Unidentified box
 

Hi

Can anyone identify this box? It seems to be a hard side plastic/fibreglass. The Canadian War Museum has a number of them. Toolboxes???

Thanks

Doug

You have gold there my friend, if my eyes don't deceive me.....
I believe that those are some really really nice bail out boxes.
what's a bailout box?
These were used on a universal carrier (bren carrier) as stowage boxes for the crew. They would contain the basic ancilliaries such as socks, ration etc for each crewman in case of abandonment of the carrier.
Collectors would give anything to have their hands on such finds.

Bail Out Box
 

Further to Chris's response, the correct name for these are.. Pouchs, Detachable. They contained, filled Bren Mags, or 20 rd. Thompson SMG mags, or No. 36 grenades. And were used a quick source of ammo etc. in the case of a quick dismount from the vehicle.

These were ONLU issued to the MKII carrier as they had metal clips on the rear of the pouch that would clip onto the metal bars that were inside the hull. (See Stowage Diagram, top left)

Interesting about the holes that are punched into the top of this example. This is now the 3rd one I have seen like this. I had the story told to me it was for messenger pigeons, Im not sure if I believe that one or not. Perhaps some of the signal guys can help on that.
Im thinking these have been sold surplus and made into fish creels, stinky cheese boxs or a WWII battle issue Cat Carrier ?

I am looking for a complete set of these boxs to complete the stowage layout of my MKII if anyone has any of these for sale or trade.
(Note: Modern day Cat Carriers are not being considered.)

Cheers,
Harris

Having the holes in the top of the lid would make sense for pigeons. They used the larger wicker baskets for getting birds in bulk from one station to another. But the smaller case like this would be more appropriate for taking individual birds where they were needed closer to the front with units that would be sending back messages.

I've seen this type bag without the holes so there are likely two patterns based closely on the same item. You sure wouldn't want holes in the top of a container you planned to keep filled magazines or other equipment inside of.

The cousins to this bag are the two patterns of leather bailout bags which also have the metal clip on the back for fastening onto the rails inside carriers. One pattern has a single strap in the center for closing the flap and the other pattern has a pair of leather quick-release type straps for the flap.

Thompson stowage
 

Not trying to stir the pot here (see: Thompson in the ETO thread) but that sure looks like a Thompson SMG in the stowage diagram. I guess IF you had a Thompson, that's where you MIGHT stow it in a UC.

;>)

CHEEMO! Derek.

Mirror Stowage
 

Also not wishing to stir the pot, but the box would also be a great place to store shaving mirrors in order to keep those beards so nicely trimmed....

Touche
 

Good point Ed! :)

I see the pot is still being stirred
 

You're a (not so) subtle lot :D
A bonus point each!

Thank you all.

Doug