Lynx II, hull # 4225

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Peter, thanks for the ID on the map case. I have been using one for the last few years (for our bush trips) and always wondered what/how the brackets fitted.
See quite a few of these around over here, all in unused NOS condition. Remarkable for a bit of kit that age (C.G. Hartley & Co. 1944), any idea what the fancy hook on the top strap is for?
Rich.

[Mike Cecil]

The fancy brass hook on the Australian version has a swivel base, and is for hanging the case from the belt when dismounted, leaving the hands free to work the map, chinagraph pencils, etc.

The Lynx was not the only vehicle to be quipped with the mounting points for that particular design of map case: The Australian Cruiser tanks were also so equipped (underside of turret roof in easy reach of the CC) and I seem to remember that some other Aust AFVs were similarly equipped, but I'd have to go searching for the exact references. Is it a British design that also equipped British AFVs? Perhaps our MLU Brit armour enthusiasts can enlighten us, please.

Most of those map cases I've seen available through disposal stores in Australia had the hook removed by cutting the strap. I remember having to search quite a few before I found a couple that were still intact.

Mike

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Thanks Mike, I thought it looked like a belt hook, but also thought it was too impractical for that, always nice to have these niggly little questions answered. Sounds like the contract for the map cases way exceeded the amount of vehicles needing them.
Rich.