Lee-Enfield Line-throwing Rifle

Royal Canadian Navy sailors used this converted Canadian-made Lee-Enfield rifle to pass lines to other vessels at sea.

The rifle fired a special cartridge to launch a rod with a loop at its end. The rod carried with it a lightweight line. Sailors on the receiving ship used this to haul over a heavier line that could then be used to transfer equipment, supplies, or even, using a special harness, people. Line-throwing rifles could also be used to establish lines for rescue or salvage work.

Rifle, Lee-Enfield, Line-throwing
CWM 19700162-001