Universal Carrier and Bren Carrier question

Discussion in 'Weapons, Technology & Equipment' started by TTH, May 10, 2022.

  1. TTH

    TTH Senior Member

    I have a nerdly question or two about these vehicles. From what I've read, the Universal went into production in 1940. Does anyone know just when this happened, and when units in the field began to receive the new vehicle? Were any used by the BEF or in Norway or with Western Desert Force in the early days? Also, just when did the earlier Bren Carrier (and Scout, and Cavalry, etc) pass from service in favor of the Universal? Thanks.
     
    Waddell and Dave55 like this.
  2. Rich Payne

    Rich Payne Rivet Counter Patron 1940 Obsessive

    There were certainly Universals with the BEF. Nigel Watson ('Universal Carriers' Vol.1) states that the first batch of 300 Nuffield Mk1s were completed in May 1939. They were in a distinct minority though.

    The well-known photo of 'Barbara Jean' on the beach at Malo-les-Bains shows T7508, a Sentinel Wagon Universal Mk1 , badged to 1 Royal West Kents of 4th Division.

    Thames Barge  Barbara Jean' + Universal Carrier T7508 BEF.jpg

    Brens and Scouts were upgraded during the war so it's difficult to provide a definite date. The only surviving Scout Carrier went from the Middle East to Australia but any on active service are unlikely to have missed out on a workshop rebuild. There may have been a few in Italy, but most unlikely that any were in NW Europe.
     

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