Pattern '37 Bren Mag pouches

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by edstorey

The Utility Pouch Yoke was a wide section of 6.4cm (2½in) web shoulder section with a 5.0cm (2in) web strap at each end. Yokes were manufactured in two distinct ways, the first was the original method were the 6.4cm (2½in) wide portion for the shoulders narrows to the 5.0cm (2in) strap. The second method is a 5.0cm (2in) strap is encased in a tapered 6.4cm (2½in) web shoulder section. In all cases the ends of the straps have metal eyeletted end-pieces.

The refreshing of this thread is a timely opportunity for me to issue a public thank you for another member's generosity.

Following my original post, entirely unsolicited, Charlie Fitton generously offered to post me a Cdn Yoke Strap to complete my Utility Pouch pair. Your gesture is thoroughly appreciated and gratefully accepted.

[kajn65]

Hello!

My name is Keyan Noble and I'm a new member to this forum.

Good information on the Bren Gun (Utility) Pouches; aka the Bren Gunn Bra.

[kajn65]

Hi!

I recently purchased 2 of these Rear Bren Gun (Utility) Pouches from a local tool/hardware store, Princess Auto (www.princessauto.com), p/n 8305303; thinking that they were Basic Pouchees.

I paid $9.99 each plus the 13% Nova Scotia Provincial Sales, which came to a total of $22.58 Canadian for the pair.

They are in mint, new, factory-unissued condition (no stains or fadding); tan in color; C-Broad Arrow marked; Manufacturerstamped Z.L.&T.Ltd. (Zephyr Looms & Textiles Limited); 1940 War Dated; have brass snap closure and strap attaching hardware (no oxidization or corrosion); and are inked stamped "REAR" on the center of their backs.

It is my understanding that the soldiers who used the Utility Pouches as a set (Rear Pouch, Front Pouch with Waiste Belt permanently sewn on the bottom of its back, and the Yoke Strap) in their respective units, commonly referred to them as the Bren Gun Bra. My Senior NCO of my Re-Enactment Unit, Maritimes World War 2 Re-Enactment Unit (We're on Kijiji and Facebook.), advised me that they had a set of these in his last Re-Enactment Unit in northern British Columbia.

Would anyone be able to tell me where I can get my hands on a Yoke Strap; and, if possible, the Waiste Strap in the same condtions as my 2 Rear Utility Pouches mentioned above?

Ideally, I would like to use my to rear pouches to make up my Bren Gun Bra Set. Is this possible? If not, where can I get my hands on 2 Font Pouches with attached Waiste Belt and 2 Yoke Straps (in same condtion as my Rear Pouches stated above)?

Your assitance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and keep up the good work on this site!

Rgs...Pte. Keyan Noble
Rifleman, Dutch Resistance Fighter & Unit Weapons NCO
Maritimes World War 2 Re-Enactment Unit

[kajn65]

Hi!

Enclosed below is the product and vendor information.

Princess Auto-Winnipeg Mail Order Office
P.O. Box 1005
Winnipeg, MB
Canada
R3C 2W7
Phone Toll Free: 1-800-665-8685
Fax Toll Free: 1-800-265-4212
Shop Online: www.princessauto.com

Note: Princess Auto has stores all across Canada. See their Online Catalogue for their contact information.

The Rear Utility Pouches were purchased in the Surplus Section of thier store here in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; and may not be listed in their Online Catalogue. These pouches are listed as: Pouch, p/n 8305302.

I hope this information is useful to any of those who are interested.

Rgs...

Pte. Keyan Noble
Rifleman, Dutch Resistance Fighter & Unit Weapons NCO
Maritimes World War 2 Re-Enactment Unit

[Jordan Baker]

I posted in another thread that I have the yokes for $2 each plus shipping. Just send me a PM with your details and I'll get them out to you.

[Ed Storey]

These pouches are called UTILITY POUCHES, they are NOT called Bren Pouches NOR are should they ever be called a 'Bren Gun Bra'. These pouches were designed to carry a variety of SAA, Ammunition, Magazines and even a Water Bottle. The set consists of a Front and Rear Pouch with a Yoke. This is what the set looks like.





The Utility Pouches were designed to carry any of these items.

[Jordan Baker]

Keyan,

I'll send you a PM tonight as I have some of the Bren Gun Bra Yokes. I should be able to get you some for the ZLT 1940 stamps.