43rdrecce

Unfortunately, it doesn't specify which 'mechanically propelled vehicles' the matting was intended for. Interesting though that it appears to be so early, as 1907 is the date indicated by the List of Changes entry. Was it possibly used on cab floors? The black canvas is the only one noted specifically for MT vehicles. The LoC for this dates from December 1911, so is pre WW1! There are other colours listed as well as black for waterproof covers, though these were presumably general purpose items. There is a range of black waterproof covers ranging from 40' x 20' to 10' x 6' and an identical range described as 'Green, Oriental or Willesden dressed' Willesden canvas is that bright green colour which results from the application of copper sulphate based rot proofing applied to the canvas. Manufacturers vehicle canvas supplied with vehicles must have been patched up as required by units. Canvas was routinely painted during the war. Cutch (brown) is mentioned for darkening white bell tents for instance but ordinary camouflage paints were frequently used. The book lists 'Service Colour' which I presume is similar to the colour you use on your vehicles, a warm khaki drab. It does appear to confirm the use of celluloid for windows in canvas. There is mention of Isinglass, but seemingly in bulk form as it is listed with paints and solvents and it could be used for specialised gluing processes. There is no mention I can see of Mica. Regards Paul

I've just had a look through the 1920 edition of 'Priced Vocabulary of Stores' and the following entry might be of interest Tents, Marquee, Hospital, Small - Window, sheet horn non-inflammable celluloid This pattern of marquee was pattern sealed in early 1915. Though the vocabulary contains several references to MT equipment for lorries there is no reference to canvas other than 'Cover, Canvas, for MT Vehicles- 22' x 16' Black' Two other interesting entries are 'Matting, Rubber, pyramid pattern, for mechanically propelled vehicles. Length and width to be stated in demands' and 'Canvas, Prepared- 3 feet wide, for repair of tyres on mechanically propelled vehicles. Double Proof MKII, proofed both sides. Single Proof MkII, proofed one side' The matting and the Canvas Prepared were introduced in List of changes in July 1907, the MkII prepared canvas dates from July 1916.

41 Commando had these in NI circa 1977/78 mixed in with some of the original trials bergens from 1975. Only NI issue at that time I was told. It would appear several small batches were made around that time. I have a photo of a Marine from that unit using one. At the time they were well thought of as patrol packs, though obviously they were heavy and when better options became available they fell out of favour. Here's a photo showing a Falklands Task Force RE Sapper boarding QE2 in 1982, with a heavily laden GS Bergen. Note the later buckles on the side pockets.

Try Carburettor Exchange in Leighton Buzzard, I have used them several times for Solex carbs. They have always done a very good job. He even had some NOS Daimler AC carbs a few years back. Not the fastest though, and I don't know what their current turnaround is like. http://www.carbex.demon.co.uk/

Here's a link to the website of the supplier http://steveandjaneo.magix.net/

Andrew, Couple of photos of a periscope brush which might be of use. Pretty simple items, dimensions should be obvious. Regards Paul

Thanks both for the further information. The actual packaging is dated (on checking) December 1981 so slightly later than I'd remembered. As I say these will fit the WW2 Desmo type mirrors with a little trimming but as has been pointed out there were different makers. Thanks again Paul

Excellent thanks very much. They are in 1970s packaging so figured something like that, but thanks for the confirmation. Cheers Paul

I've done a quick NSN check but there is no detail as to the vehicle these were intended for. They will fit the old curved Desmo type mirrors though the corners need to be trimmed slightly. They are 3" x 6" Can anyone identify what the original usage was? 6MT3 2540 99 803 0599 Thanks Paul

Yes, I do. Identical to the DPM in construction but made of a synthetic feeling cloth not windproof gabardine as on the DPM version. Most likely water resistant to a degree. Same quilted nylon lining too and khaki flannel lined side and brow flaps.Mine has RM rank insignia on the peak but the paper size label is long since gone. I suspect the crap hat and the ECW hat were originally copies of existing Norwegian designs but I've not confirmed that as yet. Features and design are near identical on both. Not sure what came first, the chicken or the egg! Regards Paul

Though there was an early green British version of the CW cap, I believe the one in the photo is a Norwegian issue cap. These were commonly worn alongside UK manufactured versions. They are a distinctive shade and normally have a pale green tape binding on the edge of the peak. This one in the OP has had the Norge badge removed, but there are photos showing British troops wearing them complete with the original insignia as seen in the attached photo.

Simon, The development files refer to it as the 1956 Pattern liner, though it does seem to have rarely been termed as such in later years. it's a murky period still and many of the introduction dates are vague to say the least. The trials process went on for ridiculous periods with some items. The official papers seem only to have survived in a confused and incomplete way. Collectors often refer to MkV helmets but I've never seen any official confirmation of this. It seems obvious that this nomenclature must have been applied to something, as we went from a MkIV helmet to a MkVI, and logic would suggest that a MkIV helmet with a 1956 Pattern liner might well have been intended as a MkV helmet, but the official confirmation just doesn't seem to be there. Many have looked in vain! i'm not exactly sure of when these were first introduced but 1957 may well be the start of production. Regards Paul

And here the LAGR can't be anything other than the lightweight mask, due to the size of the haversack.

Simon, Like you I've seen photos showing the MkVII haversacks. I was surprised to see these as they had officially not been an issue since the 1950s, though they must still have been in the system in large numbers. It is clear from some photos that I've seen that they appear to hold S6 masks. It may be that they were more convenient to wear in the alert position when carrying other kit than either the LAGR and Mk1 S6 Case. Here's one in use, seems to hold an S6 (which you'd expect at this date) judging by the shape, but difficult to be certain of course as the LAGR also had a side filter. Regards Paul

Hello Lauren, Thanks for reply. Yes, the corners look slightly different. These are MW, but I'm sure I read somewhere that they are the same size. I have a few MW parts I don't require and I was wondering if these will actually fit any other type of 15cwt. regards Paul

Will the Bedford MW screens (closed cab type) fit any of the other 15cwts? They look as though they might fit a Fordson, but will they fit anything else (I know they won't fit a Morris, wrong shape!) can anyone enlighten me? cheers Paul apologies if this has been asked before, did a search but couldn't find an answer

There was an earlier A/6/CLO/ sequence running which pre-dates the A/78/ series I've seen it on 50s dated clothing. I've not seen enough of it to draw any conclusions however. regards Paul

Ted, The pen holder sits inside the pocket. Just slide it along the cloth retainer and into the pocket. They were done away with as too costly later on. They were also fitted to flying coveralls. Some aircrew had Velcro patches sewn over the pocket to serve the same purpose. This jacket is also dated 1972, size 5 Cheers Paul

Just had a quick look and yes, you will see this type on the Clinometers part of the Sighting and Gun-Laying equipment page. The top two both used to belong to me. They are very difficult to find especially number 2. Should bring decent money from a Vickers collector! Cheers Paul

It's also one of several angle of sight instruments issued for use with Vickers MGs during WW1 until a dedicated MG clinometer was introduced in 1917/18 This type is shown alongside the Abney Level in many mid WW1 machine gun manuals. I had one in my collection of Vickers kit which is now in the care of Richard Fisher. Mine was by Troughton and Sims who seem to have been the major producer of these items along with JH Steward. Have a look at http://www.vickersmachinegun.org.uk I believe you may even see a photo of the one I used to own. My Vickers was L677 with all the WW1 bells and whistles which is also shown on there. Cheers Paul

Thanks Clive, They are not the same as the wartime versions I have seen and I suspected they might be for a postwar vehicle. They may just be an upgraded version for earlier applications of course. Cheers Paul

Yes and NOS

Can anyone identify this wiper motor and code and suggest which vehicle it may be for? The packaging date is November 1955 but it is very similar to those fitted to my Bedford MW, other than slight differences to the operating switch lever. The code is LV6/MT3 TF/KOB 224-1 on the packaging. On the motor is stencilled 415KOB224-1 Anyone know what they are for? I bought two as back up for WOTs and Bedford MW but not sure... Cheers Paul

Thank you Maurice, Good old US standard parts! GeePig, you might be right there...Not much use to me and acquired by accident. Cheers Paul

Hello all, I've found these NOS US gauges among some parts I bought a while back. Can anyone identify vehicles they would have been used on? I'm out of my comfort zone with US vehicles! Pretty sure the 80lbs Oil pressure gauge is of the type used on Universal Carriers, but what else? King Seeley Manufactured temp gauge Another 60-260 Temp gauge and a -100/+100 Amp gauge Can anyone help me identify what vehicles these were used on? Cheers Paul