Exploring the Firearms of the British Army: From Lee-Enfield to Sterling SMGs
As a former civilian working at the Defence Academy at Shrivenham, I had the privilege of joining a practical course run by a combat archaeology lecturer. This led me to experience some fascinating firearms used by the British military, including the Thompson submachine gun and a German WWII service rifle. Although rare, there are still some Lee-Enfields and Sterling submachine guns in service collections within the British military. This article delves into the variety of firearms used by the British Army, focusing on the Lee-Enfield and Sterling SMGs.
The Evolution of British Firearm Technology
When I revisited the British Army's current inventory in 2018, it was evident that much had changed since my initial experience. Here are the primary firearms currently used by the British Army:
LMAT A3 - The L9A1 / L9A2 system, a family of medium machine guns, including the GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun). Marksmanship Rifle - LMT AR-10 (Leedarson Military Technologies) and possibly the Accuracy International Sniper Rifle. C8 Special Forces Rifle - Used in certain elite units.Historical Firearms in the British Army
While much of the modern British Army's equipment has evolved, there remains a sense of historical continuity. Lee-Enfield rifles and Sterling submachine guns still find their place in service collections and museums. These firearms serve important roles in training and occasional live fire demonstrations.
The Lee-Enfield rifle series, with the most famous of them being the SMLE (Simentary Man Lessons Enfield), has been a long-standing part of the British military. These rifles were used extensively during World War I and World War II, and even in more recent conflicts. They are now primarily collected and maintained for historical display and educational purposes.
The Sterling submachine guns, introduced in the mid-20th century, are equally significant. While many have been retired or destroyed, the British Military still retains a few examples, including some prototypes like the STEN (Self-Loading Rifle). The STEN prototype at the SASC (Services Arms and Ammunition Centre) collection is particularly notable, though it is not used for live firing due to the availability of other firearms for testing.
Current Policies and Future Prospects
The British government has a policy regarding the use and disposal of retired service firearms. Unless sold in a government-to-government sale, retired firearms are typically destroyed. This is to ensure that any potential misuse of these weapons is minimized. As such, it is rare to find British service Sterling submachine guns on the commercial market, and when found, their rarity adds to their value.
Overall, the British military maintains a balance between maintaining historical significance and adopting modern technology. The Lee-Enfield and Sterling SMGs continue to play a role in educational and ceremonial settings, highlighting the rich history of the British military firearms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rifles are currently in use by the British Army?The primary rifles used by the British Army include the LMAT A3 (L9A1 / L9A2 system), the Marksmanship Rifle (LMT AR-10 and possibly the Accuracy International Sniper Rifle), and the C8 Special Forces Rifle. Can you still find Lee-Enfield and Sterling SMGs in use by the British Military?
Yes, Lee-Enfield rifles and Sterling submachine guns are primarily found in service collections and museums, serving as historical displays and training tools. What is the British Army's policy on retired service firearms?
When retired, these firearms are typically destroyed unless they are sold in a government-to-government transaction. This ensures minimal risk of misuse.