What's the purpose of this?

[Michael R.]

It is one of two parts for the gun cleaning rod stowage assembly. The part number is TL 12277/CTL12277. Yes, the part number is marked on it, though a challenge to find.

The socket portion, CO1UC-105344 is retained by the 3/8” bolt that holds the lower forward track adjuster bracket bolt in place. It is not in place on your carrier, Tom.

[Tom Millward]

Thank you Gents, another mystery solved.

I hope to get my Carrier to my home workshop next week and make some progress on it, so probably a few more questions to come in the forthcoming weeks as well as some pictures.

(home workshop sounds glamorous, but in reality it will be my driveway under a tarpaulin, akin to a field workshop in WW2!)

[Lynn Eades]

As for usage, the D handled cleaning rod was for the Bren LMG. as well as anything else.

[Tom Millward]

Thanks Lynn, if its the one I'm thinking of its the long one piece rod with handle which fits inside the lid of the BREN wooden chest. Unfortunately I sold my Complete BREN setup years ago before I had a Carrier.

[Lynn Eades]

Yes Tom That's it. In Early carriers, that large locker was designated "Bren Spares" and I believe they carried more than 1 Bren gun, so yes, a cleaning rod in the front and back, I think.