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Post by Richard Fisher on Oct 6, 2006 10:09:14 GMT 1
As I have posted on the wwiireenacting site, I thought I would try here as well. Does anyone have any information on the Vickers GO when used for airfield defence?
I believe that the No. 2 gun (butt and pistol grip) was used in this role and seem to recall it being tripod mounted but I don't know whether this was sustained fire 'Bren-style' or 'tepee' type tripod.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Richard
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Post by tom on Oct 9, 2006 0:19:57 GMT 1
Hi Richard
You have got the drawings DD(E) 2620 for the VGO AA mount? I'm pretty sure thats the one they have a VGO on at the NFC (Pattern Room that was). Didn't get photos, ran out of time.
ATB
Tom
PS I think theres some LoCs refering to it, I''l dig around.
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Post by Richard Fisher on Oct 9, 2006 17:18:20 GMT 1
Hi Tom,
Yes I have those drawings but I am looking for some 'in service' information and how the ground service (No. 2) gun was used when / if mounted.
Cheers,
Rich
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Post by tom on Oct 10, 2006 12:23:05 GMT 1
just dug out the copy of the VGO Bipod file I foumd at the P Room and in a minute from late1943 about RAC wanting bipods for their AA VGOs theres mention of the RAF probably holding less than a thousand No. 2 guns and them going out of production 18 months before. Thats quite a few guns still and I can't see them not being used for airfield defence at that point.
By the by from re reading the minutes it seams that the type A conversions were made for No. 4 Commando (10 done) and that 20 of the simpler type B were done for other units. They ordered more of the bipod castings and its possible that more where made especially since 10 Commando got theirs quite early on and may have needed replacements by June 44...
Since my minds going, did I send you the photocopies (half are A3 so won't scan easily) to copy? I can post them if they go registered (unlikely to get access again with the Armouries take over of the PRoom library) and I get them back soon ish. Theres quite a wad of them, although some are repeats.
I'm still poking about for pics of the ground VGOs in use...
ATB
Tom
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Post by tom on Oct 10, 2006 13:23:16 GMT 1
It's just occured to me, theres a exellent book on UK defences (pill boxes and such), my copies lost in the packing (still) or I'd look myself. I wonder if that would cover the airfield defences that housed the VGO tripod? The fixed eye bolt that the tripods cross head was chained/wired to would be quite distinctive. Anybody have a copy to hand?
ATB
Tom
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