WW1 US with No1 Mk3 SMLE's

jaguar

jaguar

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
9   0   0
Location
south eastern ontario
Nice visit to NYC. Noticed statue on east side of Central Park honoring 107th regiment.
All soldiers in statue are holding No1 Mk3's . Were US issued SMLE's, or is this a bit of artistic license.
Google tells me little so far. Other sights mention the P14 as US issue. Just wondering if someone could clearify ...
Cheers
Jaguar
 
I have never heard of any U.S. troops being issued SMLE or P14 rifles. (Of course, they don't tell me everything, but it would be a pretty obscure thing if it happened.) More U.S. troops in the European theatre were issued the U.S. M1917 than their 1903 Springfield. The M1917 is the P14 design made in .30-06 for the Americans.
 
My Grand-father served in the US Army in WW1 and in his Regimental History it mentions the fact that his unit was issued Lee-Enfield No.1 MKIII while they were attached to the British Army for trench and frontline combat training once the unit was returned to US Command they were re-issued with US M1917 rifles.
 
2dw89ib.jpg


http://ctmonuments.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/NY107-2.jpg
 
Last edited:
It is on the East side of Central Park near the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I saw it to and wondered about the SMLEs when I was in New York. U.S. troops serving in the British sector were issued SMLEs, and maybe P-14s also, to simplify ammo supply. The was a U.S. division serving in the French sector that had Berthiers btw.
 
I asked because I have been there and seen it, but just wanted to be certain if was the one. I loved the monuments in the US.
 
HarryD said:
I asked because I have been there and seen it, but just wanted to be certain if was the one. I loved the monuments in the US.
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with honoring our war dead and veterans.

But as an American when I see the Wall with 60,000 names of the people who died in Viet Nam I ask myself why.
 
standard.jpg


Pershing with the King reviewing US troops armed with Short Lee-Enfields, and .45s as well, it would appear.

The 27th (NY NG) and the 30th Divns (NC,SC,TN NG) were brigaded with the British.
 
standard.jpg


The King decorating Pvt Harry Shelly of the 33rd Divn with a Distinguished Conduct Medal. Pvt Shelly was the first American soldier to receive a British decoration since the Revolution.
 
IIRC, 2 American divisions fighting under the British were issued SMLE's. Prior to the American Expeditionary Force taking to the field.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom