Here is a scanned photo (ref Aust Mil Equipment Profiles Vol 2 by M. Cecil; original source unknown) depicting the mortar set up on the engine cover. This overall modification was slightly different between carriers or batches of carriers, perhaps due to trials and testing each time the modification was done. This picture shows that the armoured radio cover is installed and the ration box has been moved to the rear of the vehicle, there are wooden blocks on the top of the engine cover to stow the the bi-pod and tube, there are also special loops to secure the bi-pod feet and brackets inside the rear of the engine cover to secure the base plate.
Some vehicles (the hull that I have and 3 other known hulls) have a bracket setup in the right rear of the hull for the stowage of the base plate, this then removes the ability to stow the Vickers Ammo boxes in this location.
Vehicles also had an additional radio cover installed on the left hull area, I think to cover/protect the ammunition. There are a number of loops (thin rod) welded into the inside of the hull to secure, presumably, the ammunition tubes.
Has anyone else seen these same odd modifications?
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