Korea – PPCLI sniper with a Long branch No. 4 MK. I* (T) rifle, serial number 80L8xxx fitted with an R.E.L. made C No 67 Mk I (previously known as a No. 32 Mk. 4) scope.
Photographs of snipers are somewhat scarce, though there are many photos showing soldiers looking for snipers. By nature snipers are scruffy, hidden and operate alone or in very small teams.
Most sniper photos are posed shots. Those looking as if they are in combat are usually, but not always, in posed positions. After all, having a photographer at work out in front of your hide or just moving around you, would attract enemy snipers’ attention which would not be healthy! Photographers need light and they will often position a sniper where he shows up best … the exact opposite of what a trained sniper wants!
Here are some photos showing snipers “dressed to kill”. It is not always possible to tell if they are British, Canadian, New Zealand etc. as they usually wore the same uniforms and carried the same weapons.
My emphasis is on Canadian and British snipers, especially those using the Ross sniper rifle, No. 3 (P-14 ) sniper and Lee-Enfield No. 4 (T) sniper rifles. Having said that, as I find interesting photos of others, I may add them.
PHOTOGRAPHS ARE PROVIDED HERE FOR NON-COMMERCIAL RESEARCH PURPOSES.
The photos are shown here at low resolution (usually 1024) which is fine for the computer monitor, but is not good enough for printing. Serious researchers are encouraged to buy the books and to visit the various archives on-line or in person. In Canada, copyright law regarding photos states that photos taken before 1948, and those taken by/for the governments, are not copyrighted.
L&AC = Library and Archives Canada. These are Canada’s national archives. They have renumbered all of their photos using the MIKAN system. You should be able to order copies using either the MIKAN number or the old catalogue numbers. Note that their captions are not always correct. Wartime photographers were however usually good about dates and captions. An exception though are the colour photos which seem to have had guesswork used in cataloguing by archivists. Librabry and Archives Canada has many errors in their cataloguing of military photos.
IWM = Imperial War Museum.
Photos are shown by country of the soldiers (where known or where presumed) and in chronological order as best I can determine.
Corrections and additions are welcome. Corrections should ideally provide new information such as an archives catalogue number so that I can ideally verify the information. I have more to add and shall do so as time permits.
THE GREAT WAR (WORLD WAR I 1914 – 1919)
CANADIAN SNIPERS IN WWI
A Canadian sniper aiming a Ross sniper rifle. The rifle is fitted with what appears to be a Winchester A5 telescope. The front sight appears to have been removed and the wood fore arm cut off just forward of the lower band. The photo was published in The Illustrated War News, April 26, 1916 page 16. (Colin M. Stevens’ Collection)
“The Sniper – At the Front” – Canadian soldier using a Ross Mk. III rifle without scope. These rifles were extremely accurate. 1915
Canadian sniper officers training Mont-des-Cats France June 1916 Photo 0 37 L&AC MIKAN 3404473
A sniper June 1916 Likelty at Mont-des-Cats France MIKAN3520927
Canadian sniper Ross with A5 scope 1916-04-26 publ date
Brigade Scouts 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade (L&AC MIKAN 3520982)
A WWI German sniper s mask made of Krupp steel September 1917 L&AC MIKAN 3397855
WWI German sniper s made of half inch Krupp steel Sept 1917 L&AC MIKAN 3397858
Canadian Scouts looking tiowards Germans during advance East of Arras Sept 1918 (L&AC MIKAN 34049936)
WWII photo of a WWI sniper rifle. The rifle was likely used by a sniper in the 8th Bn. CEF. 1942-07-30 An unidentified Corporal of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles holding a Ross sniper rifle with a Winchester A5 scope in Ottawa, Ontario. (L&AC PA-208603 MIKAN 3589887)
BRITISH SNIPERS IN WWI
Sniper and observer of 1-4 Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment barn at Antons Farm near Ploegsteert Wood, Spring 1915
Fragments from France Part 6 p 38
Fragments from France Part 7 p 22
Sniper and observer of 1-4 Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment barn at Antons Farm near Ploegsteert Wood, Spring 1915
GERMAN SNIPERS IN WWI
Fragments from France Part 7 p 43
ITALIAN SNIPERS IN WWI (they were on the Allies’ side)
Fragments from France Part 6 p 22
WORLD WAR II (1939 – 1945)
CANADIAN SNIPERS IN WWII
A goal of mine is to show EVERY known WWII Canadian sniper photo.
WWII photo of a WWI sniper rifle. The rifle was likely used by a sniper in the 8th Bn. CEF. 1942-07-30 An unidentified Corporal of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles holding a Ross sniper rifle with a Winchester A5 scope in Ottawa, Ontario. (L&AC PA-208603 MIKAN 3589887)
Canadian sniper 1942 with a Ross sniper rifle in a tree. Training. (via HSAS p372)
Sniper with a Canadian Ross sniper rifle training in WWII (Archives of Ontario HSAS p342)
Canadian sniper with his camouflaged Ross MK. III with a Model 1913 Warner Swasey scope. He has the bolt pulled back ready to push it forward to load the rifle. This was during Winter training. (MilArt Photo Archives)
Canadian sniper in training England circa 1940-1941 behind rock. He is using a No. 1 MK. III* rifle without scope. (L&AC MIKAN 3607512)
1943-04-23 Unidentified 2nd Canadian Infantry Division sniper with No1 sniper on sniper course in England Photo by Lieut. Frederick G. Whitcombe (L&AC PA-211642 MIKAN 3596209)
1942 approximately. Pte. John Michaud, Sniper, of Quebec with a P14 fitted with target iron sights. He is wearing coveralls for training. He appears to have survived the war. L&AC mistakenly dated it 1942-1965 and still in copyright . It is 1940-1945 and not in copyright. Original colour photo. (L&AC ZF R112-1381-1-E MIKAN 4232750 )
1942-1943 approximately. Sniper in training in UK with P-14rifle with target sights. (L&AC MIKAN 3607526)
1942-04-12 to 26. Canadian sniper in Assault landing course England P-14. Photo by Sgt. Al W. Grayston. (L&AC PA-213632 MIKAN 3599772)
1943-04-24 2 Canadian Infantry Division Sniper training England. Photo by Lieut. Dwight E. Dolan (L&AC PA-177141 MIKAN 3260082)
1943-04-23 Unidentified soldier sighting with his telescope equipped P-14 sniper rifle while sitting in the back of a 15 Cwt truck. 2 Canadian Infantry Division Sniper Training, England. Photo by Lieut. Grederick G. Whitcombe (L&AC PA-211643 MIKAN 3596210)
Sniper trainee with camouflage sniper suit (L&AC MIKAN 3607511)
Sniper – Canadians head for the Gothic Line in Italy (Hell & High Water)
Pte. Jack Bailey of the Perth Regiment. Orsogna. Italy 29 Jan 1944. Sniper P14. L&AC PA-130609 is same man and location. (MIKAN 3191904)
Pte. Jack Bailey of the Perth Regiment. Orsogna. Italy 29 Jan 1944. Canadian sniper with his No. 3 MK. I (T) with a Model 1913 Warner & Swasey scope at Ortona, Italy. These scopes were originally mounted on the Ross rifle, but some were fitted to No. 3 MK. I (Pattern 1914) rifles. (L&AC PA130609)
1944 May 30 – Six crack snipers of the Royal 22nd Regiment (“The Van Doos”) moving along a road in the Liri Valley, Italy, after the battle for the Hitler Line. A sniper section in a battalion like this would normally have 8 men. commanded by a Sergeant or possibly by the unit’s Intelligence Officer. Their cap badge it a profile of a beaver. Man in shorts is carrying a scope case, likely with the Scout Regiment Telescope MK. II. Left to right: Pte. Amalie Dionne Riviere from Trois Pistols, Quebec; L/Cpl. Paul Fortin, Montreal, Que.; Pte. Henri Thibault, Montreal. Que.; Pte. Guste Bernier, Lambton, Que.; Pte. Harry Gilman, Montreal, Que.; Pte. Robert Rual, Kapuskasing, Ontario. Photo by Lieutenant W. H. Agnew. (DND photo 33706/117835)
1943-10-06 Pte. J. E. (sic) McPhee, a sniper with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada near Foiano, Italy. The only McPHEE was K74808 Pte. McPHEE, F. J. who served with the Seaforths 21 Aug. 1942 – 26 Dec. 1943. He was wounded 20 Jul. 1943 near Leonforte (West of Mt. Etna), Sicily and was Killed in Action 26 Dec. 1943 in or near Ortona, Italy. He was 23 years old and the husband of Mildred Ethel McPhee of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is buried in grave VIII. G. 2. Moro River Canadian War Cemetery. Photo by Lieut. Terry F. Rowe (L&AC MIKAN 3207117)
Sniper Cpl J Fortain R22R near Rimini Italy 31 kills “This is Cpl. G. B. Fortain of Montreal in one of the forward positions taken by his regiment, the Royal 22nds, in their push to the west of Rimini in Italy. Cpl. Fortain joined the sniping section of his regiment at Ortona, and while Canadians held a static position last winter he came to know the German defensive positions so intimately that he could wander through the enemy lines almost at will. During this period he chalked up 31 kills. He he is watching the enemy front from a shell battered house, his deadly rifle ready across his knees. (CANADIAN ARMY OVERSEAS PHOTO) UN 262-1” He appears to have survived the war as he is not listed in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Canadian snipers advance to Melfa in Italy 23 May 1944. The lead man is carrying a No. 8 Mk. I steel scope case.
Private L. V. Hughes, 48th Highlanders sniper near the Foglio River, Italy. He appears to be using a 1931-1933 Trials rifle converted to sniper as it has the MK. I “button” cocking piece and the early scope has the eyeshade. (L&AC________)
Sniper Rifleman J. J. Showers 2QOR England 21 April 44. He is using a Scout Regiment Telescope and had a sniper rifle as well, He has been doing observation and is making notes. (Library and Archives Canada MIKAN 3596796)
Sniper in corn field from rear MIKAN3607688
Canadian sniper in a cornfield. Location and date unknown. by Lt Ken Bell (L&AC PA 211728)
1944 May – Two Canadian Parachute Battalion snipers wearing Ghillie Suits for camouflage. The use of these awkward suits was quickly dropped a month later. This was for a Royal Inspection of the 6th Airborne Division, a month before D-Day. The rifle butt on the right has been painted in camouflage pattern. Both rifles and scope are wrapped with hessian strips as camouflage. Both men are wearing gloves. Note the Vickers Machine Gun to left rear under a camouflage net. (Library and Archives Canada PA 179150)
Snipers in Ghillie suits 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion, 3 Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division. Royal Visit in England May 1944 (GTI p52)
1944 May – HRH The Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mum) inspecting Canadian paratrooper sniper’s Ghillie Suit. (Ref. D-Day by Badsey p28)
“C” Coy 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion and King George VI May 1944 Two snipers are in the front rank. Pte. Peter Braidwood (2nd from left) and Pte. Cliff Douglas (3rd from left)
Peter Braidwood CCoy1CPB 2015-05-06 w 1943 sniper rifle
Pte. Cliff Douglas – 1 Canadian Parachutye Battalion. This image of him was used post-war for recruiting in the Canadian Army. He is carrying a Sten Gun MK. II in the drawing, but he carried a No. 4 MK. I (T) when he landed in Normandy, France as part of the “C” Company, 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion escort for the Pathfinders on the night of June 5/6.
1944-04-21 2 Queen’s Own Rifles sniper students taking a break during their sniper training course in England. Riflemen W. G. Bettridge, A.T. Shepard, W. A. Lyons, L.H. Oddy and E. W. Cranfield. The man on the right was killed in Normandy on 17 June 1944 age 31 and is buerried in grave XII. C. 9, at Beny-Sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, Reviers. Son of Charles and Alice Cranfield, husband of Margaret Jean Cranfield of Toronto, Ontario. Photo by Lieut. Frank L. Dubervill (PA-211817 L&AC MIKAN 3596795)
1944 – Canadian snipers get some last minute training in England, May 9, 1944 as all await D-day. From left to right are : J. J. Showers, Montreal; C.H.Gerrard, Tottenham, Ont.; W. G. Bettridge, Brampton, Ont.; W.A.Lyons, Toronto and L.H. Oddy, Toronto. (AP Photo)
Sniper training class cleaning rifles (L&AC PA211816)
Sniper with Regiment de la Chaudiere L&AC MIKAN 3607687
1944-10-09 Lieutenant W. C. Pearson on right briefing sniper Sgt. P. A. Rylaasden of the Scout Platoon, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada at Fort de Brasschaet (L&AC MIKAN 3409536)
Sniper course, Canadians at Borden, UK. 1944.possibly centre of group
Canadian sniper course candidates in apparently in Borden, UK in 1944.
Sniping training course. Believed to be Canadians, Oct 1944 or possibly 1945, at Bordon, UK. D-157816 Pte. Gerard Dagenais, Regiment de Hull (later R 22 R) is 2nd row, 5th from the left. He was in Borden UK July 10, 1944 to Oct. 23, 1944. Photo believed to be October 1944.
Sgt Marshall Calgary Highlanders on the right.
1944-10-06 Sgt. H. A. Marshall, a sniper with the Calgary Highlanders at Kapellen Belgium Photo by Lieutenant Ken Bell (L&AC PA-140408 MICAN 3206370)
1944-10-06 Cpl. S. Kormendy, a sniper with the Calgary Highlanders at Kapellen, Belgium. Note the captured German 9mm P-38 pistol in the improvised holster and the No. 36 M MK. I fragmentation hand grenade. He is wearing a Denison smock, a face veil as a head scarf, wearing binoculars and has an M1907 leather sling on his No. 4 MK. I (T) sniper rifle. Photo by Lieut. Ken Bell (L&AC PA-176821 MIKAN 3257118)
1944-10-09 probably. A sniper of the Calgary Highlanders, probably in Fort Brasschaat, Belgium, October 1944.
Sergeant H. A. Marshall cleaning his No. 4 MK. I (T) sniper rifle’s No. 32 scope.
Corporal S. Kormendy and Sergeant H. A. Marshall cleaning their No. 4 MK. I (T) rifles. Calgary Highlanders.
Calgary Highlanders of QOCHofC sniper platoon at Fort de Brasschaat North of Antwerp by Lt Ken Bell Allegedly a battle photo but I believe these are staged scenes. A man can be seen walking upright at 11 o’clock. The photographer’s angles of view suggest that no one would shoot at him. (TWWW p194)
UNIDENTIFIED Two snipers. One advances while the other one covers him. This MAY be 1944-10-09 the Scout Platoon of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada at Fort de Brasschaat, Belgium
October 1944, probably on the 9th. Scout Platoon of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada in Belgium, North of Antwerp. Probably at Brasschaat. (from “Whatever Men Dare” a history of QOCHofC 1935-1960)
1933-10-09 ? A sniper of the Scout Platoon, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada at Brasschaat, Belgium. DND photo (ref. The Lion Rampant p. 72)
1944-10-09 Cpl. B. B. Arnold, sniper of the Scout Platoon of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada at Fort de Brasschaat, Belgium (L&AC MIKAN 3409534)
1944-10-09 Cpl. G. E. Mallery, a sniper covering other members of the Scout Platoon Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, advancing towards Fort de Brasschaat, Belgium. He is unusual foe a WWII sniper in that he is left-handed. (L&AC MIKAN 3409540)
Sgt H A Marshall w rifle & Cpl S Kormendy w binocs Capellen Belgium 6 Oct 1944 L&AC MIKAN 3596661
1944 Canadian snipers, Belgium. Calgary Highlanders. Cpl. S. Kormendy observing for Sgt.H. A. Marshall 6 Oct 1944 by Ken Bell (L&AC PA-211729 MIKAN 3396273)
Sniper H. A. Marshall aiming while wearing a face veil (HSAS p407)
Canadian sniper aiming his No. 4 MK. I (T) sniper rifle. (L&AC PA136763)
1944-10-09 Approximate date. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. This group of snipers killed 101 enemy up to that date. Cpl. G.E. Mallery; Pte. J. Gray; Cpl B. B. Arnold; Sgt. P. A. Rylaasden (L&AC ________________)
RCEME soldier with a cut-down No. 4 MK. I (T) or No. 4 MK. I* (T). Some people thought it was an Experimental Scout sniper rifle but others do not accept this. (National Archives)
1944-10-19 to 21 Cpl Morgan RWpgR sniper on alert Ijzendijke Netherlands
LAC PA-142107
1945 – Princess Louise Dragoon Guards (PLDG) sniper sighting with a No.4 MK. I (T) Rotterdam, Netherlands. This is likely a posed photo as he has no magazine on the rifle. He also appears to not have a bolt in the rifle! (Photo via A Junier)
1 Canadian Parachute Battalion trio – on right is a sniper – 1CPB Archives via TOS
Detail showing sniper from photo of 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion trio – on right is a sniper – 1CPB Archives via TOS
1 Cananadian Parachute Battalion sniper Pte. R. C. Rushton Roermond, Holland 1945. He has a “Killing Knife” on his left hip. It is an all-black version of the USMC Stiletto. (Out of the Clouds)
1945 January – Three members of 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion in Belgium. Weaons left to right are Bren Gun, No. 4 MK. I(T) sniper rifle (note the leather U.S. M1907 sling) and No. 4 MK. I* rifle. Photo by T/5 J. Runyan (U.S. Signal Corps, Negative 7075.)
About 1945 March 31 . 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion – Some of the soldiers riding on Brtitish armoured vehicle. The man on the left has s No. 4 MK. I (T) sniper rifle, as evidenced by the U.S. M1907 leather sling. Solders (left to right) include Privates E.D. Aziz, P.G. Mulroy, Sgt. G.H. Jickels (I worked with his daughter), Privates L.O. Fuson, J. Humenuiuk, G.M. Brown, R.H. Calton.Photo by Lieut. C. Richer, (Canadian Army photo 48891-N, PA 142610)
1CPB B Coy inspection 1945-04-29 (from Out of The Clouds p199 w ID)
1945-04-07 Arthur Godin, a sniper with Le Regiment de la Chaudiere, Canadian Army at Zutphen, Netherlands. Notice that he is staying back in the room so that the enemy would have a difficult time spotting him. Photo by Lieut. Donald I. Grant B&W (L&AC MIKAN 3524681)
Sniper Lincon and Welland Regt Vught Netherlands 1945 FEB 1 All inflatable wear life rings and man on right is wearing moccasins. This unit went on canoe patrols. L&AC MIKAN 3202801
Sniper of Lincoln and Welland Regt Vught Netherland 1945 JAN 01 L&AC MIKAN 3337836
Snipers from La Regt de la Chaudiere patrol Bergendal, Netherlands 1945 JAN 24. May be sniper section as two men on left and man on right all have sniper rifles. L&AC MIKAN 3524836
1945-01-12 Third Snipers’ Course at Camp Borden, Ontario, Canada. Note the variety of No. 4 (T) rifles. The two rigfles on the left appear to be 2 out of the 350 Long Branch No. 4 MK. I (T) Trade Pattern fitted with the Lyman Alaskan No. 32 TP MK. I scopel then a regular No. 4 MK. I* (T) then a “Scout” Sniper Experimental Long Branch with C No. 67 MK. I scopeand Monte Carlo butt; and the last one appears to be a No. 4 MK. I* (T) with C No. 67 MK. I scope. The men in the back row appear to be Observers who would team up with the snipers. (Private collection CheesyCigar on Milsurps.com )
DETAIL – 1945-01-12 Third Snipers’ Course at Camp Borden, Ontario, Canada. Note the variety of No. 4 (T) rifles. “Scout” Sniper Experimental Long Branch with C No. 67 MK. I scope and Monte Carlo butt; and the last one appears to be a No. 4 MK. I* (T) with C No. 67 MK. I scope. (Private collection CheesyCigar on Milsurps.com)
Range testing the Canadian Long Branch rifle with experimental REL 5X scope. Location unknown. – From The British Sniper p. 184.
Canadian Army Marksmanship poster showing a Canadian sniper and behind him a pioneer from 150 years before.
“MARKSMANSHIP – A CANADIAN TRADITION”
From CATM # 53 Aug 1945
Sniper on left was with the Westminster Regiment. He has an early No. 4 MK. I (T) with low wood for non-existant magazine cut-off and has the eyeshade on the early No. 32 telescope (likely a Mk I, possibly an early MK. II). Centre man has what appears to be a first pattern Canadian holster for the Inglis made No. 2 MK. I* pistol which was not issued until early 1945. The two men on the right are likely Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (black berets and the Westmr. Regt. was in 5th Canadian Armoured Division in WWII. Likely northern Italy or in Holland. – Photo from The Regimental Museum of the Royal Westminster Regiment Historical Society and Museum.
On flickr there is an album of official photos posted by Gary Blakeley. Two of the photos show sniper rifles. The external web site ishere At this time he has 4 albums.The second and fourth albums are of Small Arms Limited at Long Branch where the Lee-Enfield No. 4 rifles and the Sten Gun MK. II were made. The wooden shoulder stock/holster for the Inglis pistol was also made at SAL. The first and third albums are of John Inglis Company which made Browning Machine Guns, Bren Guns and No. 1 and No. 2 pistols (versions of the Browning High Power Model 35).NFB is “National Film Board” of Canada which did a lot of documentary film work. The original photos are held by the Mississauga Histirical Society.
Chinese contract wooden holster for the Inglis No. 1 MK. I pistol.
Long Branch Training Rifle (non-firing). similar in concept to the British Swift Training Rifle apparently.
No. 5 Mk. I “Jungle Carbine” prototype. This model was not manufactured in Canada other than prototype(s).
No. 4 Lightweight . Notice lightening cuts in fore end and butt.
No. 4 MK. I* (T) with a British style mount for No. 32 and No. 67 scopes. It appers to be a No. 32 scope. Butt has British style cheek rest on top and butt plate is standard metal one.
No. 4 MK. I* (T) It looks like a Trade Pattern with Canadian variation of U.S. Griffin & Howe mount and Lyman Alaskan scope but with the Canadian Monte Carlo type butt and rubber butt-pad.
No. 4 MK. I* (T) with what may be a No. 67 MK. I scope and Canadian Monte Carlo cheekiest and rubber butt pad.
No. 4 MK. I* with MK. II simple “L” back sight. This appears to be a standard mid-war production specimen.
This is a well known photo. Imperial War Museum photo NA 9026 56 Division was definitely a BRITISH formation. Canada had 5 Divisions (1,2,3,4 & 5). So at first I thought that because he was in a British division he was British, but he is from Vancouver B.C., 1/2 hour from my home. Kingston on the other hand is still close (in Canadian terms, as it is only 4,488 kilometres away, but still well within Canada. Original caption at IWM reads: “ITALY. FIFTH WARMY (VARIOUS). N.A. 9026. (L/Cpl. A. P. Proctor, a well-known character (of the (56) Division) now with the American Fifth Army, was recently awarded the M.M. for his heroic missions which he carries out along the enemy lines. L/Cpl. Proctor hails from Vancouver, D.C. [sic – should be B.C.] Canada, present address Kingstone, [sic – should be Kingston] Ontario. During his patrols he wears either slippers or just socks, carrying a sniper’s rifle, tommy gun , or knife, which ever is most suitable for the particular patrol. His recent tasks have taken him many miles behind enemy lines to gain information of enemy positions and strengths.) Taken by Sgt. Bowman. 24.11.43 [i.e. 24 Nov. 1943] IWM photo NA 9025 shows Proctor seated and reading a letter, without his rifle.
BRITISH SNIPERS IN WWII
LIFE magazine article on British Sniping School near Alsdershot, England. This must have been a “press day” as LIFE, IWM and “Modern World” all appear to have photos from the same demonstrations. Published October 21, 1940 in the “Season for Sweaters (Sweater Girl)” issue.
LIFE magazine article on British Sniping School near Alsdershot, England. This must have been a “press day” as LIFE, IWM and “Modern World” all appear to have photos from the same demonstrations. Published October 21, 1940 in the “Season for Sweaters (Sweater Girl)” issue.
Sniper with heavy camouflage net lifted. LIFE magazine article on British Sniping School near Alsdershot, England. This must have been a “press day” as LIFE, IWM and “Modern World” all appear to have photos from the same demonstrations. Published October 21, 1940 in the “Season for Sweaters (Sweater Girl)” issue.
Sniper with heavy camouflage net lowered into place. LIFE magazine article on British Sniping School near Alsdershot, England. This must have been a “press day” as LIFE, IWM and “Modern World” all appear to have photos from the same demonstrations. Published October 21, 1940 in the “Season for Sweaters (Sweater Girl)” issue.
LIFE magazine article on British Sniping School near Alsdershot, England. This must have been a “press day” as LIFE, IWM and “Modern World” all appear to have photos from the same demonstrations. Published October 21, 1940 in the “Season for Sweaters (Sweater Girl)” issue.
Front view of a camouflaged sniper.
LIFE magazine article on British Sniping School near Alsdershot, England. This must have been a “press day” as LIFE, IWM and “Modern World” all appear to have photos from the same demonstrations. Published October 21, 1940 in the “Season for Sweaters (Sweater Girl)” issue. Rear view of sniper showing two Lovat Scouts instructors standing out front.
“School for Snipers” in Modern World paper in UK. Circa October 1940? Photos via Dean Bryan
Sniper and observer. No.3 MK. I* (T) rifle and Scout Regiment Telescope. In training, Circa 1941-42. From The British Sniper p. 90
British sniper team training in the Middle East. The sniper is in the foreground with his No. 4 MK. I (T) rifle wrapped, a net scarf over his head, is wearing coveralls and has sandbags on his boots. The Observer has a Scout Regiment Telescope. He is also wearing coveralls and has a net. (IWM E30306)
1942 August 29 A sniper with British glider troops. He was with the 1st Battalion, The Ulster Rifles, 1st Airborne Division. He is aiming on of the very first No. 4 MK.I (T) sniper rifles made and issued. This one was made from an early 1930s Trials No. 4 MK. I made by and converted by, the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield. Note the extra sling swivel on the upper band, the “wasp-waist” early bversion of the Mark I foresight protector and the magazine cut-off. The scope will be a No. 32 MK. I. (Imperial War Museum photo H23360)
Circa 1942. The Commando troops were among the very first to be issued with the new No. 4 MK. I (T) sniper rifles. This photo shows a Commando sniper leaping ashore from a Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) during training, likely in Scotland. He is carrying a No. 4 MK. I (T) sniper rifle, distinguished by the wooden cheek rest, with the scope dismounted. This rifle was made from an early 1930s Trials No. 4 MK. I as shown by the butt disc. (Imperial War Museum photo)
A patrol of the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at Anzio, 20-21 March 1944. The men are lightly equipped, and wear cap comforters and crepe soled patrol boots. (original source unknown)
Moutaineering sharpshooters of the Lovat Scouts taking up pstn during tac ex 1944 Alberta Canada L&AC MIKAN 3223354
1944 Lovat Scouts training in Canada. Mountaineer A Findlay sniper; Mountaineer J MacLean observer. Jasper Alberta. Photo by Harry Rowed. (L&AC MIKAN 4295693)
Caption for photo – 1944 Lovat Scouts training in Canada. Mountaineer A Findlay sniper; Mountaineer J MacLean observer. Jasper Alberta (L&AC MIKAN 4295693)
A sniper of the British Grenadier Guards takes aim in Italy in WWII . He is using an early No. 4 MK. I (T), likely made in 1941. It has the early dome (aka button) cocking piece, low wood for the by then non-existant magazine cut off and an early No. 32 scope (probably MK. I but possibly an early MK. II) with the sliding eyeshade. Interestingly he is using a Bren web sling rather than the leather M1917 sling it would have been issued with. – IWM
British Commandos in Albania during WWII. Man on right has a No. 4 MK. I (T) They are likely with No 2 Commando. (Colin M. Stevens’ Collection)
Sniper on D-Day 1944 JUN 6. Note cheek rest. Sword Beach (D-Day by Badsey p99)
Detail of sniper on D-Day 1944 JUN 6. Note cheek rest. Sword Beach (D-Day by Badsey p99)
Commando officer Peter Young briefs 2 snipers in Normandy in the summer of 1944. Both have rifles. Man in centre also has a Scout Regiment Telescope in case sling on his left side.
5th Welsh Regt on right flank Canadians in Normandy. Man with shortened STEWN Mk. III on right, man with Lee-Enfield No. 4 is likely the sniper with bandolier at the back of his waist. Lt Ken Bell CF&PU (TWWW p144)
This series of photos appears to have been taken by Liuetenant Ken Bell CF&PU. The soldiers appear to be from the 5th Welsh Regiment and on the right flank of the Canadians in Normandy. Man with shortened Sten MK. III in centre, sniper with bandoliers at back of waist in on right. (TWWWn p 144 )
British snipers capture a German SS sniper (1 of 3). Probably in Normandy in the summer of 1944. (The German Sniper 1914-1945 by Peter R. Senich p. 142)
British snipers capture a German SS sniper (2 of 3). Probably in Normandy in the summer of 1944. Note the sniper cheek rest on rifle. SS marked helmet on ground and Sten MK. III. (The German Sniper 1914-1945 by Peter R. Senich p. 143)
British snipers capture a German SS sniper (3 of 3). Probably in Normandy in the summer of 1944. Note the sniper cheek rest on rifle on right. SS marked helmet now on the shoulder of man on left who has the incomplete Sten Gun MK. III. (The German Sniper 1914-1945 by Peter R. Senich p. 143)
Sniper believed to be of the 5th Battalion, The East Yorkshire Regiment of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division cleaning his No. 4 MK. I (T) rifle using a German pull-through while another man sleeps. This Battalion was [part of the 69th Infantry Brigade which was pulled back to the UK in December 1944 so this photo is likely between June 6 1944 and December 1944. (Royal Armouries Library)
Sniper British at Caen France (SAIH from AWM 128643)
British Airborne snipers Arnhem Sept 1944 – photo found in a chimney.
British Airborne snipers Arnhem Sept 1944 – photo found in a chimney – Detail.
1945 JAN 14 – British 6th Airborne Division fighting patrol which includes a young sniper. Ardennes.
1945 JAN 14 – British 6th Airborne Division fighting patrol which includes a young sniper. Ardennes. Providing covering fire if needed, Bren gunner on left and sniper on right
1945 JAN 14 – British 6th Airborne Division fighting patrol which includes a young sniper. Ardennes.
1945 JAN 14 – British 6th Airborne Division fighting patrol which includes a young sniper. Ardennes.
1945 JAN 14 – British 6th Airborne Division fighting patrol which includes a young sniper. Ardennes. Sniper. His magazine is not seated properly and is ready to fall out. By 5 AF&PU. IWM B13676
British 6th Airborne Division fighting patrol. Sniper. His magazine is not seated properly and is ready to fall out.
1945 JAN 14 – British 6th Airborne Division fighting patrol which includes a young sniper. Ardennes.
1945 JAN 14 – British 6th Airborne Division fighting patrol which includes a young sniper. Ardennes.
1945 JAN 14 – British 6th Airborne Division fighting patrol which includes a young sniper. Ardennes. Coming under enemy mortar fire.
1944. British-sniper-Private Sutcliffe seated at a window in Caen, France. Caen is a major city just inland from the D-Day invasion beaches.
1944 British sniper Private Sutcliffe in Caen, France. Second view of him at the window. Very dangerous as his muzzle protrudes and a bush in a window is an very noticeable sighting mark. (from THE BRITISH SNIPER p. 140 by Ian Skennerton)
Still from a wartime documentary film of a sniper.
One suggested way of using the Scout Regiment Telescope MK. II. Note that the observer in inside the room in the shadows. (1946 SNIPING manual, Brtitish Army)
Sniper and dog handler late 1944 no details via Dean Bryan
Sniper of a Para Bn 6 AB Div (Go To It! p150; IWM)
LCpl P Dusty Miller – Black Watch – one of first into Gennep Holland Feb 1945 – From “The 51st Highland Division at War” by Roderick Grant p137 IWM photo
Sniper Brit Sgt K H Roberts Hereford Regt Udem, Germany – (L&AC HSAS p.411)
British observer using his Scout Regiment Telescope (TMSS1914 p28)
British Private Francis Miller. “As the sole survivor of his sniper section, he was universally known as ‘Borrowed Time’. ” (copied from Pinterwest Sam Pouch who got it from ww2incolor.com )
Private Francis Miller, sniper with the 5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, 50th Infantry Division – Edited image
(IWM B11098)
Harry Furness, a British sniper late in WWII . He has his No. 4 MK. I (T) and is wearing a British two-piece windproof camouflage suit. (OON p245)
British sniper class via Leonard Chalk sniper 45 and 46 RM Cds (SAIH p132)
SPECIAL NOTE: The M1C and M1D Garand sniper rifles were developed in 1944. The M1C was put into production but only reached the front lines in the Phillipines in the last days of the war, so it barely qualifies as a WWII sniper rifle. The M1C was used in the Korean War and the M1D was used AFTER the Korean War.
U.S. sniper with an M1903A4 published in March 1945. As noted this would not be a combat position as he is too exposed.
Sniper M1903A4 apparently in Burma WWII
USSR SNIPERS WWII
Lyudmila Pavklichenko sniper poster Canadian Army poster CAMT WWII (Colin M Stevens collection)
THE KOREAN WAR (1950 -1953)
CANADIAN SNIPERS IN THE KOREAN WAR
Ted Zuber was a Canadian Army sniper during the Korean War. He worked up some paintings about the sniping later. In the 1991 Gulf War he was sent as an official Canadian War Artist.
Cover of SLOPPY SAM’S SNIPER SECTION book.
Sloppy Sam himself, Sgt. Don. B. (Sam) Urquhart, in Korea. The rifle is a rare No. 4 MK. I* (T) made by Small Arms Limited, Long Branch (two words) Ontario in 1945. The scope is a C No. 67 MK. I.
Two PPCLI snipers in Korea. (PPCLI Museum)
“Pop” Wheeler (left) from the Pioneer Platoon of 1 PPCLI and his son Jake Wheeler, sniper in Sloppy Sam’s Sniper Section. Jake has a Canadian made No. 4 MK. I* (T) with C No. 67 MK. I scope. Korea, 1952 by Paul E. Tomelin
(L&AC PA 128844 MIKAN 3397766)
Sniper Sergeant Tommy Prince, PPCLI. He served with the FSSF in WWII and the PPCLI in Korea. He was Canada’s most decorated native soldier. p394 HSAS
Two Canadian snipers in Korea. The one on our left has a Canadian made No. 4 MK.I* (T) with a Canadian R.E.L. made C No. 67 MK. I scope. The man on the right has a Canadian made No. 4 MK. I*(T) Trade Pattern with U.S. made Alaskan No. 32 TP MK. I scope. (L&AC PA-213879)
Canadian Sniping & Int Section of 2PPCLI in Korea drinking beerJan 1951 nr Miryong Korea – Harley Welsh MemoryProject
Pte Guy MARION Royal 22nd Regiment (R22R, the Van Doos). Served as a sniper in the Korean War, 1951-2 (ref. his interview on the MemoryProject)
PPCLI Scouts and Sniper Platoon with Brig Rockingham in Korea. No sniper rifles are in evidence. (L&AC MIKAN 4939527)
Korea – PPCLI sniper with a Long branch No. 4 MK. I* (T) rifle, serial number 80L8xxx fitted with an R.E.L. made C No 67 Mk I scope.
Tommy Prince in Korea. the open hand is by Tommy’s head.
Snipers of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada (Black Watch) in Korea 1953. (Photo credit Canada’s BLACK WATCH An Illustreated History of the Regular Force Battalions 1951 – 1970 by Simon Falconer 2008 p. 47)
K2PPCLI Lt.Col. :Big Jim” Stone and Lieut. A. P. MacK______. Published Vancouver BC March 16 1951. The Lieutenant is carrting a No. 4 Mk. I* (T) Trade Pattern CLong Branch sniper rifle slung over his shoulder.
Recommended reading: “SLOPPY SAM’S SNIPER SECTION Korea 1951 – 1952 by the late Don B. (Sam) Urquhart (2007) Privately published in 2007, only 500 copies. Now very rare.
I have asked his widow for the master copies of the photos so as to share them with researchers and collectors as the image resolution in the book is not very high.
Sites to look for on the Internet:
“Veteran Stories: Guy Marion, Army – Sniper with R22R in Korea. Search the Internet for: The Memory Project Stories 2588 (no link is provided as it its not a secure web site).
Ted Zuber, Canadian Korean War Sniper and later an official Canadian War Artist in the Gulf War. He has a web site zubergallery dot com (no link is provided as it its not a secure web site).
“Veteran Stories: Harley Welsh, Army, Intelligence Section 2PPCLI in Korea. Not a sniping story but he served alongside the snipers.
POST KOREAN WAR (1953 to Present)
CANADIAN SNIPERS – POST-KOREAN WAR
1970 approx FNC1 or C1A1 w C1 scope sniper Training, Camp Ipperwash Ontario (L&AC MIKAN 4235659)
1970 approx FNC1 or C1A1 w C1 scope sniper Training, Camp Ipperwash Ontario (L&AC MIKAN 4235658)
C3A1 sniper rifle in service in Afghanistan with the Canadian Army in 2002.
Sniper course England, April 1956 (Malcolm Fox as shown in OON p278)
A Royal Marine sniper with L42A1, Scout Regiment Telescope MK. IIs, Browning pistol (likely No. 2 MK. I* made by Inglis) and M16A1 (presumably) (presumably) with Starlight scope. Set up in the attic in Andersontown district of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Photo from Royal Marines Museum, Eastney, England.
SAS sniper prior to going to the Crater in Aden. The rifle is a No4 MKI T though incorrectly identified in the book as an L42A1. – Barry Davies
British sniper in Aden in 1964 aiming his No. 4 MK. I (T). He has a Case No. 8 MK. 2 slung to hold the No. 32 MK. 3 scope and its mounting bracket when they are not on the rifle. M1907 leather sling on the rifle. He has an unusual cartridge belt and he also has a clasp knife hanging down on the right side from a lanyard. (TMSS1914 p45)
Lance Corporal John Tilley, Royal Marines in the Crater area, Aden, June 1967. He is equipped with a No. 4 MK. I (T) .303″ sniper rifle. (from the book KILL SHOT p116)
SAS sniper circa 1960s No4 (T) alongside L1A1 and 7.62mm Brens. Date and location unknown. (Photo via Alex Docie, Vintage Military Sniper Rifles forum on Facebook)
L42A1 in Guns of the Elite – Geo Markham
British Special Air Service (SAS) sniper in Oman in the 1970s with an L42A1 7.62mm sniper rifle. The cloth (groundsheet?) under the muzzle was likely to present the muzzle blast from stirring up a dust cloud which would reveal the sniper’s position. I do not know if photo was B&W or Colour originally.
L42A1 SAS in Oman by Bruce Niven
p83 This is the SAS by T Geraghty
SAS sniper with L42A1 and M79 Grenade Launcher in Dhofar in the mid-1970s.
L42A1 with Individual Weapon Sight (IWS) From The British Sniper p167
SAS man training with an L42A1 Lee-Enfield sniper rifle (Source: SAS – Barry Davies)
Gurkha sniper aiming his L42A1, apparently during preparations for the British recapturing the Falkland Islands.
NEW LINK 2019-07-15 British Army film “THE SNIPERS” film # C.1285 which appears to have been filmed in the 1960s as they are carrying both Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I and FN L1A1 SLR rifles. This training film is on YouTube in two parts.
Sgt. Wedei Huizen of the Netherlands with an M1C Garand while on United Nations duty during the Korean War. (IWM)
USMC sniper team with an M1C 1st Marine Division in Korea (From 14-351 Milsurps )
USMC sniper in bush T/Sgt John E Boitnott. (Milsurps 13-323)
U.S. sniper Boitnott in Korea armed with an M1C sniper rifle fitted with an M81 or M82 Lyman scope.
US sniper Boitnott with M1C in Korea (boitnottkorea1rtub4-1)
No. 4 (T) SNIPER RIFLES IN UNUSUAL SERVICE
Lee-Enfield No. 4 (T) that was captured and which is being carried by a German soldier. Date 1944-1945? Location Unknown but probably North-West Europe. It is also possible that photo is of modern re-enactors.
U.S. Special Forces Major David Shepherd Jr. with a No. 4 Mk. I(T) in Vietnam Shelby Stanton picture Maj J L Plaster in THE HISTORY OF SNIPING AND SHARPSHOOTING
Canadian Army Marksmanship poster showing a Canadian sniper and behind him a pioneer from 150 years before. “MARKSMANSHIP – A CANADIAN TRADITION” From CATM # 53 Aug 1945 (Colin M Stevens’ Collection.) I also have an original colour poster.
