Enfield-Stuff

Open main menu

Enfields in Queue: Newfoundland

And before you ask, "Why isn't this rifle in with the Canadians?", remember that Newfoundland proudly called itself "England's Oldest Colony" before becoming a full-fledged Dominion in 1906, the same year as New Zealand. Newfoundland did not become part of Canada until 1949.

Lee-Enfield rifle unit markings - Newfoundland

Rifle 061
SMLE No. 1 Mk III* . BSA 1918. Marking disk is marked "1RNR" - 1st Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The Newfoundland Regiment (NFLD) was honored with the designation “Royal” for its superb performance in France between 1915 and 1918. It was the only regiment in the British Empire so honored before the war ended. 95% finish. Wood VG with usual dings and dents. All matching (receiver, barrel, bolt, sight, nosecap, and forestock). No import marks. 1RNR disbanded at war’s end in 1919.

 

Canadian "C and broad arrow" cartouche on receiver and right side of buttstock. During the 1949 treaty negotiations with England and Canada, Canada agreed to form a new Newfoundland Regiment to honor Newfoundland’s history during the Great War (1914-1919). The King also agreed to designate the new Canadian regiment as “Royal”, thereby perpetuating the history of the “Royal Newfoundland Regiment.”

 

Whether this 1918 rifle was one that came home with the regiment in 1919 or was a rifle in Canadian inventory (coincidently – or perhaps deliberately chosen - a 1918 rifle) and marked 1RNR sometime after 1949 we will never know. Chose whatever story you like best.