What submachine gun was used before the L85A1 assault rifle and during the Korean war?
Sterling submachine gun:  It remained in use until 1994, when it was phased out as the L85A1 assault rifle was phased in. Sten: The STEN (or Sten gun) was a family of British submachine guns chambered in 9×19mm and used extensively by British and Commonwealth forces throughout World War II and the Korean War.
Sten