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The Weapons of the Arizona Wiltshire Regiment
The Wiltshire Regiment of Arizona can proudly field several different types of weapons used by the British Army during World War II. We take these weapons to Airshows, Battle Enactments, and Unit Training events. All members develop an appreciation for their capabilities and learn how to use them, and maintain them.
**New Members will be required to purchase their own Rifle for use in the unit.**
***It is up to individual members to be sure that their weapon is in compliance with all Federal, State and local laws for every event.***
Basic Weapon Requirments
The Enfield No. 1 MK III and the No. 4 MK I are both required firearms a new member needs to own as both of these rifles were used by soldiers of the Wiltshire Regiment in different Theaters during WWII
Enfield No. 1 MK III
The Enfield Rifle was the basic battle rifle of the British Army from its original design in the early 1900's to just after the end of WWII. The No. III MK I gained fame during WWI and remained in use till the end of WWII
It was seen in great numbers in North Africa, Italy and Burma. This rifle will be used for our N. Africa and Italian Front events
There are still many out there on the surplus market, they can usually be found at Gunshows, in your local Gun Store, and on Gun Broker.
If your unsure if it is a correct rifle for the impression, contact the Unit Authenticity Officer before purchasing
Enfield No. 4 MK I
The Enfield Rifle was the basic battle rifle of the British Army from its original design in the early 1900's to just after the end of WWII.
New members of the Wiltshire Regiment will be required to purchase a correct WWII dated Enfield.
There are still many out there on the surplus market, they can usually be found at Gunshows, in your local Gun Store, and on Gun Broker.
If your unsure if it is a correct rifle for the impression, contact the Unit Authenticity Officer before purchasing
Advanced Weapons
The firearms listed below are not a requirment for a Wiltshire Regiment Member. They are listed here so as a new member can familiarize themselves with some of the many weapons the British Army used. New members may wish to purchase one of the listed weapons and are free to do so. However use during reenactments is dependant on Time Period of the Event, Theater of War, and Unit Commander discretion. Talk to the Unit Commander before purchase.
Mills Bomb
Invented in WWI the Mills Bomb was the primary hand grenade of the British Soldier. It had a 4 second fuse, a 30 meter throwing range and a 100 meter danger radius.
During WWII each Soldier would be issued 2 of these to be carried in their ammo pouches
The Wiltshire Regiment of Arizona is no different, however we will be carrying a Rubber moulded version that will be used to clear enemy positions, but wont be harmful to our fellow reenactors.
These Rubber versions can be purchased from Service of Supply
Bren LMG MK I or II
The Bren Gun was the standard issue Light Machine Gun of the British Army through WWII. Chambered in .303 British and fed by a top loaded magazine British Rifle Squads were built aound this LMG. All soldiers in the Squad would be carrying additional magazines for the Bren.
The Bren LMG has a long history with the British Military, it was adopted in 1935 and remained in use, in various configurations, until the early 90's. Infact the Irish Defence Forces finally retaired the last Bren Guns in inventory in 2006.
The Wiltshire Regiment of Arizona is proud to own two of these LMG. Both being Semi Autmatic guns built by Historic Arms, LLC off of Inglis of Canada parts kits.
Sten MK II and III
The Sten Gun was the result of a crash weapons program developed by the British shortly after the Evacuation of Dunkirk.
Chambered in 9MM the low cost, and simplicity of manufacture meant that by the end of the War over 4 million were built in various configurations. With the MK II and MK III being the most prevalent
The Sten saw most of its combat on the Western Front and as such would be restricted to usage during Western Front battles.
Thompson SMG
The Thompson Sub Machine Gun was purchased in large numbers during the early years of WWII by the British as they scrambled to catch up to the German War Machine.
Early versions had the long barrel, compensator, forward grip and drum magazine. However pictures show that the British and its Commonwealth allies also used the Wartime US Military version as well.
As the US Military took over the supply chain of all Allied Forces in Italy. Most pictures show usage of the Thompson during the Italian Campaign.
As more Sten Guns became availible Infantry Regiments would replace their Thompsons with the Sten Gun.
Usage of the Thompson SMG will be limited to Italian and North Africa events
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