Canadian Ferrets 1975 CFB Meaford

[Robin Craig]

Would not the modification instruction C-30-541-000/CF-030 Stowage, Browning Machine-Gun tripod issue 1-11 Sep 1964 be the ultimate smoking gun document for the change over for the Bren to the .30 Cal?

This is the one that details the stowage of the tripod on the left engine deck cover.

So, that then triggers the question, does anyone have a picture of a Canadian Ferret with the left engine deck without the fittings?

[Robin Craig]

This one belonging to Neil Smith in Florida appears to be such a vehicle

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=21069

[Ed Storey]

Perhaps 'smoking gun' is a bit too optimistic, but at least it gives you a general time period.

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Ed and Robin,

Was Canada still using the M1919A4 in the mid-60s or had they been upgraded/modified to L3A3/L3A4 standard? In other words, did Canada modify the .30 cals in service to L3A3/L3A4 standard (and maybe called them something Canadian with a 'C' prefix?) or did they persist with the M1919A4 'as was' until the changeover to the 7.62 mm GPMG? Be interested in your comments on this aspect.

Regards

Mike

[rob love]

We did not adopt the L prefix. They were modified beginning around 1967 and then became the C-1 GPMG. They remained with that designation until the about 1979 when defects were corrected with a major upgrade and they were redisignated C5A1.

I have the some of the modification instructions at home for both of these changes, so could verify those dates if need be, but they will be pretty close.

[David Dunlop]

I have a Canadian Army Battalion level Machine Gun Manual dated 1962 with some 1964 revisions in it and it refers exclusively to the M1919 as a .30 cal weapon, if that helps.

David

[Mike Cecil]

Thanks, Gents, so the CDN Army went from the M1919A4 in .30 cal to the C1/C1A1 in 7.62mm.

Interesting and a contrast to the Aust Army that opted to retain the .30 cal round up until the withdrawal of the L3A3/L3A4 (ie modified M1919A4) in about 2005 when the T50(Aust) turret was removed from the M113A1 APC/LRV fleet during the upgrade to M113(AS)4.

Thanks

Mike