Classic .303 Lee-Enfield, Australia 1941

The .303 Lee-Enfield is a bolt-action rifle that was widely used by the British Empire and Commonwealth countries during the first half of the 20th century. It was the standard-issue rifle for Australian troops during World War II.

The Lee-Enfield rifle originated in the United Kingdom and was developed in the late 19th century. The .303 refers to the caliber of the rifle, which fires a .303 British cartridge. The Lee-Enfield was known for its reliability, accuracy, and robustness, making it a popular choice among soldiers.

In Australia, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory produced the .303 Lee-Enfield rifles during World War II. The Lithgow factory, located in New South Wales, began production in 1912 and continued manufacturing rifles until 1957. The rifles produced in Australia were designated as the "No.1 Mk III" and "No.1 Mk III*," with the latter being a simplified version introduced to speed up production during the war.

The .303 Lee-Enfield played a significant role in Australia's military history, being used by Australian soldiers in various theaters of World War II, including North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. The rifle was highly regarded for its ruggedness, reliability, and the stopping power of the .303 British round.

Today, the .303 Lee-Enfield rifles are popular among collectors, firearms enthusiasts, and historical reenactors. They are recognized as iconic firearms of the early to mid-20th century and serve as a reminder of Australia's military heritage during World War II.