The No 1, Mk III* Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield (SMLE): Musketry of 1914 - PART THREE "D"

If you would like to support the Channel you can do so through our Patreon Page.
/ britishmuzzleloaders
Here we discuss the last three Parts of the annual qualification of 1914. The Field Firing Practices.
For your Martini and Snider needs email Martyn at [e-mail]
And for further reading on all British Victorian (and earlier) arms stop by the British Militaria Forum and say hello. britishmilitari...

[@evandaire1449]

"Here's a slight historical inaccuracy that literally no one else still living even knows about. I apologize for the inconvenience" lol. Love this guy

[@d4ngru5h83]

Evan Daire stereotypical Canadian for ya there, and there's nothing wrong with that 😁

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

When it's wrong , it's wrong,... just being thorough I guess...

[@con6lex]

britishmuzzleloaders Explaining deviations is ok, but no apology is necessary as you are doing what maybe nobody else is doing to recreate these practices.

[@dmac3914]

😂

[@lazaglider]

You may just have outdone yourself with this one! What an enormous amount of work, both in filming and editing it must have been. Your efforts are appreciated.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you! Yes, a lot of work... :-)

[@ashleypalmer7983]

Pte. McKenzie: The Regimental CO noticed your performance in Part 5, the fire directing exercise. He thinks you may be ready to lead a section. He therefore wants you to apply for a Junior NCOs course. Your Sergeant has been spoken to and concurs that, with a bit of polishing up your kit, your marksmanship skills warrant your selection. Please report to the company offices and fill out a request for this course. Lt. Andrews, OC, 3 Plt. B Coy, 72 Highlanders

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I was in the orderly room earlier today.... they had no carbon paper... so I had to fill out the request in triplicate by hand....

[@pierrepoitras1798]

Thank you for your dedication of keeping history alive. My great grandfather who fought at Courcelette would be proud. This goes to your entire video library.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very kind of you to say so. Thank you.

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

The musketry of 1914 series alone is making you a helluva shoot. Good job old chap.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@robertdougherty349]

New Category: Historic Infodramatic Recreamentary. Brilliant as always.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Wow, now that's some fiendish use of the English language... Cheers!

[@stefanosemisa9288]

You should get pay a huge amount of money for this brilliant and spectacular job. You love and passion for history and military classic firearms should be an example for everyone. I'm watching your videos and learning a lot of things from them. Thanks a lot for sharing with us your outstanding contents! God bless you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is very kind of you to say. Cheers.

[@southeastenglandwildfiregr4674]

Excellent series, really a unique but ultimately a fundamental series to help us understand the realities of the British and Commonwealth army before the Great War. Thank you very much for this professional body of work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you. It has been a great project to work on.

[@NemetskyCzar]

Sterling stuff, what! What a treat. Carry on that man.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Great work as always Rob!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Matt!

[@p03saucez]

I love all the pictures and vintage film reel of the late 19th/early 20th century British infantry. Best dressed army of 1914.

[@paulwooster3590]

Well done. Tremendous effort on your part.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@steamengineshooray]

As always with your limited budget and manpower you have once again delivered a most fascinating presentation~ It was very interesting to learn how dynamic and relatively modern these field exercises were, taking parts of it and incorporating them into a modern manual would not be so out of place. I especially liked the sequences of advancing and firing because it really does visually help to tell people what they would pretty much expect in manoeuvre warfare. I also liked the drone shots, especially 9:18, it looks like a beginning to a video game cutscene or even could be used for a future intro with the text on the right side haha. You could write a paper on this subjects with your amount of research and video presentations :D

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks for your kind words! It has been a great project to work on... and a lengthy one at that!.. :-)

[@con6lex]

Absolutely Fantastic! Education, history, and really great videography!! Seeing the targets, use of cover and support, fire and movement, perfectly matching soldiers. This is stellar work, sir, and no apologies are necessary. You put in so much work on these that any deviation from exact replication is perfectly fine. Patreon money well spent!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much for your support of the Channel. Glad you have enjoyed things thus far. Cheers.

[@hamm6035]

1st, I have never used Patreon before and found it easy to sign up and sofar I can find your page. Hahaha. Now to the video series. It has been superior to anything I have seen so far anywhere. The production is great. The content is fantastic. The work put into each video is obvious. You actually have in a minor way cost me a little cash as I look up at my gun rack and I couldn't be more pleased. More than once after watching your videos I end up at the range. This series is a pleasure to follow. Thank you for the hard work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome! Glad to hear that they may have had a part to play in your motivation to develop your hobby!

[@srtgrayfrance]

Thanks, a really interesting series so far.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@A14b19]

Fantastic.... Enjoy you historic tutorials all round and shooting brilliant can't wait for next one💂💂💂💂💂

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@MrRedbeard762]

I am amazed on how much content you can put into these videos, thank you for your excellent work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome. Thank you for the kind words.

[@brianmoore1820]

That was so well done and so informative. Your skills and research do surely show. Thank you. I went to the range before sunup yesterday and the next fella to show up had an MG-42 . First one I've seen firing. All I had was an HM1000X and a .204 Ruger, but I happy.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Bryan. Glad you enjoyed it. He had an MG 42,.... and a wheelbarrow for his ammo, you mean... :-)

[@batickell]

You’ve outdone yourself on this series Rob!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Brett!.. It has been a labour of love for sure.

[@jonathanderosa8608]

Amazing job, Rob! Once again another fantastic and momentous piece of work!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@vonsprague7913]

Good grief you're good! This is quite simply superb! Your attack shoot was excellently executed and your analysis of fire and manoeuvre by mutual support was well researched and presented.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CaptainBogroll]

Easily my favourite series of videos on KZbin, terrific effort

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very kind of you to say so! Thanks.

[@overopensights]

Rob, that's brilliant, and as good as we have learned to receive from you. Watching you move about and then fire a few rounds make me wish I was back in .

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You would wish that until it's night,... and it's sleeting,..... and you are in a trench,... and it's muddy,..... and the wind is howling,.... and it's making the scrim on your helmet flick water into your eyes and down your neck,..... and even your taint is wet.... and you drew the 0200 - 0400 stag... :-)

[@overopensights]

Bob, after 30 years in the British infantry, I did quite a bit of that. Malaya, Borneo, Aden, Radfan and N Ireland, If I was 17 again, I would do it all once more. Judging buy your 'weapon skills' you would have been a very useful fellow to have with us in those days! Keep up the good work, you are certainly much appreciated over here.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you. I certainly wasn't belittling your service time. I just figured you would appreciate the humour, that's all. :-)

[@overopensights]

No offense Rob. Those 303 rounds must be quite expensive, I take it you load your own?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Here you are! Actually, extremely affordable... kzbin.info/www/bejne/b33XhoZpnZien9E

[@lardmonkey21]

Definitely one of my favorite channels. Another awesome video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@anvilbrunner.2013]

I remember using the Mk III as a skinny boy in the Royal Irish Rangers army cadets. The caubeen hat quickly became a shoulder pad. Eventually we became pretty sharp. We did a thing called snap shooting after a hard slog, bivouac camp then an early morning cross country race with 37 pattern webbing kit. We were based in a barracks & had use of the range. Marksman badges were proudly achieved. I love the Lee Enfield.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Great story!

[@EldarKinSlayer]

You started off doing good work, you improve hugely with each video doing truly outstanding work now. Superb coverage of an interesting topic entertaining and more importantly informative. Bravo Zulu as we US Sailors say.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much!

[@B_Squadron_Y_Patrol_Planchet]

Excellent job! Really enjoyed the interpretation of the shoots :) Great camera work and presentation skills!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much!

[@survivalcomms]

Incredible video ! So informative and entertaining. Thank you so much for the work you do and sharing it.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers.

[@Glenfilthie1]

Looks like that bolt was giving you some static there at times, Private. Is there a mechanical issue you're struggling with? I don't know if I am more impressed with the history lesson, the antiques and period correctness, or the cinematography. Your work is unquestionably first in its class! You put a lot of work into this, it shows - and it IS appreciated! :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Some older casings that need a little bump back on the neck... or maybe a bit of bullet lube on them... Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.

[@fatmonk1]

Its always difficult telling the difference between highland soldiers. Love the video Rob definitely my favorite content creator here

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Vey kind of you to say so. Thank you.

[@johnfisk811]

Great work Rob. I am lost for new superlatives. So, as the Prime Minister used to say in Parliament, 'I refer the Honourable Member to the remarks I made earlier'. Nice to see what my grandfather was doing pre Great War. BTW the soles of your boots need to be polished too.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha!.... If you want to come and buff them up while I am prone, shooting a No 5 Figure, then be my guest.... :-)...... They are shoes BTW.

[@johnfisk811]

Not whilst you are using a kilt Rob. I have seen 'Carry On Up The Khyber' too often (as should you all).www.dailymotion.com/video/x1sq604. Long live the 3rd Foot and Mouth

[@shanerogers24]

Gob smacked, simply gobsmacked. I had thought you'd set a new criterion with your work to date - nope. Bloody 'eck this is a grand series.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Shane. Glad you have enjoyed the series, thus far!

[@joelastlight7162]

When the going gets tough send in the Gordons....Now Jock, his majesty would like to know what you`re going with an extra 4 rounds?A most excellent video,thank you.

[@japhfo]

Tell that to the Seaforths......

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers! "Tell that to the Seaforths......" Well played,.....

[@joelastlight7162]

Oh no in bother again!...mistaken cap badge gets 2 hours,mistaken Scottish cap badge 4 hours,mistaken defunked Scottish cap badge 8 hours extra wire walking!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Bad toad!..... :-)....

[@CheshireTomcat68]

Great video as always, obviously enhanced by the red and blue glasses I wore for the true Part 3-D effect :-)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Ah yes, 3"D".... the best part of the bunch...:-)

[@michaelgenovese2175]

run, Pvt MacKensie, run!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

He is,..... I am....!

[@jacksonthompson7099]

Truely a very awesome well informative video. I am a proud owner of two No1 Mk3's and two No4 Mk1's. I have got to get to the range soon to sastify my now itchy trigger finger. Best wishes for future videos and the channel. (Side note I look forward to the day of the No4 Mk1 making its debue and the history of its musketry) cheers!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

One day it will!

[@andyfeil9713]

Another excellent video. I feel a little guilty only contributing $1/month through Patreon for this level of quality. Well done.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It all helps. Thank you very much for your contribution to the Channel, Andy.

[@PaletoB]

I'm a bit surprised by how similar these practices are to modern training.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They had a very solid program for sure!

[@icky_mack]

Awesome work, as always. Long live the king!!!!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@padi5star]

Absolutely fascinating. Thanks for the entertainment and historical value presented in a most professional way. thanks again.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome!

[@Zorglub1966]

Thoroug and sensible video. Thank you and carry on!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are welcome!

[@skipmaloney178]

Outstanding! Thank you for your efforts.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are welcome!

[@GuangChen]

Today is a good day because Rob uploaded a new video!!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you were looking for it!

[@JamesTaylor-tf7fd]

Brilliant. Interesting and worthwhile. Keep it up.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I will. Thanks.

[@simonferrer]

Thank you for another excellent video! I appreciate all your hard work in putting these videos together, and the end result is always entertaining, informative, and very professional.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome!

[@jacoklopper4772]

This is really interesting. Thank you for all the effort.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome!

[@chrishewitt4220]

Brilliant as always! Loved it...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.

[@pmjn0943]

yet another really interesting video, keep them videos coming, Brilliant.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Paul!

[@motor19425]

Great video! I've always been a big fan. Cuidich 'n Righ

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@CSSVirginia]

"Over by Christmas". The Kasier said "You will be home before the leaves change.". Tragic that those brave men had no idea what they were about to go through.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Surely a year of innocence....

[@MrMcWeaksauce1]

I thoroughly enjoy the historical shooting practices. Anyone can go to a range and aim a rifle at static targets. Shooting historical practices adds an interesting flair to shooting.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed the series. There will be more like this in the future. Cheers.

[@davidbriggs264]

Three things. First, back in the early 1970's, I was a member of a United States Army Infantry Company in Germany. One procedure that I particularly remember was placing the whole company on line, and then while the Riflemen walked two paces and then fired a single shot, myself as a Machine Gunner walked the same two paces, and then fire a shot burst of ammunition. Not far from what you demonstrated in this video. Second, It would be very interesting to see something along the same lines as this, but using a different weapon, for example, your Martini-Henry, just as a comparison to what could be done, and what could NOT be done with that earlier rifle. Third, keep up the good work, this has been fascinating. I look forward towards your next video in this series. P.S. Have you ever played the Regimental March of the Seaforth Highlanders, or of the 79th Highland Regiment of Foot?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The Martini and others will eventually get the same treatment in their own videos featuring the range practices of their era... there already is one featuring the P53 Enfield, on the Channel.

[@davidbriggs264]

Rob: I am interested in those videos (and may have already seen the one featuring the P53), but what I was talking about is taking an earlier weapon and applying the more recent (I hesitate calling it more modern) range practices. I was looking through Mark Bevis's series of books on the British (and Commonwealth) Army in World War Two, and found that some units of natives over in East Africa against the Italians were using the Martini-Henry DURING WORLD WAR TWO!!!

[@andrewkaye4471]

Great stuff. Really enjoyable. Thanks

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome.

[@henrynelson11]

very nice filming and angles!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@gymntonic]

100 years ago and it still came down to shoot, move, and communicate.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yup... Although maybe just a bit less sophisticated than today..

[@magna750]

Excellent video! You have me wanting to grab my rifle and come along! Great experimental history experiment.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you... I have learned a lot from this series.

[@JoanieKennedy]

Very awesome........great video series !

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much!

[@bernerbar7886]

As always, a very interesting video. Bravo, Sir! Looking forward to part four. But I hope, you will cover a british military engagement like El-Kebir sometime soon. Best regards from Switzerland.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Working on the Inkerman video....

[@bernerbar7886]

Hooray! Keep up your excellent work, Sir.

[@545x39Rat]

Amazing content as always keep it up

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@eariamjh71]

Fantastic work!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@p03saucez]

Dude your camera work has come so, so far since I first subscribed. Excellent video. Long live the SMLE.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@BlakeHermance]

Damn Good stuff Lad, keep up the amazing work!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.

[@HaydnHaendel]

This is a stupendous video, as always is in your case.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@dermotrooney9584]

Good man. Thanks again.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.

[@idontknowwhatiamdoinganymo1615]

I love watching these WW1 videos and would like to know if you'd do a series on British rifles of WW2 keep up the good work you got the Kaiser on the run.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The No 4 is on the list.

[@notarokescientist3003]

The UK should be showing this on the BBC

[@sugarnads]

One bloody hun disliked this. Bloody huns. Well done that man over there. Huzzah to the commonwealth.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

To each their own, I suppose.

[@kevinhays2000]

Very rewarding vids. Keep the vids going.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Will do!

[@mpetersen6]

You just have to know having those McKenzie Clones would come in handy

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They are the Ross Twins, by the way.. I know, I know, that all look the same.... :-)

[@_lumiaart_2010]

Thank you for working on this program. I have learned a good deal from watching . blessed be

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@Sheerwater909]

Brilliant as always Rob and regards to your brothers. Did I say it was brilliant by the way? :D

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks John!

[@kowalski363]

Thank you

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are welcome.

[@TheJtjensen]

this is superb, thank you, surprisingly modern!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@hoffmiermp]

Been watching all those musketry videos and would be a fun course/qualification to shoot.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes it was!

[@sandstorm1934]

How good is an individual field firing practice with a bayonet charge. Great work, thank you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Damn good, I say... :-)

[@bem19651]

Great work! Do keep an eye om those copies so they don't escape into the world. I have twin sons so I know that 1+1 does not equal 2.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha!

[@mg_claymore8611]

Great video once again.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@mg_claymore8611]

Who brought you kicking and screaming into the 21st century? ;) Nice touch, I must say.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It has indeed been featured in previous videos... the Martini Bayonet Exercise, the SMLE Intro, The Christmas Card Video from this year, the Baker in Rifleman's Kit from last month.... I might be forgetting one or two...

[@mg_claymore8611]

britishmuzzleloaders i see. Forgive me. I'm catching up on your videos atm as I've been rather busy. I must of missed it. I wish you all the best!

[@louiscifer5438]

Gros délire! Et tout ça sans drogue?! Rires, merci encore pour cette vidéo de qualité. Je suis en train de monter un dioptre avec un guidon sous tunnel sur mon Hawken Missouri cal. 50. Avec ça je vais pouvoir toucher une cible posée au Canada de ma maison à l'autre bout de l'atlantique...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That's some Hawkin's rifle!

[@louiscifer5438]

The Hawken, a weapon more intended for hunting. But I think it can be accurate, for a correct shooter, up to 200/300 meters ...

[@callehammar2743]

I would love a video where you talked about where you have gotten your rifles and bayonets from. A little bit like the ones you did with your kit. -Andrew

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I appreciate the interest... would be easy enough... although the new YT rules might affect that...

[@callehammar2743]

Oh yes I heard about them, Im really sorry for you and other firearms-based channels.

[@thinkfocus]

Terrific videos on the SMLE and No 4 musketry and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I just acquired my first, a 1916 BSA that was in Australian service until the big sell-off. With the My question is this: I learned on the SLR L1A1, Load, Action, Instant. Unload. In these commands the operations of the magazine, cocking handle, safety catch and rear sight are integrated. I have not seen how the safety catch is integrated in SMLE practice. In Africa hunters tell me the bolt should be closed on an empty chamber all day carrying it, and the safety catch is a decoration only. How did the SMLE safety form part of the movements taught in service and work in service in the field?

[@thinkfocus]

Seen in this video 6:48, but not understood as part of the system.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

​@@thinkfocus The rifle was carried with the safety catch engaged. The loading drill incorporates pushing the catch forward prior to opening the bolt, followed by moving it rearward after loading. Section 53 of Pt 1 of the 1909 Musketry Regs... "Troops will invariably set the catches to safety before movement". Hope this helps.

[@thinkfocus]

@@britishmuzzleloaders Indeed! Thank you.

[@kieranrouleau7678]

Ah spring is in the air time to get out the old Snider aye britishmuzzleloaders?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Snider stuff is in the works.

[@kieranrouleau7678]

By the way I just purchased a snider and was wondering how many grains per say of cornmeal do you put in your typical 3f load? I like 2f powder but I dont know how much cornmeal that would need.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice going on the Snider! You'll have a good time (if frustrating at times) working it up. I use a 2.8cc Lee dipper as in the video... never weighed it, sorry. The amount is based on some trial and error... just keep track of how you measure it so you can reproduce the amount accurately.

[@kieranrouleau7678]

By the way is there any online store in Canada that I can buy 58 caliber mini balls from for fire forming my brass? Because I really dont want to get a mold. I already have to get the x-ring mold so.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I'm sure there is.... Can't provide a reference, however... sorry about that.

[@101Brownbag]

Excellent video... As always 👍

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.!

[@davidsachs4883]

Have you made a video demonstrating how point of aim might/ might not be changed when a rifle is or isn’t wearing a bayonet?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

This is discussed in Part 3"B", if you haven't seen it yet.

[@ottoman_reenactor_ct]

Huzzaaaahhh!!!!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

lol

[@Thorsaxe777]

One of the main things I like about your video is you use cast bullets in your loading for the .303 Brittish. You mentioned once that it was an N.O.E. mold, However, you did not give a number for what mold it was. I would like to get that mold for my .303 No.4 Mk-2, any help with what the ordering number for identifying the mold would be a huge favor as I plan on shooting cast bullets to extend brass life and save money over jacked ones. the .303 bullets have skyrocketed in price in the last few years. Thanks, Dave.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

316299.... It's on the side of the mould in the 303 ammo video. Cheers!

[@Splodge542]

I couldn't hit anything rapid fire. I have to hold my breath and count one, two, three and then squeeze verrry gently.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It takes some practice..

[@pricklydingus8604]

Hey, britishmuzzleloaders, I was wondering how Canada's firearm laws effect you, in your area of interest. I personally have a interest in collecting, and understanding firearms from a historical view, wich has always been a bit of an oddity for someone who lives in Texas, where pretty much everything is legal within reason.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They affect me like they do anyone else who owns non-restricted firearms... Lock them up, use them lawfully... :-)

[@theblackprince1346]

Excellent as always rob how many more parts to this series?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

One... Part Four. Cheers.

[@jacksonthompson7099]

Would you consider the possibility of doing a series on the 303 service round and its different types? (I.e. armor piercing, Tracer, Incendary etc) ive always been curious about all the different types and marks of the 303 round from the first world war to world war two.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I don't have any to shoot, that's the problem... in the mean time try here... sites.google.com/site/britmilammo/-303-inch/-303-inch-cordite-ball-mark-vi-to-viiiz

[@fwi1298]

it makes one fully realize just how much the BEF had lost in the skill of it's soldiers when 1915 rolled around. the shock the germans had, when it ran into, what the kaiser called "that contemptible little army", and the shock it have again , when the U.S. Marines took Belliue Wood in 1917. the rifle skills of the 2 force are very comparable.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Only difference is that by 1917, the rifle had lost it's ascendency.... Gained it back some in 1918 with more open fighting post March...

[@fwi1298]

true, but the american forces, never had the machine guns in the numbers that where needed on the western front that the other combatant nations had. little known point for you , AEF HQ put out a directive that any lewis gun that made it to france was to be handed over to the air corp as soon as it was in country, why you ask? because the air corp bot fighter planes, with no guns on them the army never adopted the lewis gun, the navy did[the navy buys there own guns ,as well as the marine corps guns] the marines send a brigade to france with there allotted number of lewis guns , which got exchanged for chachauts , the french guns got promtply dx'ed [because they didn't work] and none of the lewis guns that was turned over , ever came back, that i know of . i do know, for a fact , that no heavy weapons where sent to france, they where all bought ,in theater. not a single tank, cannon, airplane, machine gun,other than the m1917 hmg and m1918 bar which were sent over and came back, none of the rest of it ever made it to the u.s.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Interesting. Thanks!

[@PH-bi2ms]

Top, wie immer! 👍

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@georgewashington92]

awesome as usual...what are you using to clean/lube your rifle? mine runs on CLP and Hoppes no9 from time to time to get the copper out

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yeah, CLP mostly...

[@sim8726]

I own enfields, great video

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@SafetyProMalta]

What a shame that all "lessons learned" from the Boer war and upgraded musketry skills, training for a fluid battlefield environment was destroyed in a short few months of the great war, reduced to the mass slaughter of trench warfare and "over the top" insanity.

[@tangle70]

But it was the only thing that stopped the German Army. I am not sure if any other army at the time would have been able to stop the German right flank. The training essentially turned a utter defeat into the a win (if you can call it that by the end of the war).

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Any war has it's tragedies, I suppose. Have you had a look at the Western Front Association's YT page?.... worth checking out.

[@johnfisk811]

These were the men who trained the "New Army' and later conscripts in these skills which were retained and used in 1918 when the battles became ones over open country in April and then the last 100 days to the German frontier. The same applied to the Cavalry as I am bound to say as a one time donkey walloper.

[@sugarnads]

john fisk luckily they had the canadians and the ANZACs who never forgot how to fight out in the open once theyd punched the hole int he hindenburg line

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Considering that the Canadians and the Australians/New Zealanders experienced nothing but trench warfare until 1918, I don't know what knowledge of open warfare they would have had to forget...

[@imabeliever4341]

An excellent video !!! A question for you. Are you able to find all of your fired brass ? It looks like the fired ,303 shells are scattered all over the underbrush. If not you must have a good source of reloading supplies ?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

HI there. I pick up my brass.... sometimes I loose one, but that is the exception.

[@MBCDC1]

Since the SMLE has a 10 round magazine I wonder why it is always loaded with only 5 rounds?!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That was just the training regime... in action, it would have been filled...

[@clhuke6494]

First rifle that I purchased, in 1985 for $35.00usd......paid more for the bayonet when I finally found one at an antique store in Spokane Washington.......my friends sure made fun of me, for using the MKlll for white tail hunting.....

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Things have increased since then, eh?

[@clhuke6494]

britishmuzzleloaders ....just a little bit....was also going to pick up a WWl German K98 for $28, but wasn't really impressed with the 90 degree bolt handle, plus that weapon seemed huge, maybe it was just me...could you imagine what that would be worth these days ??

[@keithplymale2374]

That was outstanding sir. Even though an American and proud of what our men did 'over there' I would be willing to shoot that with my Lithgow No.1, Mk III* Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield (SMLE) along side yours. Were all of the pictures from before the war? If so the majority of those in the pictures were most likely gone by this point 100 years ago. Molon Labe! Keep your powder dry and your faith in God.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Most were pre war... yes, chances were that they did not survive.

[@Alcochaser]

Those two poor guys. Some one need to get them a Lewis gun!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

In about 2 years' time... :-)

[@Deenz17]

Will you eventually do a no 4 mk 1 series?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Maybe.