Pattern '37 Bren Mag pouches

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by kajn65

The "Bren Gun Bra" name is derived from the way these Utility Pouches are worn and used by the Bren Gun Crews.

In this manner, the Front Pouch is found in its usual location-Left Chest Area; and the Rear Pouch is found on the Right Chest Area. The Yoke Strap is slung over the wearer's neck, while the Waist Strap is wrapped around his torso. This method somewhat resembles a woman's undergarment ... the bra. Therefore, from the Bren Gunner's perspective, comes the other common name for these pouches, the "Bren Gun Bra".

This is interesting! Do you have any pictures of the pouches being worn in this manner? The reason for one pouch being worn on the left front and the other on the left rear is the awkwardness of carrying and firing the Bren "from the Hip". It is normally carried slung from the right shoulder with the receiver and magazine right where you suggest the front right pouch would be. The mags are changed and replaced with the left hand, so a pouch on the left rear is quite accessible, particularly when laying prone.

[2nd AIF]

Very informative thanks for sharing

[Rob Beale]

I first saw these pouches in the Osprey title: "British Infantry Equipment 1908-80" Men at Arms series no 108 published in 1980. This was written and illustrated by Mike Chappell who had served many years in the British Army.

The image in the colour plates in the centre shows the auxiliary pouches worn around the neck.

Can someone provide photographic evidence of them in use in WW2?

I guess it is a bit like entrenching tools. The 'book' descibes the item provided, yet photos of Kiwi infantry in Italy clearly show Bulldog brand GS shovels and picks carried instead.

Rob

[charlie fitton]

"I guess it is a bit like entrenching tools. The 'book' descibes the item provided, yet photos of Kiwi infantry in Italy clearly show Bulldog brand GS shovels and picks carried instead." Rob

When we started the HLIofC group here in Cambridge (about a million years ago) we had an interesting problem - couldn't find enough entrenching tools.
We did have a few and at an early display for the Vets, we apologized for not having enough to go round.

The vets emphatically advised us that they chucked that usless tool, and prefferred to dig in with real tools.

[rob love]

Originally Posted by charlie fitton

When we started the HLIofC group here in Cambridge (about a million years ago) we had an interesting problem - couldn't find enough entrenching tools.
We did have a few and at an early display for the Vets, we apologized for not having enough to go round.

The vets emphatically advised us that they chucked that usless tool, and prefferred to dig in with real tools.

About a decade back, the BQ of the artillery battery I was attached to issued the modern version of those things to all of us to get them out of his store room. They got tossed into the basement, never to be seen again until I got out of the service.

My take on it is that if there was a mechanic, then there was a truck, and if there was a truck, then there was a real shovel.

[Mk1rceme]

I think the illustration on page 26 of 'From D-Day to VE-Day The Canadian Soldier' best shows how these pouches were worn by soldiers of an infantry section Bren group.

I have heard these called many names...supplementary, auxillary, bras, utility, bren, you name it. I don't think anyone knows for sure. Certainly nothing to get all huffy about...we all know what they are when we hear any of the designations mentioned in this thread.

With respect
Dale

[kajn65]

Hi All,

That's exactly my point. I just thought I'd mention it for those of you who didn't know.

Rgs...Keyan