Wanted: Vickers .50 tech data

[colin jones]

Thanks for the photos Tony, I can confirm that there is no guns or part there of in the pucka tank. There is however, two counterweights where the guns used to be. I'm not sure why they would have put them there as there is a locating locking pin to secure the gun ports at different elevations. it is located at the bottom left in the Bovington Vickers photo.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by colin jones

Thanks for the photos Tony, I can confirm that there is no guns or part there of in the pucka tank. There is however, two counterweights where the guns used to be. I'm not sure why they would have put them there as there is a locating locking pin to secure the gun ports at different elevations. it is located at the bottom left in the Bovington Vickers photo.

So a .303 on the left and a .50 on the right? I have a spare 1936 dated sighting scope and case that I bet is right for these tanks.

[David Dunlop]

Not sure where this collection/library is hiding these days but they very likely have all the documentation needed to fabricate a replica.

David

[Dave lean]

Hi Bruce, not sure if Col has these as they haven't come up in conversation (Yet) but I'll communicate with him to discuss, unless that is, he spots your post and then he can comment himself.. For my own benefit though, I take it these scopes are the same as is found on 2 and 25 pounders etc? Certainly looks like they are from a photo of the Bovington tank.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Dave lean

Hi Bruce, not sure if Col has these as they haven't come up in conversation (Yet) but I'll communicate with him to discuss, unless that is, he spots your post and then he can comment himself.. For my own benefit though, I take it these scopes are the same as is found on 2 and 25 pounders etc? Certainly looks like they are from a photo of the Bovington tank.

The scopes on 25 pounders and tanks are all the same, the different numbers and 'marks' relate to the different reticle markings depending on what the scope is being used for. There are British and Canadian made ones (REL Canada). The one I have for Colin is similar in detail, and is marked:

TEL. SGT
No72
Mk 2
OS 1935 GA
SRS. P/L
REG No N37

The early registration (serial?) number suggests it is a very early one.

What's also different is the case. The ones for tanks and armoured vehicles are the same, however this one is different in having substantial external fittings presumable for mounting on something. I hope there is a Vickers Mk.VB stowage diagram that might tell if this is the right case for these tanks.

Pictures are of the scope in question and a Canadian 1942 one for comparison.

[Dave lean]

Good comparison shots Bruce, I seem to recall somewhere hearing that the colour of the eye cup indicated their intended use as well?

[Lynn Eades]

The nomenclature for these guns is: "Guns, Machine, Vickers, .5-in., MkV"
(not just .5, but .5-in)
This I believe is a rimmed cartridge. Can someone please confirm or otherwise.

The various guns were:

a MkI, a Mk IVA, a Mk IVB, A MkVI, a MkVI* and a MkVII all in .303-in.

In .5-in. there were a few MkI guns,(trials in M.G.carriers) then a MkII in dual mounts in armoured cars. Then there were a few MkIV with 303 sized mounting slides built. These suffered breakages which lead to the development of the MkV gun.

The Mk II,Mk III,and MkV .303-in. guns were air ministry guns while the Mk III .5-in guns were special to naval requirements.

This all from a 1940 publication,(training pam) "Machine gun handbook (technical) Vol.1 Pamphlet No.1."

There is a detailed description of the MkV gun, in this book if required.

[Tim Bell]

Originally Posted by Dave lean

Good comparison shots Bruce, I seem to recall somewhere hearing that the colour of the eye cup indicated their intended use as well?

I believe White is for use inside a tank/AFV and Black is for use outside on a field gun.

Tim