Introduction of Mk2 Barrel Handles

[peregrinvs]

Hi,

I came across the following picture of an expanse of fresh MkII Brens at the John Inglis factory and was interested to note that they all have Mk1 rather than Mk2 barrel handles.

img10.imageshack.us/i/58303168bren191.jpg/

My 1943 Inglis MkII (Receiver number: 9T8046 + Barrel number: 13T7424) came with a Mk2 barrel handle, which I assumed was correct. Would it have actually started out with a Mk1 handle? When did the Monotype MkII's start getting fitted with Mk2 handles?

Cheers,
Mark

[britplumber]

I may be wrong but I think all Inglis Mk2s had the Mk1 type handle. As far as I know only the Monotype Mk2s had the Mk2 handle.

Note also the mk1 type mag cover, again, I think Inglis used the mk1 type cover on there mk2s.

[Kev]

Monotype Mk2's had the MKI carry handle.



ATB Kevin

[peregrinvs]

Thanks. I don't think I've seen a factory picture of Monotype Brens before.

I was under the vague impression that MkII Brens started with Mk1 handles and then at some point they changed over to the simpler Mk2 handle as a production shortcut. Is this correct? If so, at what point did Monotype and/or Inglis do so?

Cheers,
Mark

[britplumber]

Hi Kev, Is that photo definatly of Monotype guns? I cant be sure but the bipods look to be Mk2 Inglis type in the back ground. Do you know if the Daimler to Monotype change was just a marking, or somthing more?

[Kev]

Hi Chris,the picture is indeed from Monotype from their official war effort booklet 'Instruments of war and peace'
In this picture you can see the bipod heads more clearly.



Not sure what you mean regarding 'Daimler to Monotype change' ?

ATB Kevin

[britplumber]

Yep, clearly Mono type bipods.

When the Monotype group changed from the 'D' to 'M67' marking, was it just that, a change in Markings, or was it to indicate a change within the Monotype group i.e. Daimler handing over the rains to the Monotype group and/or Daimler becoming a equal/minor member? There dosnt appear to be much info around ref this smallish production run. I do know there were between 25 and 26000 Daimler marked guns and the change to M67 occured in very early 1943 (Info gatherd from observing serial numers)

[Kev]

Monotype was allways the controlling company from the outset when approached by the Ministry of supply to act as the parent company for additional Bren production.
The Daimler 'D' on the body is just to indicate the part was made by Daimler with a change to the Daimler factory code of M67 later on.
All parts from various component manufacturers were sent to Monotypes factory at Salfords near Redhill in Surrey (inc parts made by themselves) for assembly and test firing.
The figure given for manufacture of MK2 Brens by Monotype is 73,020.

They also made and produced parts for the Vickers,Lanchester,Vickers GO,Browning,Polsten and Spery Gyroscope.

Unfortunatly when Monotype was taken over by the German Agfa company all the war work related records were destroyed.

ATB Kevin

[britplumber]

Thanks Kev, Typical that all war records are destroyed when a German company take over, sort of finish what they couldnt during the war!!