Little know fact on the 7.92 Bren

[Warren]

The US government ordered 40,000 7.92 Brens from Inglis for shipment to the USA and then to be forwarded to General Chang Kai shek. The Brens were to be shipped in 4 lots of 10,000 each. The USA abruptly cancelled the order a few months into the contract. General Chang then asked the Canadian government to pick up the order and send him the Bren's.
"Canadian Small Arms Committee notes"

Addendum: 20,000 of the Brens sold to the USA were delivered. 10,000 in 1941, 10,000 in 1942. Contracts for 20,000 Brens for 43 and 44 were cancelled.
January 1944 Canadian Munitions and Supply ordered 13,000 additional Brens in 7.92. No confirmation this order was fulfilled, but now checking the dollar values for different years as I also have the financial records of Inglis.
It appears that almost as many 7.92 Brens were made in the period 7/44 to 3/47 as were from 1941 to 7/44.

The mystery of the 7.92 Bren does deepen. I cannot recall this info being previously published so correct me if I am wrong.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Kev G]

What date are the notes that refer to this Warren ?

ATB Kevin

[WallyG.]

I wonder if the 4 lots might correspond to the serial numbering convention seen on the 7.92 "Resistance/sterile Brens" 1-xxxx 2-xxxx 3-xxxx etc.

[Stevo]

Insert gratuitious 7.92 Bren shot here:

[LesterH]

I have a note in one of my reference books Inglis Chinese contract 1943 to 45. Serial number series OCH1 to 4CH3000. Approx 3000 Brenguns. Longbranch may have produced 7.92mm brenguns after Inglis closed down. Circa 1945.
It was always the intention to produce non .303 Brenguns. In the late 1936 the Canadian Government was hesitent to arm with British weapons just in case Great Britain fell to the Germans. They wanted to use American weapons instead. Inglis were contracted to produce approx 7000 Brens for the British Army for 1 Million pounds. After that they were to supply guns to other parts of the British Empire.
Some original BrnoZB guns were sent over to Canada in 1936. Prototype Brenguns in 30-06 were also made.
Resently in the UK a D/A Chinese Brengun was on sale converted to 7.62mm AK47 . Inglis made the best quality Brenguns!

[Brit plumber]

Resently in the UK a D/A Chinese Brengun was on sale converted to 7.62mm AK47 . Inglis made the best quality Brenguns!

Where was that? I've been on the look out for a 7.92 Bren in the UK for about 8 or 9 years, even one converted to 7.62 x 39, and I just seem to keep missing them

The quote of approx 3000 Bren guns must be incorrect as 0CH1 to 4CH3000 would make 42,996 guns.

[Warren]

Inglis also produced a 30-06 Bren in VERY LIMITED quantities (experimental or tool room quantities) however records on that are very scarce and only a few specimens exist in Canada. The 30-06 Inglis Bren was produced with a 30 round mag as well. Some of the magazines have survived.

[LesterH]

MDW Midlands Deactivated weapons were selling a D/A Bren converted to the AK47 round about two years ago.
The figures for the Chinese Contract Brenguns comes from the last page of Small Arms Identification Series .303in Bren light Machine Gun by Ian Skennerton. Last serial number quoted is "OCH1(?) to 4CH3000 approx". That's the only information I have. Being a Skennerton book one would expect to read correct information. However it does say approx!

[Kev G]

Lester,I think confusion has arisen as you have added to Ian Skennertons text.
I.S. states - "0CH1(?) to 4CH3000 approx" you added after this "3000 Bren guns"

As britplumber has said this equates to 42,996
4 blocks (0CH - 4CH) of 9,999
plus 3,000.

ATB KG

[LesterH]

It will be good if there are 42000 ish Brenguns somewhere in China. I am told by dealers there are no more large stocks of .303 Brens being released. IMA visited the UK about two years ago and purchased several hundred Brenguns and exported them. Brens have jumped up in value from about to £200 two years ago to £400+ now. On the D/A market Brens were always good value and interesting to own.They can dry fire. Unlike current D/A SMGs which have to be a full weld up.
Kind regards, Lester.