OHF marking on butt

[Peter Laidler]

Had a PM recently regarding an OHF marking on a butt
/butt slide from a Mk3 or L4 Bren. What is it. Good question.

The OHF stands for OVERHEAD FIRE. These were selected Bren or L4 guns that were gauged to a tighter criteria, according to the EMER specification that deals with 'preparation for special function'. That being for live overhead firing of troops on the ground.

The gauging covered the fit of the gun on the tripod, the barrel chamber depth and bore to prevent any 'drop-shorts' due to gas passing the bullets in the bore. It also meant that the gun had a 'log-book' attached and serially numbered to the gun, certified by the Armourer Sergeant prior to each days shooting. This usually meant the Armourers staying in late to inspect the guns after a full days firing.

Occasionally you'll see a date painted after the OHF mark. This was the last 'signing-off' and certification date.

So if you've got one of these guns so marked, that's the answer!

At the Infantry Training Centre, we had some of these guns (and the last Vickers for the same purpose) and we kept them separate from the others just to make our life easier - as you do!