Odd - British DPs allowed you to chamber a round (drill preferably, obviously) - the barrel being exposed and welded-up further down. Were they just for rifle drill? Seems a bit pointless having a working bolt if you can't do drills.
Just saw this on the BBC News site associated with a story about the Indian Navy - assume it's stock, however recent. SMLE / Rifle No.1 used for Drill. Not sure if the white/red band indicates a difference. Indian Navy reports first coronavirus outbreak
