Commonly called "Long Branch" this actually identifies the location and not the name of the company which was "Small Arms Ltd". SAL was created in 1940 nd produced the first rifle in 1941 (from memory here as my references are at home). Firts orders were for the Canadian Army and British War Office. In short time the plant was doubled in size and doubled again. By war's end almost 1 Million rifles were produced at SAL.
The Bren was produced by the John Inglis Co. Ltd, on Strachan Street, Toronto. The contract was awarded in 1938 by the British for 5,000 guns and the Canadian government tacked on an untendered contract for 7,000 guns. This contract caused a furor and resulted in a Royal Commission.
Although I have not researched the quantities of SAL rifles or Inglis Bren guns to Australia I did discover the exact quantity of Inglis Hi-power pistols sold there.
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Those who live by the sword will be shot by those of us who have progressed.
- M38A1, 67-07800, ex LETE
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