As with the vast array of uniform and equipment items issued, the 13th received a number of issues of different firearms. The weapon, which we use in our living history group, is the British Number 1 Mark III Enfield. This was the primary weapon issued to the 13th DBLE by the British. We use this as our official unit weapon for several reasons. The first is that this weapon has the most fluidity in terms of usage in the 13th's different campaigns. The unit was issued with No.1 MK3 Enfields in England in 1940. These would remain in use throughout the North Africa campaign. Photographs show these Enfields still in use in Italy in 1944, with American uniforms and equipment. There is little evidence of the MAS 36 or antiquated Lebel Rifles still in use by this time. The 13th did also receive American Model 1917 Enfields, as well as M1903 Springfields, and assumingly a few M1 Garands, and Carbines, but these were not in use in the North African Campaign, and it is also not clear how widely they were used in Europe. The second issue is cost. Between the above weapons, the No.1 Mk.3 Enfield is the cheapest to purchase. Thirdly, the Enfield is the most convenient, i.e. try finding blanks for a MAS 36. However, although the Enfield is our official weapon, a complete outline of the weapons used by the 13th would not be complete if it stopped there, so below is a list of all weapons, which were issued to the 13th, and the approximate time they were distributed. Handguns are permitted for use with prior unit approval.

NORWAY 1940

The primary weapon of the campaign in Norway was the MAS 36. A few left over Lebel Rifles were also in use. Revolvers in use were the Mle. 1935A and 1935S or the Model 1892 Lebel Revolver.

MAS 36