Item ST 38281 Parapet Rifle Rest - World War I, 1915

Summary

Rifle rest for firing a S.M.L.E. (Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield) rifle over the parapet of a trench using a periscope to sight. Developed during World War I at Gallipoli. This model workshop-made, probably in France or Great Britain.

'Gallipoli Sniper: The life of Billy Sing' (John Hamilton, 2008) describes the experience of snipers such as Billy Sing at Gallipoli, and the development of new technologies to cope with the conditions in that battle zone.

Physical Description

Painted olive green with number 2252 painted in white on the rest and the detachable periscope.