F.M.CO Pouches, detachable ammo.

[chris vickery]

I have heard of these as "bail out boxes". Not 100% sure of the authenticity of this claim but if memory serves, the intent of these was as emergency grab and go kits in the event of the crew having to dismount the vehicle.

[rob love]

Originally Posted by chris vickery

I have heard of these as "bail out boxes". Not 100% sure of the authenticity of this claim but if memory serves, the intent of these was as emergency grab and go kits in the event of the crew having to dismount the vehicle.

The original intent of a Universal carrier was "grab and go" as opposed to acting as a fighting vehicle. The Carrier would drop off the Boyes or the Bren along with suitable quantity of munitions, and the carrier would withdraw to a suitably safe position. Perhaps these bags were an evolution from the steel chests of mags provided for the Bren and Boyes. A chest of loaded Bren mags would have been heavy.

[Lynn Eades]

Chris, Yes they were "bail out bags" The early carriers were not originally supposed to "do battle" They were supposed to deliver the gun crew to a point, drop them and retire. Remember the British army was still having trouble with letting go of lining up in ranks of three, facing a similar enemy 150 yards away.Blitzkrieg left the allies lost for answers.
In saying the above, I don't think the bail out bags came into being until the second half of carrier production.

I took too long to put my post up.

[Robert Bergeron]

Thank-you very much for the measurments Ron.