British Army Equipment in the Later Twilight War

[TiggerCCW UK]

I liked the SUSAT, although I only used it a couple of times. I heard some problems about it though, that it had a tendency to rust up in jungle conditions and that because squaddies used it so much there was a risk of losing peripheral awareness, but I guess thats true of any type of scope.

Does anyone know if there are many .303's left in stores anywhere in the UK I could see Home Guard type militia units getting them if there are.

[Tackleberry]

I liked the SUSAT, although I only used it a couple of times. I heard some problems about it though, that it had a tendency to rust up in jungle conditions and that because squaddies used it so much there was a risk of losing peripheral awareness, but I guess thats true of any type of scope.

Does anyone know if there are many .303's left in stores anywhere in the UK I could see Home Guard type militia units getting them if there are.

The only .303" rifles left are in museums or private collections. All of the weapons the Cadet forces have should have been returned as there is a new DP version of the L98 for the Cadets.

There are pallets full of scrap DP .303 rifles in the stores at Donnington.

[TiggerCCW UK]

Thats a shame I wonder how many are knocking around in private hands, and how plentiful ammo would be for them.

[Rainbow Six]

Thats a shame I wonder how many are knocking around in private hands, and how plentiful ammo would be for them.

I know a pub in Edinburgh which used to have one in a display case (along with a whole host of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia - the pub was just along the road from Arthur Conan Doyle's birthplace and played on that to catch the tourist trade). I can only but presume it was either a replica or deactivated!

[TiggerCCW UK]

I know a pub in Edinburgh which used to have one in a display case (along with a whole host of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia - the pub was just along the road from Arthur Conan Doyle's birthplace and played on that to catch the tourist trade). I can only but presume it was either a replica or deactivated!

The pub might be like 'The Winchester' in Shaun of the Dead...

[James Langham]

The L98A1 was a piece of junk and was probably more dangerous than giving cadets L85's.
While cocking the weapon, if it didn't fall apart as has been previously mentioned, it had a habit of making the end of the barrel rise above the target line on the range. Sometimes even above the wall behind the range.

The biggest advantage of the L85 was the SUSAT sight, and now the ACOG or ELCAN sights that really improve the accuracy. From just being able to hit the target at 300m, now you can choose where you want to hit them, if you have the time.

At least the L98A1 will be rare in TW2000 as it was planned to convert them to L85A1s.

[Legbreaker]

.303 SMLE's I have two with match grade floating barrels...

Shame they're stuck a thousand kilometres away and I have no way to get them across the water to me...

[Ironside]

I was hoping to come back with more stuff by now but my health issues mean I'm going to have to take more time off. I'll be back when I can.

[pmulcahy11b]

I was hoping to come back with more stuff by now but my health issues mean I'm going to have to take more time off. I'll be back when I can.

That bodes ill...the last person on this board who had a serious health issue was TR

[Legbreaker]

I suppose a high percentage of forum members with health issues is to be expected since a large number are ex servicemen who've picked up injuries or mental illness.

I myself earned a couple of dodgy knees - relatively minor considering....

[Panther Al]

I suppose a high percentage of forum members with health issues is to be expected since a large number are ex servicemen who've picked up injuries or mental illness.

I myself earned a couple of dodgy knees - relatively minor considering....

Stress: and the results from it. Go from Fallujah and its fun times right into a crooked Recruiting BN within months of each other, and it does a whammy. More the blowback from when you finally crack (No, you can't see mental health because you are behind mission...) than the stress itself in my case.

[Legbreaker]

Very true, the stress itself is often rather minor when compared to what the military puts you through when you fall apart. In my experience in the early to mid 90's there was almost no support available for stress and mental issues and anyone who did try and ask for help was treated as total scum.
Times are changing, but the culture of "hard men only" still exists.

The Army's method of dealing with mental illness is to medically discharge the effected soldier asap and then ignore them. Basically dump them unsupported back into civilian life after years of a structured and regimental environment. Unsurprisingly many don't cope, stressed as they already are and end up taking extreme measures up to and including taking their own life.

It's a deplorable situation. Been through it myself but came out the other side in basically one piece.