(http://www.bayonetstrength.150m.com/Bri ... talion.htm)
Carrier Platoon - the Carrier Platoon offered a unique blend of mobility and firepower to the Battalion. It was based upon the early Bren Carrier, more correctly referred to as the Universal Carrier. The vehicle was an attempt to provide a fully tracked, lightly armoured vehicle which could transport a Bren gun across exposed ground and return fire.
The Platoon contained four Sections, each of three carriers, plus one at Platoon HQ for a total of thirteen. Each Carrier was crewed initially by three men, increased to four men by 1943, an NCO commanding a driver and one then two riflemen. Each Section was accompanied by a motorcycle orderly from 1943. Previously, there was a motorcycle 'section' of twenty men on eight solo and four combination machines, but it seems this was only intended for use in home based units.
Each Carrier mounted a Bren gun, which could be removed and fired from cover. Also each Section had initially a Boys Anti-tank Rifle, and later a Projector, Infantry, Anti-tank, plus a 2 inch mortar which could be fired in or out of the carrier. This collection gave the platoon a higher number of light support weapons than a Rifle Company, but its manpower was insufficient for it to hold ground indefinitely, and the profusion of German anti-tank weapons made for a hostile environment. Platoon HQ added one, later two trucks and further motorcycles to the Commander's Carrier.
Each company has 9 Brens and 4 Boys, according to the above it should have 3 more Brens and maybe one more Boys.
Thoughts/comments?
Regards
Tim
