Books photos about executed POWS June 1944

Hi.

Can anyone answer any of this for me?
2 Queries:

1) June 6, 1944, about to take the Beaches of Normandy. WHAT was my "RIFLEMAN" Uncle wearing and lugging around with him?

2) "RIFLEMAN" Edward Smith .... I've assumed the "RIFLEMAN" part referred to my Uncle CARRYING a RIFLE ... am I wrong about what a RIFLEMAN is/was
and what SORT of RIFLE ?

(I know my ignorance really shows. I really don't know though)

Thanks,

Carman