Rear Deck info

[Lynn Eades]

Hi guys, I am making up a rear deck for a Canadian MkI U.C.
Can anyone tell me, was the Boys bipod / monopod stowage deleted at any stage, from the rear deck Or is one deck from a Mortar carrier?
Let me explain:
I have a very rusty rear deck, and have been loaned a better pattern, both from U.C. MkI*??? (guessing)
One has some bolt holes , the other has the same holes riveted closed.
The deck that is riveted closed only has two holes for mounting the jack bracket and one of each of the holes for the jack handle brackets are also closed with rivets.
If this is from a mortar carrier, are the various mounting blocks all bolted at the front and rear of the deck, meaning no extra holes on a mortar carrier.

[rob love]

I recall that the mortar carriers had all the same holes but the ones that were not used were riveted shut. Any mk1 standard I saw had the "bipod" brackets, although I don't believe we have figured out how the bipod or monoped stows on the carrier.

[Lynn Eades]

Hi Rob, I thought you might be the one to answer.
I believe there were two clips and a stand up bracket with a round rubber ring (square section about 1/2") Maybe a 5/8" dia. hole?
Some idea of what the bipod looked like would help.
Anyhow, your info, and talking to a friend has helped. I have been reminded that "universal" meant they were set up for all roles, and as such all MkI* U.C.have the provision to carry the Boys.
Thanks for the help.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

. . . (paraphrased)I have been reminded that "universal" meant they were set up for all roles, and as such all MkI* U.C.have the provision to carry the Boys.
Thanks for the help.

We could take the view that being universal means they were set up for all roles.

We could also view the mortar and 2pdr roles as being specific, i.e. not “universal”, and therefore not set up for all roles. I believe such a viewpoint will assist with understanding why the Canadian factory built mortar carrier on a MK-I* chassis does not have stowage provisioning for the Boys ATR. Or stowage provisioning for the BREN either.

Both the C21UCM and C21UCG were built on MK-I* chassis or hulls, with redundant holes close by the hot rivet method.

Lynn, I believe you will find the horizontal differential cover you have with some rivets is from a factory production C21UCM, 3” M.L. mortar carrier. I say this as I am of the mindset the C21UCG did not reach NZ, nor did any MK-II* carrier models.

The stowage needs of the 3” mortar on the rear deck utilized existing holes where possible. An example is the method used to attach the brackets for the tube and clearing/cleaning rod. They used holes in the upper rear protection plate that formerly attached the now redundant wireless portable battery box.

Remember the hydraulic jack of the factory UC-2 mortar carrier was relocated to stow in a special bracket attached to the top of the steering cam cover.


While production of Canadian factory mortar carriers took place over multiple orders, existing examples in Canada show mortar carriers from CD-213 and CD-1555, covering November, 1942 through July, 1943. We know some mortar carriers were repurposed in multiple roles, including towing the 6pdr. We were reminded of this in September, 2014 in the Netherlands during OP70, when Richie H. was approached by this 51st. Highland Div. veteran who posed with a picture of his mortar carrier as reassigned to 6pdr role.

M.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by rob love

I recall that the mortar carriers had all the same holes but the ones that were not used were riveted shut. Any mk1 standard I saw had the "bipod" brackets, although I don't believe we have figured out how the bipod or monoped stows on the carrier.

Yes the 'bipod clips and socket' on the rear deck remain a mystery. If a British Boys then no need for removing the monopod, it can stay with the gun. If a Canadian Boys then perhaps the bipod does come off to be stowed on the rear deck. Awkward and I recall the bipod didn't fit the clips anyway (?). The other problem with Canadian guns is the square muzzle that doesn't fit into the round carrier hole. I suppose Canadian Boys, if issued, may have been given British muzzle brakes and instructions to remove the bipod (if even required) for stowing but that would be strange and lead to 'field' replacement problems.

[Michael R.]

While portions of non-original wood brackets placed to support the 3” M.L. mortar bipod obscure all details, most of the holes closed using rivets are shown.

Two of the four hydraulic jack bracket frame;
some of those related to what we attribute to the Boys bipod;
some related to the two boxes used to stow the hydraulic jack bar or handle;
two from the left side of rations box mounting tray, and:
the starting crank cover on the drivers side.

[Michael R.]

We had portions of these images on a previous thread.

[kevin powles]

Nice pictures, thanks for sharing, has anyone got drawings of the wooden mortar stowage brackets?.

Cheers Kevin