Mk 1 UC Stowage bin with lid

[rob love]

I wonder if bin 45 (next to the driver with the lid) might fit Boyes rifle ammo on bandoleers.
Most of the bins are reasonable tight with little wastage of space or metal. An example is the Bren Auxilery pouches which will fit into some of the bins. They are quite snug, but a perfect fit.

[stephen crowhurst]

There were several different types of packaging. If I remember correctly, a 10 round packet tied up with string, a 32 round box, and 48 round box, so may have been for one of them. I have also seen a 20 round box but that may have been post war.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by stephen crowhurst

There were several different types of packaging. If I remember correctly, a 10 round packet tied up with string, a 32 round box, and 48 round box, so may have been for one of them. I have also seen a 20 round box but that may have been post war.

Everybody sing!

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things"

[JordanWayneVoce]

as far as i can tell the half section of the gunner/ commanders ammo stowage bin is slightly wider than the other to accommodate 16 - 18 bandoliers of boys rifle ammo, the brown canvas pouch further forward was to hold 2 pre loaded magazines for the boys

[derk derin]

Yes, thanks to you Rob I finally found out what those bins were for. It was nice to finally fill them! 20 years later and I’m still finding out information on my carrier. Will probably take another 20 years to complete it!
Derk

[Tom Millward]

To my knowledge metal bren ammo boxes were only used for transport if ammunition to forward troops, under the CQMS it would have been swapped over to webbing containers, hence the bin in the Gunner’s left should be filled with the Webbing Auxiliary pouches also. Picture getting that box out in a hurry, scrabbling for more Bren Ammunition.

Incidentally I have some spare cross straps to link those pouches if you want some.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Tom Millward

To my knowledge metal bren ammo boxes were only used for transport if ammunition to forward troops, under the CQMS it would have been swapped over to webbing containers, hence the bin in the Gunner’s left should be filled with the Webbing Auxiliary pouches also. Picture getting that box out in a hurry, scrabbling for more Bren Ammunition.

Incidentally I have some spare cross straps to link those pouches if you want some.

I see posed images showing a Bren gunner being supported by his #2, the #2 installing fresh magazines direct onto the gun from the metal stowage chest, all the while being on the carrier engine cover top armoured plate.

[tankbarrell]

Loyd carrier has its Bren magazines in the steel box too. Granted it's not likely to be in the same situations as a UC but I don't think the steel box was just for transport to the users.

[Rob Beale]

is identical in size to the drivers tool box in the LP2 and LP2A carriers down under. The 3 manuals and a tool roll are held in it I believe!

Interesting that the large illustrations in the UC manuals don't give an indication.

Rob

[Tom Millward]

Posted many times before, but this video shows the stowage in the LH bin (https://youtu.be/-nTsnfEAjzI?si=fsyFN8p_x8tYxdB5), don’t think it mentions the small compartment in the RH bin though.

Interesting to hear people’s evidence of the boxes being carried on the vehicle. I guess there are no real rules of use in wartime!