'Grab bag' codes/part Nos
 

Could anyone be kind enough to give me details of the codes and correct nomlecture for the Bren mag 'grab bags' for the Universal carrier (leather/fibre board) ?
Any other info regarding date of introduction into service (UK) would also be welcome.

Many thanks Kevin

Bren Mag Leather Pouches
 

Kevin hi, sorry not to get back to you on this. All these mag pouches seem to have the same TL number. TL14076. Of the two leather varieties it is marked on the lid under the single strap and buckle closure on the smooth leather one and the ribbed leather one it is marked on the front panel. Both are also marked on the strap near the lid. The maker and date is also stamped in both places.

The fibre pouche I have is marked on the lid on the lhs and has a CTL 14076 number. There is another variety according to photographs which seems to be made out of a leatherette material, softer with a white backing, but haven't managed to track one of this type down for inspection!!

Hope this helps Kevin.

Nigel

Cheers Nigel,excuse my ignorance but is the TL prefix used for other carrier parts ?
Is the same TL 14076 number used as a VAOS code in parts books for the item ?
Is the grab bag listed in parts books ?

Do any parts books list a - AA 5285 Boxes, Magazine, Bren Gun ?
If so is it the same thing (grab bag) or something different ?

Any idea if there is an online parts book for the UC ?

Sorry if these are basic questions for you blokes but my knowledge of things UC is zero !

Hi Kev. TL (for British and Commonwealth manufacture) and CTL (for Canadian manufacture) appear on most carrier parts along with the part no. The carrier parts books show this number with TL or CTL or CO1UC or Ford parts numbers.

TL14076 doesn't seem to appear in the early parts catalogues although I haven't checked all types. Can't help with AA 5285 but doubt these would be carrier 'parts' issued with the carrier. More likely to be store items. Don't know if there is an online parts book, maybe someone else can help.

Nigel

Found it!
 

Kev have just come across TL 14076 with the VAOS Section ref. of LV2/TL. in the Illustrated Parts List for Universal Carriers. Described as Pouch, ammunition, 8 required for MkII and MkIII carriers and used for Grenades, Bren and Boyes' rifle ammunition.

Nigel

Thanks Nigel , could you tell me the date of the reference given -
'TL 14076 with the VAOS Section ref. of LV2/TL'

Many thanks for your help , Kevin

Dates, things of the desert!
 

March 1945

Nigel

Cheers Nigel

Back Mounting Plate for TL14076
 

Hi, does anyone have a paper template to make new back mounting plates for the leather bags? I have a couple with no plate (which seems to happen to most of them over time) and would like to make a replacement :).

Can anyone also tell me where I can get the correct rivets to fix it to the back of the bags?

Alternatively does anyone fancy making up some and selling them with the right rivets - I'd buy them!

Ian

Sounds like a job for Russ at oldbuckrestorations@hotmail.com ! I can loan him a pattern from one of my bags . I have a couple of bags where the stitching has rotted and they need back plates as well. Contact him directly if you need some as well.
TTFN
Shaun

I had some bins made recently by old buck restorations and the quality is fantastic ! Worth getting in touch with the chap !!

Ta!
 

Thanks all, I have emailed Russ and will await his reply.

Now all I need is a carrier to go with the bags....

Ian