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Looking for information/clarification.
The sources I've read indicate that the infantrymen's basic ammo load for the CDN and other commonwealth contries for WWII was 50 rounds of 303. Now realizing that basic load and actual loads are two different things I'm wondering why only 50 rounds? It would seem like an incredibly small amount, especially for the Lee-Enfield. A weapon that was and is renowned for its fast smooth bolt action. Trained troops, and WWI 1914 comes to mind, could put out such a large volume of stained aimed fire that the Germans thought they were facing machine guns. Even green troops, who are less likely to practice fire conservation can put out a heavy volume of fire.
I can't see it as weight restrictions. I would chuck food and other non-essentials first. Was it a bean counters decision, or did someone decide that as the two universal pouches could only accommodate 50 rounds that's all that was needed?
My question is twofold. 1). Does anyone know why 50 rounds was chosen as the basic ammo load?
2). How much 303 ammo did the "average" riflemen actually carry in N/W Europe?
The sources I've read indicate that the infantrymen's basic ammo load for the CDN and other commonwealth contries for WWII was 50 rounds of 303. Now realizing that basic load and actual loads are two different things I'm wondering why only 50 rounds? It would seem like an incredibly small amount, especially for the Lee-Enfield. A weapon that was and is renowned for its fast smooth bolt action. Trained troops, and WWI 1914 comes to mind, could put out such a large volume of stained aimed fire that the Germans thought they were facing machine guns. Even green troops, who are less likely to practice fire conservation can put out a heavy volume of fire.
I can't see it as weight restrictions. I would chuck food and other non-essentials first. Was it a bean counters decision, or did someone decide that as the two universal pouches could only accommodate 50 rounds that's all that was needed?
My question is twofold. 1). Does anyone know why 50 rounds was chosen as the basic ammo load?
2). How much 303 ammo did the "average" riflemen actually carry in N/W Europe?