Bren Transit Chest Blue Prints?

[Peter Laidler]

Personally I don't think there will be a DD-E number for the Thompson chest simply because the Thompson guns were imported direct to Ordnance via the inspection branch at Woolwich then to Ordnance at Weedon (or where ever but likely, Weedon. Borne out by the photos of them being unpacked/packed by Ordnance Corps there). Therefore any shipping/transit/issue chests will have been drawn-up locally and contracted for in-house. Just my view as how the system works.

Same as many things from Ordnance, such as tank tracks to my knowledge......... Special pallet made by Ordnance contract and returned with old tracks. As a matter of interest in Thompson things, the little steel boxes with a steel fold-over handle that hold 6(?) 20 round Thompson magazines. These boxes were originally used as a secure container for spare valves for the old tank radio sets and kept in the tanks or radio repair trucks (usually the old Commer 5 ton lorries called Commer Binners). The little inserts were added to accommodate the rear of the magazines. Just a useless bit of Thompson info. We used to use these boxes for all sorts of things

[TactAdv]

These boxes were originally used as a secure container for spare valves for the old tank radio sets and kept in the tanks or radio repair trucks (usually the old Commer 5 ton lorries called Commer Binners). The little inserts were added to accommodate the rear of the magazines.

"Valves".....now THERE is a term that you never hear anymore.......actually we called 'em "tubes" over here, vacuum tubes......still do.

[Flying10uk]

Out of a matter of interest, what happened to all the Tompsons that came to the U.K. from the states during W.W.2? Did the examples that came as part of lend-lease go back at the end of the war or did they go into U.K. storage? I believe that the early examples were out-right purchase before lend-lease was instigated and the majority being lend-lease? All the de-activated examples available in the U.K. now seem to have come via Russia/eastern Europe.

[Peter Laidler]

They were collected in where possible and replaced by Sten guns. The Thompsons were shipped to Russia along with other UK and US aid. We know this because some of those that came back into the UK from Ukraine stockpiles left after the fall of the USSR have UK markings on them. I expect that there is archive paperwork to support this somewhere. Additionally, as lend lease, we could only dispose of it according to how the lender agrees. Think RAF Catalina flying boats and RASC/Army US Diamond T's, Dukws, Half tracks etc etc that served right into the early 70's

My old boss went to the Ukraine with 'others' on behalf of the UK Govt to see the stockpiles that were being disposed of

[tankhunter]

Im sure that there are some 'resting' on the Bottom of the sea. Off the Coast Of the Isle of Sheppy at Sheerness in Kent. The Richard Montgomery was a US Liberty ship that was sailing to the UK with War Aid on board. Vehicles, Weapons, Shells, Small Arms Ammo, Etc, Etc,. It didn't quite make it, & was sunk by the Germans. It is STILL 'resting' at the position it was sunk, during the last war.
The Bridge can bee seen at low tide, & the masts are visible all the time. There have been three postwar attempts to clear the vessel of Munitions. But on those occasions, Diver's were killed & injured attempting this task. It was decided to leave the vessel, to deteriorate & break up 'Naturaly'!............
The vessel is Radar Monitored & there are warning Bouys all around it. you are NOT allowed to get near it due to the potential danger present. Of unstable explosives content!..
My Father had his own Boat with onboard engine for many years on the island. he told Me back in the day, He had motored close by on a few 'Fishing Trips' in his boat.
& informed Me that you could look down onto the decks, & make out trucks tied down on board. & the tyres were STILL inflated! So you can imagine that a LOT of the
'Cargo' on board the Montgomery was in quite good condition!................
I used to imagine to myself, all the Chests & crates on board. That quite possibly had Thompson's In them. & if they were well greased/ Preserved. Could be bought back to life again. & new Wood furniture added!............................Oh, Happy Days!.............

[Peter Laidler]

The last Government survey of the wreck discovered that scrap men had been on board and removed over approx. 4 tons of copper and brass fittings. There was fears during the 'troubles' that it would be a simple matter to mortar the wreck with a 81mm mortar and so said, create a tidal wave akin to that which devastated Thailand! Alas, sensible heads - censored sensible heads - said differently....................

[tankhunter]

Yes, that is why the Wreck is Rader Monitored now. & has been for many years. To prevent
'Curious' persons from going on board & disturbing VERY unstable Munitions.
It has been the topic of various local newspapers over the years. As to the potential damage that would be caused. If an explosion were to occur.
It has been worked out, that the ensuing tidal wave would cover/ Flood/ Damage 2/3rds of the Island!......

It has been bad enough, when the sea has risen during bad storms & flooded dwellings in Sheerness Town itself!....

There is Info on the Web all about this vessel. Quite interesting to read.

[Flying10uk]

Peter, are you allowed to tell us why your old boss and others went to the Ukraine to view the Tompsons before they were disposed of? I'm sure it wasn't a social visit. Did the Ukraine need our permission before selling them?

[Peter Laidler]

PM'd privately

[Kev G]

Have dug up a few Thompson DDE's from my database for those that were enquiring -

DDE 2525 28/05/1940 Chest, Thompson Sub-Machine .45"-in

DDE 2769 23/02/1941 Chest, 50 Round Magazines Thompson Sub Machine Gun .45" -in (Converted from Chest Thompson Sub Machine Gun)

DDE 2817 02/04/1941 Chest, Magazines (Pattern C) Thompson Sub Machine Gun .45" -in (Converted from Chest, Thompson Sub Machine Gun .45" -in)

DDE 2833 17/04/1941 Chest, Machine Carbines Sten 9mm Mk 1 (Conversion from packing case Thompson Sub Machine Gun .45" -in )

DDE 2843 25/04/1941 Chest, Magazines Machine Carbine Sten 9mm Mk 1 (Converted from Chest Thompson Sub Machine Gun .45)

DDE 2858 13/05/1941 Box, Magazines, Thompson .45" -in Machine Carbine Mk 1

DDE 2869 21/05/1941 Instructions to guide conversion of Thompson .45" -in Chest for General Service Use

ATB Kevin