British Pistols, Revolver Mk. 1 AND Mk. 2

From WO 167/126

I Corps Admin Order No.36. Serial 2, Ord.

Dated 27 Oct 1939

i. All units will report HQ, I Corps through formation HQ and C Tps direct, the number of pistols, revolver, No.1 (.455") by 31 Oct.

ii. All units will submit indents forthwith through the normal channels for Pistols No.2 in replacement of Pistols No.1 in possession of and draw .38" revolver amn in replacement of any .455" amn held.


I thought it odd that they would change a weapon system, an officers one at that, on going to war.

 

The reason may have been that the Webley .455 was still using the lead bulleted Mark II ball round at that time. There had been complaints by the Germans in WWI that this ammunition contravened the Hague convention and so in September 1939 a new jacketed round, the Mark VI, was approved for the Webley. However, by the date of that order only one month later, there was probably very little of the new ammunition in the system.

On the other hand, a jacketed bullet for the .38 revolver had been introduced and issued from 1937. Thus with war just declared, the authorities wanted to ensure they could not be accused of any contravention this time.

Regards
TonyE

 

Many thanks. I was hoping you'd see this and the 'Vickers' thread for an imput from yourself.

 

A little interesting story I went along to my local
militaria shop last week and overheard a conversation
of a incedent that happened few week earlier.

A gentleman had brought in some items from a house
clearence of a gentlemen that had recently passed
away, in this collection was his medals, documents,
a Wembley service pistol and a flare gun all in working
order. These were all taken to a approved gunsmith
to be deactivated and certificates issued.

I am sure this is not the only incedent of this type of
of thing happening as when my Grandfather returned
from Turkey after the uprising in the 1920's he returned
with his own collection of guns and swords...lol. My
Grandmother was not happy about these being in the
house and when he returned after his leave she burried
his collection on Bisely Common.

 

Drew, the adoption of the .38 came before the war. This order seems to me to be a suitable wartime directive i.e. getting EVRYONE using the same ammo to ease supply issues.