Canadian Ferrets 1975 CFB Meaford

[rob love]

Originally Posted by Ed Storey

For Canadian machines, the main weapon evolved from .303 Bren, to M1919A4 .30 cal finally to re-chambred .30 cals which became C6 GPMGs. The weapons mount may also have changed.

Crew weapons changed from Stens to C1 SMGs.

You got your numbers mixed up Ed.

The conversion in the late 60s of M1919s to 7.62 made them into C-1 GPMG. A later upgrade in the late 70s/early 80s to some of the design problems would have resulted in the designation becoming C1A1, but, so as not to cause confusion with the rifle (which, of course was the C1A1) the upgraded GPMG became the C5A1. There never was a C5, although that designation does appear on the cover of the last manual.

The C6 was the FN Mag, first procured as part of the Leopard program, and later adopted to replace the C5A1 in service. I was last issued a C5A1 in 1997 at which time they were withdrawn and replaced with the C6.