Of things Canadian --- blood and steel

[Dutchman]

So this guy was bragging on his latest buy of a bayonet for the P14 rifle. Said how he was going to separate the bayonet and belt. I objected saying they were married by history and how he shouldn't do that. This is where foot entered mouth. He says put up or shut up. So I bought it. So what you ask?





5 CGA = 5th Coastal Garrison Artillery stationed in British Columbia.



My maternal grandfather, Stanley Minns (1896-1967) born Toronto, and one of his sisters.



Canadian Expeditionary Force 1916



My grandfather's brother, Raymond Minns.

[Dutchman]

No longer own...

Long Branch 1950. Beautiful black walnut stock was still beeswaxed. Sharp 5 groove barrel. I think this one came from AIM in Ohio for $90. It was a really nice No.4 Lee-Enfield.





No longer own. Freshly FTR No. 1 Mk3*. New 5 groove bbl. Purchased from AIM in Ohio for $60.



Pretty sure N was for Navy.





Five shots at 50 yards with 311299. Not one hit on a 10" paper plate.



Pretty sure this was one of the Peddle Scheme rifles.

I disposed of all things .303 British including an early P14 that was fresh FTR.

Dutch

[Dutchman]

My mother's older sister. Born Virden, Manitoba, Canada 1920.

US Army Women's Army Corp (WAC). She drove trucks.

Great lady to have as an aunt growing up. She could handle a 1903 Springfield as good as any man.

[Dutchman]

My Canadian grandfather crossed the bridge at Niagara Falls, New York in 1922 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1932. I have his certificate. They lived in Ithaca, NY up to WW2 then packed up the 1936 Chevrolet and drove it with 3 daughters to southern California where he got work at the California Ship Yards working on the liberty ship.

[William Yanda]

Great memories to have. Glad the bayonet and belt are with someone who appreciates them.

[Uncle Grinch]

Love the photos… they are great memory makers. Be sure to educate your younger family members on your history. Need to keep it going.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Thanks for posting all of the photos. It's a great thing for a person to know who they are and where they came from. I have two of those very fine Long Branch No. 4 rifles still in the condition you described. One 1917 bayonet similar to yours made by REM-UMC. Scarcer every year!

DG

[444ttd]

great story!!!!!!

[Streetwalker]

I think you bought a wonderful outfit and did a great "rescue" at the same time. Great photo's, as usual, and a wonderful story about your family and relatives!!

[beemer]

Great find, love the story of your family, they need to be remembered.

I had a Great Uncle that was in the Battle of Cantigny in WW1 and another that went onshore at Normandy, our ancestors were tough people.

I have one of the walnut stocked Long Branch #4's, beautiful rifle and a great shooter.

Dave

[JoeJames]

One of my uncles was in WWI and another uncle was in WWII ... my mother's oldest brother was in WWI and her youngest brother was in WWII. Large country family in the foothills of the Ozarks.