The primary weapon used by the WWII Cameron Highlander was the Enfield bolt-action rifle. There were two variants used during the war; the No. 1 Mk.III, and the No.4 Mk.I. These fired .303 inch ammunition (Mk.VII), and were issued with their respective bayonets. The No.1 Mk.III used the No.1 Mk.I sword bayonet, while the No.4 Mk.I rifle used the small spike bayonet, No.4 Mk.II being its designation. Out of a ten man rifle section, eight soldiers were equipped with this rifle. Its reliability and accuracy were renowned at the time, and it has earned its place in history as a very accurate and durable rifle. Ammunition for the Enfield rifles was carried in khaki cotton bandoliers, each of which held 50 rounds, held five rounds per charger.  The automatic firepower of the section was in the form of the Bren Light Machine Gun, Mk.I. This weapon had a firing rate of about 400 to 500 rounds per minute, and also fired the Mk.VII .303 inch ammunition, identical to that used for the Enfield rifles. Ammunition was stored in magazines which held 28-30 rounds each. Each man in the rifle section would carry at least two magazines for the Bren.  The section leader, ideally a Corporal, was equippedwith the Sten machine carbine.  The Mk.II (pictured) was the most common variant in use during the war, although there were a few other variants issued. This weapon fired 9mm Parabellum ammunition at a rate of 540 rounds per minute. Ammunition magazines held 32 rounds each, though it was common to carry less in each magazine. This item was issued to officers and NCO's in most cases. Some soldiers, not content with the Sten, opted for the more accurate and reliable Enfield rifle which was less prone to jamming and misfires.       Back to the Cameron Highlanders Homepage.