OK, Here We Go

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

As it began to be evident that America would join the war in Europe, the “Four Horsemen” began in earnest to formulate a credible scenario to train snipers. They knew early on that the longest lead time would be the scopes. McDougal was chosen to interact with WRA to ensure the changes they wanted to make would be, at least, on paper – nothing official as yet. Holcomb would handle all issues dealing with Headquarters Marine Corps and acquisition. Garland would devise a training regimen and interact with Doyen, and Smith would assist Fay and design the ultimate sniper rifle using nothing but the best (available) components.

They devised a list of requirements for the rifle:
1. The rifle would be a 1903 Springfield of match quality (star gauged with quality inletting and trigger).
2. The scope would be the Winchester A5, the best scope physically available.
3. The scope would be mounted in Mann-Niedner bases, as the #2 had zero problems after a dismount .
3. Fay wanted the elevation click adjustments to be in “yards” instead of “minutes” to aid in training country boys.
4. All wanted bigger knobs and click adjustments due to issues all had during their past matches.
5. The stock would be marked in such a way as to quickly identify which barreled action it matched.
(Niedner’s mark was below the receiver bridge on the stock, WRA’s just in front of the crossbolt on the port side).
6. Every rifle would be identical in every respect.
7. The snipers would use match ammunition.
8. Each sniper would retain possession of his unique rifle until he was unfit for service, completed his enlistment, or achieved the rank of Sergeant Major.
9. Each scope would be issued with a case, dim light adapter, and a rubber eyepiece.

Holcomb and McDougal would oversee WRA’s assembly of the rifles to strict tolerances.



I hope Tom doesn't mind me using his icture, but it is such a beautiful set, and this is what a WRA rifle and scope, as issued, looked like.

Fay would convince Doyen to transfer each of them into a position from which they could best oversee the program. Fay wanted to transfer to Cuba to take advantage of the superior range and fine weather. He would only pick and train snipers who qualified as Expert. He would immediately commence their range training until such time as OSD opened for business. Snipers would be trained in small 50 to 100 man batches to help maintain the quality of instruction.

Dulty Smith would be transferred to OSD to be in charge of the Rifle Range Detachment to oversee every facet of sniper training (there would be a delay). Holcomb was Inspector of Target Practice at Headquarters Marine Corps, and in perfect position to oversee the implementation of the sniper program. But Holcomb wanted to go to France, and had been promised Command of a battalion or regiment to be formed in the event of war. He would go to France as Commander of the 2/6. McDougal would replace Holcomb as Inspector of Target Practice if, and when, Holcomb departed for combat duty. All would depend on Fay convincing Doyen that the program was needed and the plan feasible.

Right in the middle of all their planning, America declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917. It was time to act.

So, why did the Horsemen pick Captain Fay to make the attempt to sway Doyen to not only support their plan, but to be an active participant in its implantation? The reason was very simple; Augustus Doyen was married to Claude Fay, Garland’s older sister. Another of Garland’s sisters was married to John Pendleton, the Marine for whom Camp Pendleton is named. Fay was confident he could convince Doyen to implement the sniper program as the Horsemen envisioned it. Doyen was aware he would command the 4^th Marine Brigade when it formed as well as in France. Doyen not only agreed with the Horsemen, he thought the program to be of essence, and wanted his 4^th Brigade to be armed with the same sniper rifles. Now you know why Niedner was picked to mount the 150 scopes on rifles prepped and supplied by the Corps. WRA was pressed for time, but would supply the scopes and modified mounts to Niedner as soon as they were completed so the 4^th Brigade could be armed. The 4^th Marine Brigade snipers were to be trained at the BEF sniper schools in France.

The game was afoot. Up next – Cubans.

Jim