These downloads are provided free-of-charge for the benefit of anyone that wants to know more about the use of the Vickers Machine Gun and read what the Machine Gunners would have known. Many are rare items not readily available so, if you find them useful, please support the development of this resource. The archive now includes a wider range of associated documents so indirectly related to machine gunner. We hope you find it interesting.
By supporting the Association through Patreon, you are supporting the website fees that will enable us to have high-resolution versions online. All donations are truly appreciated.
If you’d prefer to only give on a one-off basis, then go to PayPal or BuyMeACoffee and make a donation there.
All of the manuals are sorted in date order, with some exceptions where it is appropriate to group similar manuals, such as the Small Arms Training series.
These low-resolution downloads are provided free-of-charge for the benefit of anyone that wants to know more about the use of the Vickers Machine Gun and know what the Machine Gunners would have known. Many are rare items not readily available so, if you find them useful, please support the development of this resource.
If you want a high-resolution of a document, they are available to purchase for a nominal fee that includes UK VAT and PayPal’s fee. The donation’s profits from these (around £2.50 per £3.50 download) and all donations are reinvested in the management of the website or the expansion of the collection and dissemination of information.
The best value option for multiple manuals is to purchase the DVDs available on the sales page.
1908 to 1919:
Manual of Field Engineering, 1911 (Reprinted)
1914, United Kingdom
Covering many aspects of field engineering works, including trench systems, in the run up to the Great War. This manual covers what the British Army was trained to do for trench works and emplacements in that important period. It includes machine gun fortifications as well as other artillery positions and the more routine engineering requirements of an army, such as bridging and water supplies.
10,531 KB – low resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Field Service Manual – Infantry Battalion (Expeditionary Force)
1914, United Kingdom
This short manual includes the requirement of the British Expeditionary Force as they left for France in 1914, including lists of the equipment each soldier carried, varied depending on their branch of service and rank.
2,711 KB – low resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
SS106: Notes on the Tactical Employment of Machine Guns and Lewis Guns
1916, United Kingdom
One of the earliest official doctrine pamphlets on tactical use of machine guns and Lewis guns.
1,903 KB – low resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Some Notes on Lewis Guns and Machine Guns
1916, United Kingdom
An early pamphlet published by the Stationery Service (SS 122) on the British Army doctrine of using the Lewis Guns and the Vickers Machine guns. It was noted to be read in conjuction with SS 106 (also available to download).
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
SS106: Notes on the Tactical Employment of Machine Guns and Lewis Guns, 1916, Amendments
1917, United Kingdom
Updates to the 1916 manual on machine gun doctrine, including tactical considerations for direct and indirect fire, ever changing as the Great War progressed.
492 KB – low resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
La Mitrailleuse anglaise “Vickers” (9th edition)
1917, France
The 9th edition of a French-language handbook on the Vickers machine gun. The French were quipped with the Vickers in both the ground and aircraft variants.
6,357 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Machine Gunners’ Pocket Book
1917, United Kingdom
This pocket book was provided to officers who had attended the Machine Gun School of the Machine Gun Corps. It contains all the relevant information for officers of a Machine Gun Company. As well as information on machine gunnery, it includes trench routine, gas warfare, construction of emplacements as well as drill and equipment stores. The pages are removable and updates would be sent to the officer from the Machine Gun School so they remained current.
12,819 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Notes on the Use of Machine Guns in Trench Warfare
1917, United States of America
This booklet contains lessons learnt from the preceding years of the Great War and enables the US Army to learn from them for their own machine gun use. The range of machine guns covered includes the Vickers, Maxim, Colt, Hotchkiss portable and the Lewis. It compares them against the Benet-Mercie Machine Rifle being used by the US Army at the time.
10,198 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Machine-Gun Drill Regulations (Provisional)
1917, United States of America
This manual includes all of the drill of a machine gun unit in the US Army of 1917 – when they entered the Great War. It covers the training schedules for the different roles and the different branches that used machine guns. These included the Browning M1917 alongside the Vickers M1915.
11,856 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Provisional Machine-Gun Firing Manual
1917, United States of America
More technical information on how the US Army used machine guns in the Great War. This manual covers the M1915 Vickers as well as the Benet-Mercie Automatic Rifle, the Lewis gun and the Maxim gun.
13,818 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Text Book of Aerial Gunnery
1917, United Kingdom
This pamphlet covers how to fire machine guns from aircraft during the Great War. This period saw the Royal Flying Corps using the Vickers Mk I* as well as the Lewis gun.
2,568 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Army Order 319 of October 1917 announced the publication of the Field Service Manual, Machine Gun Company.
SS192: The Employment of Machine Guns – Part I – Tactical
1918, United Kingdom
This is written by the General Staff and details how the Vickers was to be used by the machine gun companies of the Machine Gun Corps. It describes the use of forward and rear guns and how they work in the attack and the defence. There are sections on orders and emplacements and the use of Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) Squadrons.
4,727 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
SS192: The Employment of Machine Guns – Part II – Organization and Direction of Fire
1918, United Kingdom
The second part of the machine gun doctrine of the British Army in the Great War, this pamphlet covers the indirect fire elements of machine gunnery, as well as organisation of barrage fire, which was the culmination of the learning during the war. A key document for the Machine Gun Corps.
5,118 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Machine Gunners’ Pocket Book
July 1918, United Kingdom
An updated edition of the book that was provided to officers who had attended the Machine Gun School of the Machine Gun Corps. It contains all the relevant information for officers of a Machine Gun Company. As well as information on machine gunnery, it includes trench routine, gas warfare, construction of emplacements as well as drill and equipment stores. The pages are removable and updates would be sent to the officer from the Machine Gun School so they remained current.
12,825 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Machine Gunners’ Pocket Book
September 1918, United Kingdom
A further update of the book that was provided to officers who had attended the Machine Gun School of the Machine Gun Corps. It contains all the relevant information for officers of a Machine Gun Company. As well as information on machine gunnery, it includes trench routine, gas warfare, construction of emplacements as well as drill and equipment stores. The pages are removable and updates would be sent to the officer from the Machine Gun School so they remained current.
9,100 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
The Machine Gunner’s Hand Book
1918, United States of America
An American version of the Machine Gunner’s Pocket Book (available above), this is an aide memoire for machine gun officers and covers all aspects of how machine guns were used by the US Army at the end of the Great War. It appears to have been developed by the 13th Division which didn’t see combat as the war ended before it could be sent overseas.
13,855 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Machine Gun Notes
1918, United States of America
A comprehensive document on all aspects of machine gunnery at the end of the Great War. It includes mechanical and elementary aspects as well as tactical application.
11,216 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Supplement to Machine Gun Drill Regulations (Provisional) 1917 and Provisional Machine Gun Firing Manual 1917
1918, United States of America
Further information on how the US Army used the Vickers machine gun, as well as the Browning and the Hotchkiss. The parts also cover drill, tactical use of the machine guns and organization and direction of fire. There is a lot of technical information in the appendices.
23,455 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
1920 to 1938:
Programme of the 18th Annual Aldershot Command Small Arms Meeting
1926, United Kingdom
Nearly 60 pages of the rules, regulations and schedule for this competition. It includes pistol, rifle, Lewis and Vickers machine gun shoots.
JPG and PDF download available on Patreon – subscribe to access and support the VMGCRA
Armament Training Manual, Part I – Chapter 1, Vickers Guns (Air and Ground)
1927, United Kingdom
A comprehensive manual on the Vickers machine guns in use with the Royal Air Force in the inter-war period. This included the Mark I ground gun, alongside the Mark I* and Mark II guns.
4,888 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Rifle, Lewis Gun and Machine Gun Programme
1929, United Kingdom
This is the programme for a competition shoot for the 6th (Rifle) Battalion of the King’s Regiment (Liverpool). It contains information on the competitions and cups involved in the battalion and how they were conducted in 1929.
896 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Training Regulations
1934, United Kingdom
The detailed knowledge required for training is covered in many of the other manuals on this site; however, this book provides the overarching system for training across the British Army. Chapter headings including: Principles and System of Training; Individual Training – The Training of Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers; Individual Training – Exercises Without Troops; Collective Training; Exercises with Troops; Rules for Exercises and Manoeuvres; Administrative and other arrangements in Connection with Larger Manoeuvres; and Umpiring. Some of the sections include how officers were being taught military history.
JPGs and PDF available on Patreon – subscribe to access and support the VMGCRA
Manual of Elementary Drill (All Arms)
1935, United Kingdom
Not weapons related, but all machine gunners in the British Army would have known drill as one of their first military lessons. This is the drill manual that existed from 1935 and throughout the Second World War.
4,688 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Manual of Field Engineering, Volume II (Royal Engineers)
1936, United Kingdom
This is the manual that describes the works that only the Royal Engineers were trained to complete, in contrast to the All Arms training described in Volume I. It’s much more technical construction with more information on all aspects.
95.1 MB – Low resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Manual of Field Engineering, Volume I (All Arms), 1933
1937, United Kingdom
Covering all aspects of engineering in the British Army, including machine gun emplacements, rafting, bridging, excavation and construction.
Due to the size of the file, it has been split into two low-resolution PDF downloads: Part 1 – all text – 22,440 KB; Part 2 – plates – 6,990 KB.
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
1939 to 1975:
Carriers, Machine Gun, No. 1, Mark I, and No. 2, Mark I; Bren, No. 1, Mark I and No. 2, Marks 1 and II; Cavalry, Mark I; and Scout, Mark I – Instruction Book
1939, United Kingdom
This instruction book covers the early machine gun carriers as well as the Bren carrier, cavalry carrier and scout carrier. These were eventually replaced by the Universal carrier. It includes mechanical and operational instructions.
A 1940 version of the book was issued, with Amendments (No. 1) issued on 4 December 1940 and then a reprinted version of it, including the Amendment dated 27th August 1941, as per Army Council Instruction 865 of 1942.
6,788 KB – low resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Armament, Chapter I – Section “G”, Historical Introduction to Gunnery
1939, Union of South Africa
This is the Air Force manual on the weapons in use at the time, including synchronised Mk V guns and the Gas-Operated .303-inch No 1 Mk I as well as the Browning .303-inch for fitting into aircraft.
9,976 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
In August 1940, Army Council Instruction 871 notified the issue of Regulations for the Equipment of the Army, Part 4, Section 1 F, 1940. Infantry Training Centre and Machine Gun Training Centre. Training Units.
Precis G 5, Vickers G.O. Gun, Observer, No 1 Mark I
c1940, Canada
A short technical document on the Vickers Gas-Operated No 1 Mark I machine gun, as used by observers in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
668 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Armament, Students’ Notes
c1941, United Kingdom
Covering all aspects of the use of the Vickers Gas-Operated No 1 Mark I by the Royal Air Force in the early years of the Second World War.
4,437 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
More Pictures of The German Army
1941, United Kingdom
“The purpose of this pamphlet is to give all ranks an idea of the appearance of the German soldier and his armament. It is being issued down to Platoon, etc. commanders.”
The range of equipment includes uniforms, armoured cars, tanks (German, French and Czech), armoured and tracked carriers, assault guns, anti-tank rifles, anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns, howitzers, infantry guns, flamethrower, anti-tank “Teller” mine, boats and a series of photos of airborne troops.
Available on Patreon – subscribe to support the VMGCRA and access this file.
Battle School
1942, United Kingdom
This manual doesn’t discuss the Vickers machine gun specifically but outlines how the Battle Schools of the Second World War were established, why they existed and what training was carried out there. It’s an insight into the extensive training the British Infantry Divisions received outside of the Small Arms Schools at Hythe and Netheravon.
9.63 MB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Regulations for the Equipment of the Army, Part 1 – General Regulations
1942, United Kingdom
This is an essential reference for all aspects of equipment in the British Army during the Second World War. It includes listings of the contents of bags, satchels, cases and most other containers that you see referred to from the Vocabulary of Army Ordnance Stores and other parts lists. It also includes information on weapons markings and stamps.
Due to the size of the file, it has been split into two low-resolution PDF downloads: Segment 1 – Main text – 13.1 MB; Segment 2 – Appendices – 21.2 MB
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Soldier’s Guide to Sicily
1943, United Kingdom
Although not a manual about the Vickers Machine Gun, the Divisional (Machine Gun) and Divisional (Support) Battalions that landed in Sicily, such as 1st Battalion Kensington Regiment, 2nd and 7th Battalions Cheshire Regiment, and 1st/7th Battalion Middlesex Regiment would have received this pamphlet before their embarkation so they were familiar with the island.
1.62 MB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Armament, Free Gun Air Firing – Notes for Students
1943, Canada
Another Royal Canadian Air Force manual on using the Vickers Gas-Operated No 1 Mark I in aircraft. It includes the Mark III reflector sight.
3,457 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Precautions to be taken by Canadian Army Personnel in the event of Capture
1943, Canada
A small pamphlet containing details for officers and other ranks on what information they can share and how they should conduct themselves if they are captured and become prisoners of war.
Available for Patrons at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/precautions-to-44850775
Artillery Training, Volume I – General Tactical Employment, Pamphlet No 9 – Anti-Tank Tactics
1943, United Kingdom
Machine guns and anti-tank guns often work together in defensive positions to provide the immediate reaction to both tanks and infantry as a screen. They also worked as stopping forces in any withdrawal. This manual covers the advance and attack, defence and withdrawal, anti-tank guns with an armoured division.
JPGs and PDF available on Patreon – subscribe to access and support the VMGCRA
Maintenance Manual for Ford Truck 1/4 Ton, 4 x 4, Model GPW
1943, United States of America
The maintenance manual for the US jeep as seen in British services as well. It covers all aspects of the maintenance for it, and much will be applicable to the Willys model as well as the Ford.
JPGs and PDF available to down from Patreon – subscribe to access and support the VMGCRA
Air Publication 2453, Volume I, Section 2: Personal Paratroop Equipment
c1943, United Kingdom
The Royal Air Force manual on how to parachute troops and equipment. It includes parachuting the Vickers MG as well as other personal equipment used by Parachute Battalions of the Second World War.
Artillery Training, Volume I – Tactical Employment, Pamphlet No 9 – Anti-Tank Tactics, Supplement No. 1 – Notes on the Tactical Handling of S.P. Anti-Tank Guns
1945, United Kingdom
Further to the 1943 manual on Anti-Tank Tactics, this supplement provides details on the tactics for the self-propelled anti-tank guns. By this point in the Second World War, these includes the Achilles, Archer and Challenger.
JPGs and PDF available on Patreon – subscribe to access and support the VMGCRA
Carriers, Manpack, G.S.
c1945, United Kingdom
A short instructional pamphlet on the manpack carrier (General Service) that was load carrying equipment also used with the Vickers MG and issued in the same series at the 1944 Pattern Web Equipment.
479 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Notes for Officers and NCOs on Methods of Instruction
1946, United Kingdom
This pamphlet from the School of Infantry includes notes on teaching methods and learning styles from the immediate post-Second World War period. As would have been used by Small Arms School Corps and other machine gun instructors.
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
The Principles and Practice of Good Instruction, Part 1
1947, United Kingdom
A really detailed manual on how Officers and Non-Commissioned-Officers should instruct their men. There was a surprising amount of science behind it and some great tips and tricks on the trade included in this manual. A lot was learnt from the Second World War and this is how National Servicemen would have been trained.
5.88 MB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
The Principles and Practice of Good Instruction, Part 2
1947, United Kingdom
Building on the practical instruction requirements of Part 1, this helps Officers organise and plan the training and ensure that programmes and training exercises are best suited to the men and the subject. Again, it gives a very interesting insight into the professionalism with which subjects were taught.
10.33 MB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Tables of Tools and Equipment for “A” Vehicles – Table No. 16: Carrier Universal No. 2 Mks. I and II, Carrier M.M.G. and Carrier Universal No. 1 Mk. II (Converted)
1947, United Kingdom
Detailed lists of the tools and equipment that were carried on the Universal Carriers, including those fitted for the Vickers machine gun.
JPGs and PDF available to download from Patreon – subscribe to access and support the VMGCRA
The Conduct of Anti-Terrorist Operations in Malaya
1954, United Kingdom
Whilst not specifically and immediately about the Vickers MG, the campaign in Malaya did employ the Vickers and this manual helps understand the context in which it was being used. There is plenty of useful information on the patrols, the tactics and the weapons that were being employed, including the Owen Machine Carbine and the ‘Patchett’.
642 KB – low-resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Guide to Battle Procedure, Verbal Orders
July 1956, United Kingdom
Machine Gun Platoon and Section Commanders guide to Battle Procedure, Verbal Orders and general notes on Fire Control, Safety (including fixed lines) and indirect fire. An aide-memoire issued on the Medium Machine Gun course at the Support Weapons Wing of the School of Infantry at Netheravon.
642 KB – low resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Guide to Battle Procedure, Verbal Orders
October 1959, United Kingdom
A late edition of the Machine Gun Platoon and Section Commanders guide to Battle Procedure, Verbal Orders and general notes on Fire Control, Safety (including fixed lines) and indirect fire. An aide-memoire issued on the Medium Machine Gun course at the Support Weapons Wing of the School of Infantry at Netheravon.
762 KB – low resolution PDF download
High-resolution available on archive.org thanks to support through Patreon
Sources
- The National Archives, WO 123/59, Army Orders 1917.
- The National Archives, WO 293/25, Army Council Instructions 1940.
- The National Archives, WO 293/27, Army Council Instructions 1942 Part I.
These downloads are provided free-of-charge for the benefit of anyone that wants to know more about the use of the Vickers Machine Gun and read what the Machine Gunners would have known. Many are rare items not readily available so, if you find them useful, please support the development of this resource. The archive now includes a wider range of associated documents so indirectly related to machine gunner. We hope you find it interesting.
By supporting the Association through Patreon, you are supporting the website fees that will enable us to have high-resolution versions online. All donations are truly appreciated.
If you’d prefer to only give on a one-off basis, then go to PayPal or BuyMeACoffee and make a donation there.
All of the manuals are sorted in date order, with some exceptions where it is appropriate to group similar manuals, such as the Small Arms Training series.
