MK 2 carrier jack.

[Lynn Eades]

Hi Ron, This is the Jack used on British MkI carriers (mechanical screw type)
They used the bracket which was made to suit them. The Canadian jacking block evolved to fit their adopted hydraulic jack into the original mechanical jack bracket. That is how I see the evolution of it anyhow.

These are (were) made by various manufacturers. This one is Ern Lake. I also have a Britool one. Some are steel bodied, this one is alloy with a chequer plate base. They are variously dated
They are rated at 4 ton and 4 1/2 ton. there is an extension that clips on the top (I need one)
They come with a handle, and a two piece extension (fairly crude) I believe the early carriers had a longer single piece extension (which made it shorter than the two piece if you follow)
They lift higher than you might first think, and yes, it could be the same as the 4 tonner? (truck?)
There are different shaped ones as well.

[Ron Pier]

Thanks chaps and especially Lynn for the pictures. I'd be more than happy to own a British 4 ton jack for my carrier. At least I know what to look for at W&P or elsewhere!
Cheers Ron

[Richard Farrant]

Here is a photo from a British Carrier manual ;

[Ron Pier]

Cheers Richard. Proof conclusive. Ron

[Ron Pier]

I've finally acquired an Ern Lake jack for my carrier. I assume it should be painted green? Although I see that Lilibets jack is red.
Also I'm missing the wooden operating handle if anyone has one to sell.

Ron

[Ron Pier]

OK! Help required with handle...Lynn? The handle that came with this jack has no square on the business end and a number on the wooden shaft end. Any ideas please, or pictures of the correct part. Ron

[Lynn Eades]

Ron, Sorry, I don't know. I believe there was a one piece extension for the early Brens, but by the time of Bren No2 MkI, they had gone over to a two piece extension.
I will have to hunt for pictures of the two piece and handle (all steel) if anyone else wants to jump in with photos, go for it. The stowage on the carriers stayed the same for quite a while, with the steel box pockets on the Canadian Universal Mk1* staying with the same configuration (even though they moved under the battery box)

[kevin powles]

Originally Posted by Richard Farrant

Here is a photo from a British Carrier manual ;

Gents, came across this jack, same as in the british manual, 4 ton Ern lake, had a smaller footprint than the Jack that fits in the rear deck of a mk1. Anyone know where the jacks stowed on a mortar carrier?.

[kevin powles]

Not dated but same jack

[Lynn Eades]

Kevin, It is a hydraulic jack (and jacking block) and they are stowed on top of the cam plate cover (in the right rear, up front next to the div. plate)
The jack handle is stowed up front in the left rear (also next to the div plate) with the megaphone and aiming rods.

[kevin powles]

Thanks Lynn, do you know how it was held in place?, the Ern Lake jacks all appear to be non hydraulic, I also picked up a war time Ern Lake, same lettering as Rons one.

[Jim Burrill]

Is anyone in a position to make up some replicas of the rounded end of the jack handle that fits in the squareish slot on the jack? Cast i imagine. Something that can be fairly cheap to cast, and send through the post. We can add the rod on this end.

Any one game?