Off the hip...
Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 4:58 am
Was looking at some old photos taken in Japan in the 1950s and I started reminiscing and suddenly remembered a happening at the Battle School in Hara Mura.
We were supposed to be practising shooting from the hip with the SMLE, no one was trying, it was all a bit of a joke.
Then the CO of the school suddenly appeared, he was a Lieut. Colonel from the King's Own Regiment.
The targets had just been set up again (most untouched), they were large Pie Apple tins and the Colonel moved to the end of the firing line then said to the Sergeant, "Rifle", the Sarge THREW him a rifle which he caught left-handed, then two chargers of ammo followed which were both caught in the right hand, rifle to hip, bolt opened and ten rounds loaded in record time (some of us thought that this was probably a regular happening, especially as the rifle was thrown).
Then followed ten very rapid shots and cans flew everywhere!!
The CO cleared his rifle, the Sargeant inspected it, took it back and then the Colonel looked at us, raised an eyebrow said "Now?" and marched off.
We resumed practice somewhat subdued and certainly more motivated.
We were supposed to be practising shooting from the hip with the SMLE, no one was trying, it was all a bit of a joke.
Then the CO of the school suddenly appeared, he was a Lieut. Colonel from the King's Own Regiment.
The targets had just been set up again (most untouched), they were large Pie Apple tins and the Colonel moved to the end of the firing line then said to the Sergeant, "Rifle", the Sarge THREW him a rifle which he caught left-handed, then two chargers of ammo followed which were both caught in the right hand, rifle to hip, bolt opened and ten rounds loaded in record time (some of us thought that this was probably a regular happening, especially as the rifle was thrown).
Then followed ten very rapid shots and cans flew everywhere!!
The CO cleared his rifle, the Sargeant inspected it, took it back and then the Colonel looked at us, raised an eyebrow said "Now?" and marched off.
We resumed practice somewhat subdued and certainly more motivated.