RCT/RLC Motorcyclists weapons?

[MTMan]

Hello,

 

Anyone got any sugestions of the personal weapon/s issued to RCT/RLC motorcyclists, prior to the change to the MT350 with its SA80 gun box?

 

So Can-Am or Armstrong MT500 riders.

 

Since I am picking brains, what webbing was "WORN" when riding? I am aware of the overlap 58 Pattern/PLCE but cant seem to find pictures of anyone wearing any.

 

Thnks hopefully.

[ArtistsRifles]

In the early to mid 1970's the despatch riders/convoy escorts with 215 Sqdn RCT(VR) carried the L2A3 9mm SMG. No additional clothing was issued other than a plain green water/wind proof smock. Other than that it was the usual DMS boots, woollen puttees, 68 pattern DPM trousers and jackets and shirt KF. Webbing was 58 pattern. Helmets were the standard green army issue with the beret being carried in the L/S trouser leg pocket.

Bikes were BSA B40's

[REME 245]

SMG's were still being carried up to the adoption of the SA80.

[Marmite!!]

SMG's were still being carried up to the adoption of the SA80.

 

They were still being used in the first Gulf War...

[MTMan]

Silly question! were the SMG's worn slung or secured to pannier/rack?

 

Thanks for the information so far.

 

Kind regards

[ArtistsRifles]

Slung IIRC - and I think over the shoulder then across the chest without a mag fitted (they tended to fall out over bumps....)

[David Ives]

whats this neil your vehicles growing even more as just noted the can am

[Richard Farrant]

Regarding what Armstrong MT500 riders would have worn, I seem to think they might have been issued with a Barbour ( or similar) suit, like trials riders used to wear. Only going on what I used to see, when riders came into workshops at that time, 80/90's.

[Guest catweazle (Banned Member)]

I had one of those couldnt keep the front wheel on the floor:-D

[Richard Farrant]

I had one of those couldnt keep the front wheel on the floor:-D

 

A MT500 ?? Bloody things had the kickstart on the wrong side. When they first came into service the cam pulley splines used to shear, came out with a mod., a pulley made of stronger material, think the original one was made of monkey metal :-D.

 

Can't beat a B40 :thumbsup:

Edited August 7, 2008 by Richard Farrant
smelling mistake

[REME 245]

I remember wax jackets being worn as well during the 1980's when I was attached to 155 Transport Regiment RCT.

[Tony B]

Barbour did makea Military jacket, in DPM. The standard jacket for officers was the Barbour Solway, I don't think they are made anymore, got to expnsive. The Solway had a belt. You do see some pictures with tyhe Barbour Northumbria jacket. Belstaff jackets were also used, they have a motorcycle peddigree. They went out of fashion when gore-tex came on the scene.

http://www.barbour.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.view&ProductID=17091&PCategoryID=23&RangeID=

[Richard Farrant]

Barbour did makea Military jacket, in DPM. The standard jacket for officers was the Barbour Solway, I don't think they are made anymore, got to expnsive. The Solway had a belt. You do see some pictures with tyhe Barbour Northumbria jacket. Belstaff jackets were also used, they have a motorcycle peddigree.

 

 

The outfits that the army motorcyclists were wearing, from memory, were just the standard type wax cotton suits in black, either Barbour or Belstaff Trialsmaster. As REME 245 also recollects this, I may not be losing it just yet :-D

[Tony B]

I know a lot of the Wax kit was sold by Barbour as private purchse. Though I do recall an issue wax jacket being sold on the surplus market. They were *** compared to the Barbour. This stuff was the thing to wear in the horse world during the 60's and 70's. Barbour also made a suit for naval and aircraft use. Named after Sidcot. this did not use a wax, the cotton fibre expanded when wet and became waterproof, stopped the condensation problems associated with wax jackets.

[MTMan]

Hi,

 

According to JSP336, vol12 part3 Pam4. A "Jacket, Motor cyclist" and "Trousers Motorcyclist" is still on issue.

 

Jkt: "1 Each Motor cycle on establishment and 10% of motor cycles on establishment for riders. Manditory for road work."

 

Trs: "As for Jacket motorcyclist"

 

There are also two Helmets, one olive drab and one white full face with visor.

 

Pleased to say my collection holds a wax jacket and one of each helmet.

 

Starting the MT500 can be a pig! however after months of jet swaping (and loads of money!:cry:) mine goes first time and ticks over like a watch.

 

I take it the SMG mags were carried in the left ammo pouch in place of the SLR mags. was the rest of the webbing contents as the standard Infantry packing list or were items distributed elsewhere?

[AlienFTM]

IIRC The Ursula Suit worn by submarine crews during the war originated as either a Babour or a Belstaff wax jacket which was converted by an officer of HMS Ursula and, proving eminently suitable for purpose, the converted went into official production.

[Degsy]

IIRC The Ursula Suit worn by submarine crews during the war originated as either a Babour or a Belstaff wax jacket which was converted by an officer of HMS Ursula and, proving eminently suitable for purpose, the converted went into official production.

 

The manufacturer was Barbour and the officer was Capt George Philips CO of HM Submarine Ursula.

[Guest catweazle (Banned Member)]

The manufacturer was Barbour and the officer was Capt George Philips CO of HM Submarine Ursula.

Its becoming obvious you have a Navy interest mate,anything you wont to tell us:rofl:

[Degsy]

Its becoming obvious you have a Navy interest mate,anything you wont to tell us:rofl:

NOOoo NOo Noyes you have found me out,I do have an interest in things nautical,have read a lot on the subject.:-D

[Guest catweazle (Banned Member)]

NOOoo NOo Noyes you have found me out,I do have an interest in things nautical,have read a lot on the subject.:-D

Good on yer mate,best keep you updated on whats in the harbour as i am down there so much,get you some pics of the falkland boats rotting away.why they havnt done something with them is anybodys guess.

[Degsy]

Thanks CW, you are fortunate to live in an area where so much goes on, very little happens up here. Went to Anglesey some years ago when there was a large gathering of ships to commemerate the Battle of the Atlantic.

Mid summer, more like mid winter, stood on the rocks all day in a howling gale and lashing rain, all we saw was mist and flying spray, never a glimpse of a ship:argh::-D

[Redcap]

Hiya David

 

Ah, the Armstrong: A 1950s tech traily built out of steel tubing, steam engines, and anvils - i.e. it was big, clumbersome, and bloody heavy as well - and you needed legs like Pogo Sticks to get the ****er started!

 

My old Company, 253 Provost Company RMP(v), issued SMGs to M/C assigned NCOs before the introduction of the L85 Rifle; Clothing wise, I only saw the Barbour kit once, whilst on bike familiarisation training down at Rushmore Arena in the summer of 1991 or 1992, I can't remember exactly when. Aside from then, it was Combat Kit order; 58 pattern webbing WAS worn to CEFO, never to CEMO, with the issue Hi-Vis Tabbard being work under the webbing. White M/C helmets were issued, with tin lids buried in the pannier packs, iirc. Berets were stuffed in a pocket somewhere, to the riders' convenience and/or preference.

 

By the way, if you can make it, it's the monthly Chatham fair this weekend, Sunday, 07:30 kick off at Chatham Historic Dockyards, details on how to get there being here: http://www.ukms2000.com/chathamarea/directions.html

 

Hope the above helps

Edited August 8, 2008 by Redcap
Spelling (again, already!)

[MTMan]

Howdedo Roger,

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Son in laws Birthday! Having a "Happy Family Gathering" Sunday!

 

BUT if I read it right this is a MONTHLY event!?

 

Please confirm so I can ENSURE my availability SEPTEMBER!:-D:)

 

Please confirm "Order of Dress".

 

Kindest regards

 

David.

[Redcap]

Hiya David -

 

Yep, monthly, second Sunday, as per linkage.

 

80 provost members attending should, where possible, kit themselves as folows: No 8 Dress (Temperate Dress Combats, Sept will be out of Shirtsleeves, so remember to wear the jacket and unless unseasonably warm, the Wooly Pully as well!); if carrying the SMG, CEFO to be worn; if carrying pistol, belt plus 58 pattern holster and lanyard. See http://www.practicalairsoft.co.uk/80-provost/kit-and-equip.html for more info

 

Have fun with the family tomorrow, hope to see you in September

[Big ray]

Hello,

 

Anyone got any sugestions of the personal weapon/s issued to RCT/RLC motorcyclists, prior to the change to the MT350 with its SA80 gun box?

 

So Can-Am or Armstrong MT500 riders.

 

Since I am picking brains, what webbing was "WORN" when riding? I am aware of the overlap 58 Pattern/PLCE but cant seem to find pictures of anyone wearing any.

 

Thnks hopefully.

 

I rode motorcycles in Germany in the mid fifties, in the summer I wore battledress tunic, breaches and motorcycle knee length boots. In the winter I wore a tankers overall, heavy duty with lots of pockets (maps etc) and warm wooly stuff underneath, and of course the leather gloves. My weapon initially was a Sten gun, slung over the back...... it always got in the way when worn at the front. I complained that I thought that the Sten would probably break my back if I came off........ after that I was always issued with a sidearm (Revolver) Happy days, wish that I could do it all again. :kissoncheek: