Restoration of Hull 731- Carrier, MG (Aust) Mortar Carrying

[Mike Cecil]

Tony,

Short answer is no, I don't: I suspect we sourced the same copy of SM5849. All I have for most of 1943 are unit and formation instructions which provide only unit-specific data, such as that for 10/48 Inf Bn mentioned above, and spread across a variety of dates throughout 1943 and early 1944 until the change to the two-tiered unit sign in August 44.

Mike

[Tony Wheeler]

Thanks Mike, I figured that was the case but thought it worth asking anyway. I note Taubert's introductory remarks: "Note should be made of the fact that during certain periods information on specific unit numbering does not exist (Part 2 of this manual). The reasons for this are many...."

[Darrin Wright]

Thanks guys for the detailed info on unit markings. Confusing now and it would have been just as confusing back in 1943. Some unit commanders would have been quick or slow to apply these changes and also depending on stores etc available at the time. So there would have been any number of vehicles sporting different unit markings during those busy days in and around Darwin.

My vehicle will be correct for Dec 42 to Mar 43 and I am happy with that as it ties in with the unit diary that I have for that time period.

From info gained in the 3" Mortar thread I have decided that the likelihood of ever finding a Mk1 base plate and then being able to purchase it would be quite remote. I have been following prices on mortar items and they are a little high to extreme. If and when the items come up.

So with that in mind, what does one do?

Well I decided to scale a replica baseplate from the pics on MLU and the mounting brackets in my hull.
So for less than $100 (and that includes buying the electric jigsaw cutter) I purchased 12mm ply, dowel wood and some wood screws and cut and assembled a baseplate. I then used automotive spray putty to fill in the wood grain and gaps; and when dry, a good heavy brushed coat of green left over from my Dodge restoration.

It has now dried and is mounted in the stowed position in the hull.

This was about 6hr of work to complete.

Being wood, it is quite light and does not pose a danger to my mortar crew (who are currently aged 12 & 14).

I think next I will try my hand at making a Vickers MG as I have the AutoCAD plans from Ebay. Not sure if I should go with a wooden or laser cut steel body?

[Darrin Wright]

Also in the last few days I have purchased a Mortar aiming post, been to Wangaratta and collected the items and unseized the centre hinge.
I think this was a black & white post from the remains of the paint left on it. Made in 1941.
Not sure how these would have been stowed as there are no brackets that are identifiable for this role, perhaps loose or strapped in/on the hull. I see on Colin's Mortar Carrier they have specific brackets and a location.

I also followed up on some leads to other BGC and items and today went and collected track and wheels from a diary farmer near home. The track had been used to weigh down a plough and the wheels were on a home made trailer that is now off to the scrap.
Just it time but 5 years too late, as they had 2-3 BGC, engines, track and other spares to keep them running. Unfortunately all gone now, but I managed to get the last items for a trade in red wine.

[Mike Cecil]

Good job, Darrin,Like the wooden base.

Whichever Unit marking you chose would only be relevant to a few months, so it might as well be the 3 Inf Bde period, the Bde 10/48 were first assigned to on arrival in NT.

At least we have nailed it down pretty well now, I think, and you have a good idea of its (your carrier's) movements.

Mike