Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III* Rifle and Bayonet : Private J F Quinn, 22 Battalion, AIF

Place Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Albert Bapaume Area, Pozieres Area, Pozieres
Accession Number RELAWM00564
Collection type Technology
Object type Firearm
Physical description Cotton webbing, Metal, Wood
Date made 1916
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mark III* Rifle and Bayonet. The rifle and broken bayonet are rusted together. The butt is broken across the top and has the name 'J Quinn' scratched on the left side. The bolt is jammed (rusted) half open and the magazine is missing. The stock is damaged and shows signs of being buried in mud. Part of a webbing sling is attached to the rear sling swivel. The blade of the hooked quillon Pattern 1907 bayonet has been broken off about five inches from the crossguard.

History / Summary

This rifle and broken bayonet was found in O.G.1(Old German 1 trench line) at Pozieres after the 2nd Australian Division's attack on 4-5 August 1916. The rifle has the name 'J. Quinn' scratched on the butt. This is believed to be 2355 Private John Francis Quinn of the 22nd Battalion who was killed in action on 5 August 1916 at Pozieres. He was reported missing in action on 5 August and was later recorded as killed in action by a court of enquiry held in November 1917. His body was never recovered and his name is recorded on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.