MOTOR BATTALION and MACHINE GUN UNITS

MOTOR BATTALION and MACHINE GUN UNITS

Motor battalions were highly mobile infantry intended to accompany armour. The primary
role was to protect tanks, against anti tank weapons in action and against surprise attack at
Night.

Machine gun battalions were assigned to infantry divisions and companies to armoured divisions.



MOTOR BATTALION

War Establishment II/231/3. January 1944

A Motor Battalion was a specialised infantry unit intended for the close protection of armoured units. When first introduced in 1939 it was to be included in the support group of an armoured division. There were then two motor battalions to two armoured brigades. Later the armoured division was reduced to one armoured brigade and one motor battalion was included in it. This applied to all armoured brigades in an armoured division and to independent armoured brigades intended to support armoured divisions.

At first it was intended that the motor battalions should be formed from cavalry regiments. It was decided however that the motor battalions should be found by battalions of the Rifle Brigade and Kings Royal Rifle Corp. The Guards Armoured Division found their own motor battalion from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. It has been suggested that this was because the six foot plus high Guardsmen of the Kings Company would not fit into other armoured vehicles. 4th Battalion Coldstream Guards formed the motor battalion of the 6th Guards Tank Brigade which broke all the rules since it should not have had a motor battalion.

From the start the transport of the motor battalion was the 15cwt truck carrying an eight man section, including the driver. This number was not increased in line with standard infantry battalions and the section remained at eight men until the end of the war. This would mean that the 15cwt halftrack, which was the normal transport in 21 Army Group, would be very roomy since it was designed for twelve men.

Since the Motor Battalion operated closely with armoured units it used the Wireless set No 19 except for rifle platoons which used the infantry Wireless set No38.

The motor battalion was organised so that each of the three companies could operate independently with one of the armoured regiments in the armoured division.

Towards the end of the campaign it was usual for the lorried infantry battalions of an armoured division to be paired with armoured regiments in which case the motor battalion was paired with the armoured reconnaissance regiment.

This organisation applied to the following units
1st Grenadier Guards Guards Armoured Division
4th Coldstream Guards 6th Guards Tank Brigade (2.45)
1st Rifle Brigade 7th Armoured Division
8th Rifle Brigade 11th Armoured division
2nd Kings Royal Rifle Corp 4th Armoured Brigade
12th Kings Royal Rifle Corp 8th Armoured Brigade



MOTOR BATTALION
War Establishment II/231/3. January 1944

Personnel
Lieutenant Colonel
5 X Major
Captain, Adjutant
5 X Captain
Technical Officer, Captain
23 X Subaltern
Quartermaster

Regimental Serjeant Major
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
Company Serjeant Major

6 X company quartermaster serjeant
intelligence serjeant
orderly room serjeant clerk
provost serjeant
pioneer serjeant
medical serjeant
transport serjeant
40 X serjeant
79 X corporal
643 X private

Total 825

Plus attached
Medical Officer RAMC
corporal shoemaker RAOC
serjeant armourer REME
2 X armourer REME
10 X vehicle mechanic REME
serjeant fitter REME
3 X fitter REME
electrician REME
officers mess cook ACC
15 X cook ACC

Trades included
3 X carpenters and joiner
9 X clerk
83 X driver mechanic
50 X driver operator
2 X equipment repairer
6 X vehicle mechanic
6 X technical storeman

non tradesman included
10 X batman
27 X batman driver
butchery dutyman
73 X driver IC
54 X Gun number
4 X intelligence dutyman
24 X machine gun numbers
medical officers orderly
24 X 3” mortarman
18 X 2” mortarman
38 X motorcycle orderly
postman
4 X rangetaker
2 X regimental police
2 X sanitary dutyman
22 X signaller
4 X signal orderly
8 X storeman
17 X stretcherbearer
3 X transport corporal
water dutyman
which left 225 riflemen and Bren gun numbers.

This applied to all motor battalions except
1st Grenadier Guards and 4th Coldstream Guards which had two extra Warrant Officers for drill.

Transport
57 X motorcycle
1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
8 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
16 X 15cwt GS
1 X 15cwt office
55 X armoured 15cwt halftrack
18 X 3ton 4 X 4
5 X 3ton 4 X 4 kitchen
24 X Loyd carrier
44 X Universal carrier
6 X Carrier 3” mortar
8 X Carrier MMG
5 X Humber Scout car
4 X water trailer.


Organisation
Battalion Headquarters
When on the move or deployed for action there was not a clear cut distinction between Battalion Headquarters and the Headquarters Company. Some of the Battalion Headquarters personnel will be located at rear headquarters and some of the Headquarters Companys transport are used by Battalion Headquarters. There would be a Royal Signals vehicle to maintain communications with Brigade Headquarters

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant colonel
Second in Command, Major
Adjutant, Captain
Intelligence Officer, Subaltern
Technical Officer, Captain
Regimental Serjeant Major
intelligence serjeant
4 X intelligence privates
orderly room serjeant clerk
clerk
provost serjeant
2 X regimental police
2 X batman
2 X batman driver
driver mechanic
2 X driver IC
fitter
vehicle mechanic
7 X driver operator

In action the Commanding Officer formed a small tactical headquarters containing only the personnel who were required for the task of command. His operational officers, adjutant, signals officer, technical officer and intelligence officer each had their own 15cwt armoured halftrack together with a Wireless set No19. Using this wireless set they could each communicate with their own personnel through the A set while keeping in touch with each other through the short range B set.

The Commanding Officer would normally be at battalion headquarters during an action but might otherwise be at Brigade headquarters or visiting his own companies, holding order groups or conducting reconnaissance. The battalion headquarters group could continue to function in his absence. The Commanding Officer could use the Car 4 X 4 or Scout Car 1 according to circumstances.
The Intelligence Officer was responsible for

The Second in Command was not normally at the tactical headquarters. In action he assumed responsibility for all administrative matters thus leaving the Commanding Officer to concentrate on operational matters. He was responsible for the rear headquarters which held all the battalion elements which were not actively engaged in an operation. This included the transport, supply and maintenance elements

The Regimental Serjeant Major was responsible for the control of the headquarters personnel. His office truck would not be with the tactical headquarters in action.

Note that the organisation below assumes the use of 15cwt armoured 4 X 4 trucks (White Scout Cars). These had a smaller capacity than the halftracks which were issued for use in NW Europe. The White could seat eight men while the halftrack could seat twelve more conveniently. Unit records generally fail to distinguish between the two, calling them all ‘Whites’.

Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
Commanding Officer, batman, driver IC
Humber Scout car 1.
batman driver
Wireless set No 19

15cwt armoured truck 1
Adjutant, clerk, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No19
15cwt armoured truck 2
Intelligence officer, batman, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No19
15cwt armoured truck. 3
Technical Officer, 2 X driver operator, batman driver
Carries Wireless set No 19
15cwt armoured truck
Subaltern, 2 X driver operators, batman driver
Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No18

Humber Scout car 2.
Major, driver operator
Wireless set No 19

15cwt Office
Regimental Serjeant Major, serjeant clerk, driver IC
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) 1
intelligence serjeant, intelligence private
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) 2
regimental policeman, intelligence private
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) 3
provost serjeant, regimental policeman
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) 4
2 X intelligence private
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) 5
fitter, vehicle mechanic

Presumably Jeep 2 only carried an intelligence private for long moves. The roles of the regimental policeman and the intelligence private were very different in action. In practice two jeeps would belong to the regimental police and two belong to the intelligence section.



Headquarters Company
Headquarters
15cwt armoured truck
Captain, Company Serjeant Major, clerk, 2 X driver operator, driver IC
Carries Wireless set No 19
Motorcycle
captains orderly

Signal platoon
The Signal Officer in his 15cwt armoured halftrack would be with the tactical headquarters. Motorcycle signaller orderlies would be assigned to each of the key headquarters officers.

Motorcycle 1
signal serjeant
Motorcycle 2
signaller orderly
Motorcycle 3
signaller orderly
Motorcycle 4
signaller orderly
Motorcycle 5
signaller orderly

15cwt truck GS
storeman, driver operator, driver IC
15cwt truck GS
4 X signaller, driver IC
Carries hand cable layer and cable reels.


Administrative platoon
Motorcycle
Subaltern
Motorcycle
transport serjeant
15cwt truck GS
Quartermaster, storeman, batman, batman driver

15cwt armoured truck
serjeant (ic stretcherbearers), 4 X stretcher bearer, batman driver
15cwt armoured truck
corporal stretcher bearer, 4 X stretcher bearer, driver IC
15cwt armoured truck
corporal stretcherbearer, 4 X stretcher bearer, driver IC

3ton lorry GS 1
Medical Officer, medical officers orderly, 3 X stretcher bearer, driver IC
The medical establishment allows for an armoured halftrack ambulance to be assigned to each motor company and for the Medical officer to establish a Regimental Aid Post. These four vehicles would travel with the headquarters company on long moves but would normally be dispersed.

3ton lorry GS 2
company quartermaster serjeant, technical storeman, electrician, storeman,
driver IC
3ton lorry GS 3
vehicle mechanic, technical storeman, 3 X vehicle mechanics, driver IC
3ton lorry GS 4
clerk, driver IC
3ton lorry GS 5
clerk, driver IC
3ton lorry GS 6
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, serjeant armourer, armourer, clerk,
driver IC
3ton lorry GS 7
pioneer serjeant, 3 X carpenter and joiner, 2 X sanitary dutyman, corporal
shoemaker, driver IC
3ton lorry GS 8
butchery dutyman, postman, driver IC
3ton lorry GS 9
armourer, driver IC
3ton lorry GS 10
equipment repairer, driver IC
3ton lorry GS 11
equipment repairer, driver IC
3ton lorry kitchen
water dutyman, corporal cook, 3 X cook, driver IC
tows a water trailer

Support Company
Motorcycle 1
orderly
Motorcycle 2
orderly
Motorcycle 3
transport serjeant

15cwt armoured truck
Major, 2 X driver operator, signaller, batman driver
Carries a Wireless set No 19 and a Wireless set No18

Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep)
driver operator, vehicle mechanic
This jeep was for the use of the Major commanding the Support Company when away from the headquarters. It was later replaced by a Humber Scout car with Wireless set No 19.

15cwt armoured truck
Captain, Company Serjeant Major, clerk, batman
15cwt armoured truck
3 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
3ton lorry kitchen
company quartermaster serjeant, corporal cook, 2 X cook, storeman, driver IC
3ton lorry GS
technical storeman, driver IC


Anti tank platoon 1
Headquarters
Motorcycle
orderly
15cwt truck GS
serjeant, batman driver
Carries stores and 6pdr ammunition
15cwt truck GS
fitter, driver IC
Carries fitters stores and 6pdr ammunition
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No18

section Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun

section
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun

Anti tank platoon 2
Headquarters
Motorcycle
orderly
15cwt truck GS
serjeant, batman driver
Carries stores and 6pdr ammunition
15cwt truck GS
fitter, driver IC
Carries fitters stores and 6pdr ammunition
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No18

section
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun

section Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun

Anti Tank Platoon 3
Headquarters
Motorcycle
orderly
15cwt truck GS
serjeant, batman driver
Carries stores and 6pdr ammunition
15cwt truck GS
fitter, driver IC
Carries fitters stores and 6pdr ammunition
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No18

section
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun

section
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus a spare gun wheel
Tows a 6pdr AT gun
Carrier Loyd
corporal, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition plus gun side shields and a bren gun


Medium Machine Gun Platoon 1
Headquarters
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No18
Carrier Universal
serjeant, batman, driver mechanic

Section
Carrier Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal (fitted for medium machine gun)
corporal, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic
Carries .303” medium machine gun
Carrier Universal (fitted for medium machine gun)
corporal, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic
Carries .303” medium machine gun

Section
Carrier Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal (fitted for medium machine gun)
corporal, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic
Carries .303” medium machine gun
Carrier Universal (fitted for medium machine gun)
corporal, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic
Carries .303” medium machine gun


Medium Machine Gun Platoon 2
Headquarters
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No18
Carrier Universal
serjeant, batman, driver mechanic

Section
Carrier Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal (fitted for medium machine gun)
corporal, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic
Carries .303” medium machine gun
Carrier Universal (fitted for medium machine gun)
corporal, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic
Carries .303” medium machine gun

Section
Carrier Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal (fitted for medium machine gun)
corporal, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic
Carries .303” medium machine gun
Carrier Universal (fitted for medium machine gun)
corporal, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic
Carries .303” medium machine gun


3 X Motor Company
Headquarters
Motorcycle 1
orderly
Motorcycle 2
orderly
Motorcycle 3
orderly

15cwt armoured truck
Major, clerk, 2 X driver operator, signaller, batman driver
Carries a Wireless set No 19 and a Wireless set No18
15cwt armoured truck
Captain, company serjeant major, 2 X driver operator, batman driver
Carries Wireless set No19

Mortar detachment
15cwt truck GS
lance corporal, driver IC
Carrier Universal
serjeant, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No38
Carrier Universal
corporal, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No38

Administrative
Motorcycle
transport corporal
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep)
vehicle mechanic, driver IC
3ton lorry GS
vehicle mechanic, driver IC
3ton lorry GS
technical storeman, driver IC
3ton lorry kitchen
company quartermaster serjeant, corporal cook, 2 X cook, driver IC


Scout platoon
Motorcycle
orderly
Motorcycle
orderly
15cwt truck GS
serjeant, driver IC
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, batman, driver mechanic
Scout car
batman, driver IC

Section
Carrier Universal
serjeant, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Bren gun, PIAT, 2 X rifle, Sten gun plus 4” smoke discharger or 2” mortar.
Carrier Universal
corporal, rifleman, driver mechanic
Bren gun, PIAT, 2 X rifle, Sten gun plus 4” smoke discharger or 2” mortar.
Carrier Universal
corporal, rifleman, driver mechanic
Bren gun, PIAT, 2 X rifle, Sten gun plus 4” smoke discharger or 2” mortar.

Section
Carrier Universal
serjeant, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Bren gun, PIAT, 2 X rifle, Sten gun plus 4” smoke discharger or 2” mortar.
Carrier Universal
corporal, rifleman, driver mechanic
Bren gun, PIAT, 2 X rifle, Sten gun plus 4” smoke discharger or 2” mortar.
Carrier Universal
corporal, rifleman, driver mechanic
Bren gun, PIAT, 2 X rifle, Sten gun plus 4” smoke discharger or 2” mortar.

Section
Carrier Universal
serjeant, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Bren gun, PIAT, 2 X rifle, Sten gun plus 4” smoke discharger or 2” mortar.
Carrier Universal
corporal, rifleman, driver mechanic
Bren gun, PIAT, 2 X rifle, Sten gun plus 4” smoke discharger or 2” mortar.
Carrier Universal
corporal, rifleman, driver mechanic
Bren gun, PIAT, 2 X rifle, Sten gun plus 4” smoke discharger or 2” mortar.


Motor platoon
Motorcycle
orderly
15cwt armoured truck
Subaltern, serjeant, signaller, 2 X mortarmen, batman driver
Carries Wireless set No38

section 15cwt armoured truck
corporal, 6 X rifleman, driver IC

section 15cwt armoured truck
corporal, 6 X rifleman, driver IC

section 15cwt armoured truck
corporal, 6 X rifleman, driver IC


Motor platoon Motorcycle
orderly
15cwt armoured truck
Subaltern, serjeant, signaller, 2 X mortarmen, batman driver
Carries Wireless set No38

Section
15cwt armoured truck
corporal, 6 X rifleman, driver IC
Section
15cwt armoured truck
corporal, 6 X rifleman, driver IC
Section
15cwt armoured truck
corporal, 6 X rifleman, driver IC


Motor platoon Motorcycle
orderly
15cwt armoured truck
Subaltern, serjeant, signaller, 2 X mortarmen, batman driver
Carries Wireless set No38

Section
15cwt armoured truck
corporal, 6 X rifleman, driver IC
Section
15cwt armoured truck
corporal, 6 X rifleman, driver IC
Section
15cwt armoured truck
corporal, 6 X rifleman, driver IC


Markings.
The motor battalion was the fourth unit in the armoured brigade and was marked accordingly.

1 Grenadier Guards had
Red arm of service square with number 54 in white. Guards Armoured Division sign

1 Rifle brigade had
Red arm of service square with number 54 in white. 7 Armoured Division sign

8 Rifle Brigade had
Red arm of service square with number 54 in white 11 Armoured Division sign

2 Kings Royal Rifle Corp had
Red arm of service square with number 125 in white 4 Armoured Brigade sign

12 Kings Royal rifle Corp had
Red arm of service square with number 475 in white 8 Armoured Brigade sign
White Army Troops bar under

4 Coldstream Guards had
Green arm of service square with 156 in white 6 Guards Armoured Brigade sign
White Army Troops bar under.
This had a green square as it was a tank brigade until 2.45, which was when 4 Coldstream joined it.

As the fourth unit if the brigade the motor battalion also had Green tactical signs marked on the side.

Headquarters Green Diamond
A Company Green Triangle
B Company Green Square
C Company Green Circle



MACHINE GUN UNITS

Machine Gun Battalion. War Establishment II/240/1. February 1944.
Independent Machine Gun Company. War Establishment II/239/1. January 1944.

MACHINE GUN BATTALION
War Establishment II/240/1. February 1944

The Machine Gun Battalion was intended to serve with infantry divisions and provided a machine gun company for each brigade, plus heavy mortars.

No later establishments have been found but there may have been minor amendments such as the replacement of 15cwt Office with 3ton Office. It is known that flame thrower sections were added during the campaign in NW Europe but the original establishment tables are not available at present.

The major weapons of the Machine Gun Battalion and the Independent Machine Gun Company were the .303” Medium Machine Gun, but the 4.2” Heavy Mortar was also used. The Medium Machine Gun was also used by the Motor Battalions of armoured divisions but the 4.2” mortar was not used by other units in NW Europe.

Details of operations are given with the Independent Machine Gun Company.


Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
Major, second in command
4 X Major
Captain, Adjutant
Captain, Technical Officer
6 X Captain
20 X Subaltern

Regimental Serjeant Major
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
5 X Company Serjeant Major

5 X company quartermaster serjeant
serjeant orderly room clerk
provost serjeant
pioneer serjeant
transport serjeant
serjeant, medical section
serjeant technical storeman
42 X serjeant
89 X corporal
37 X lance corporal
476 X private

Plus Attached
Medical Officer RAMC
corporal shoemaker RAOC
staff serjeant armourer REME
serjeant armourer REME
serjeant vehicle mechanic REME
2 X vehicle mechanic REME
electrician REME
5 X officers mess cook ACC
5 X corporal cook ACC
12 X cook ACC

Trades etc included
bricklayer
3 X carpenter and joiner
10 X clerk
60 X driver mechanics
66 X driver operators
equipment repairer
9 X technical storeman
corporal vehicle mechanic
4 X vehicle mechanic
7 X ammunition numbers
19 X batman
16 X batman driver
56 X driver IC
4 X intelligence private
medical officers orderly, lance corporal
144 X MMG numbers, including 36 corporals
16 X corporal mortarman
48 X mortarman
4 X corporal mortar position officers assistant
36 X motorcycle orderlies
4 X corporal observation post assistant.
postman
3 X regimental police
18 X rangetakers
2 X sanitary dutyman
13 X signaller
6 X storeman
18 X stretcherbearers
transport corporal


Total vehicles
52 X motorcycle
1 X car 4 X 4
9 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
40 X 15cwt GS
5 X 15cwt water
10 X 15cwt FFW
1 X 3ton Office
22 X 3ton 4 X 4
24 X Loyd carrier
45 X Universal carrier
36 X Carrier MMG
24 X 10cwt mortar trailer.



Organisation
Headquarters
Motorcycle 1
provost serjeant
Motorcycle 2
regimental police
Motorcycle 3
regimental police
Motorcycle 4
regimental police
Motorcycle 5
intelligence serjeant

4 seater car 4 X 4
Lieutenant Colonel, batman, batman driver
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Major, batman driver
5cwt car 4 X 4 (Jeep)
corporal driver operator, driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22
15cwt truck GS
Subaltern (Intelligence Officer), batman driver
Carries Intelligence stores
Carries a PIAT
15cwt truck GS
Captain (Technical Officer), batman driver
Carries traffic signs
3ton 4 X 2 Office
Regimental Serjeant Major, serjeant orderly room clerk, 2 X clerk, driver IC
Carries a Bren lmg

15cwt truck GS
Medical Officer, medical officers orderly, driver IC
15cwt truck GS
serjeant (medical section), 2 X stretcher bearer, driver IC
Carries medical stores

Headquarters Company
Headquarters
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Captain, batman driver
15cwt truck GS
Company Serjeant Major, clerk, driver IC
The company quartermaster serjeant is part of the headquarters but travels in the transport of the administrative platoon.

Signal platoon
Motorcycle 1
signal serjeant
Motorcycle 2
oderly
Motorcycle 3
orderly
Motorcycle 4
orderly
Motorcycle 5
orderly
Motorcycle 6
orderly
Motorcycle7
orderly

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Captain, batman driver
15cwt truck GS
Corporal signaller, 3 X signaller, driver IC
Carries 12 X telephone D MkV and Switchboard UC 10


15cwt truck GS
3 X signaller, driver IC
Carries signal stores
15cwt truck GS
2 X driver mechanic
Carries charging set 1260watt
15cwt truck GS
2 X driver mechanic
Carries charging set 1260watt
15cwt truck FFW
2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22
15cwt truck FFW
2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22


Administrative platoon
Motorcycle
transport serjeant

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern (MT Officer), batman driver
15cwt truck GS
Quartermaster, 2 X clerk, batman driver
15cwt truck GS
2 X armourer REME, corporal shoemaker, driver IC
Carries Bren lmg
15cwt truck water
driver IC

3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
storeman, driver IC
Carries petrol
3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
vehicle mechanic REME, driver IC
Carries petrol
3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
vehicle mechanic REME, driver IC
Carries petrol
3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
vehicle mechanic REME, driver IC
Carries petrol
3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, postman, equipment repairer, driver IC
Carries QM stores
Carries PIAT
3ton 4 X 4 GS 6
pioneer serjeant, 3 X carpenter and joiner, bricklayer, pioneer, driver IC
Carries QM stores
Carries PIAT
3ton 4 X 4 GS 7
corporal cook ACC, 3 X cook ACC, driver IC
Carries cooking sets, rations and water tins
Carries Bren lmg
This vehicle also carries the company quartermaster serjeant from Headquarters, Headquarters Company.
3ton 4 X 4 GS 8
serjeant (technical storeman), technical storeman, clerk (MT duties), vehicle mechanic,
driver IC
3ton 4 X 4 GS 9
electrician REME, driver mechanic
Carries MT stores and tools
Carries Bren lmg

3ton 4 X 4 GS 10
2 X sanitary dutyman, driver IC
Carries reserve ammunition
3ton 4 X 4 GS 11
storeman, driver IC
Carries rations


Heavy Mortar Company
Motorcycle 1
orderly
Motorcycle 2
orderly
Motorcycle 3
orderly
Motorcycle 4
orderly
Motorcycle 5
transport corporal
Motorcycle 6
signal serjeant

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Major, driver operator
Carries Wireless set No 22
15cwt truck GS 1
corporal technical storeman, technical storeman, vehicle mechanic, 2 X vehicle
mechanic REME, driver IC
Carries MT stores
15cwt truck GS 2
Subaltern (Signal Officer), 2 X signaller, batman driver
Carries signal stores
15cwt truck GS 3
2 X driver mechanic
Carries signal stores
Carries 1260 watt charging set
15cwt truck GS 4
4 X stretcher bearer, driver IC
15cwt truck personnel
Captain, Company Serjeant major, intelligence dutyman, clerk, batman,
batman driver
Carries Bren lmg
15cwt truck FFW 1
corporal driver operator, driver operator
Carries Wireless set No 22
15cwt truck FFW 2
3 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No 22
15cwt truck water
driver IC

3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
ammunition number, storeman, driver IC
Carries mortar bombs
3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
ammunition number, driver IC
Carries mortar bombs
3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
ammunition number, driver IC
Carries mortar bombs
3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
ammunition number, driver IC
Carries mortar bombs
3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
company quartermaster serjeant, corporal cook ACC, 5 X cook ACC,
driver IC
Carries cooking sets, rations and water tins



4 X Heavy Mortar platoons each
Headquarters
Carrier
Subaltern, corporal observation post assistant, 2 X driver operators
Carries Wireless set No22 and Wireless set No38
Motorcycle
orderly

Carrier
Subaltern, corporal mortar position officer’s assistant, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22
Carries a PIAT
Motorcycle
orderly

Motorcycle
platoon serjeant


Section 1
Carrier Loyd 1
serjeant, batman, corporal driver operator, driver operator
This is No1 section commander’s carrier
Carries Wireless set No22 and Telephone loudspeaker No2
Carries 20 X mortar bombs
Carries a bren lmg
Tows a mortar trailer with 44 X mortar bombs
Carrier Loyd 2
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries 22 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar and 24 X mortar bombs.
Carrier Loyd 3
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries 22 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar and 24 X mortar bombs.


Section 2
Carrier Loyd 4
serjeant, batman, driver mechanic
This is No2 section commander’s carrier
Carries 48 X mortar bombs
Carries a Bren lmg
Tows a mortar trailer with 44 X mortar bombs.
Carrier Loyd 5
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries 22 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar and 24 X mortar bombs.
Carrier Loyd 6
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries 22 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar and 24 X mortar bombs.



3 X Machine Gun Companies each
Motorcycle 1
orderly
Motorcycle 2
orderly
Motorcycle 3
orderly
Motorcycle 4
transport corporal

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Major, batman driver

15cwt truck GS 1
corporal technical storeman, technical storeman, vehicle mechanic,
vehicle mechanic REME, driver IC
Carries MT stores
15cwt truck GS 2
4 X stretcher bearer, 2 X signaller, driver IC
15cwt truck personnel
Captain, Company Serjeant major, intelligence dutyman, clerk, batman driver
Carries Bren lmg
15cwt truck FFW 1
2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No 22
15cwt truck FFW 2
3 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No 22
15cwt truck water
driver IC
3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
Company Quartermaster Serjeant, corporal cook ACC, 4 X cook ACC,
driver IC
Carries cooking sets, rations and water tins
3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
ammunition number, storeman, driver IC
Carries ammunition


Three platoons each
Platoon headquarters
Carrier, Universal 1
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22 and Wireless set No18
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier, Universal 2
Serjeant, batman, driver mechanic
Carries stores and ammunition
Carries a PIAT
15cwt GS
4 X MMG numbers, driver IC
Carries stores and ammunition
Carries a Bren lmg
section 1
Carrier, Universal 1
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carries ammunition and equipment
Carrier, MMG 1
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.
Carrier, MMG 2
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.
section 2
Carrier, Universal 1
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carries ammunition and equipment
Carrier, MMG 1
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.
Carrier, MMG 2
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.


The Machine Gun Battalion was not provided with communications by the Royal Signals since it was assumed that machine gun companies would be attached to infantry brigades. However during the campaign a section was added in order to maintain the battalion’s wireless sets and batteries.

P section (Machine Gun Battalion) Royal Signals
Motorcycle
corporal radio mechanic
15cwt truck GS 1
corporal radio mechanic, radio mechanic, driver mechanic
Carries a 1,260 watt charging set
15cwt truck GS 2
corporal radio mechanic, radio mechanic, driver mechanic
Carries a 1,260 watt charging set


Light Aid Detachment Type B (Unarmoured) attached to a Machine Gun Battalion.

Warrant Officer Class I, Armament Artificer
serjeant vehicle mechanic
3 X driver mechanic
electrician, vehicle and plant
3 X vehicle mechanic
acetylene welder, ClassII
lance corporal storeman
storeman, trained as motor cyclist

Total 12 all ranks

1 X motorcycle
1 X car 2 seater
2 X 3ton stores lorry
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown gantry



INDEPENDENT MACHINE GUN COMPANY
War Establishment II/239/1. January 1944.

The Independent Machine Gun Company was intended to serve with an armoured division. The armoured division had only one infantry brigade. To enable it to operate independently the independent company had more personnel at company headquarters than the company in a machine gun battalion. Often the extra personnel carried out the roles of personnel at a battalion headquarters but with a lower rank. Thus we have a provost corporal and an intelligence private in place of serjeants.

As the campaign progressed it became usual for the lorried infantry battalions to be closely linked with armoured regiments and to operate more closely with together as battalion/regiment battle groups. In this organisation the machine gun platoons were semi permanently attached to a lorried infantry battalion and relied on the independent company headquarters only for administration and for technical support for the machine guns. The 4.2” mortars remained concentrated under company headquarters and formed a divisional reserve rather than as support for the infantry brigade.

Personnel
Major
2 X Captain
6 X Subaltern

Company Serjeant Major
company quartermaster serjeant
transport serjeant
serjeant technical storeman
14 X serjeant
25 X corporal
149 X private
Total 201

Plus Attached
corporal nursing orderly RAMC
serjeant armourer REME
serjeant vehicle mechanic REME
2 X vehicle mechanic REME
officers mess cook ACC
corporal cook ACC
4 X cook ACC

Trades etc included
carpenter and joiner
corporal clerk
2 X clerk
27 X driver mechanics
18 X driver operators
equipment repairer
technical storeman
corporal vehicle mechanic
vehicle mechanic
administrative corporal
3 X ammunition numbers
5 X batman
4 X batman driver
13 X driver IC
intelligence private
48 X MMG numbers
4 X corporal mortarman
12 X mortarman
corporal mortar position officers assistant
11 X motorcycle orderlies
corporal observation post assistant.
orderly
provost corporal
6 X rangetakers
sanitary dutyman
3 X signaller
storeman
4 X stretcherbearers

Transport
16 X motorcycle
2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
9 X 15cwt GS
1 X 15cwt office
1 X 15cwt water
2 X 15cwt FFW
6 X 3ton 4 X 4
6 X Loyd carrier
26 X Universal carrier
6 X 10cwt mortar trailer.


Company headquarters
The company headquarters did not usually operate as a single entity. The Commanding Officer would position his small tactical headquarters at the headquarters of the unit being supported. In this case it would normally be the headquarters of the Lorried Infantry Brigade of an armoured division. The similar headquarters of a Medium Machine Gun Company of a Machine Gun Regiment in an infantry division would position itself at infantry brigade headquarters. The second in command was responsible for administrative matters and would have an administrative headquarters. He was assisted by the Company Serjeant Major. The intelligence serjeant and intelligence private were responsible for maintaining a situation map. The provost corporal maintained order in the headquarters area, mainly parking etc, plus route marking. The small medical detachment was positioned at a convenient, and readily locatable, point.

15cwt GS
Major, batman driver
Car 5cwt 4 X 4
2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22
Motorcycle
orderly
The 15cwt GS truck was assigned to the Major commanding the company but he would only travel in it for long journeys. It was in effect his permanent base, office, sleeping vehicle etc. The jeep, equipped with wireless is the vehicle that the Major would use for visiting sub units, headquarters of the unit being and for reconnaissance. The orderly is the Major’s personal messenger. The batman driver was the Major’s soldier servant who also drove the 15cwt.

15cwt GS
Captain, Company Serjeant Major, intelligence private, batman driver
Normally a second in command would not be stationed near the commanding officer in action in case they both became casualties. In this case the small size of the headquarters and the dispersed nature of the company in action probably made this unnecessary and unpractical.
Motorcycle
intelligence serjeant
Motorcycle
orderly
15cwt FFW
corporal driver operator, driver operator
Carries Wireless set no22
This vehicle is for communication with the platoons. There would also be a 15cwt wireless vehicle of the Royal Signals to provide communications upwards. In larger units with a signal officer it was normal for him to be based in the headquarters group. This may apply to the signal serjeant in this case.
15cwt office
Subaltern, corporal clerk, batman driver
Motorcycle
provost corporal

15cwt GS
corporal nursing orderly, 4 X stretcher bearer, driver IC
It was usual for independent units to have their own medical detachment. However when they were attached to a brigade they would normally place their medical personnel under the command of the brigades medical services and share the brigades resources. Obviously a machine gun detachment with an infantry battalion would use the battalions Regimental Aid Post.


Headquarters platoon
This was responsible for the transport, supply and maintenance of the company. It would need to be able to do this over a brigade front and would as far as possible be integrated with brigade and battalion supply and maintenance systems.

Headquarters
Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Captain, batman driver
Motorcycle
orderly
The Captain was responsible for the day to day running of the headquarters platoon, and for the layout and defence of the B echelon area. In action it was more likely to be the second in command who called vehicles, equipment, supplies and personnel forward while the remainder of the vehicles and personnel were held by the brigade B echelon.

Signal section
As usual the signal section was dispersed. One 15cwt FFW travelled with the headquarters. Signal orderlies were attached to officers. The remainder were available for deployment as required. When not supervising and positioning signals detachments the signal serjeant would probably be at company headquarters.
Motorcycle
signal serjeant
Motorcycle
orderly
Motorcycle
orderly
Motorcycle
orderly
15cwt GS
3 X signaller, driver IC
Carried cable layer and cable reels
15cwt FFW
2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set no22
When in static positions telephone cable would be laid to all detachments, and between company headquarters and the B echelon area. Where possible the lines would be laid in accordance to brigade and battalion signal plans. Normally the machine gun company would share switchboards if not lines.


Transport section
The transport section was commanded by a serjeant. He was responsible for the organisation and maintenance of the motor transport. For any more than routine maintenance and first line repairs he would have to call on the brigade REME Light Aid Detachment and the Brigade Workshop.

Motorcycle
transport serjeant
3 ton lorry GS
serjeant vehicle mechanic, corporal vehicle mechanic, 2 X vehicle mechanic, serjeant technical stores, technical storeman,
driver mechanic
3ton lorry GS
clerk, driver IC

Supply section
This section is commanded by the Company Quartermaster serjeant and is responsible for the company stores and for the supply and cooking of food. All the companies cooks are concentrated here and it is not clear how the food reaches dispersed detachments. In some dispersed units, such as armour and reconnaissance units, each vehicle has its own portable cooker and can cook its own food if necessary. In other cases hot food is delivered. Perhaps the 15cwt could be used for this.

15cwt GS
clerk, driver IC
15cwt water
sanitary dutyman, driver IC
3 ton GS
company quartermaster serjeant, 3 X cook, driver IC
Carried Quartermaster stores
3 ton lorry GS
corporal cook, 2 X cook, driver IC
Carried cooking sets and rations

Administrative section
As with the supply of food the ammunition supply system is unclear but in this case all the ammunition seems to be carried on one 3ton lorry and is perhaps delivered by the 15cwt. Considering the rate of fire of the mortars in particular there does not seem to be a large reserve of ammunition.
15cwt truck GS
administrative corporal, ammunition number, driver IC
3ton lorry GS
serjeant armourer, equipment repairer, carpenter and joiner, storeman, driver IC
Carries tools and technical stores
3ton lorry GS
2 X ammunition number, orderly, driver IC
Carries ammunition


Heavy Mortar Platoon
Headquarters
The subaltern platoon commander acts as an observation officer. He will either place himself at the headquarters of the unit he is supporting or establish an observation post to observe targets.
Carrier
Subaltern, corporal observation post assistant, 2 X driver operators
Carries Wireless set No22 and Wireless set No38
Motorcycle
orderly

The subaltern mortar position officer receives orders from the observation officer and passes fire orders to the mortars by Tannoy. When moving into position the mortar position officer can call forward the sections by wireless.
Carrier
Subaltern, corporal mortar position officers assistant, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22
Motorcycle
orderly

Motorcycle
platoon serjeant

Normally all four mortars operate together, although a section can be detached to operate independently. Note that the crew and stowage of the two section leaders carriers differs considerably.

Section 1
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, batman, corporal driver operator, driver operator
This is No1 section commanders carrier
Carries Wireless set No22
Carries 12 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 44 X mortar bombs
Carrier Loyd
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries 12 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar and 12 X mortar bombs.
Carrier Loyd
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries 12 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar and 12 X mortar bombs.

Section 2
Carrier Loyd
serjeant, batman, driver mechanic
This is No2 section commanders carrier
Carries 24 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 44 X mortar bombs.
Carrier Loyd
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries 12 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar and 12 X mortar bombs.
Carrier Loyd
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver mechanic
Carries 12 X mortar bombs
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar and 12 X mortar bombs.



The Medium Machine Gun Platoons
As there are three Medium Machine Gun platoons it would be logical to assign one to each Lorried Infantry battalion in the armoured division. They could however be used flexibly. Since the platoons were usually operating independently and at some distance from company headquarters they had to be able to either support themselves, or depend on the battalion they were serving for supplies, medical services and vehicle recovery and repair. There is no mention of a means of communication with infantry. The Wireless set No19 was for communication with company headquarters and possibly between platoons. Presumably either a Wireless set No38 was provided or the infantry battalion provided communications for the medium machine gun platoon.

Three MMG platoon each-
Platoon headquarters
Carrier, Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No18
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier, Universal
serjeant, batman, driver mechanic
Carries ammunition and stores
Carries PIAT
15cwt GS
4 X MMG numbers, driver IC
Carries stores and ammunition
Carries a Bren lmg

section 1
Carrier, Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carries ammunition and equipment
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.

section 2
Carrier, Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.

MMG platoon 2.
Carrier, Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier, Universal
Serjeant, batman, driver mechanic
15cwt GS
4 X MMG numbers, driver IC

section 1
Carrier, Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.

section 2
Carrier, Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.

MMG platoon 3.
Carrier, Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22
Motorcycle
orderly
Carrier, Universal
Serjeant, batman, driver mechanic
15cwt GS
4 X MMG numbers, driver IC

section 1
Carrier, Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.

section 2
Carrier, Universal
serjeant, rangetaker, driver mechanic
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.
Carrier, MMG
corporal MMG number, 2 X MMG number, driver mechanic
Carries a .303” Medium Machine Gun
Carries 12 X boxes of ammunition.


A Bren gun and PIAT per platoon were issued for local defence.

Deployment of the Medium Machine Gun platoon was much as for other support weapons. The platoon commander would receive his orders from the Commanding Officer of the unit being supported and then carry out a reconnaissance. He would then select positions for the gun sections. The platoon commander may then position himself at the headquarters of the lorried infantry battalion, leaving the serjeant to deal with administrative matters and the implementation of orders.



The .303” Medium Machine Gun.
This was an old but still effective design. It was water cooled and was capable of keeping up a sustained fire as long as ammunition lasted.

The effective range was 800 yards and the rate of fire was 500 rounds per minute.

The crew was three men
The gunner, who was a lance corporal, fired the gun and carried the tripod.
The loader, who carried the gun and condenser pipe. In action he ensured that the ammunition belts fed into the gun correctly and fitted new belts as required.
The ammunition number who carried 2 X 250 round ammunition boxes and the condenser can.

Ammunition came in wooden boxes each containing two metal boxes. Each metal box carried a 250 belt round of ammunition.

For mobile action the machine gun could be fired from the pedestal mount on the carriers engine cover. This was somewhat awkward when firing at some angles, and was definitely exposed. Normally the guns would be demounted and fired from the tripod. This could be used to give covering fire in an attack or when well dug in to give defensive fire. Since the tripod and sight gave considerable accuracy, and the rangefinders gave the range it was possible to use the machine gun to fire on invisible targets in a role similar to the gunners indirect fire. In defence they were often used to fire along fixed lines. These denied certain areas to an attacking enemy. Alternatively the defences were arranged so that the enemy were funnelled into the machine guns arc of fire.


The 4.2” mortar.
This heavy mortar was developed originally for firing chemical shells and was used by the Royal Engineers. When it was seen the great effect that German Nebelwerfer mortars had it was decided to use the 4 .2” mortar as a support weapon firing high explosive. Note that the Nebelwerfer was also developed originally as a chemical warfare weapon. Nebelwerfer = smoke mortar.

The range of the 4.2” mortar could be from 1000 yards to 3,750 yards. The rate of fire was eight to ten rounds per minute as long as the ammunition and crews energy lasted. The crew was four men.

The mortar was broken into three loads for transport, the tube, the tripod and the baseplate. An extended baseplate was introduced for use on soft ground.