Training with the Sterling machine gun, 1960 (c)

Photograph, Central Office of Information, 1960 (c).

Soldiers loading 9 mm into magazines for their Sterling machine guns.

The Sterling evolved from the Patchett machine carbine. After successful commercial sales the Sterling was accepted into the British Army in 1956 and slowly replaced the aged Stens still in active use. It remained the Army's standard automatic weapon for 30 years. The magazine holds 34 9 mm cartridges. The gun can be fired with butt stock extended or folded. This type of weapon was mainly issued to NCOs and officers.