Vol. VIII No. 2

Locally Manufactured Bren & Vickers Machine Gun Mountings in Hong Kong

George Colclough

Abstract

This article presents the initial findings of research conducted into unique machine gun pill box mountings deployed by the British in Hong Kong during the interwar period and early Second World War (1939–1941). Two unique variations of mounting are considered in particular: one pattern for the Bren Gun and another for the Vickers Gun. The secondary historiography on these two mountings is all but non-existent; accordingly, this article is structured to present the most pertinent information about the shape, figure, form, construction, and deployment of these mountings. The article comprises three sections: first, it discusses the Bren Gun Mounting; second, it discusses the Vickers Gun Mounting; and finally, it discusses connected factors and context. Ultimately what is presented is a variety of new information about both types of mounts, but evidence for broader conclusions is lacking at present. Where this is the case, the absence of data has been discussed, and prospects for future research presented.

Issue: Vol. VIII No. 2
Published: 31 December 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52357/armax17513
Peer-reviewed?: Yes

Keywords: mountings, Second World War, Hong Kong, Bren Gun, Vickers Gun

Bibliographic Information

George Colclough, ‘Locally Manufactured Bren & Vickers Machine Gun Mountings in Hong Kong’, Armax: The Journal of Contemporary Arms, Vol. VIII № 2 (2022), pp. 87–98, <https://doi.org/10.52357/armax17513>.

About the Author

George Colclough is a writer and a technical consultant on matters of East Asian small arms and military procurement. His research interests include the current affairs and history of East Asia, small arms and light weapons, and aerospace. He has produced original research for organisations such as Armament Research Services (ARES) and for publications such as Aeroplane. Mr. Colclough is also a qualified firearms instructor.