Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic  - Weapons and Technology

Combatants in the battle of the Atlantic relied on weapons and technology to attack the enemy, to defend themselves, to communicate, and to rescue friends and foes.

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