< Previous34 T H E R I F L E M A N June, 1943. THE SWIFTRAIN ORGANISATION PIONEERS OF PSYCHOTECHNICAL SYNTHETIC WEAPON TRAINING The purpose of the Swiftrain Organisation is to simplify Weapon Training and thus save TIME, MONEY and MATERIAL for the WAR EFFORT Synthetic Weapons in Production include : (1) THE TRAINING RIFLE. Which positively enables trainees without expenditure of ammunition (a) Master the arts of marksmanship (b) Maintain the standard reached (c) Become proficient in Fire Control Orders (2) THE ST.A.W. MACHINE GUN TRAINER. Electrically operated and modelled on LIGHT. MEDIUM and HEAVY Service Machine Guns The Target layout is comprehensive and provides progressively for— (a) Initial and advanced training (b) Maintenance of standard reached (c) Fire Control Orders Direct (3) THE SWIFTRAIN GRENADE. Inspires confidence in the handling of explosives—accustoms men .to the noise of burst—when exploded does not damage the outer casing of the grenade ASSOCIA TED COMP ANIES THE SWIFT RIFLE CO. LTD. FREDERICK J. MINNS & CO, LTD. Head Office : 67/68, ST. ALDATE'S, OXFORD Telephones : OXFORD 2003, 48908, 2039 Telegrams : SWIFTRAIN, OXFORD T H E S . T . A . W . C O . , L T D . LEADING PERSONALITIES z. DE L. BAKANOWSKI, P.M.C., K.S.R. General Manager of the S.R. Co. Ltd.. M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r o f t h e S . T. A . W . C o . L t d . Director of F. J. Minns & Co. Ltd. The inventive inspiration of the Organisation. F R E D E K I C K J . M I N N S Managing Director of F. j. Minns & Co. Ltd. VIce-Chalrman of the S.R. Co. Ltd. D i r e c t o r o f t h e S . T. A . W . C o . L t d . Expert in overcoming the complexities of War-Time production. A M A R K S M A N I N S I X H O U R S H a v e Y o u S e e n t h i s F i l m ? WRITE OR TELEPHONE FOR PARTICULARS TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS OR TO OUR LONDON OFFICE. 37/38, ST. JAMES- PLACE, L O N D O N , S . W . I . ( T E L E P H O N E R E G E N T 2 1 0 0 . ) WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKJune, 1943. 35 Tips for CI short article is intended for the Secretaries of I new clubs who have become affiliated to the S.M.R.C. to assist them and to point out to them tips which in my humble opinion are necessary if a complete history of the club is to be kept, so that each succeeding secretary has at once a true record of the c l u b ' s a c t i v i t i e s s i n c e i t s f o r m a t i o n . The Honorary Secretary's duties consists of making a true record of all the meetings of the club, both the committee and annual meetings. He should have a club committee to assist him, which as a rule is appointed at the annual meeting each year ; in addition it is advisable to also have a hon. treasurer, who takes all the money worries off the secretary's hands, keeps the balance sheet and presents the same for adoption at the annual meeting. The Secretary should call a committee meeting at least once a month in peace time, but during the war this is often left to the discretion of the hop. secretary, who will only call a full committee meeting if the same is urgently needed. My own club has solved this difficulty by appointing an Emergency Committee of live members, who are called together to discuss anything of an urgent nature -and, owing to duty, the full committee meet only once a year, generally prior to the annual meeting of the club. From the above it will be seen that the club if it is to be run with success, must chose a person who will devote practically all his or her spare time to the position and, at the same time, have a sense of humour, and combine this with tact and common sense coupled with an enormous amount of patience ; a person who possesses these all- round qualities will be hard to find, I know, but once found i Secretary is the mainspring of the club's life. The S.M.R.C., of course, are willing and anxious to assist any club secretary. In this connection I would like to bring to the notice of all the new club secretaries an excellent aid sold by the S.M.R.C. in peace time. Tliis is a book entitled " Rifle Club Accounts," and although out of print at the present time they intend to resume publication of this excellent book at an early date. The above book is a combined club membership book, account book and ammunition register, and I for one can heartily recommend it to all n e w s e c r e t a r i e s o f r i fl e c l u b s . The question of what documents a club secretary should keep if a complete record of the club's activities are intended is of course left to the discretion of each individual, and I am just going to name a few which I keep for future reference. The first one on the list is, of course, the Club Committee minute book, then an annual meeting book, in which are recorded all the business of both of these most important meetings. A Firearms Register is a most important document, and should be kept up to date, showing all the firearms the club possesses along with the number of each rifle. The others in order of merit I put down as follows :— Ammunition Register. To be checked weekly. Record of all shooting matches shot shoulder to shoulder . Record of all Club Competitions, both annual and others. Average scores of all shooting members, weekly. Stocktaking Register, inventory of all stock and furniture, including telescopes, stands, rubber mats, cartridge blocks, etc. Taken yearly. Application forms for the purchase, sale and hire of firearms. Application forms for Firearms Certificate. Application forms for renewal of members' Firearms Certificates. Register of all the club members, containing the name, postal address, telephone number if any, and date of joining the club. Record book of all the members who have qualified for the award of the S.M.R.C. Marksman Badges and Master-Shots, with the date of winning same and the scores made. Application forms of the S.M.R.C. for highest possible score certificates. Marksman Badges and Master- Shots. If any complaints are made to the club secretary, and they cannot be settled by him, these should be placed on the agenda for next committee meeting for such action as may be deemed necessary. Any action taken by the secretary effecting the welfare of the club should be endorsed by the committee at the first meeting following. The S.M.R.C. will do all in their power to assist, so write if you are in any difficulty to the Secretary of the Society for advice or assistance. G. B. Pitts, Hon. Secretary, Leeds City Police R.C. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK36 T H E R I F L E M A N June, 1943. National Rifle Association The London General Meeting of the N.R.A. was held Whitehall, London, on 24th March, 1943. The Chairman, Lieut.-Colonel Sir Philip W. Richardson in moving the adoption of the Report and Accounts for the year 1942, said that the Bisley ranges had been used extensively by the Home Guard. He stressed the im portance of rifle shooting in preparing to resist aggression, such as that to which the world is now being subjected, which inight occur again after this war. It was necessary to continue the encouragement, particularly among the youth of the country, of rifle shooting. In referring to the requisition of buildings, etc., at Bisley Camp the Chair man said that although of course the N.R.A. property was being used for a very excellent purpose the fact remained that the butts were being shot to pieces and the firing points and roads were being badly knocked about and the ques tion would arise as to who was to pay the cost of re-in- statement. After some questions from Mr. E. Polden, the Report and Accounts were adopted. Major Etches, for many years the popular Secretary of the N.R.A. was elected a Vice-President. Mr. E. Polden made some criticism of the N.R.A. and suggested that the Council should seriously consider the formation of a policy for the future. He thought that the N.R.A. had a golden opportunity at present to " capi talise " all the Home Guard members who were using the Bisley ranges, and all the County Associations and ranges if they existed. What was the N.R.A. doing with regard to furthering Home Guard training ? He thought that the meeting should consider what suggestions it should put to the Council concerning the future of the Associa tion in connection with fostering civilian rifle shooting in this country. The Chairman, in the course of his reply, said that one difficulty with which the Council had to contend was that they did not know when they would be able to start again, nor what they would have at their disposal, nor did they know with what kind of rifle they were going to shoot, nor whether the Home Guard would continue in its present form, but he was all in favour of discussion on these and other points. After some remarks by Major T. S. Smith, Major E. G. Munro, Vice Chairman, said that in 1940 a small Committee was set up and the first things it had to consider were, what result would the war have on private pockets, what attitude was the Government going to take, and in what situation would the country be after the war ? They had, therefore, to draw up, not one or two, but three or four alternative policies and they were working hard on that now. He did not know whether it was policy to say so but they were hoping they might get a Treasury grant, and if they did so, they had a programme ready to fit it. If they did not get a Treasury grant, they had also a programme ready which they hoped to fill the position. If the Home Guard remained there was another programme and they had a fourth programme drawn up if they did not. Until it was known which programme could be used it was not the time to discuss either of them, but hundreds of hours had been put in by this small Committee. After some further discussion. The Chairman said that Mr. Polden's remarks would receive careful considera tion. As Major Munro had said they were considering matters very carefully, but they could not publish until next year's Report the result of the Committee's work, nor could they circulate it to the members even if they wished to do so. He asked the members to assist them by sending in suggestions. MAJOR C. E. ETCHES, C.B., O.B.E. Many members of the S.M.R.C. who knew Major Etches, will warmly applaud his election as a Vice-President of the N.R.A. Their only wonder will be why that happy thought and action has been delayed so long after his retirement from the secretaryship of the N.R.A. in 1938. But it is not unusual to take for granted good service rendered unostentatiously and not fully realised until lost. It is now remembered that for 18 years from 1920 which marked a period of depression and difficulty unexampled in shooting history due to political pacifism and public indifference, he strived and succeeded in maintaining the activities and prestige of the N.R.A. Certainly it was in some measure due to his unbiassed outlook and encourage ment that the National Small-bore Rifle Meeting was inaugurated in 1922 at Bisley under the joint auspices of the N.R.A. and the S.M.R.C. This rapprochement between the two bodies had been overdue for their functions were always complementary. It commenced an era of mutual helpfulness by which not only the members of the res pective Associations came together, but also the officials. In this way Major Etches became well known to our members. His Army and shooting career is as below and is so impressive that his return to reconstructive work in post-war activities would be most welcome to us all. Army Champion, 1901-02, gold jewel ; 98, 96, 99, bronze jewel. Army Rifle and Revolver VIII, 1895, 6, 7, 9, 1901, 04, 05. Joined 6th Regt. (The Royal Warwickshire) from Sandhurst 1892. Nile Expedition, wounded, des patches, two medals and clasp, 1898. Lt.-Instructor Hythe 1899. S. Africa 1899-1900. Captain, 1900. D.A.A.G., Base, 1900. Instructor, Hythe, 1901-06. Re signed 1906. Great War, General Staff Eastern Command, 1914-15. Major, 1915. Cdt. Eastern Command School, Hythe, 1916-18. Chief Instructor, Hythe,- 1919-20. N.R.A. Journal Competition The N.R.A. Journal .22 Rifle Competition for Home Guard and Cadets fired during the months of January and February was won by L/Cpl. R. A. Levermore of the Royal Grammar School J.T.C. G u i l d f o r d , w h o s e p r i z e i s a n N . R .A . L i f e M e m b e r s h i p a n d 2 0 s . Sgt. C. W. Lomas, 21st West Riding Home Guard, and L/Cpl. D. G. Sofle, THh Lanarkshire Home Guard, also scored the highest possible 50 points. The tie was decided by a special gauge used by the Organising Official, whose decision is final. Mr. C. W. Lomas is a member of the Wood Top Rifle Club, which has done so well in S.M.R.C. Leagues. Other prize winners well known to our readers are H. W. Loveday, secretary of the Keelby Institute R.C., D. E. Lewis, the Mountain Ash marksman, and P. G. R i c h a r d s o n , o u r C o u n c i l a n d E x e c u t i v e C o m m i t t e e m e m b e r a n d Captain of the Wimbledon Park R.C. V. H. Somers is the first and only man to have scored the highest possible aggregate in season's City of London Rifle League matches, shooting for the Embank ment R.C. The full list of prize-winners is as follows 1 L/Cpl. R. A. Levermore, Royal Grammar School J.T.C., Guildford (N.R.A. Life Membership and 20s.), 50. 2 Sgt. C. W. Lomas, 21st West Riding H.G. (N.R.A. Book Prize and 20s.), 50. 3 L/Cpl. D. G. Soll'e, 27th County of London H.G. (N.R.A. Book Prize and 17s. 6d.), 50. 4 Pie. G. Holah, 8th Lindsey H.G. (N.R.A. Book Prize and 15s.), 48. 5 Cpl. R. Barker, 21st West Riding H.G. (N.R.A. Book WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKJune, 1943. T H E R I F L E M A N 37 I nze and I2s. 6d.), 48. 6 Licul. H. W. Lovcday, 8th Lindscy H.G. (10s.), 48. 7 Sgt D. E. Lewis, Isl Glamorgan H.G. (IDs.), 48. 8 Lieut. R. K. Hudson, 28th County ol Lancaster H.G. (10s.). 48; Ptc. G. A. Smith, 8th Surrey H.G. (10s.), 48. 10 2/Lt. N. J. Marsh, 10th StalTordshire H.G. (lOs.), 48. 11 Sgt. P. G. Richardson. .54th Surrey H.G. (7s. 6d.), 46; Ptc. H. J. Coleman, 27th South StalVordshirc H.G. (7s. 6d.), 7,"- ,.1.^ H. Somers, 7th County of Lancaster H.G. (7s. 6d.), 46; L/Cpl. H K SutchlTe, 21st West Riding H.G. (7s. 6d.), 46. 15 Amr./Sgt. W. H. GrinUhs, 27th County of London H.G. (7s. 6d.). 46. 16 Cdt. A. N. D.ilman. Roval Grammar ?o i Guildford (5s.). 46. 17 Lieut. B. Sabey, 54ih Surrey H.G. (5s.), 46. 18 L/Cpl. J. R. Neville, Barnsley Grammar School A.C.C. (5s.), 46; Major H. C. Patrick, 2nd Surrey H.G. (5s.), 46. 20 L/Cpl. R. Jobson. 2nd Surrev H.G. (5s.). 46. 21 Major H. Holmes, " F" Zone H.Q. H.G. (2s. 6d.), 46; Lieut. J. WagstatT, 41st Lancashire H.G. (2s. 6d.), 46. 2.^ L/Cpl. F. Gibbson, 4th Cambridgeshire A.C.C. (2s. 6d.), 46. 24 Pie. T. C. Bryant. 2nd Surrey H.G. (2s. 6d.), 45. 25 Cpl. G. W. Gnmn. 2nd Surrey H.G. (2s. 6d.), 45. R E S E R V E P R I Z E S F O R O P E N S I G H T S . 1 Cpl. J. Harper. Ampthill and District A.C.C. (7s. 6d.), 24. 2 Cpl. E. Hutley 4th Cambridgeshire A.C.C. (5s.), 23. 3 Cdt. D. Hunt, Amp'thill and District A.C.C. I2s. 6d.), 10. S P E C I A L P R I Z E S F O R C A D E T S I C.S.M. G. L. Seager. 1st Cadet Bn. The Queen's (2s. 6d.), 44. 2 Cdt. J. P. Hack, Royal Grammar School J.T.C.. Guildford (2s. 6d.). 44. 3 L/Cpl. B. P. Clarke! Royal Grammar School J.T.C., Guildford, (2s. 6d.). 44. Another series of the competition is arranged to be fired during April and May. The General Vesey N.R.A. Pistol Trophy Competition for Home Guards In view of the fact that the War Office has decided to make an issue of .455 pistol ammunition for the training of Home Guard units, it has been decided, from the December session of the Vesey Trophy Competition to allow the use of any pistol or revolver taking ammunition from .22 to .455. Owing, however, to the difficulty of scoring a large number of big bore shot-holes on one target,' it will be necessary, where units elect to use a weapon of larger bore than .22, to issue two targets to each member of the team using the large bore. A team may use any weapon, or combination of weapons, but the weapon used must be decided on at the time of entry and targets will be issued accordingly. Winners of Pistol Rating medals ;— Month. March April May Name. Mr . G. W . CalTerata Mr . G. W . Caflerata .Mr. R. Priestley Col. G. Gould Mrs. B. Moorshead Club. Class. Caf fcrata "B" C a fl e r a t a " A " Calfcrata *'C" H a m a n d P e t e r s h a m " A " T w i c k e n h a m A " A Meeting of Sharpshooters Two very interesting parchments have been sent to us by a Glasgow lady who found them when looking through some papers in a box that had belonged to her great-grandfather, Peter Mackenzie, of ,the ReforDie/s' Gazette, and writer of " Reminiscences of Glasgow and the W est of Scotland." One parchment consists of the " Resolutions of the Old Guard of Glasgow." A meeting was held at Glasgow " within the Queen's Royal Hotel, the 8th day of February, 1860, at 2 o'clock, p.m.," and those who attended had all been enrolled in " the Ancient Corps of Volunteers in Glasgow, and particularly of the Glasgow Regiment of Sharpshooters embodied in 1819." When the'^National Anthem and other inspiring strains had been played, Robert Reid, Esq. (the venerable Senex), proposed, and William Hamilton, Esq., formerly Lord Provost of Glasgow, seconded, that William Smith, Esq., of Carbeth Guthrie (another former Lord Provost) should be called to the chair . The resolution, then moved by Hugh Barclay, LL.D., Sheriff-substitute of Perthshire, and seconded by John Strang, LL.D., Chamberlain of the City of Glasgow, and " carried uananimously with great cheering," was " That the gentlemen present have much pleasure in treasuring up and bringing to recoiiection the impor tant and interesting duties of driii, rifle practice, and manoeuvres of the regiment, and the lasting friendships formed under their embodiment as The Glasgow Sharp shooters during the reign of his revered Majesty King George the Third." Another resolution was that the gathering rejoiced " at the patriotic and martial spirit prevalent throughout Britain at the present day." The other parchment consists of a letter, read by Mr. Peter Mackenzie, received from Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Smith, Bt., the Hero of Allewal, etc. It was " read to the assembled meeting of The Old Guards of Glasgow, and received with rapturous applause." Sir Harry wrote' to his " Dear Old Comrade—Mr. Mackenzie " :—■ " Remember the Glasgow Sharpshootersl They were raised much under my miiitary auspices and advice. Driiied by the sergeants of the Rifle Brigade, in one month, they were soldiers, adapted for any home service whatever—could march, shoot, and be silent." They must have been fast workers in those days.— Glasgow Herald. WEST OF SCOTLAND SMALL-BORE RIFLE ASSOCIATION FOUR TH ANNUAL OPEN PRIZE MEETING The above Association is again holding its ANNUAL OPEN PRIZE MEETING on the CROFTFOOT RIFLE RANGE, GLASGOW HOME GUARD AND SERVICES SECTION. Saturday, 7th August, 1943, from 10 a.m. till 9 p.m. Sunday, 8th August, 1943, from 11 a.m. till 8 p.m. Closing dates for entries, 31st July, 1943. CIVILIAN SECTION. Saturday, 14th August, 1943, from 10 a.m. till 8 p.m. Sunday, 15th August, 1943, from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. Programmes and further information can be supplied by Mr. McGillivray, 22, Thorncroft Drive, Glasgow, S.4, Secretary for the Meeting, and to Mr. A. A. Smith, 51, Lammermoor Avenue, Glasgow S.W .2. * By kind permission of the S.M.R.C. the following trophies will be competed for. " The Earl Haig" Scottish Individual Open Championship Squadded. The " Oxo " Cup for the Inexpert Aggre- "Regiment Cup"—The Ladies' Championship. The Pullar ' Targe for the Small-Borc Open Meeting Team Champion ship of Scotland. It is hoped that all riflemen who can spare the time from present urgent and important war duties will attend the meeting, and so wisure Its success, and once again enjoy the pleasures of a " Happy Family " at this annual event. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK38 T H E R I F L E M A N June, 1943. Extracts from the R.U S.I. Journal, February, 1943 By courtesy of the R.U.S.I. Journal T H E M I D D L E E A S T C A M P A I G N S Politics are also covered by the query. There was no major military problem in the Middle East that had not a political implication and these were often complicated. It was not always easy to understand our Allies, but I have no doubt they found us British difficult. To show you the difficulty of our understanding one another, I might tell you of an incident when a French officer came up to a Major- General in the British Army and, looking at his badges of rank, said " It is so easy to understand the badges of rank of English officers. I see you have one pip ; that shows you are a Second Lieutenant. Then you have crossed knives, and that shows that you are in the meat department of the Army Service Corps." G E N E R A L W A V E L L ' S C Y R E N A I C A C A M P A I G N . The essence of success was surprise. That necessitated secrecy -and, as far as the Army was concerned, hardly anybody knew about it at G.H.Q., except myself and one or two other staff officers. Only one operation order was issued in writing by the Army Commander,. General O'Connor, and almost everything was done verbally. Officers and men who were to carry out the operation were not told till the very last minute. So secret were the arrange ments that when the Ambassador asked the Egyptian Prime Minister whether he had heard of the proposed offensive he replied : " No, I did not even hear a rumour, a thing unknown in the history of Egypt." As a result of this great secrecy, the attack was a complete surprise to the Itahans who were carying out a relief. T H E O C C U P A T I O N O F S Y R I A . But it was not until after the fall of Iraq, when small columns from Iraq began to penetrate into Syria from the East, that General Dentz, who was then commanding in Syria, asked for an armistice. General Wilson then called the appropriate people together and armistice terms were signed. While signing, all the lights went out and complete darkness reigned, and during that darkness I regret that a British soldier pinched a French General's gold hat as a souvenir! S H O R TA G E O F M E N A N D E Q U I P M E N T Remember, the Commanders-in-Chief were never confronted with a problem from only one angle ; always there were the naval aspect, the army aspect, the air force aspect and the political aspect, but the machine worked smoothly because of the goodwill and understanding and co-operation that prevailed. Take, for instance, the Suez Canal, where there is the greatest co-operation between all Services, as is exemplified by the following story. A deaf admiral was in charge of the naval interests on the Canal, and a deaf General was in command of the Canal area. One cold morning the deaf General said to the d e a f A d m i r a l : " Yo u l o o k r a t h e r C O L D , " a n d t h e Admiral replied : " I am not as old as you are." The General said : "Would you like the HEAT ON"? and the Admiral replied ; " No, I was at HARROW." The deaf General said "Weren't you a RETIRED officer"? The deaf Admiral replied : "You look more tired than I do." How could things go wrong with such a friendly understanding ? Other National Champions (From page 56) SCOTTISH INDIVIDUAL CHAMPION J. G. PROUDFOOT OF EDINBURGH. Concurrent with the British Championship the Scottish Short Range Championship was at stake. The S.M.R.C. and his many individual friends in the shooting fraternity warmiy congratulate J. G. Proudfoot of the Edinburgh Citizens R.C. on yet another great success, with the splendid score of 297 ex 300 in the final stage on Metric 25 yards targets. Twice before has he won this championship, as he was first in 1937 and again in 1939, the latter being a year of very high scoring. We take this opportunity also to mention the praiseworthy shooting of W. Campbell of Dundee City Police, who made 294 to gain second place. SCOTTISH JUNIOR CHAMPION The Sir Harry Lauder Trophy this year has been won by T. D. Campbell of Paisley, who thus becomes Junior Champion of Scotland with the best score of 299 ex 300 for his class in the first stage when ordinary match and qot metric cards were used. In any case it is a first rate score for one under the age of 18 years and augurs well for h i s f u t u r e a s a m a r k s m a n . WELSH INDIVIDUAL CHAMPION - The Webber Challenge Trophy, which carries with it the title of the Individual Short Range Championship of Wales, has again been won for the third in succession by W. Bliss of the Metro. Police L Division with the score of 296. Again we have to congratulate this champion shot. On this occasion, however, he won only after a tie with H. Jopson of Cardiff, who also has our praise for a splendid ef fort. The " News of the World " Individual Postal Competition FINAL ST AGE. Thirty shots, 10 each at three metric cards. 1. Sgt. Forster, R.A.F., Halton (the challenge cup and small silver cup) 2. F/Sgt. Octtingcr, R.A.F., Halton (small silver cup) 3. R. H. Johnson, L.N.E.R., Darlington (small silver cup) 4. A. Bench, Hampton Mobile Police (£1) J. G. Proudfoot, Edinburgh Citizens (£1) .. W. Bliss, Metro. Police L Division (£1) W. Campbell, Dundee City Police (15s.) .. A. W. Groves, Dorchester Brewery (15s.) .. S. G. Davidson, Ellon (15s.) W. H. Fuller, S.T.C., New Southgate (15s.) G. Robertson, Falkirk Lord Roberts (10s.) C. W. Lomas, Wood Top (10s.) . . A. Leighton, Metro. Police V Division (lOs.) F. H u c k l e , A l e x a n d r a P a l a c e ( 1 0 s . ) . . • • L. W, J. Kennett, Lincoln Constitutional (lOs.) .. W. Thome, Watford and District A. E. Garrod, W althamstow A venue T. D, Campbell, Junr., Paisley G. A. W ebsterv, Renfield R. Monson, 8th East Riding Bn. H.G. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11 . 14. 16. 1^. 20. 300 299 298 297 297 296 294 293 292 291 290 290 290 289 289 287 287 285 285 281 300 299 298 The following competitions were shot concurrently with this competition:— THE "ST. GEORGE" TROPHY FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF ENGLAND. 1. Sgt. Forster, R.A.F., Halton (the trophy and small silver cup) .. 2. F/Sgi. Oettinger, R.A.F., Halton (silver medal) .. 3. R. H. Johnson, L.N.E.R., Darlington (gilt medal) THE DAIl Y RECORD DRAGON BOWL FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF SCOTLAND. 1. J. G. Proudfoot, Edinburgh Citizens (the trophy and small silver cup) 297 2 . W . C a m p b e l l , D u n d e e C i t y P o l i c e ( s i l v e r m e d a l ) 2 y 4 3. S. G. Davidson, Ellon (gilt medal) THE "WEBBER" TROPHY FOR THE WELSH INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP W Bliss, Metro. Police L Div. (the trophy and small silver cup) H. Jopson, Cardiff (2nd round score) (silver medaU .. E. T. Lewis, Cardiff (2nd round score) (gtlt medal) .. 296 296 295 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK39 Ham and Petersham R.C., perhaps the most consistently successful shooting club in the country since it was formed in the early days of the sport, held its annual general meeting at the Club House on 28th March, when it was reported that a splendid silver cup had been added to the already valuable collection of trophies which are competed for annually by the members. The club's team was - unfortunate not to win the 1942 Open Long Range title, but it did wi n th e New s o f th e Wo rl d B ri tish S hort Ra ng e C hampionsh ip. The indoor range has been equipped with fluorescent daylight lighting, which has improved scoring. Mr. E. S. Batten, assisted by his wife and other members, is making a grand job of the secretaryship. * * * The 1st Battalion Dorset Home Guard arranged a "Wings for Victory " campaign this month, which was open to various services, including the Royal Observer Corps, Air Training Corps and Army C a d e t F o r c e . B a s e d o n t h e o w n - s t a r t p r i n c i p l e , t e a m s o f f o u r competed. Members of the Beaminster R.C., including Mr. J. W. R. Newman and Messrs. L. G. and S. D. Hussey, were the judges. C.Q.M.S. F. Sweet arranged the competition. * » The Worthing R.A.'s Spring League was conipleted on the 3i;d tylay Eight teams shot in the first and nine teams in the second division. Considering that the Worthing R.C. and the Worthing Police were the only affiliated units in the seaside town three years ago, the existence of the new Association is a great tribute to ttic officials, who must have worked very hard to create the interest which is now evident. With so many enthusiasts in Worthing we hope that an open-air range for 50 and 100 yards shooting will be established a f t e r t h e w a r . * * » Messrs. B. Cumberland and H. Dann, annual members of the Society, who live at 12, Gap Road, Wimbledon, London,_ S.W.19, are anxious to contact any person who can give them facilities for rabbit shooting in either Kent, Surrey or Hampshire. It is unlikely that any land is over-run by rabbits in these days of meat shortage, but these gentlemen would be grateful for any information. * * The Hampton R.C., which was opened by Lord Roberts in 1902, is being revived with ranges near Bushey Park. A surviving member of the original club, Mr. S. H. D. Mason, who holds a Qtieen's Cup gold medal for the County of Middlesex presented on the occasion of the club opening, has rejoined. The secretary, Mr. A. F. Wyatt, is most enthusiastic and hopeful for the future of this revived club, and reports prospects of a big membership. * * * Mr. G. H. W. Brown, former secretary of the Byficet R.C., who has a wide circle of shooting friends in West Surrey, is serving with 3i.M. Forces in the Middle East. Mr. S. Walton, the present secretary of the chib, has received a letter from him wishing to be remembered to all his friends and stating that he is quite well and happy. * * * Home Guard units and other Civil Defence services in the Cobliam area of Surrey have been shooting in a League, the conditions of which called for twenty names to be nominated. Eight men shot in each match, the two lowest scorers dropping out. All nominated men had to shoot in at least one of the fixtures, which were fired without slings or rests. No. 10 Platoon of the 6th Surrey Bn. were the winners, and beat " The Rest " by two. points in an end of the season match. * * * Councillor J. Simpson, president of the Lytham St. Annes R.C., presented to Mr. R. C. Jacklin, the youngest member of the club, the first Master-Shot Badge to be won by any member. He is only 15 years of age, and still attends the King Edward VII School. Forty-nine Merit Badges were presented to members for scoring possibles during the year. Treasurer Mr. H. V. Webb reported a sound financial position and was thanked for his service and re-elected. Mr. R. Cookson was appointed secretary in place of Mr. A. W. M i l l e r. M r. F r e d M a y o r w a s e l e c t e d p r e s i d e n t a n d C o u n c i l l o r J . Simpson vice-president. * * * Mr. A. Bolsom is secretary of the Cardiff District Lea^e, which is formed of various service units and comprises five divisions and a total entry of 60 teams. This is exceptional for a new League drawn f r o m a r a d i u s o f 2 0 m i l e s o f t h e C a r d i f f c i v i c c e n t r e . Te a m s o f fi v e must fire without slings or rests, using S.M.R.C. pattern targets. Mr. J. C. Walker, the News of the World and Western Mail and South Wales Echo cartoonist, is presenting a trophy, and the Cardiff City R.C. is presenting prizes to all winning teams. * * 4 : The Barling Magna Home Guard R.C., near Southend-on-Sea, had its range officially opened by Lt.-Col. Mapleson, Commanding 1st Essex Bn. H.G., who after making a short speech fired five perfect shots and later repeated the performance, to give his men a good example for their future marksmanship. Twenty-nine of those present competed for two prizes given by a vice-president. Several 1 in. groups were made and two competitors tied for the prize with half-inch groups. The best score application was won with a possible. Open sight S.M.L.E. rifles were used. * * * The West of Scotland S.B.R.A. Winter League in three divisions was won by Renfleld, with Bridge of Allan runners-up, Dumfries and Maxwelltown with Ardeer runners-up, and Ardeer (Largs runners- u p ) r e s p e c t i v e l y. T h e " C " D i v i s i o n w a s v e r y c l o s e l y c o n t e s t e d by the last-named two teams, both scoring 24 match points out of a possible 28. » * * Lanarkshire S.B.R.A. organised a Red Cross competition and the civilian section was won by Messrs. P. S. Mackay and R. Gray, who beat G. McAuley and D. McGillivray (hon. secretary) respectively. * * * There was some very fine shooting between Home Guards in a friendly match between Kilsyth and Glengarnock, only one point separating the total scores. Kilsyth, whose total was 972 points and included two possibles, won the match. 99's were scored by two members of the Glengarnock side. * Mr. J. B. Ricketts has sent a copy of the 35th annual report of the I p s w i c h R . C . A l t h o u g h i t w a s n o t p o s s i b l e t o e n t e r c o u n t y a n d national competitions, the range has seen much activity during the past year, and great interest is being shown by the regular and special police forces and A.T.C. units. Several new members joined during t h e y e a r. T h e p r e s i d e n t i s t h e R t . H o n . L o r d Wo o d b r i d g e , a n d assisting the secretary, Mr. Ricketts, is our old friend, Mr. L. C. Horsley, who occupies the post of hon. treasurer. The accounts show a balance in hand of £13, an increase of £7 over last year. * * * A large stock of ammunition enabled the Forest Reserve R.C. No. 1 of Trinidad to operate during the year 1942 more or less on normal lines. The membership, although small, is very keen despite Home Guard duties. Winning of the Colonial Small-Bore Match was a great fillip to the members. The annual competition attracted a full entry, and the main prize, presented by B.S.A. Guns Ltd., was won by Mr. Nuttall, a former club captain. We are glad to have this news from one of our few remaining overseas clubs, and use this opportunity to thank the officials for their keen interest and organising work in the face of many difficulties. * * * Norwich City Special Constabulary R.C., founded in November last year, is fortunate in having Inspector G. S. Sturgess as the hon. secretary, because he is a most go-ahead individual. Chief Constable 'J. H. Dain is president and the membership stands at 78. Five of the six friendly matches have been won. The club challenge cup was won by Mr. L. J. Batlcr, the club captain, and the Chief Constable's Cup was won outright by inspector Sturgess. Entry has been made in the S.M.R.C. Summer League, Norfolk County League and the / WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK40 T H E R I F L E M A N June, 1943. Norfolk Shield. In six months nearly 12,500 rounds have been fired, and several members have won their Marksman Badges. Kent Home Guard Competition No. 5 was, like the previous four events, shot in two divisions, allowing the use of aperture sights in Division 1 and of open sights only in Division 2. " A " Company of the 4th (St. Augustine) Bn. scored 1,759 points to beat "D" Company 18th (Dartford) Bn. by one point in the first division, whilst in the open sight section " B " Company of 19th (Farningham) Bn. scored 1,674 pomts to beat by 10 points " C " Coy. 5th (Wingham) Bn. The individual championships run concurrently were won by Lt. A. E. Martin (aperture sights), of the runners-up team, and R. E. Lipscombe of " A " Company 19th Bn. respectively. In sending this information Mr. T. P. Hartley, the Kent County R.A. secretary, advises that a shoulder-to-shoulder match is being organised between the wiimers and runners-up in the first division. Perhaps on this occasion " D " Company 18th Bn. wiU reverse the result of the Nos. 4 and 5 Kent Home Guard competitions, in which they were runncrs-up. * * * ■ ' Mr. F. P. Riches, hon. secretary of the Malton R.C. in Yorkshire tells us that on Monday the range is used by A.R.P. personnel, on Tuesday by the Army Cadet Force, Thursday by the Air Training Corps and on other occasions by the Home Guard, with club members fitting in when they can. In March of last year, when the finSncial position of the club was reviewed, there was an overdraft of nearly £2 and several small debts. Now the position is reversed with a balance at the bank of £60, eighty-four members, including police, and a very large fund of enthusiastic interest. It is hoped that negotiations by the Chairman andSecretary with the military authorities •vill result in the return of a hut missing .from the outdoor range or rompensation in lieu of. , One of our most recently enrolled clubs is the Liverpool Special Constabulary G Division, of which the hon. chairman, Mr. i P. Healy, is an S.M.R.C. Life Member. Mr. K. P. Brown, the hon. secretary, has sent us a copy of the club programme, comprising eight competitions, which includes a Christmas shoot. Once a month there will be a clay disc competition, and other events are the President's Cup, Chairman's Cup (both fired twice yearly), the monthly handicap silver cup and the Captain's Cup Leape tournament, an individual l e a g u e . S . M . R . C . S t a n d a r d o f E f fi c i e n c y B a d g e s a n d M a r k s m a n Badge tests and News of the World, etc.. Certificates will also be c o m p e t e d f o r. A p p l i c a t i o n f o r e n t r y t o t h e C o u n t y o f L a n c a s t e r League is also being made. * * * Mrs. A. Tasker, formerly secretary of the City of London National Reserve Club, was re-elected secretary of the Barnet Club last month, when Sir Francis Fremantle, M.P., was re-elected president. Sir Robert Tasker and Major R. H. Tasker, husband of the secretary, are vice-presidents. The club meets on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings at the Drill Hall, Barnet. * * * The International Miniature Rifle League, whose president is Lt.-Col. Sir Lionel Fletcher, Chairman of the S.M.R.C., is fired at the W.H.D. range, 97, New Bond Street, London, W.l. There are twenty representative teams of the Allies competing. Mr. B. Evans, the secretary, who with Miss Gladys Courtenay founded the League, reports the N.F.S. to be leading at the 10th round. A match has been shot against Guards units, the League winning with 574 points, Scots Guards scoring 570, Grenadiers 538 and Coldstreams 534. Sir William Crawford (chairman of the League) presented prizes and stated that they were prepared to meet all-comers in rifle shooting matches. * * The Guards were also beaten by a team from the Lewisham Squadron of the A.T.C., trained by members of the Lewisham R.C. These lads, whose average age is 17, dropped only three points, a total of 397, to the Grenadier Guards" 364. Of the eight Cadets five scored possibles, firing 10 shots at Army regulation targets. S o m e w e e k s e a r l i e r t h e l a d s m e t a t e a m f r o m t h e 2 n d C a n a d i a n R.A.O.C., and despite bad weather conditions beat them by 31 points. * * Marksmen from Sheffield and Bradford took part in the Easter meeting of the Association of Leeds and District Rifie Clubs, which comprised ten competitions fired at 25, 50 and 100 yards ranges. The aggregate for inexperts was won by T. Moore (Sheffield City Police) and the expert grand aggregate by J. Parrish, whoso total was 590 points for two targets at each distance. Bradford R.C. won the team competition, with Wood Top (Hcbden Bridge) second. * * The Association of Leeds and District Summer League is divided into two sections, for scratch or straight shooting, and on the dropped handicap system. Six teams are entered in the first-mentioned league and there arc three divisions in the handicap league. Altogether thirty-six teams are taking part. The Winter League, which comprised four divisions under handicap and one division firing from serateh. was most successful, and prizes were well distributed. In addition winter competitions were arranged for individuals, of which full details have been distributed locally by Mr. E. Bagley, the match secretary, and Mr. G. Burnell, Association secretary, A full list of averages has also been issued, showing Mr. Burnell as the leader in the Dropped Point League list, and his colleague, Mr. Bagley, with the best individual average of 99.18 for 16 matches in the Gun Score L e a g u e . „ , It was reported at the 42nd annual meeting of the Weybridge R.C. that a relatively quiet year had not affected the club's finances. In fact, there is a balance of over £50 and a membership of 80. Payment for the use of the range by Army units no doubt contributed appre ciably to the financial position. A sum of money is being invested as a rebuilding fund for use after the war. * * A team of Wrens challenged a Plymouth Army Cadet Bn. and beat them by four points. Seven girls scored possibles to three by the Cadets. + To open a range built at Gordon College, Aberdeen, the head master, Mr. I. G. Andrew, set a very fine example by scoring four bulls and One inner. We hope that this college, like other academic institutions in Aberdeen, will join up with the parent body. The opening took place on Founders" Day. As Prof. R. D. Lockhart delivered the ovation, a scries of portraits was flashed on a screen behind him. One of the pictures was of Lady MacRobert and her three famous sons, which was greeted by a burst of cheering. " This is the MacRobert Hall,'" said the Professor, a name that will always be associated with the noblest gesture of defiance and tradition. * » The Alnwick Urban Council is to provide an indoor rifle range so that Civil Defence personnel ean be trained in the use of firearms. There is always more demand than supply for shooting accommoda tion, more especially these days when so many organisations are introducing marksmanship into their activities. Therefore it is not unlikely that the Civil Defence will find themselves sharing the new range with the A.T.C. and other pre-service units, as well as the local rifle club which we hope will revive its activities and renew i t s a f fi l i a t i o n w i t h t h e S . M . R . C . * * * The British League of Aviation Cadette and Cadet Corps, of Bath, presents awards for efficiency in various branches of its activities, t h e y o u n g e s t o f w h i c h i s r i fl e s h o o t i n g . A r a n g e o w n e d b y t h e Council is used. Teams will be entered in S.M.R.C. competitions. * * * Eastbourne Wardens" Service has formed a rifle elub, and Mr B. F. Bovill, head warden of the Hampden Park Ward, is the founder Several women wardens have been quick to acquire the art of rifle shooting and quite respectable scores have been recorded. The Municipal Hampden Park ranges will be used for 25, 50 and 100 yards shooting. Mr. Bovill would be glad to contact anyone willing to lend rifles. * * Finals of the Stirling County League are a triumph for Falkirk Lord Roberts, R.C., winners of both 1st and 2nd division cham p i o n s h i p s , a s w e l l a s t h e L a d i e s ' D i v i s i o n . A n d r e w Wr i g h t 9 9 . 7 for 10 matches, and John Wright 99.17 for 12 matches led the averages i n t h e fi r s t a n d s e c o n d d i v i s i o n s r e s p e c t i v e l y. M i s s C . M o r r o w (Bridge of Allan) averaged 96.5 for 12 matches in the Ladies' Division. Larbert (Division 1), Bridge of Allan (Division 2) and Bridge of Allan Ladies were runners-up. A long struggle between two Home Guard teams, Bonnybridge A Coy. and Milnquarter Works A Coy. resulted in a win by two match points for the first-named. The Home Guard League was fired on " Tin Hat" targets and the use of slings was not a l l o w e d . T h e S t i r l i n g A s s o c i a t i o n w a s r e f o r m e d a f t e r a v i s i t t o Scotland by the S.M.R.C. secretary, when Mr. A. Logie was appointed secretary . * Leiston, whose member, J. Vale, had best individual average (99.2), won the first division of the Suffolk R.,4.'s Winter League. Aldeburgh won the second division, with J. J. Levett best individual average o f 9 6 . 5 f o r t e n m a t c h e s . * * * Inconvenience to local residents through noise caused the closing down of a range at Warrington. It has been re-opened recently, and the local Member of Parliament asked the War Secretary : " Under what Defence of" the Realm regulation he had authorised the resumption of firing." Sir James Grigg stated that the range was a War Department range and therefore not subject to a defence regulation. Whilst he regretted the inconvenience to local residents the needs of military training made it unavoidable. It is unbelievable WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKJune, 1943. T H E R I F L E M A N 41 that people should complain of noise caused by men being trained to safeguard the freedom of their country. * * " * Burnliam and District R.C. members met for the 43rd annual general meeting recently, when the president, Mr. E. Clifton-Brown, was in the ehair. Membership inereased during the year after a big fall the previous year, finishing with a total of 65. The range and equip ment is still available for the use of the local Home Guard who do not now appear to need facilities which in their earlier days they could not themselves provide. Their place on the range, however, has been taken by cadet corps and members of the local youth clubs, who are very keen to learn to shoot, but the need is now instructors to coach these lads primarily to recognise safety regulations and then to become proficient performers with the rifle. Winners of the prizes which were presented at the meeting were Mr. V. C. Trimming, Capt. C. E. Cullen and Mr. R. Hiram. Capt. Cullen also won a cup presented by Major F. W. E. Morgan, to be awarded to the first member of the elub to score a highest possible at either 25 or 50 yards range. A few days after Mr. Cullen scored his h.p.s. at 50 yards, Mrs. Bishop at 25 yards range scored the only other possible during the year . » * „ Miss C. Morrow won the Bridge of Allan Ladies' Championship from Mrs. D. W. Foster, who was second and Mrs. W. Neil, who was third. She also won the handicap competition, in which Mrs. Neil was second and Mrs. J. King third. * * * Chief Inspector Robertson, deputising for Superintendent Smith, who was unavoidably absent, opened a new range built by the Metro politan Police behind the Police Station at Blackheath Road, Green wich. Among the visitors was Mr. K. E. Foster of the Surveyor's Department, under whose guidance the members had built the range. Mr. Foster is a member of the Addiscombe R.C. and a Middlesex County shot. He scored a possible. P.-c. Odey is secretary of the Divisional R.C., whose members will greatly benefit from having a rifle range in their " back yard." * * Mr. J. R. Brooks, the president, supported by the secretary, Mr. S. A. C. Farrell, presided at the annual meeting of the North Walsham R.C., and reminded members that this month the club would be 10 years old. The membership stands at 58 and the credit just over £15. Twenty-two members took part in the club's prize shoot and an internal club league was won by Mr. Stibbons's team. The Chairman congratulated the secretary on his high standard of service in maintaining enthusiasm. On the proposal of Mr. Newman a fund was opened to meet the cost of renewals. * > 1 : * Members of the Newton Town R.C. were not allowed to spot their targets when they fired in rhc Ford Hall range under own-start conditions. Four 99's, three 98's and two 97's indicated the closeness of shooting. The ladies' team recently met a Home Guard Company team and beat them soundly by 44 points. Mrs. Balhatehet and Miss Edwards each scored 97. Best individual score in. the Home G u a r d t e a m w a s 9 0 . * * Members from Bradford and Leeds who were at the Cragg Hill range, Leeds, on the 13th June combined for a shoulder-to-shoulder friendly match at 25, 50 and 100 yards ranges, the home team win ning with 2604, their top seorer being the local association secretary, Mr. G. B. E. Burnell, 296. On leave from H.M. Forces, Pte. J. \V. Tweed of Bradford also scored 296 and G. F. Clyne scored 294. The Midland League concluded a very suceessful season in whieh there was some very keen competition, particularly in the lower divi sions. Kynoch A retained the " RatclilTe Cup " as Div. 1 winners, but all the other trophies changed hands, the new winners being G. E. C. Coventry, Alvis, 3rd Warwicks B, Kettering and A Div. Birmingham Police C. Several new members of the league were among the medal winners, and noteworthy among the leading averages were John Hall in Div. 1 and the late Cecil Perkins of G.E.C. Coventry who won the Div. II medal just before his untimely death. A striking example of the improvement of the lower teams during the season is provided by Div 6 The average team score in this division in the first round was 671 ex 800, but by steady increase it had risen to 735 ex 800 by the end of the season. . » A most deplorable accident resulted in the death of Mr. Frank Middleton, a member of the Ferranti R.C. It occurred at the club's rifle range, and in passing a verdict of accidental death the Coroner urged more supervision and strict adherence to range rules. Whilst he held the opinion that another man was negligent this did not amount to criminal negligence. Undoubtedly this decision was influenced by the fact that the range had been certified as safe by the Western Command. It appetirs that when a rifle failed to fire, with a live cartridge in it, another member, instead of keeping the rifle pointed down the range swung it rovmd across the firing point. We commend the rhyme published in our last issue to our readers : Never, never let your gun Pointed be at anyone. Though that gun unloaded be Matters>not a damn to me. * Members of the Dumfries and Maxwelltown R.C. were on top of their form and in the vital final round match of the West of- Scotland League (Division 2) they scored 397 points x 400 to maintain their slender lead and win the championship by one point. When the members gathered to learn the result they found the range festively decorated, and a very happy atmosphere reflected the jubilation of everyone. In 16 matches the club captain, Mr. J. S Young, averaged 98.81, D. Kirkpatrick 96.88, C. Marchbank 98.61 a n d D . S . M a c k a y 9 7 . 7 5 . * , * W.H.D. Volunteers, who were delighted by the news that women were to serve officially in the Home Guard, were disappointed to learn that very few of them would be needed. Their chairman and leader. Dr. Edith Summerskill, M.P., is joining as a driver. She has always advocated that women be given full membership of the Home Guard, and will now start a vigorous campaign to extend the scope of women's services in the Citizen Army. The W.H.D. secretary. Miss Y. Moss, has stated that this unsatisfactory decision will serve as a fillip to the thousands of women who have already made themselves proficient in many subjects allied to military training. A scheme to inaugurate shooting competitions is being considered. A hundred W.H.D. units are affiliated to the Society and many more are expected to join now that Home Guard Commanders must refuse them the use o f r a n g e s a n d r i f l e s . » , * A library and a radiogram have been installed in the new head quarters behind the Station Hotel by the members of the Thurnscoe R.C. in Yorkshire. When the members met for the opening they joined in whist and social activities to celebrate this forward step in t h e l i f e o f t h e i r c l u b . » * * J. Gilmour (Guardbridge R.C.) beat J. Lang (Dunfermline R.C.) in the final of the Fife individual knock-out competition. * * * Policemen in the Forest of Dean Division (Gloueestershire and Monmouthshire) recently shot the Wemyss Cup competition. The winners were the Lydney team, comprising War Reserves and Special Constables led by their captain, P.-sgt. Clarke. * * * Portsmouth City Police held their inter-divisional trophy shoot and " B " Division were the winners by 21 points. A disc shootin° contest between the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps and the local W.R.N.S. was won by the former. It was this same team which won the 26th Division of the S.M.R.C. Winter League * * His wife's wedding ring and the wedding cake were among rifle shooting prizes won by Mr. Hubert Oliver, of Chelmsford, who has died aged 68. » » * Metropolitan Special Constables in the St. Mary Cray area are keen marksmen, and at the annual meeting held last month the S.M.R.C. certificates were awarded to Sp/Sgt. Smith, S/Const. Dolman, S/Const. Hancock and P/C. Ashwin. Mr. Hancock, who also won the Russ Cup, was elected secretary for the ensuing year. S/Const Ward won the Cracknell Cup. * * * Cambridge, thanks to the efforts of Home Guard and R.A.F., now has a 300 yards Service rifle range. First a works company of the Home Guard brought mechanical excavators to start the work, but were called away long before it was completed. A company of the Cambs. Home Guard then carried on and the R.A.F. provided some of the materials. Air Vice Marshal N. D. K. MacEwen, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., performed the opening ceremony, and from the 50 yards firing point scored an inner and a bull. Overhead flew a s q u a d r o n o f a i r c r a f t w h i c h d i v e d i n s a l u t e . * * The president of the Stratbardle R.C., Mr. Balfour, distributed prizes at a social evening which wound up the winter season. D. Carmichael won the President's Cup, the Sir John Amery Prize and the Sir G. Dolley Prize. He was second to Mr. J. Mclnnes, who won the Lelchmcre Prize. N. Steel won the handicap and J. Small the Mr. R. Dolley Prize. Single Men beat Married Men in a match held during the evening. * * * Challenged to a friendly shooting match, a U.S.A. Army Air Force unit was beaten by a team from the 53rd Surrey Home Guard each side being represented by an officer and nine warrant officers and sergeants. Final scores were H.G. 230 and Americans W but what was more important the match created a very friendW atmosphere. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK42 June, 1943. As a result of their entry in the recent S.M.R.C. Home Guard competition a Company Rifle Club is being formed at Southport. The main idea is to establish an organisation open to the Home Guard which can be carried on after the war to continue friendships which are being created during this time of national emergency. We note with very great interest that the Home Guard there are deeply concerned with sniping. » * » Over 500 entries are expected for the Swansea R.C. competition i n a i d o f t h e R e d C r o s s a n d S t . J o h n P r i s o n e r s o f W a r F u n d . I n experienced shots stand an equal chance with the expert, as the competition is fired on the own-start principle. All entry fees will be given to the fund and at least twelve savings certificates for prizes have already been offered by club members and their friends. Members of the Home Guard are especially welcome. * * * Mr. J. \V. S. Ramsden of Bradford, founder and secretary of the National Association of Local Government Officers' Rifle Clubs, is due to retire. His main anxiety is to find another home for the valuable trophies which were acquired for the Nalgo rifle shots. Mr. Ramsden thinks that the Nalgo Competition, which has not operated in recent years, will be revived after the war. * * * Final of the Police Rifle Shooting Competition at Wouldham, Kent, open to regular police, auxiliary police and special constables, attracted 120 entries. The winner was P/C. Attridge of Corringham, who won the Superintendent Marriage Cup. His 92 at 100 yards beat P,'C. Davies (Grays) by two points. Insp. S. Anderson of Grays organised the shoot. * » ' Hastings Civil Defence met the Police Recreational Club in a .shooting match and beat them by 7 points, probably due to the sporting gesture by the Police in not claiming the services of P/C. Banks, who although a full-time policeman, is also the shooting instructor to the Civil Defence. * Mr. N. S. Lewis, the secretary, reported an increased membership of 20 and the use of 3,600 rounds of ammunition by the members of the Blundestcn R.C., at the annual meeting last month when Mr. A. E. Sidery presided. * * * There was a full attendance at a meeting last month, when the iSpeldhurst R.C. was formed with Mr. E. L. Taylor as secretary. Rifles have been loaned by the Penshurst R.C., which has been forced to close down as their range is now used for Home Guard storage purposes. . * * » Maltbv Civil Defence, finalists in the News of the World British Short Range Championship, won the Rotherham and District Rifle League. Ecclesfield Civil Defence were runners-up. Fired on own- start handicap system, seventeen teams competed and three of them, those above named and the Rotherham R.C. first team, scored 33 match points from a total of 19 matches. The M'arniinster Urban Council is taking action in view of the danger to the public using the downs, from bullets which it is stated riccochet from a Home Guard range. The need for safety certification by competent military authority cannot be over-emphasised. Mrs. C. A. Crossland scored 1725 and her mother, Mrs. A. B. Mackenzie 1676 to be first and second in the winter season champion ship of the Stirling W.H.D. R.C. ^ ^ R. S. Tonge, the old Overhill R.C. and Ham and Petersham R.C. member, when shooting for Beckenham Wardens against Beckenbam Police, on the wardens' range at Foxgrove Road, helped them .to w i n b y 5 6 5 p o i n t s t o 5 6 0 . » * » ^ ^ The Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor W. C. Bonney, J.P., L.C.C., presented the Boulogne Memorial Trophy at the conclusion of a match between Home Guard Battalions in the borough, on the Wimble don Park R.C. range, to the 27th Bn., which with a score of 211 points easily beat the 30th and 28th Battalions. Landscape targets were used and the objectives thereon were selected by the donor of the trophy, Mr. W. Melhuish. Teams comprised one olficer, who was the leader and described the target, one N.C.O. and four men. The S.M.R.C. Statistical Officer, Mr. F. J. Tucknott, supervised the match and scored targets. « » * After a few years in the " background " the Harrow R.C. has blossomed out in a surprising fashion and reports the best year in its history. The local M.P., .Mr. Alfred Denville, took the chair at the recent annual general meeting, when the secretary, Mr. Alan H. .Mitchell, reported that Mr. C. S. Simmons, president for the past year, who had been a member for 22 years, had resigned upon leaving the district. The meeting was unanimous in resolving that Mr. Simmons be made an Honorary Life Member of the club. Many new members have been enrolled, and in 1943 a special effort is made to win one of the three S.M.R.C. Marksman Badge shieWs. Mr. H. Archer-Thomson, the statistical officer, stated that the mtlux of new members caused'a slight drop in the general average stanuara of shooting, but there were many promising marksmen. The hon. treasurer, Mrs. B. Ackland, submitted accounts, showing a protit o £82 on the year's working, cash in hand £88, investments and ammunition stock totalling £87. * * . Members of the Guardbrldge R.C. met for the 40th Annual Meeting last month, and although many of the younger members of tti^e cluD are in the Forces, a steady position was reported. A pleasing feature of the meeting was the presence of Mr. David Thompson, a ounder of the club. Although retired from active shooting he is still keenly interested in all its activities^. ^ ^ The 11th Bucks. R.C., which includes both Home Guard and Police, has a membership of 300. The standard of shooting has improved enormously since the inauguration of the club, much ot which is stated to be due to 2/Lt. J. E. Wright of Chesham. Several members have qualified for the S.M.R.C. Efficiency Badp, and Capt. G. Ward, the club chairman, narrowly missed the Ma.ster-snoi Badge, but intends to try again. ^ ^ The 9th Bn. Wilts Home Guard arranged a Wings for Victory week shooting match for a cup value £10. Three competitors scored the maximum of 100, firing 10 shots at a 5-target _5 yards S.M.R.C. card. After a shoot off Cpl. F. A. Bampton was the winner. Cadj^s attached to the Battalion fired for a cup presented by Mrs. K. M^ Arkell, and Cadet C. Giles with 95 beat Cadet W. Wheeler by two points. There were nearly 2,000 entries. Teams are firing in the Barrow and District Rifle League organised by Mr. G. C. Ledran of Vickers Armstrongs R.C. Scores are very close and several Home Guard company teams, A.T.C., lolice ana rifle clubs are participating. > i < « * Thorpe was the most successful club in the Winter Competition of the Norfolk M.R.A. They won both the League and the Shield championships. Norwich Electric A were runners-up in both. Eaton second team won the second division of both the League atid ciip 'competitions. The Morgan Cup was won by Miss P. Drew (North Norwichl, the Rice Cup by C. G. Mace, and there was a tie between B, J. Hanton and F. Gant for the Lumsden Cup. - * The 24th annual report of the Swansea R.C. sho\wd that intensive use of ranges and equipment in support of the war effort and training had been made by the Home Guard, Cadet Units, regular Army and R.A.F. throughout the year. It was stated that the cost ot renovation would be considerable, but nevertheless the club regarded it as a patriotic duty to do everything possible. Special motion was made of the unswerving services of the club's range officers and committeemen, who in addition to their other war services had been in constant attendance at the range giving instruction to hundr^s of recruits and novices. The president, Mr. Malcolm Smith, J.P., who presided at the meeting, presented medals and trophies won in S.M.R.C. and club competitions. * * * Fourteen-year-old Marjorie Millar, a regular mernber of the Perth City and County R.C. League team, recently shot in the club s Munro Cup team at Dundee, and her score of 99 helped the team to victory. Her father has for many years belonged to the club, and her sister Hilda also shoots regularly. Perth City and County R.C. also won the Brown Trophy in the first division knock^-out of the Dundee, Angus and District R.A. The Davie Cup ai^ individual knock-out was won by D. Pratt of the Guardbridge R.C., who beat R. Ross of the Dundee Works Department by one point in the hnaf Perth won the first division League (Dalhousie Bowl) for the second year in succession, winning 17 and tieing three of their twenty matches ; Guardbridge were second. Blairgowrie with 38 match points won the second division League and Perth second team shared the runners- up position with Dundee Police. J. D. Nicoll, captain of ihe Perth Club, won the Wallace Cup for the best average, scoring 1499 points X 1 5 0 0 * * * Finals in the Aberdeen and District F-eague were very fully reported in the local papers and especially in the People's Journal. At head quarters we feel that a warm vole of thanks is due for the publicity given to local shooting activities, which undoubtedly helps to create public interest and indirectly attracts new members into the clubs. During the last few rounds of the first division of the League, leader ship changed hands each week, but Portlethen A emerged winners with Keith as runners-up. Mintlaw won the second division and WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKJune, 1943.T H E R I F L E M A N 43 Ellon the third division, whilst Portlethen E annexed the fourth division title. Portlethen F and Bonaccord F won the fifth and sixth divisions respectively, whilst in the Home Guard section prizes were awarded to three teams, " C " Company (4th City of Aberdeen) Bn., Durris A and Ellon A. Special prizes for the best ten leading marks men were also awarded. Individual best average is credited to \V. C. Booth (Bpnaccord) with 99.7. The annual Pairs competition is very popular, and on this occasion tvvo Keith R.C. members, \V. D. Cruicksliank and R. Morrison, scored the highest possible to defeat the Ellon pair, W. Hardie and W. Reed, by one point. * * * An organised campaign with the backing of the Burgh of Stirling and the Chief Constable to kill crows in Stirlingshire and Clackmannan shire is operating under the control of Capt. A. B. MacKenzie the S.M.R.C. Scottish Publicity Representative. Two hundred crows have been shot in the Falkirk district and over 100 in Stirling. Here's an opportunity for natural shooting all over Britain ! * * ■ * The Sutton Coldfield Civil Defence R.C. opened its range on the 1st May, when some 60 members watched the Borough Surveyor, a Vice President of the Club, fire the first shot. Other Vice Presidents formed the first squad, and since the official opening the range has been in continuous use. An Inter Services League for teams of four, best card of the month competitions, and S.M.R.C. Certificates Competitions are to be arranged. The A.T.C. and A.C.F. have applied for use of the ranges and membership now exceeds 200. » * * G. F. Chadwick of the Canadian National R.A. recorded the full aggregate and average for eight matches in the Indoor Schedule 1943 arranged, by the Montreal Small-Bore Rifle Association. Second was E. Gagne, C.P.O., whose aggregate of 895 gave him an average of 99.44. Best lady was Miss H. Jamicson, C.N.R.A., 876 aggregate, 97.33 average. The League Championship -was won by C.N.R.A. A team, Mr. Chadwick won the O'Connor Cup and the Intermediate Individual Championship was won by Mr. R. Coates. Other ctrps were awarded to R. E. Drysdale (C.P.R., Windsor), E.;Paget^(Sun Life) and J. C. Cook (C.N.R.A.). » * The April bulletin of the Canadian S.B.R.A. announces that rifle, revolver or gun clubs or defence units other than those organised under the Militia Act, provided they have obtained the necessary permission, may purchase small arms ammunition. That term covers rifle, shot gun,i revolver and pistol cartridges and their component parts. The individual member is no longer able to purchase require ments from an ammunition dealer. Thus, like the Government in the Mother Country, the Canadian authorities recognise the value of the c i v i l i a n s m a l l a r m s s h o o t e r . * * * Nottingham Post Offlce Telegraph Messengers are encouraged to shoot, and last month the Head Postmaster, Mr. H. E. Cotton, presented prizes to J. E. White, J. H. Neaves, J. W. Boss and V. Russell and a special prize for all round effort to C. C. MacKay. A record entry for summer competitions is reported by the Aberdeen and District S.B.R.A. Fifty units have entered the Home Guard competition, twenty-two more than the winter competition entry. One Battalion has entered thirteen teams. Each team fires six matches at fortnightly periods. In the Civilian League eighteen teams are d i v i d e d i n t o f o u r d i v i s i o n s . . Major F. W. Gower has presented a challenge shield which should increase interest in the Grimsby Home Guard competitions, the organiser of which is our old friend G. H. Chambers, who, we under stand, practically lives on the Grimsby Central Rifle Range, the scene of most of the local competitmn shooting. Cafferata R.C. of Newark-on-Trent continues to improve. The first team recently scored 486 in the S.M.R.C. League. Altogether six teams are entered, four from the ordinary members and one from the Ladies and the Home Guard Sections. Six teams were entered in the Own-Start National Team Handicap and each was captained by a lady member of the club. Five teams progressed to the second round. * * . * , . . Cbelsfield R.C. presented a set of spoons to the winning team and a medallion to the highest individual scorer in connection with the local " Wings for Victory " week. Mr. J. B. Bourne, the secretary of the club, distributed the prizes and announced that five guineas was raised for the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund. The winners were Team, Mctrot Special Constabulary P Division ; individual, H. Cryer, (Observer Corps). Six teams took part. Local rivalry gains in strength and a local league is contemplated among the various clubs in the district. With the growth of Orpington and Chelsfield this corner of Kent should become a selection ground for county teams. The full story of the fortunes and misfortunes of the Lavender Hill Police Sub-Divisional R.C. in the S.M.R.C. Winter League was published in a South-West London paper last month, when it was stated that by winning the last match against Bognor Regis the Police side won the divisional championship. Sgt. Earle, captain of the team, states that much of the improvement was connected with the extraordinary development in accuracy of Inspector Robinson, whose average is little less than 98. » * » Mr. S. R. Geary, operative manager of London Transport Buses, presented a challenge trophy to the 44th Bn. (London Transport) Home Guard, for platoon teams. Wirmers were No. 2 Platoon A Company (Camberwell), Platoon Commander Lieut. G. W. Stokes. * » Despite a fair breeze, conditions were good for the Kennard Trophy shoot arranged by the Stirling Coimty Association after a lapse of three years. George Robertson (Falkirk Lord Roberts) was the winner with 298 and the holder, D. J. Munro (Bridge of Allan) was placed second with 297 points. Best lady was Mrs. J. S. Muirbead (Falkirk Lord Roberts). Prizes were handed over by Mr. J. B. Sutherland (Bridge of Allan), Chairman of the County Association, in the absence of the trophy donor. Thanks were accorded to Mr. W. Hobson, County match secretary, and his assistant, Mr. D. Rigg. * * * "A" Company made sure of the Nottuigbam C.D. Cadet Corps Rifle League Championship when beating "D" Company recently. "G" Company averaged 95 in its match against "C" Company. The League has created widespread local interest through publicity in the Nottingham Guardian. The best target in each round is repro duced in a local paper. Individual scores range from 99 downwards, and there is keen competition for the honour of scoring the first, possible. * * Warmest congratulations to Sgt. P. H. H. Lewis, who has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in the North Africa campaign. A member of the Brislington R.C., Sgt. Lewis is serving in the Royal Tank Regiment and before joining the Army was employed by Messrs. Marden, Son and Hall, whose Caxton R.C. has been affiliated with the S.M.R.C. for many years. » * Representative teams from the Metropolitan Special Constabulary and the City of London Police and a team from the Embankment R.C. met in a triangular match at the Bishopsgate Police Station range on 3rd June. Teams of ten, best eight to count, fired ten shots each at the 25 yards range. The home side scored 782 points to win by six points, Messrs. White and Bosher scoring 99 and Miss Hollidge of the W.A.P.C., scoring 98. Best individuals in the M.S.C. team, which totalled 776, were Messrs. Stevenson and Elvin, with 99 each. For Embankment, whose total was 771, A. J. Palmer scored the only possible in the match. Two new members of the Embankment, Messrs. Lacey and Robinson, shooting in their first big match, scored 98 each. * * « Tables of the Worthing M.R.A. Spring League at 29th May show Chatsworth, a Home Guard team, unbeaten with 20 points on the 1st Division, with Southdown second, 16 match points. Southdown B lead the 2nd Division with " B " Coy. 5th Sussex H.G. second. In the Junior League, final table, 45th Squadron A.T.C. are winners with 16 match-points.. No. 974 Squadron being second with six wins and two losses. Army Cadet Force and Sea Cadet Corps teams also competed. * * * So popular was its " Wings for Victory " shooting contest amongst the ladies of the town, arranged in conjunction with the local R.A.F., that the Filey Home Guard and Civil Defence Services R.C. is to form a special ladies' section. The sum of £25 was raised. * * * Kynoch with ten wins, one draw and one loss won the Midland Rifle League, 1st Division, " Ratcliffe " Cup, Michelin being second with 16 match points. The best individual was John Hall 199.0 and F. J. Brookes averaged 197.92. F. D. Boydell (Michelin) averaged 197.67 and D. W. Hall (Rolls-Royce) 197.5. In the second division G.E.C., Coventry, won ten of their twelve matches to win the " F. W. Jones " Cup, and Peterborough Twenty won nine and drew one, to fill the runners-up position, C. Perkins of the winning team having best average of 195.82 followed by P. M. Coutts (3rd Warwicks) 195.50. Winners of Divisions 3, and 4 were Alvis (unbeaten in twelve matches), and 3rd Warwicks (25 match points out of a possible 28), who won the l.C.l. Cup. Kettering won Division 5 and met A. Division Birmingham Police, Division 6 champions, for the " Pethard " trophy. The Police team scored 744 plus handicap 27=771 and beat Kettering by 33 points. The general secretary of the League, Mr. L. G. Cork, and the divisional secretaries are congratulated upon the success of their ef forts. « » Croydon and Norwood papers are very kind in space allocation to WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKNext >