John:
Between the wars BSA made a small number of "High Power" rifles based on surplus P14 actions, and these were retailed in greater numbers after WWII as the BSA Models D and E. I believe Models A through E were available at one time or another, but only the Models D and E are shown in the Parker Hale catalogue of 1954. I have a nice example of the Model E, the highest grade, that was a farm rifle in Zim prior to Uncle Bob's "repatriations" at which time the previous owner emigrated to Australia.
Long story, apologies, but my point is that cutting off the ears and rounding the rear bridge was a successful commercial modification in the UK for several decades.

Here is a pic from another website:

You can see that the large oval hole has been filled.

and another...

One more...

If I get time tomorrow I'll photograph the one in my custody.
Hope this is of some use.