On the 27^th of September 1916 whilst in Brigade reserve all the ‘long rifles’ were withdrawn and replaced with ‘short rifles’ (SMLEs).

Whilst undergoing training in Harpenden the Battalion had been equipped with re-sighted charger loading rifles. This was a Lee-Enfield conversion that had been adopted by the British Army in 1907 and replaced the ageing ‘Lee-Enfield’ Magazine Rifle Mk 1, which had been developed in 1897. The charger-loading rifle also had new front and rear sights fitted, which were adjustable for windage.

Sergeant Rhymes of the 1/8th Battalion at Abermaid Camp with a ‘Long Lee Enfield’ 1912.