The De Lisle Commando Carbine
Sep 12th 2024
The De Lisle Commando Carbine is a highly specialized British bolt-action rifle developed during World War II. It was chambered in .45 ACP and was notable for being one of the quietest firearms ever made, designed for use by British special forces in covert operations.
History
- Development: The De Lisle Carbine was designed by William Godfray de Lisle in 1942. The goal was to create a weapon that combined the compactness and quietness of a silenced pistol with the accuracy of a rifle. The De Lisle was primarily used by British Commandos and other special operations units, such as the Special Operations Executive (SOE), for covert missions, including assassinations, sabotage, and clandestine raids.
- Design Origins: It was based on the action of the Lee-Enfield Mk III rifle*, which was a mainstay of the British Army. However, the De Lisle was heavily modified for its new role. The original barrel was replaced by a specially made .45 ACP barrel and a large, integrated suppressor (silencer), making it one of the quietest firearms of its era.
Technical Details
- Action: Bolt-action, based on the Lee-Enfield SMLE, though it was shortened to suit the compact design.
- Caliber: .45 ACP. This was the same round used in the Colt M1911 pistol and the Thompson submachine gun, both common in British and American forces at the time. The .45 ACP round, being subsonic by nature, worked well with a suppressor, as the bullet speed stayed below the sound barrier.
- Suppressor: The most distinctive feature of the De Lisle Carbine was its suppressor. The weapon had an unusually long and integrated suppressor that extended almost the full length of the barrel. This made it exceptionally quiet, even quieter than other silenced firearms. Soldiers using the De Lisle reported that the only sound when firing was the click of the bolt cycling.
- Magazine: The De Lisle used a modified M1911 7-round magazine, as it shared the same caliber. Later models were adapted to use larger magazines for greater capacity.
- Barrel: A shortened barrel, just under 8 inches, was used for compactness. The suppressor surrounding it extended the overall length but kept the effective sound signature very low.
- Sights: The rifle was fitted with simple iron sights, optimized for shorter-range engagements (within 200 yards). Due to the subsonic nature of the .45 ACP round, the carbine was not intended for long-range combat.
Operational Use
The De Lisle Carbine was a specialized weapon used in specific situations that required silence and precision, such as:
- Commando Raids: Its quiet nature made it perfect for covert night operations and surprise attacks. British Commandos used it in operations across Europe and Asia.
- Special Operations Executive (SOE): The SOE, which specialized in espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance, favored the De Lisle for its ability to neutralize enemy sentries quietly.
- Range and Effectiveness: Though highly accurate at short ranges (up to 200 meters), the .45 ACP round limited its effectiveness over longer distances. However, the low noise made it ideal for stealth engagements, where noise discipline was paramount.
Legacy
Although only a few hundred De Lisle Carbines were produced during World War II, they left a significant legacy. The carbine is remembered for its ingenuity in combining stealth with precision, and it remains a point of fascination for military historians and firearms enthusiasts. The De Lisle has been reproduced in modern times by some manufacturers, catering to collectors and historical firearm enthusiasts.
In summary, the De Lisle Commando Carbine was a specialized, stealth-oriented weapon that offered unparalleled silence and precision for covert operations during World War II, making it an iconic firearm in the history of military surplus and special operations gear.
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