I have seen them in a few reenactment photographs, but do not know to which groups the individuals who have them belong.

 

Can anyone supply me with close up, clear-ish photographs of the SMLE : 3/4 length Canvas Sleeve? Or know of a supplier who has them? Any lead will be most gratefully recieved.

 

No, they are once piece, and reach down to approx where the bolt handle is. I have quite a few period pics, and they are also shown in many period film footage, including the original 1916 Cinema : The Battle of the Somme.

 

Since my original post on here, I've been contacted by another reenactment group (I run a Bitish WW1 reenactment unit). They have supplied a good lead, so that will be traced. As some of you have expressed an interest in the item yourselves, I shall certainly produce my findings here!

 

It protects the action etc very well but would be difficult to remove in the field far enough to clear the muzzle and sights, at least if the sling swivel is run through that hole.The one piece style with flap and pockets looks far more useful.

 

If the sling and all were inside the cover the whole thing could be shucked pretty quickly.

 

I nderstand what your thinking in regards to looseness of the item. I feel that what you may have done, is assumed the item is a tight fit. I can assure you, it certainly is not. For removel, the front end of the sling is detached, the tie at the open end of the sleeve untied... and the whole item slips off very easily.

 

 

The initial side pic I posted doesn't really give any real 3d perspective. The frontal pic above.. I've had to enlarge as much as I dare before loosing clarity. It does show the generous dimensions a little better. What we also need to remember, is that this would only have been used as shown (fully tied) when moving back to.. or going out of the trenches. The canvas breach cover was used when in action. I can only visualise this item being used in the trenches when either moving from point 'A' to point 'B' as reserve troops (as shown in period film footage), or the weapon being simply slipped inside it - when the soldier would be out in the open in foul weather, and intends to catch whatever rest he can.

 

 

 

 

 

Sounds right.

The sling option only used when not prepared for instant use.

Also being more familar with the U S type slings I forgot how the Enfield slings attach. It wouldn't be nearly as difficult to remove the sling in a hurry as it would with the U S 1907 sling or the WW2 "Widow Maker" I use on my SMLE.

I guess I'm not dead yet as I stll seem to be capable of learning!

 

 

The photograph was taken on the Somme sometime during the battle. As you can see, the soldier wears a bandage over a head wound recieved when something pierced his helmet, and is showing off his 'Lucky Brodie' for the camera. I'll bet he wore that Brodie for the rest of his time in the war.

 

Before the canvas action cover became available soldiers were instructed to use an old sock for the purpose. I expect they cut out the toe and used it a a flexible tube, easily pulled forwards or backwards to clear the action.