No.32 scope and Bren gun trials

[Nigel]

Just glancing through some minutes discussing trials of various sights on the Bren gun. In October 1939 they got as far as testing a telescopic sight against iron sights, lensatic sight and telelensatic sight. The first telescopic sight was one made up by Watson and later this was joined by the C.I.A.'s own design that went on to become the No.32. The results were promising enough to encourage trials of other sights such as the Weaver and P.18 (as fitted to the P14 sniper rifle). Further minutes reveal that consideration was given to mounting the Weaver on the P14. It is at this point (Dec 1939) that the board were reaching the conclusion that different brackets would be required to fit the scope to either the Bren gun or a No.4. The tests were quite comprehensive on all types of sights with 140 rounds shot through each at 1,050 yards. On 23.11.39 it was decided to recommend the C.I.A.'s design for use on both the Bren and No.4 rifle. It was rifle s/n A2245 that was fitted with the No.32 scope for trials and a P14 with P.18 scope was used as a control. The minutes of 06.06.40 show the results of a comprehensive test of the Bren with No.32 fitted firing thousands of rounds and including drop tests. The board recommended a final design of the bracket for the No.4 rifle, dated 17.05.40. The bracket design for the Bren dated 13.05.40 was approved. Minutes of 12.08.40 and 16.08.40 show a desire to design leather lens caps and a tin for the scope. On 1st April 1940 an order was submitted to the Ministry of Supply for 11,340 No.32 sights split 4,965 for rifles and 6,375 for the Bren. On 6th July 1940 an update was requested on how supply was proceeding - this revealed that the drawings for the no.32 had required revision but in the meantime Messrs. Accles & Pollock had been contracted to supply drawn tubes sufficient to cover the whole requirements of the telescopes and that these would be free issue to the various makers - a quantity had already been delivered. Contracts had been placed with W. Watson & Sons and other contracts (x 4,000) with Houghton Butcher Co. and Kodak Ltd (2,000 - 3,000). In regard to the balance negotiations with other companies are proceeding. On 6th October 1940 upon the recommendation of the Pilkington Committee on the simplification of design of Infantry Equipment it was decided that the telescopic sight for the Bren shall be abolished. On the 10th October it was requested that confirmation be given that the slot on the left side of the body of the Bren should be abolished in order to simplify production. This abolition was confirmed on 23rd October 1940. This finally signified the end of the No.32 being fitted to the Bren.

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