Just noticed 2 other things 1. the eye piece is extendable so that indicates focusing, so it is a telescope, and there is a lens cap on the other end. And 2. The NPF is inside a shell outline. So it is clearly an artillery instrument.

As for what the object is.Well it clearly has two spirit levels on the top (left-right and fore-aft) and three theodolyte type feet, and an eyepiece at one end, and a compass under the monocular, which is on a swivel mount. So it's clearly a range-finder or land assessment device of some short. Espe...

NPF=National Projectile Factory. The Ministry of Munitions of course supervised all the factories that were producing munitions. Here's a link to a doc that lists them all http://74.125.77.132/search?q=cache:nq0lR5GK5XQJ:www.firstworldwar.bham.ac.uk/notes/A%2520List%2520of%2520National%2520Factories...

Yes, but surprisingly it's really only a problem when firing blanks. I used the SLR left handed as well of course & only ever had problems "facially" when firing blanks. The problem for lefties firing blanks is two-fold 1. The slightly lower charge and thus velocity of blanks tends to ...

Cheers Gunner. Oh yea, we had bunjies too & we could buy & wear our own high boots of our choice for everyday Sqn tasks, range work and exericses. But when it came to official stuff like course runs, visits to other stations and parades it was always back to the low issued DMS boots and putt...

Thanks, yea, I think it gives the outfit a kind of timeless,could be anywhere and anywhen in the world. :D I'll tell you something though that Sam Browne has seen some action. I had 3 uncles in the Irish Army in the 50s & 60s. This particular belt belonged to my Aunt Mary's husband Tom who toget...

Yes, I'm sure you're quaking in your boots Soldier Girl

I don't even know what that is "across the fan dance" ?...But when I did it in 82 at RAF Hullavington it was a 6 mile run every day for three weeks with full kit (including camp bed, sleeping bag and LAW). And in the old low DMS boots. :D ....none of those comfortable high boots with stitc...

How's the TG going then Tommy?
When I did what was then called Gunner Trade Training at the Regiment Depot at RAF Catterick about 30 years ago it was only 12 or was it 15 weeks..I can't remember exactly. Suffice to say 29 sounds like a lot and is double or more than double what we did way back when.

Cheers Tom, and you probably spotted the "trying-to-look-mean-to-scare the-recruits-while-trying-not-to-laugh" look.

Been away a while, so I thought I'd come back with a couple of exercise photos, taken somewhere in Sweden...recently.My Swedish MoD agency trains Swedish govt field staff for humanitarian operations. My old RAF Regiment beret came in handy, along with one of my uncle's Irish Army Sam Brown belts, ad...

Hyperlithe wrote:I know that sounds corny

Not at all, I've always loved that piece. And even moreso since it was played at a fellow officer's funeral about 15 years ago.

Never a problem in my day. And remember that probably now as it was back in my day some guys stay on base all weekend anyway.

Ralph Vaughan Williams
John Betjeman
Kate Bush
William Blake
The Swedish winter and the London autumn
Elgar
Morrissey
Jethro Tull
The Stranglers
Running in the woods

To name but a few

Pilgrim Norway wrote:?

Define 'Common'

It means usual! And it's a very common word. I.e. What is the usual (issued)sniper rifle used, is what the OP is asking.