Salisbury Plain


Soldiers of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry photographed on Salisbury Plain. They were stationed there for a month at Bustard Camp from 14 Oct 1914 after arriving at Plymouth from Canada. They were brigaded with two British Army rifle battalions. The men in this photo are receiving something from a well-wisher. The cap badge is indistinct but it seems that they are wearing the curved cloth shoulder title with P.P.C.L.I. inscribed. They are armed with the Ross Rifle which was replaced by the Lee-Enfield after they moved to Morn Hill, Winchester. This rifle was produced in Canada (following a row between the British and Canadian governments) from 1903 to 1918 and used by the CEF until it was withdrawn in 1916. It proved unsuitable for trench warfare conditions and the .303 ammunition was of poor quality. However, it was an accurate rifle and was popular with Canadian snipers who continued to use it throughout the war.


Regimental Details


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by Stephen Luscombe