The VMGCRA has provided displays of the Vickers MG in a historical context independently and as part of a wider group of individuals or associations. This page shows some of the photos and explains some of the context of the displays. Few of the photos are the property of the VMGCRA and where they are sourced from elsewhere, the link is shown below the photo to the original source and where, often, you can find more of the photos of the show. If a link is not shown, it means the original source cannot be located – if this is your photo, please contact using the link on the contents page.
War & Peace Revival, Nr. Folkestone, Kent, UK
Portraying the 1st Battalion of the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment in Malaya, 1954. The Support Company included a Machine Gun Platoon. In the jungle environment of Malaya, Land Rovers were used instead of Universal Carriers. The context of the display is a forward operating area using indirect fire in support of patrols of the Rifle Companies. The Support Company also provided personnel for patrols to support the Rifle Companies, leaving reduced gun teams, and requiring soldiers to be equipped in a similar manner to patrols.
The uniforms worn are a mixture of 1944 and 1950 pattern jungle trousers, jackets and hats, with the personal equipment being the 1944 pattern web equipment. Weapons include the Mk. V Sten Machine Carbine, No. 5 Lee-Enfield Rifles, a Mk. III Bren Light Machine Gun and revolvers. Also shown is the G.S. Carrier loaded with the equipment for a Vickers Machine Gun, as per the 1951 manual. This includes the No. 31 Wireless Set.
Whilst the static display was the main focus of the show, the Land Rover took part in the arena parade and was one of the oldest, if not the oldest, Land Rover to take part.
Sources
- Unless otherwise mentioned, all of the above photos are from the VMGCRA.
