Weapons fitted to Bren Gun Carriers

I have read that various weapons were fitted on to carriers, but when did this start? The following is drawn from
TNA WO 166/924 17th Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, war diary describing on 16 December 1940 that they had adapted one of their carriers with a series of brackets and swivels which permitted them to fit not only a BEF inspired Bren gun position next to the driver, but a modified seating arrangement for firing a Boys anti-tank rifle, and perched on top of the engine compartment, a 2 inch mortar.



Its obvious where one idea came from but were the other two completely new ideas?

 

Well the Carrier Platoon was authorised anti-tank rifles under the 1938 organisation but it was a while longer before they got 2-inch mortars, in early to mid 1941. The carrier related MTPs of 1939-41 only really cover the Bren and Boys being used in the dismounted role. I'm pretty sure the original Bren gun carrier had the facility for the LMG to be used on a high angle mount by the gunner, in his seat behind the commander up front. And a cracking video of the way that the Bren, Boys and mortar could be used from the carrier, though probably around 1942, so somewhat after your example. The commentary makes mention of the various mounts for the LMG having been initially adopted by units in the Middle East. The mount for the 2-inch mortar is particularly interesting. When the spade grip was adopted for the 2-inch mortar it did mean the larger baseplate had to be retained in weapons for carrier use as the spade mount could not be handled in the same manner.



Gary

 

Thanks Garry, What a cracking little film. There's an early shot which shows the 2" bolted down through what might be two timber battens. This November 1942 film only shows f firing in a hi/low a single fore and aft only direction, and not as the original document says all directions. I wonder if the 1940 experiment was the genesis of making the carrier a more versatile vehicle? You've helped me before and I thank you again for your knowledge and time.