SMLE trench periscope

[Guest Fred Karno's Army]

I suppose this is the right section for this ?

A form of periscope rifle was invented in May 1915 during the Gallipoli campaign by a British-born Australian soldier, Lance Corporal William Beech, a builder's foreman in civilian life.Beech was at time serving in the 2nd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force (AIF). The device allowed a soldier to aim and fire a rifle from a trench, without being exposed to enemy fire.Beech modified a standard Lee–Enfield .303 rifle with a board and mirror periscope, horizontally aligned to the sights of the rifle, as well as a string to pull the trigger, which allowed the rifle to be fired from beneath the line of fire. According to the testimony of John Adams, a private who served with Beech, the idea came to Beech after the dramatic experience of seeing the bodies of fellow soldiers shot through the head.

 This is a reproduction one we have in the exhibition.

[Desert Rat]

Hello Paul,

 

Very nice images of this and to have one in your Museum is even better. I wouldn't want to carry that piece of furniture around every day though through the waterlogged, muddy trenches!....Best to you