India’s Enfields

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India’s Enfields

Written by:  Robert W. Edwards, Lieutenant Colonel United States Air Force (Retired)

Published by: The Consortium Press, box 190, Keedysville, MD 21756, U.S.A.

Available from: milcolco@intrepid.net (also available on both www.gunbroker.com and www.auctionarms.com

ISBN 0-9701237-0-1

Softcover, 8 ½ X 11, 132 pages, b&w, color photos, watercolors & paintings.           $25.00 + shipping.

As any member of the US Armed Forces (active or retired) knows the: who, what, when, where, why and how are the vital elements to success in any operation.  That’s why I always include a bit of history in my articles.  Before we get to the “what”,  (the guns) we discuss the background & events that shaped that time period, “the who, when, where, why and how”.  This puts things in perspective.  It gives us a better understanding of the arms developed during that time. 

Col. Edwards has done an absolutely fantastic job in his work “India’s Enfields”!  This book covers not only each of the Lee Enfield models produced at the Rifle Factory Ishapore in India, but also includes a complete military history of India and the political & sociological factors that shaped India.                                                                                                                                 

The book is broken down into six chapters.  The first five chapters cover particular time periods.  The last chapter explores experimental & special purpose weapons.   At the start of each chapter is the background and history that shaped events of that time.  Then the rifles used or modified during that era are covered in great detail.  Bayonets are also covered in each chapter.  The markings and stampings found on Ishapore produced, or refurbished Lee Enfields are fully cataloged and explained.

Col. Edwards book is replete with photos, watercolors & paintings, not only of the guns and military accoutrements, but also of the Indian Army itself.  This is a most exhaustive work, fully researched, and laid out in a most pleasing style.  This book is the authority on arms produced, modified or refurbished at the Rifle Factory Ishapore in India.

I absolutely recommend this book as to anyone interested in “Ishy” Lee Enfields.  Get your copy now, or get it on your Xmas list ASAP!

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