Post by tom on Dec 5, 2005 16:15:05 GMT 1
Hi Matt
The below shows a example of the trials cover for use with the Bren specific pack saddlery. I know of half a dozen examples and all are dated 1938 and most seam to have never been issued.
LoC B2213 of Dec 1938 announced the introduction of a cover for use with the various AA mountings and with the pack saddlery, the design was later modified by the addition of a extra strap and buckle announced in LoC B4053 of Oct 1940. There is also a Army Council Instruction that comments on this type having a tendency to shrink and ordering the return or modification (can put up the full entry if anyone cares) of so affected examples. The Canadians also produced this type, the example I have pics of having ecconomy type ends to the three straps which hold the flap shut
Obviously enough this is a snow camouflage cover (they are also often somewhat on the small size but will stretch with care), I believe that a lot of specialist snow warfare kit was designed for use in the threatened invasion of Norway and occaisionally stocks of unissued kit turn up, this example is dated 1944. I can find no VAOS referance for anything like this until the late 1950s, 1957 to be precise, when LoC C 8105 announced the introduction of Covers, camouflage, Bren Gun (Cat.No. C1/AA5595) Please bear in mind that the system was far from perfect.
I also have rather convincing pics of a snow muzzle cover for the Bren, also dated 1944 with a code of what looks like AA 5596. If anyone has more info on this subject can they please post it.
This type of cover is often refered to as a "Jungle cover" and was officially, Cover, overall, Bren .303 M.G. (Aust) Mk 2 C1/CAA0408. It was introduced in mid 1945. Mine have 1950s dates on them and are darker in colour than the wartime ones I have seen. I'm unsure if the UK also made these or what the Mk I was like.
And finally from someone elses collection (Ta!) one of the valises that the Airborne forces used, I'll let someone else write that one up as like Vickers MMGs, Para kit is beyond my ken!
ATB
Tom
The below shows a example of the trials cover for use with the Bren specific pack saddlery. I know of half a dozen examples and all are dated 1938 and most seam to have never been issued.
LoC B2213 of Dec 1938 announced the introduction of a cover for use with the various AA mountings and with the pack saddlery, the design was later modified by the addition of a extra strap and buckle announced in LoC B4053 of Oct 1940. There is also a Army Council Instruction that comments on this type having a tendency to shrink and ordering the return or modification (can put up the full entry if anyone cares) of so affected examples. The Canadians also produced this type, the example I have pics of having ecconomy type ends to the three straps which hold the flap shut
Obviously enough this is a snow camouflage cover (they are also often somewhat on the small size but will stretch with care), I believe that a lot of specialist snow warfare kit was designed for use in the threatened invasion of Norway and occaisionally stocks of unissued kit turn up, this example is dated 1944. I can find no VAOS referance for anything like this until the late 1950s, 1957 to be precise, when LoC C 8105 announced the introduction of Covers, camouflage, Bren Gun (Cat.No. C1/AA5595) Please bear in mind that the system was far from perfect.
I also have rather convincing pics of a snow muzzle cover for the Bren, also dated 1944 with a code of what looks like AA 5596. If anyone has more info on this subject can they please post it.
This type of cover is often refered to as a "Jungle cover" and was officially, Cover, overall, Bren .303 M.G. (Aust) Mk 2 C1/CAA0408. It was introduced in mid 1945. Mine have 1950s dates on them and are darker in colour than the wartime ones I have seen. I'm unsure if the UK also made these or what the Mk I was like.
And finally from someone elses collection (Ta!) one of the valises that the Airborne forces used, I'll let someone else write that one up as like Vickers MMGs, Para kit is beyond my ken!
ATB
Tom
