| This
website is about Lee-Enfield rifles and the men who
carried them. A rifle is more than a collection of
inert wood and metal parts. A rifle is a tool, a powerful
symbol, an expression of individual self-determination
and of national policy. Adopted by Queen Victoria's
British Empire in 1888, the Enfield followed the flag
to every corner of the planet and ultimately served
all the children of the British Empire -
the colonies, commonwealths, dependencies, dominions,
protectorates, territories and
the nation states that would someday emerge - through
two World Wars and into the 1970's. The rifle is still
in use today.
If you are a new visitor, click on the Site
Map link for a two minute tour that will tell
you where things are and how to get there.
If you know your way around, click on the Latest
Updates link to find out what's been updated since
your last visit.
One of the most fascinating things
about Lee-Enfield rifles (and British military gear
in general) is that the entire rifle is tattooed with
mysterious letters, numbers, unknown symbols, cartouches
and hieroglyphics.
One of the most maddening things about Lee-Enfield
rifles (and British military gear in general) is that
the entire rifle is tattooed with mysterious letters,
numbers, unknown symbols, cartouches and hieroglyphics.
Each of those runes tells a story. Taken together,
they will tell you where the rifle was made, when,
and by whom. They will tell you who worked on
the rifle, and what they did. They will tell
you where the rifle saw service, with who, and when.
Today much of the story has been lost or forgotten.
We search out old books, publications, pore over faded
pictures and try to reunite these Old Soldiers with
their units, try to put their story in context with
their time and place.
My first Enfield rifle had an oiler in the buttstock. I
had no idea what it was. As I learned more about
the makers and marks of the rifles I discovered that
next-to-nothing was known about the makers and marks
of the humble oilers. I found myself on the hunt for
marked oilers, as well as information about the makers.
There are many books and websites that focus on
Enfield rifles. There are even more books and websites
about regiments and military history. Here we'll try
to reunite the two, and put it in context as well.
I welcome your thoughts, comments and suggestions. I
hope you find the information in this website useful
as well as fascinating. I have - and I enjoyed
putting it together. Enjoy your visit.
David J. Gadbois
Enfield-Stuff
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