Bren at War

[Luis Bren]

The 'Phoney' War, October 1939 - May 1940: Men of the Royal Fusiliers man a Bren gun position at the front near Saint Francois-Lacroix.




THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (BEF) IN FRANCE 1939-1940 | Imperial War Museums

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[AmEngRifles]

Wondering how the Bren and the SMLE worked in bitter cold? About as well as any weapon I suppose? Any special preps to keep them active and ready? Action covers?

[Paul S.]

As I recall from the Infantry Pamphlets, no grease or oil since both solidified from the cold.

The SMLE faired well during the winter of 1915 when my granddad was at Ypres when things suddenly got 'hot'.

[AmEngRifles]

Thanks Paul. That makes great sense. I did not realize weapons oil might solidify as well?? We only touched on a few degrees below freezing, but man, the grease in the gun slowed up the action significantly. Had to remove all grease and just oil the gun to get it to feed. The grease was in there as it was brand new from the maker and he greased it for the break in. Nobody mentioned not to try “ breaking it in” during sub freezing weather. 😉

Sorry. Should have replied privately I suppose? Don’t mean to start thread drift. I love all these historical images of the Bren in various theaters.

Did paratroopers go in with Brens? Any pictures of Troop’s kitted up for jumps?

[browningautorifle]

I did not realize weapons oil might solidify as well??

We taught a whole lesson about care for weapons in sub zero climate, removing oil and grease and replacing with graphite powder. Even light oil freezes, better to have nothing than that. You can't add when it's hot as it still chills down after. Yes, a definite problem after a certain temperature drop.

[Paul S.]

Did paratroopers go in with Brens? Any pictures of Troop’s kitted up for jumps?

There is a video about the Parachute Regiment that has some historical footage as well as new Paras being taught about the regiment's history. In it, you can see a demonstration of how an WWII Para would have been kitted for a jump.

[Brit plumber]

I’ll never forget the use of Stove Naptha to defrost your weapon.

[Daan Kemp]

No Brens, no machine guns. You can't parachute a largish force without their additional equipment, ammunition, mortars, radios, food, etc.

[Luis Bren]

ROYAL MARINES IN THE DUKE OF YORK. JUNE 1943, IN NORTHERN WATERS


ROYAL MARINES IN THE DUKE OF YORK. JUNE 1943, IN NORTHERN WATERS. | Imperial War Museums

---------- Post added at 08:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:34 PM ----------

A Bren gunner rests in a cornfield near Briquessard, during Operation 'Bluecoat', the offensive south-east of Caumont, 30 July 1944.


THE BRITISH ARMY IN NORMANDY 1944 | Imperial War Museums

[Peter Laidler]

Nice to see a little Lanchester on board the Duke of York. Is the man in the dark overalls priming the grenades I ask...., or loading a Bren mag. Is that a Boys rifle muzzle we see, bottom left. Incidentally, the very first issue of Lanchesters to the Navy was to the Marines aboard the Battle Cruiser HMS Renown. The only Battle Cruiser to survive the war! There'll be a few more Lanchesters on her sister ship, the Repulse a few miles off the East Coast of Kuantan in Malaya.

That's not a wise move to run across someones back because your steel heel plate would make the other bloke wince a bit!