Load carrying equipment

For more information on the history and development of load carrying equipment, please go to Man-Carrying.

Bar Carrying Maxim Gun on Tripod, Mark I

The bar is of bamboo, with a leather strap, 1 inch by 22 inches, attached by copper wire at the middle. It is for moving guns on tripods short distances without dismounting the gun.

In use, the bar is placed under the rear end of the barrel casing, and secured by the strap. The gun and mounting can then be removed by three men – one at each end of the bar, and one to hold either the rear leg of tripod or crosspiece of gun.

Length 3 ft. 6 ins.
Weight (about) 2 lbs.

Carriers, Ammunition

For a general overview of how ammunition boxes were carried, including these specialist packs, watch our YouTube video:

  • Cat No. A4/AD 0150, List of changes C 3474, CARRIERS, Ammunition, Vickers M.M.G., Type A – Web; to carry 500 rounds

  • Cat No. A4/AD 0151, List of changes C 3474, CARRIERS, Ammunition, Vickers M.M.G., Type B – web; to carry 250 rounds

1945 Example

1955 Example

Water-can web carrier

Cape, Machine-gunners

Part of the personal equipment used for Machine Gunners to carry the Vickers and tripod.

CollectionInsurance288

Case, .303-inch. Vickers Gun, Mark II

The case is used to convey the gun in the G.S. limbered wagon on the line of march; it is made of leather with a lid secured by three quick release straps, and is fitted to hold the stores detail below:-

To contain:-

Gun 1
Gun barrel 1
Rod, cleaning 1
Weight 28 lbs. (approximately)

The case differs from the previous mark in being made longer in order to take the blank, or ball, muzzle attachments, the wood chocks are differently arranged to prevent injury to the gun and the position of the cleaning rod is arranged so that the handle is on the right-hand side.

The Mark I Case when modified so that the gun with muzzle attachment can be carried, will be designated Mark I*.

Case, spare gun barrel and cleaning rod

  • Cat No. C1/BD 0165, List of changes 16708, CASES, SPARE BARREL AND CLEANING ROD, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 2 – For Guns, machine, Vickers, .303-in.

The case is a leather tube 34.5 inches long by 1.6 inch diameter (internal measurements) pointed at one end, and fitted with a leather cap and strap at the other. The case is also provided with buckles for securing to the tripod hanger of .303-inch M.G., packsaddlery.

General Routine Order 926 dated 17 June 1915

Motor Machine Gun Batteries.

Approval is given for the issue of the undermentioned stores to Motor Machine Gun Batteries on the following scale:-

  Per battery.
Cases, spare gun barrel with cleaning rod 6
Clinometers 3

Indents should be sent to Ordnance Officers concerned, and issues will be made when supplies become available.

The example shown below is dated 1960 on one of the securing straps.  It’s not clear whether this was a manufacturing date, but is the only marking, or a repair.

  • Cat No. C2/BG 0066, List of Changes A 7772, CASES, SPARE BARREL, VICKERS .5-IN. M.G., MK. I – Leather; with cap and closing strap.

The case, spare barrel, Vickers .5-in. M.G., Mk. I, is a tubular leather case with a cap secured by a leather strap.

Transit chests

Made as part of our ‘reenactorism‘ series, the following video gives an overview of the transit chests used for the Vickers MG.

Barrel chests

  • Cat No. C1/BD 0200, List of changes A 3644 and C 2732, CHESTS, BARREL, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 1 – Without fittings
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0202, List of changes C 2732, CHESTS, BARREL, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 1, B – With fittings; for 50 Vickers barrels
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0203, List of changes C 2732, CHESTS, BARREL, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 1, B, Battens, bridged, middle – 8 each chest
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0204, List of changes C 2732, CHESTS, BARREL, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 1, B, Battens, bridged, top and bottom – 4 each chest

Gun chests

  • Cat No. C1/BD 0225, List of changes A 3645, CHESTS, VICKERS OR LEWIS, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 2, “A”
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0226, List of changes B 2210, CHESTS, VICKERS OR LEWIS, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 3, “A”
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0228, CHEST, VICKERS OR LEWIS, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 3A, Hasp
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0229, CHEST, VICKERS OR LEWIS, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 3A, Turnbuckle
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0227, List of changes B 2210, CHESTS, VICKERS OR LEWIS, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 3, “B” – Fitted in addition to take Jack, assembled to barrel of Lewis M.G.
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0228, CHEST, VICKERS OR LEWIS, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 3B, Hasp
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0229, CHEST, VICKERS OR LEWIS, .303-IN. M.G., MK. 3B, Turnbuckle

The Chests, Vickers or Lewis .303-in. M.G., Mk. III “B” (and III “A”) for Mk. I .303-in. guns are of wood, the lid being hinged, and fastened with two hasps and turnbuckles. A rope handle is attached to each end by a cleat. The chock, which is provided for the muzzle end of the gun, is made reversible in order to meet the difference in size of the barrel casing of the Vickers gun and the radiator casing of the Lewis gun. A hinged fitting supporting the underside of the gun, is also arranged to accommodate the variations between the two patterns. A metal strip secures the canvas at the back.

The contents of the chest is arranged for a Vickers Mk. I gun is as follows:-

Gun 1
Barrel (spare) 1
Rod, cleaning, .303-in. M.G., Mk. II “A” 1

The weight (empty) is approximately 38 lb.

STOWAGE DIMENSIONS
  Length overall, inches Depth, inches Width, inches
Chest, Vickers or Lewis .303-in. M.G. 55.125 11.875 10.500
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0228, List of changes A 9923 and C 2732, CHESTS, VICKERS OR LEWIS, .303-IN. M.G., Hasps – Also for Chests, Bren .303-in. M.G., Mks. 1 and 1* and Chests, Besa (Sec. C 2)
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0229, List of changes A 9923 and C 2732, CHESTS, VICKERS OR LEWIS, .303-IN. M.G., Turnbuckles – Also for Chests, Bren .303-in. M.G., Mks. 1 and 1* and Chests, Besa (Sec. C 2)
  • Cat No. C2/BM 0075, List of changes A 9478, CHESTS, Vickers, .303-in. M.G., Mk. II – Wood; for one Mk. IV A or IV B gun
  • Cat No. C2/BM 0076, List of changes A 9478, CHESTS, Vickers, .303-in. M.G., Mk. IV – Wood; for one Mk. IV A, IV B or VI gun
  • Cat No. C2/BM 0077, List of changes B, CHESTS, Vickers, .303-in. M.G., Mk. IV* – Wood; for one Mk. IV A, IV B, VI or VI* gun
  • Cat No. C2/BM 0078, List of changes B, CHESTS, Vickers, .303-in. M.G., Mk. V – Wood; for one Mk. IV A, IV B, VI, VI* or VII gun

The Chest, Vickers .303-in. M.G., Mk. V, is designed so that all patterns of A.F.V. .303-in. guns can be accomodated. The chest is similar in design to the Mk. III “B” Vickers and Lewis Chest but approximately ½-in. wider and has appropriate fittings to take the gun required. The Mk. IV Chest, designed for the Mk. IVA, IVB or VI guns and modified to Mk. IV* to take the Mk. IVA, IVB, VI or Mk. VI* guns became obsolescent by the introduction of the Mk. V chest.

STOWAGE DIMENSIONS
  Length overall, inches Depth, inches Width, inches
Chest, Vickers .303-in. M.G., Mk. V 47.375 10.625 9.500

.5-inch gun chests

Three patterns of Chest .5-in. Vickers M.G. are provided. They are similar externally but have different internal fittings. The lid is fitted with twelve countersunk washeers and is secured to the chest by iron flathead screws; rope handles are secured to the ends by cleats.

All three chests are stencilled with the appropriate designation on the ends and sides.

  • Cat No. C2/BM 0079, List of changes A 7772, CHESTS, Vickers, .5-in. M.G., Mk. I – Wood; For one Mk. I (N.I.V.) or Mk. II gun

The Mk. I chest has internal fittings to take either the Mk. I or Mk. II .5-in. gun, the Mk. I* (now obsolescent) is a modified Mk. I chest to take the Mk. IV gun.

Gun, machine, Vickers, .5-in., Mk. I1
Flash, eliminator1
Barrel (spare)1
Rod, cleaning, Vickers .5-in. M.G., Mk. I1
or
Gun, machine, Vickers, .5-in., Mk. II1
Shoulder-piece, M.G., No. 31
Barrel (spare)1
Rod, cleaning, Vickers .5-in. M.G., Mk. I1
  • Cat No. C2/BM 0080, List of changes B 461, CHESTS, Vickers, .5-in. M.G., Mk. II – Wood; For one Mk. V gun

The Mk. II chest has redesigned interal gittings to accommodate the Mk. V gun.

Gun, machine, Vickers, .5-in., Mk. V (with “Guard, fusee, Vickers .5-in. M.G.” and “Guard, crank handle, M.G., Mk. II” attached)1
Barrel (spare)1
Rod, cleaning, Vickers .5-in. and .303-in. M.Gs., Mk. II1
Shoulder-piece, M.G., No. 61

Tripod transit chest

The tripod chest was issued when the mounting was send overseas. It was not used within gun sections once the tripod had arrived at its destination.

  • Cat No. C1/BD 0222, List of changes A 3312 and C 3336, CHESTS, .303-IN. MK. 4B TRIPOD MOUNTING, MK. 1

Miscellaneous chests

  • Cat No. C1/BD 0220, List of changes A 3312, CHESTS, RING, HOLDING-DOWN, M.G., MK. 1 – For 2 rings
  • Cat No. C1/BD 0221, List of changes A 3312, CHESTS, SHIELD, M.G., MK. 1

Leather handles on the gun

As shown in the photo below, the Vickers could have leather straps added to the crosspiece and the forward bracket of the Auxiliary Tripod to assist it being carried by two people.

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Harness, Carrying, Infantry

Further information on this item is available from Karkeeweb.com

It is a General Service item of equipment used to support the weight of ammunition boxes or other items of equipment that can be balanced evenly on both sides of the carrier.  The wide part of the straps goes across the shoulders.

Sledges

Cat No. A3/AC 5584, List of Changes C, SLEDGES, M.M.G. – Nansen sledge with M.G. mounting.

Carrier, Manpack, G.S.

A manual on the use of this item is available for free download on the manuals page.

Everest carrier

  • Cat No. A4/AD 0160, List of changes C 3474, CARRIERS, Everest, Airborne – Steel frame, chrome leather, folding platform and sides; previously listed as Carriers, Everest, Mk. 3
  • Cat No. A5/AE 0066, CARRIERS, Everest, Mk. 2 – Steel; tubular frame; folding platform with chrome leather straps

Covers

Asbestos

NOTE:  These are one of the key items on the Vickers MG equipment that contains ASBESTOS and is often fibrous and in poor condition. Examples should be stored and handled appropriately.

  • Cat No. C1/BD 7732, Covers, Casing, Barrel, Vickers .303-in. M.G., Mk. I

This was the Australian issue barrel casing cover. It differs from the British issue one but it does appear that, post-WW2, those units based on the Middle East acquired some of these on their guns.

  1. A barrel casing cover has been introduced for use with the Guns, Machine, Vickers .303″ Mk. I. The cover which is asbestos lined, is manufactured from tropic proofed canvas and is attached about the barrel casing by lacing a strong cord through the eight eyelets, provided on the long edges of the cover. The lacing should be on the underside of the barrel casing. A web strap, which has two loops, is stitched to and half-way along the cover and has a buckle for fastening purposes.
    1. The cover when fitted provides the following characteristics towards the efficient functioning of the Vickers .303″ M.G.
      1. (a) Protects gunners from hot barrel casing, thus enabling ease of handling and prevents casualties by burns.
      2. (b) Retains warmth in cold weather.
      3. (c) Assists in camouflaging the gun, obviates shiny casings.
      4. (d) Provides a means whereby the gun may be carried with comparative comfort.
    2. The web strap with two loops mentioned in para. 1 is provided for the purpose of attaching the two rifle slings, the other ends of which are attached to the left-hand spade grip of the gun; the slings thus attached provide a comfortable method of carrying the gun.With the cover laced on the underside and the strap buckle to the right, the two loops will be positioned on the left side of the barrel casing corresponding with the left spade grip. The rifle slings are attached to the spade grip in such a manner as to ensure that they do not interfere with the handling of the gun when it is fired from the mounting.
    3. The attachment of the slings provide the following methods of carrying the gun:
      1. Single sling on left or right shoulder.
      2. Double sling with gun positioned in centre of back.
      3. Two men, each carrying a sling.
    4. Indents can be immediately made for this item on the scale of one cover per Gun, Machine, Vickers, .303″, Mk. I.
    5. The catalogue number and nomenclature for the cover is as follows:- Section C.1 BD 7732 Covers, Casing, Barrel, Vickers, .303″ M.G., Mk. I
  • Cat No. C2/BG 3034, List of changes B 2951 and B 4596, COVERS, Breech, M.G., No. 1, Mk. I – Canvas; for Vickers M.G. in No. 10 M.G. mtg.
  • Cat No. C2/BG 0095, List of changes A 7766 and B 4596, COVERS, Muzzle, M.G., No. 1, Mk. I – Canvas, with leather strap
  • Cat No. C2/BG 3040, List of changes B 2951 and B 4596, COVERS, Muzzle, M.G., No. 2, Mk. I – Canvas; for Vickers M.G. in No. 10 M.G. mtg.

Oil can case

Cases

MACHINE-GUN COVER

MUNITIONS DESIGN COMMITTEE SMALL ARMS SUB-COMMITTEE. Minute (S)31, 4 Mar 1916.

M.I.D. forwards to D.D.G.(S.) 11.2.16. a machine-gun cover which has been submitted by Richard Garratt & Co.

D.D.G.(S.) asks C.I.S.A. 15.2.16. for his remarks.

C.I.S.A. reports to D.D.G.(S.) that presumably the cover is intended for use in the trenchs, etc. It affords no protection for the gun except from rain, and for this it would require to be efficiently waterproofed. It is not a convenient article to get a gun into, and would be quickly worn through by the projections on the guns.

There is a danger of injury to guns when being carried in this fasion, in that the projections on the guns are out of sight and therefore out of mind.

Whether or no[t] this would be borne out in practice only actual trial in the field would determine.

It is not convenient for one man to carry when the gun is in.

The cover is 4 inches short in length for the Lewis gun when assembled with butt. This is the longest gun to consider.

D.D.G.(S.) refers to Munition Design Committee for their consideration.

ACTION TAKEN-

Reported to D.D.G.M.D.(S.).

The Committee do not recommend the adoption of this cover for the reasons expressed by the C.I.S.A., and for the reason that covers have already been designed for the Vickers and Maxim guns which are employed in conjunction with the fittings designed for M.G. limbered wagon.

The lineage of this particular item is not known completely as there is little reference in the documents available. Some refer to it (incorrectly) as a “Bag, Trench, M.G.” It has the correct loops for hanging on the packsaddlery, yet does not appear in any relevant documentation for that purpose.

Sources: