Deactivated Mk3 and L4A3 Brens Available

[Brit plumber]

I wouldn't be surprised if (The RAF being RAF) these RAF Bren Mk3s were originally ordered by the RAF and then cancelled, just like some of these in the wrap No.4s. You'll be glad to know that things never change.

Latest rumour on the street about the RAF/RN 'New' Joint Strike Fighter (AKA Lightning II) is that the American Defence department are looking into the possibility of cancelling the contract completely which means we can't go it alone and we would then have 2 Royal Navy Aircraft carriers we can't use and can't sell because it doesn't have a catapult!

[Time Bandit]

All interesting stuff, just shows nowt is ever just like it seems! I guess the history of them will be lost to time now, whilst it's nice to know where they've come from and all that I suppose that wherever their past it means it's enabled me to end up with a nice MK3 Bren, well I hope it's a nice one, not actually seen it yet!!

Peter, it's off topic I know, but I noticed in the local rag that there is going to be some sort of plaque/stone type thing installed somewhere on the site of Hadrian's Camp to commemorate all you REME apprentice types etc that went thru it in years gone by.

[LesterH]

Peter and KevinG. Thank you for the information. I am now reassured. Kind regards, Lester

[Time Bandit]

My deact MK3 Bren arrived today, seems like an age I've been waiting for it.

It's 1955 dated (U.E.55), Serial No. A3029 and is fully matching (Upper, Lower, Barrel Nut and Barrel).
Very nice it is too but I suspect it's been 'enhanced' with a rattle can of Halfords (or similar) Satin Black paint...probably, initially, to cover over any marks from the deactivation but then looks like a few extra bits have been touched up too whilst the can was out! Whilst the gun does look good and I'm happy enough with it I'd of preferred it if it had just been left in its original finish even if it was a little bit rougher...though the way the paint is coming off already I suspect it'll be back to how it was at some point.

Now to try and find a decent MKIII mag to go with it, it came with a MK II* mag and my only MKIII mag is about ready for the scrap heap!!

[Kev G]

It's 1955 dated (U.E.55), Serial No. A3029 and is fully matching (Upper, Lower, Barrel Nut and Barrel).

A3029 is on the serial number list that came from the Curragh.

ATB KG

[Time Bandit]

A3029 is on the serial number list that came from the Curragh.

ATB KG

Thanks for the info Kevin!

So I guess I know mine was an 'Irish one' then, at some point in its past, even if it didn't start life there or wasn't originally intended to go there (ie the RAF contract Peter mentioned)?
It's nice to know a little bit of its history, looking at the gun I'd say mine is one that has seen a bit of use over the years rather than stuck in the stores virtually untouched, albeit probably not that much use, just enough of a worn look to the finish around the trigger and trigger guard, barrel release nut lever (this is a bit hidden under the 'paint job'), selector switch etc where hands and fingers have rubbed the finish away to show some use which I quite like, plus the woodwork on the butt, carry/barrel release handle and pistol grip show a few signs of action. Aye, I quite like this one!

I suppose I should get around to taking some pics sometime...

[Time Bandit]

The ex Irish Army MK3 Brens are well documentated with the importer (not WWA's) for commercial privacy reasons the importer who tendered for them will not be named (by me).

Just out of curiosity Kevin, how well documented are they? As in is it possible to tell which Regiment/Unit etc they were issued to/came from? I'm guessing that it's probably not that detailed but you never know?

[Kev G]

The only info (that I'm aware of) is the serial numbers as they are logged to the holding RFD.

ATB Kevin

[Time Bandit]

Cheers Kevin, wasn't really sure how much info there would be but figured it was worth asking, thanks anyhow!

[Kev G]

Pssssst..... If you have a Mk3 Bren with the serial number commencing UE 55 or 56A xxxx, then listen closely. Ignore any of that Irish this that and the other stuff. They were the final run of work guns made at Enfield for and issued to and for the RAF. Unless the RAF fly for the Irish Army, this is who they were for.

With regard to Enfield Bren production 1955/56 for foreign/overseas orders that would be serial number marked UE 55 or 56 the extract below may be of interest.

RSAF Enfield costings completion report for the 55/56 Irish Republic MK3 Bren contract -

1000 guns - £56,871, five shillings and sixpence
15,960 magazines - £11,085 , 2 shillings and ten pence
73 spare items - £2,535 , eleven shillings and sixpence

Total contract value - £70,491 , nineteen shillings and ten pence.

There were other foreign government Bren contracts that also encompass the 55/56 time period listed with final costing break downs so hope this doesn't muddy the waters too much with reference to 'all 55/56 Brens were made for and issued to the RAF.'

ATB Kevin