'. Therefore, only 'World War One' (or earlier) dated examples showing only those modifications made prior to and during 'The Great War' are acceptable during 'Living History' (where members of the '2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers' interact with the general public) events. For private 'Trench Battle' events, World War One dated examples are prefered but are not mandatory, with post World War One dated examples being accepted. It is requested however that these examples be brought to - and / or show World War One specifications wherever possible.

For individuals holding World War One or post dated examples showing post 'World War One' modifications, advice can be sought in person from older standing members of the group as to how such examples can be brought back to 'World War One' specifications. Alternatively, advice can also be sought by submitting a 'General Information Request' which can be found at the end of this site on our 'Contact us' page. 
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Two versions of rifle sling were issued for use with the SMLE. A leather version from 1906 to 1916, with a webbing version from 1916 onwards. Both the leather and webbing rifle slings are acceptable for use with either version of the SMLE - either No.1 Mk.3 or Mk.3* rifle during most Great War events. 

It is requested that unit members purchase both versions of the SMLE rifle sling, as only the leather version is acceptable for use during early war events (1914 - early 1915).

As with the SMLE, the webb rifle sling underwent several modifications during its long service history. For the Great War version the metal end fittings must be of Brass. The colour of the webb SMLE rifle sling for the Great War was Khaki.

The correct approximate length for both SMLE rifle sling versions: leather / webbing...  is '45-inch'.

For correct fitting instructions of the SMLE webbing rifle sling, click once upon the illustration above.
For the purchase of a leather SMLE rifle sling, it is advised that only the square ended version (as illustrated by an original period item above) is acquired. Only this variation will be accepted. 

The colour variation accepted for the leather SMLE rifle sling is from mid tan -to- dark brown (illustrated).

For correct fitting instructions of the SMLE leather rifle sling, click once upon the illustration above.
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The 'Pattern-1907 Sword Bayonet' (illustrated above)... approxiately: 22.inch in overall length, with a single edged blade of 17.inch in approximate length. Shown above are the two variations encountered = (top) pre-1913 'Hooked Quillion, and (bottom) 1913 to 1918. In 1913 the hooked quillion was deemed obsolete, and thus the process was put in place for its removal. Items with pre-1913 manufacture dates are encountered as the bottom version.
Both versions of the Pattern-1907 Sword Bayonet are acceptable for use within the group, however, as with the 'SMLE', they must have a manufacture date of '1918' or earlier when worn during 'Living History' events.

The two variations (illustrated above right) of the Pattern-1907 Sword Bayonet Scabbard Mouth (Locket) are both acceptable. The variations main feature are the central fixing lug = Teardrop (1907-1915 ), Roundel (1915-1982).

Click once upon a Medal Ribbon Link below to be directed to the relevant page of interest:-

Weapons of the Lancashire Fusiliers / Rifles / SMLE No.1 Mk.3 & Mk.3*.
How To! / Weapons / Fit - Leather Rifle Sling.
How To! / Weapons / Fit - Webbing Rifle Sling.
​Weapons of the Lancashire Fusiliers / Bayonets / Pattern-1907 Sword Bayonet.
How To! / Weapons / Correctly sheath the Pattern-1907 bayonet.
How To! / Weapons / Identify: Pattern-1907 Bayonet: Maker + Manufacture Date.