Bren Gun Carrier:
In 1934 Vickers built an open topped vehicle that could transport a 7.62 mm (.303") medium machine gun or tow a light artillery piece. There was a four man team that crewed the weapon.1
After trials were completed the crew was reduced to three and production started in 1936.1
Vivian Loyd & Co. in 1940 introduced the Carrier, Tracked, Loyd.1
The Bren Carrier was produced by Thornycroft, Morris, Sentinel, Aveling, Bedford, and Ford UK.1 They were also produced in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.1
The Bren MG was introduced in 1936 and the carrier was modified to carry the Bren.1 Some had the Boys ATR (anti-tank rifle) installed.1
The running gear from Vickers and Loyd light tanks were combined with a Horstmann developed coil springs.1 Was easy to drive as it had a steering wheel like a truck.1
Two of the crew sat in the front and 2 in the rear. Often a MG or anti-tank rifle was mounted in the front.
In 1938 each infantry battalion was issued 10.1
Carden-Loyd Universal Carrier:
Was originally intended to carry 18 pdr ammunition across areas that couldn't be safely crossed by the trucks of the Army Service Corps.1 It was transformed into an infantry support carrier, which transported 2" (50.8 mm) and 3" (76.2 mm) mortars as well as anti-tank guns.1
Produced by Aveling-Barford, Ford, Sentinel, Thornycroft, and Wolseley.1 Were produced as the T-16 in the United States.1
Driven by rear sprocket and had 5.83:1 gear ratio.1 Was powered by a Ford V-8 engine which was very reliable.1 Could be steered just like a truck.1
In inclement weather some crews would use a frame that held a canvas cover to help keep the bad weather out.1
Carrier Scout:
Adopted by cavalry regiments as a radio vehicle.1 It carried six men.1
Carrier Armored OP:
The Royal Artillery used this radio vehicle for forward observation officers.1 There was a cable drum that allowed line to be laid back to the gun position.1
Carrier, Tracked, Loyd:
Had British Ford V-8 engine.1 It was driven by a front sprocket and had a 6.6:1 axle gear ratio.1
Praying Mantis:
Had ladder installed to help scale cliffs.
Armored Observation Post (AOP):
Used by Royal Artillery.1
WASP:
Had a R.P. Fraser, of Langonda, designed flamethrower installed.1 This was first tested in July 1942.1
Every infantry battalion received 6.1 Saw action in north-west Europe and Italy, starting in August 1944.1
| Bren Gun Carrier | Pre-War Carrier | Universal Carrier | Carden-Loyd Universal Carrier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 3 or 4 2 or 31 |
4-51 | ||
| Physical Characteristics | ||||
| Weight | 9,922 lb, 3.75 tons1, 3,810 kg1 |
3.6 tons2 | 3.6 tons2 | 1.22 tons2, 4.25 tons1 4,318 kg1 |
| Length w/gun | 11' 11", 12'1, 3.65 m1 |
3.66 m2 | 3.76 m2 | 12' 4"1 2.46 m2, 3.75 m1 |
| Length w/o gun | ||||
| Height | 5' 3", 4' 9"1, 1.45 m1 |
1.37 m2 | 1.6 m2 | 5' 3"1 1.22 m2, 1.6 m1 |
| Width | 6' 9"1, 2.05 m1 |
2.11 m2 | 2.11 m2 | 6' 11"1 1.75 m2, 2.1 m1 |
| Ground clearance | ||||
| Ground contact length | ||||
| Ground pressure | ||||
| Turret ring diameter | ||||
| Armament | ||||
| Main | 7.7 mm Bren MG1 OR Boys Anti-Tank Rifle1 |
|||
| Secondary | ||||
| MG | ||||
| Side arms | ||||
| Quantity | ||||
| Main | ||||
| Secondary | ||||
| MG | ||||
| Side arms | ||||
| Armor Thickness (mm) | 101 | 122 | 122 | 92, 121 |
| Hull Front, Upper | 10 | |||
| Hull Front, Lower | ||||
| Hull Sides, Upper | ||||
| Hull Sides, Lower | ||||
| Hull Rear | ||||
| Hull Top | ||||
| Hull Bottom | 7 | |||
| Turret Front | ||||
| Turret Sides | ||||
| Turret Rear | ||||
| Turret Top | ||||
| Engine (Make / Model) | Ford | Ford1 | ||
| Cylinders | ||||
| Net HP | 652 | 852 | 402 | |
| Transmission | ||||
| Fuel type | ||||
| Octane | ||||
| Capacity | ||||
| Performance | ||||
| Traverse | ||||
| Max Speed | 30 mph1 48 kph1 |
50 kph2 | 53 kph2 | 32 mph1 40 kph2, 51 kph1 |
| Cross Country | ||||
| Road radius | 94 miles, 130 miles1 210 km1 |
160 miles1 256 km1 |
||
| Turning Radius | ||||
| Elevation Limits | ||||
| Fording depth | ||||
| Trench crossing | ||||
| Vertical Obstacle | ||||
| Suspension (Type) | ||||
| Wheels each side | ||||
| Return rollers each side | ||||
| Track length | ||||
| Tires | ||||
| Track width | ||||
| Track centers/tread | ||||
| Production | Britain: 35,0001 Australia: 5,6001 New Zealand: 5201 Canada: 29,0001 United States: 14,0001 |
Sources:
- The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles - The Comprehensive Guide to Over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles From 1915 to the Present Day, General Editor: Christopher F. Foss, 2002
- Jane's World War II Tanks and Fighting Vehicles The Complete Guide, Leland Ness, 2002
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