Mk1 Bren magazine

[Peter Laidler]

Flow chart of magazine configurations for the Bren
Mk1 Mk1* Mk1**(2) Mk2(2) Mk2* Mk3(1)
Case, Mk1 x
or
Case, Mk2 x x x x x
containing
Auxiliary spring x x x x x
Guide, platform x x x x x x
Base plate Mk1(+) x x
and
Retainer, Mk1 (+) x x
Or
Base plate Mk1* (#) x and all others
and
Retainer, Mk1*(#) and all others
Platform, Mk1 x x x
Or
Platform Mk2 x x
Or
Platform, Mk3 x
Spring, platform, Mk1 x x x x
Or
Spring, platform, Mk2 x x x x

+ or # = Can only be used as a pair
1) = Magazine of new manufacture
2) = Possible configuration by unit level conversion

The authority for these conversions states that conversion from Mk1* to Mk1** will only be undertaken as and when stocks of the Mk1 bottom plates and retainers are used up. When Mk1* bottom plates and retainers are issued as spare parts, they should be fitted to the magazines in accordance with drawing DD(E) 2254-IP. A copy of this drawing is included as Fig ….. Mk2 magazines should be regarded as factory manufactured Mk1* magazines as opposed to modified. On the introduction of the Mk1** and the Mk2* magazines, the Mk1, 1* and 2 are obsolescent. The Mk3 magazine was introduced under LoC C-738 in November 1943 to Enfield drawing DD(E) 3417. It differs from the old Mk2* type in that the auxiliary spring is spot-welded in during production and therefore forms an integral part of the case. This has been introduced in order to simplify production and the auxiliary spring is not a replaceable part as in other magazines. All other components are of the latest pattern.


I have put this here and tried to tabulate it as taken from the manuscript. But I cannot get it to tabulate when it comes up here - so it's still confusing. And I can't be bothered to write it all up again.