Myth Debunked: The Ferocious Rate of Fire of the Lee-Enfield vs M1 Garand

The claim that the British Lee-Enfield rifle fires ten times as fast as the American M1 Garand and creates a sound that makes enemies think it’s machine gun fire is likely a myth rooted in exaggeration and misunderstanding of the rifles' capabilities. Here, we will delve into the reasons why such a claim is difficult to substantiate with primary sources and explore the myth's origins and persistence in popular culture.

Exaggeration of Rate of Fire

One of the main reasons found in primary sources is that the Lee-Enfield is a bolt-action rifle with a theoretical maximum rate of fire of around 15-20 rounds per minute for a skilled shooter. On the other hand, the M1 Garand, as a semi-automatic rifle, can achieve around 8-10 rounds per minute in practical use. This discrepancy alone undermines the claim of a ten-fold rate of fire advantage for the Lee-Enfield. Furthermore, the difference in rate of fire is dependent on the skill and consistency of the shooter, and achieving such a high rate of fire requires significant practice and expertise.

Sound Perception and the Myth

The myth's second part, which claims that the sound of the Lee-Enfield would make enemies think it’s machine gun fire, relies on the subjective and often unreliable perception of sound in combat. The sound of gunfire can vary based on many factors, including the environment, type of ammunition, and the distance from the shooter. While the rapid firing of multiple Lee-Enfields could create a significant volume of sound, it would not realistically mimic the continuous fire of a machine gun. Machine guns typically fire continuously, whereas the rapid fire of the Lee-Enfield would be more intermittent, making it less likely to scare enemies into thinking it’s a machine gun.

Lack of Documentation

Military documentation and reports tend to focus on tactical effectiveness, logistics, and equipment performance rather than anecdotal claims about sound perception. Military myths often arise in folklore but are not typically recorded in official reports or studies. The lack of substantial documentation further undercuts the credibility of the myth. While soldiers and veterans may pass on stories and legends, without concrete evidence, these accounts remain unverified.

Cultural and Historical Context

Many such myths originate as a form of propaganda or morale-boosting narrative during wars. They can persist in popular culture without a basis in fact, often being passed down through stories rather than documented evidence. This cultural transmission contributes to the myth's survival and even its growth in popularity. However, without a consistent basis in reality, these myths cannot be substantiated with primary sources.

Combat Experience Variability

Individual combat experiences can vary widely, and soldiers may have different perceptions of events. These subjective experiences can lead to the creation of myths that lack a consistent basis in reality. The variability in combat experiences means that what might be true for one soldier could be entirely different for another. This subjectivity further fuels the persistence of myths but does nothing to validate them.

Overall, the combination of exaggeration, the lack of primary documentation, and the nature of combat experiences contribute to the absence of credible sources supporting this myth. Military historians and experts would caution against relying on such anecdotal accounts without further verification through primary sources and research.

Conclusion

The claim that the British Lee-Enfield fires ten times as fast as the M1 Garand is largely unfounded. The realities of weapon capabilities and the variability of combat experiences underscore the need for rigorous evidence before accepting such claims as fact. The myth persists in popular culture due to its origin in folklore and propaganda but lacks support in official military documentation and research.

For those interested in the historical accuracy of these weapons, verifying claims through primary sources, such as military reports and combat logs, is essential. Understanding the limitations of each weapon and the factors affecting their performance in combat is crucial for a realistic and accurate portrayal of these legendary firearms.