Bren gun tripod harness

chris vickery · #1 24-05-05, 19:41

Was wondering if any of our resident arms buffs might know anything about the harness or webbing that was utilized with the Bren tripod?
I picked up a harness and it appears to attach where it would logically fit, but this webgear makes no sense. Are there any pictures out there of it being used in the field and with who? Mine is marked as being Brit.
Other than simply acting as a carrying handle of some sort, I would pity the man who had to wear it on his back, if indeed it is a web harness???

Stewart Loy · #2 24-05-05, 20:36

Chris,

I also have one of those contraptions and the general concensus is that they are not carry straps for the Bren tripod, rather for miscellaneous carry of water, fuel, and ammo tins.

I was eager to attach mine to the Bren tripod when I got mine, and like yourself, scratched my head in disbelief that such an unweildy contraption would ever have been used. It was not used - rather 2 regular old Enfield rifle slings were used, and they look the part when slung thru the tripod slots.

The rifle slings do not make the tripod any more fun to carry, and I suspect the first opportunity to stow it somewhere would have been seized upon.

Stewart

Jon Skagfeld · #3 24-05-05, 23:57

Agree.

Two Lee Enfield slings are the proper fitment for the Bren Gun Tripod.

Other fora have shown what was described above (the "four-square" web harness).

Not appropriate, not applicable, not correct.

Refer to WO Code 8398, Infantry Training, Vol 1, Infantry Platoon Weapons, Pam No. 6, The Light Machine Gun, (All Arms) 1948, Lesson 19, page 57; also

Canadian Army CAMT 7-3, Manual of Training, Infantry Training, The Light Machine Gun, (All Arms) 1948, ibid, page 61.

Ain't this forum wonderful?

chris vickery · #4 25-05-05, 13:54

Thanks for the help fellas. I knew we'd have a guru or two who might have some answers.