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Legacy Member
I think the the Air Load Master has the Bren sticking out the Port window that can bee seen to the rear of the helicopter in front of the rear engine/rotors.
The "Belvedere" was withdrawn from service in March 1969.
Info taken from http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_..._belvedere.php
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12-29-2010 03:43 AM
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Mmmmmmmm........, I remember now why I always thought that they were about as aerodynamic as a piano. If I remember correctly, they had a big side door too, where they loaded on their return petrol supply, in big, blue 44 gallon drums. Frightening!
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Legacy Member
The original pic of the side mounted Bren in the Belvedere has now gone,but have just been watching this -
BBC iPlayer - Soldier in the Sun
About 19 minutes 20 secs in shows a similar view.
Well worth a watch,Titled - Soldiers in the sun , a BBC ducumentry First transmitted in 1964, this informational programme, shot in Aden (Yemen) during the state of emergency, follows the Army fighting against increasingly violent insurgents.
ATB Kevin
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Lovely bit of film. Almost 50 years ago. And the place hasn't seen peace since.
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Legacy Member
Peter,this is probably more up your street -
Jungle Green: Borneo 1964
BBC iPlayer - Jungle Green: Borneo
First transmitted in 1964, this programme follows the lives of a group of British soldiers from 40 Commando Royal Marines, as they set up camp and patrol the North Borneo jungle, in search of elusive groups of Indonesian border terrorists.
Although it's got L4's in it,it's a bit of period film that has a bit of everthing for weapons and kit spotters.
ATB KG
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A mix of '44 and '58 webbing although we only had '44. Note the L4's had the early 'mixed fleet' red oblong marker on the side (see above photo) that has 7.62 in black marked thereon so as to avoid any confusion. The early GPMG's on trial, kept unloaded in the jungle because until something could be found to keep the loose belts out of harms way, they would be torn out and the links distorted. In Malaya proper we kept to Brens but Borneo/Marines used a webbing water bottle carrier. The 50 round belt box fared even worse!
Did it show the Iban trackers No5 rifles or big Savage shotguns anywhere - or did I miss it. Have you ever seen rain and mud like it..... Your kit was wearing out as soon as you put it on. Strange he commented on the jungle boots. Ours were thin rubber soles with ankle reinforcers with khaki canvas uppers up to mid calf with a few laces and the top 2/3rds just hooked in place with long green laces. They just got wet and dry along with the terrain and everyone seemed to like them. They only lasted a few dayts but you got new ones dropped or re-supplied. That's if the radio's worked in the foul weather.
Good nostalgic film
The RM Major debriefing the 2nd Lt at the end is Major Tony er..... I forget his name at the moment but still with us and lives near High Wycombe
Just been reminded that it wasn't Tony, but Major Dennis Sloman. Tony - Dennis....., easy to mix them up though!
Last edited by Peter Laidler; 10-23-2011 at 04:46 AM.
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Legacy Member
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Advisory Panel
When I went on exchange to Austrailia in 1977 to train with 8/9 RAR we carried the M60s in the rifle platoons. The only time I saw the Brens was in the bush at Tin Can Bay I think, and they were with a group of Ferret scout cars. Dismounted role. Local protection. The Ferrets had 1919 Brownings mounted in a small open turret but I don't know if they were .30 or 7.62 because I never got close enough. I was thinking at the time they must be 7.62. I thought the Aussies somehow got the M60 through the role in SE Asia with the Americans. Ease of procurement and all that.
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Legacy Member
If the Aussies followed the Brits then they would be .30 cal L3A2s rather than 7.62mm
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Thank You to Brit plumber For This Useful Post:
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Advisory Panel
Peter, I think you should set up your police Mini with an L7A2. Not sure if a hood, (bonnet), or roof mounting would be best but they would certainly complement each other quite nicely and stem the possibility of ANY rioting in Oxfordshire! Brian
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