Could Canadian servicemen keep their rifles?

MD

MD

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Were Canadian soldiers in WW1, WWII or the Korean conflict permitted to keep their issued rifles after their service?

I know the Coast Rangers were permitted to purchase their Winchester/ or Enfield rifles after WWII, but what about regular troops?
 
MD said:
Were Canadian soldiers in WW1, WWII or the Korean conflict permitted to keep their issued rifles after their service?

I know the Coast Rangers were permitted to purchase their Winchester/ or Enfield rifles after WWII, but what about regular troops?
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I don't think so, however some smuggled their service rifles and pistols home. Many also took home enemy arms they aquired during their service.


Navy Gunner
 
Rifles

No. Things like helmets, uniforms etc could often be retained. So any stories about someone owning the rifle his Grandpa carried in the war are just that , family stories. War trophys are another thing, I have a Swastika flag my Dad picked up near Ortona.
Geoff in Victoria
 
Oh, I've heard about enemy arms being smuggled home.

One vet I worked with said when the ship anchored in Halifax the night before debarquing the men, they were told if they were caught with illegal contraband like handguns or machine pistols that they would be forcibly re-enlisted for another tour overseas.

All night long you could hear the "plunk" and "splash" of Lugers, P-38s and
MP38s going over the side he said.
 
I heard the same story about Hamilton Harbour, dont know the truth to it, BUT if is was true, i am a very accomplished Diver with access to underwater metal detectors
 
guns

The original question was "were Canadian servicemen allowed to keep their (issued) weapons. Yes some may have "stolen" some and in WWI many carried privately purchased pistols ie:1911 Colts. Will ask Dad tonight at supper about the subject, he was in WWII and Korea.
Geoff
 
My father was in the second world war and he told me that he did not want his service rifle.Now my late father -in-law kept his enfield from the korean war . Have it now and it is a 1940 lithgow.I thought only #4,s were used by canadian troops in korea .
 
Care for a different version?

My dad told me that when he was going home from WW2, he did have the opportunity to buy his LE, but declined because he thought it cost $60. That was what they had to pay if they lost it during the war, and that was a huge amount back then.
Only after he had turned it in did he find out that he could have had it for $12 at wars end.
 
My Dad said this was absolutely impossible. He did however manage to bring back a Luger as well as an American .45 auto. I have the Luger, but I do wish I could find that .45!!
 
Absolutely not. They weren't allowed 'war souvenirs' either.
$12 was a lot of money then too. Canadian troopies got $1.10 per day. They didn't have to pay for lost kit either. Except while on exercise in England or Canada. Mind you, Mackenzie-King was a Liberal and disliked the military intensely.
 
I remember my gramps saying how he had a luger but he through it in the Themes river when the told them they were going to ex ray luggage to go back home (turned out to be bs )
 
After the First World War, many soldiers passed through a Discharge Depot. They would turn in their rifle and equipment before receiving their pay cheque and Discharge Certificate. Failure to turn in your rifle would no doubt result in not leaving the army anytime soon!

They could keep their clothing, small kit and trench helmet.
 
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