Dunkirk Brens

[Peter Laidler]

Went to the Dynamo museum at Dunkirk this week. Saw three early double dovetail type Brens on display. One completely original and clearly left behind, another clearly left behind but had a Mk2 barrel fitted. While the badly pitted Mk2 barrel was fitted, it clearly wasn't original to the gun. and another that didn't have a butt marking disc. So this was either a VERY later one or needs a bit more investigation. But not by me.......... Maybe someone after August 1940 swam back to Dunkirk and left it there to fool the Germans! Didn't get the serial numbers as my French speaking doesn't extend beyond the usual 'merci' and 's'il vous plait'. Thgere might have been another very corroded early Mk1 in a case of recent finds but it was a bit dark to see properly.

What was interesting in view of the off topic thread recently was the chassis, wheels and tyre remains of a 6 cylinder lorry chassis that was uncovered in the spring storms. This was one of the lorries/trucks used to form the planked landing stage out to sea .

Anyway all you poms visiting France in the next year or so, stop off into Dunquirke and head for the signs 'bombing range'

I forgot to mention but there are a few No1's and a Boys Anti-Tank rifle too. All 'as found' in and around the area

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[limpetmine]

Very interesting tale. When I was at Pegasus Bridge/Museum in 2004, I snapped some pictures of a Bren that had been submerged for 40+ years. I'll see if I can find it and post it here.