Small Arms Training - BREN

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    I

    NOT TO BE PUBLISHEDThe information given In this document Is not to be

    c - : ~ m m u n l c a t e d either directly or Indirectly, to the Pressor to any person not holding an official po,ltlon in HisMajesty's service.v ~ ' . '... . t . . L 1.10

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    0 C ii _orUNION OF SOUTH A F R I Q ~ 3

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    CONTENTSGeneral Notes PageI

    CHAPTER I-HOLDING, AIMING, AND FffiiNGLesson I Magazine filling, loading, unloading and sightsetting ... ... .. ... ... ... ...Lesson 2. Holding, aiming, and firing 7

    CHAPTER I I -8TRIPPING, CLEANING, ANDMECHANISM

    Lesson 3. The Piston and barrel groups ...Lesson 4 Butt, body and bipod groupsLesson 5. Additional strippingLesson 6. Cleaning ...Lesson 7. Mechanism

    CHAPTER I l l - IMMEDIATE ACTION, STOPPAGES, HANDLING (BIPOD AND TRIPOD),

    FIXED LINESLesson 8. Immediate actionLesson 9. StoppagesLesson 10. Use of cover ...Lesson 11. Handling (bipod)Lesson 12. Handling (tripod)Lesson 13. Handlin (tripod) conttl.) Lecture: Firing on a fixed line and within fixed limil:.lLesson 14. Fixed lines

    CHAPTER IV-8ECTION HANDLINGLec:rure : Section handlingLesson 15. Section handlin (movement)Lesson 16. Section handl,ing (defence)Tesh of Elementary Training

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    IGENERAL NOTES

    The Object of Weapon Training1 The sole object of weapon training is to teach all ranks

    the most efficient way of handling their weapons in order tokill th e enemy. Instructors will always bear this fact inmind, and will continually impress it upon those whom theyinstruct.General Description

    2 This pam phlet deals primarily with the Mark I Bren.Any differences in the Mark II are dealt with in the lessonsconcerned.3. Weight of gun complete with bipod

    Weight of spare barrelWeight of tripodTraverse given by arcElevation by elevating gearBeaten 'zone

    Range. Bipod.500 yards. 175 X 2 yards.

    1,000 , 115 X4 ,The Mark II Bren see Fig. 20) approximatesto the above figures.

    Characteristics of tbe Bren L.M.G.

    23 lb.6

    26t ..38019

    4. The chief characteristic of the weapon is its power of'deliveril" g a volume of fire with the employment of few men.When fired from the bipod, the effective range is 1,000 yards.When fired from the tripod, given perfect conditions of visibility, this distance may be iiiCreased.5. t is an air-cooled weapon, capable of a high rate of fire(automatic or single rounds), and is fired either shouldercontrolled from a bipod, or from a tripod . To avoid overheating, strain and excessive expenditure of ammunition andat the same time to produce the necessary volume of fire aswell as to maintain accuracy, it is best, in employing automatic, to fire in bursts of four or fivy rounds. When thetarget permits, single shot firing should be used so as toconserve ammunition. By means of single shots, veryaccurate shooting is possible.

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    2The accuracy of the gun permits of only a small marginof error in aiming, range estimation, or wind. Accurateobservation of fire is, therefore, essential; i less th an four orfive rounds are fired in a burst , observation will be possibleonly in the most favourable circumstances.

    System of training6. To ensure that the section will fulfil its role in war, thepersonnel must be trained so that each individual is cap ableof performing the following duties concerned with the handlingof the gun

    i. To prepare the gun for firing and maintain it in action.ii. To carry the gun and get it quickly into action on anytype of ground.iii. To fire accurately at various rates up 112 rounds aminute according to the requirements of varioustypes of targets likely to be encountered in battle.iv. To observe fire and correct its application accordingly.v. To assist forward movement by fire while at the sametime ensuring that such fire does not endanger hisown troops.vi. To fire with effect at low-flying aircraft.vii. To perform the duties assigned to any member of thesection.

    7. In this pamphlet, solely to make training easy, membersof a section are sometimes ref erred to by numbers. Everyman in a section, however, must be an efficient shot with theL.M.G., and in addition be able to carry out every duty thatwill maintain the gun in action und er all conditions. Allmen, in fact, will be in terchangeable so far as duties with theL.M.G. are concerned,Recruit instruction

    8. The principles of instruction laid down in Pamphlet1 of this series will be followed during inst ruction in theL.M.G. In addition, th e following points will be observed:-j Battle order will be worn for all lessons except thosecontained in Chapter 2.

    ii. The squad shbuld normally be on the left of the gunto wat ch demonstrations, but th ey may be movedto the right if necessary.

    3ii i . Practice s hould be arranged in such a way as to ensurethat no time is wasted . This can be done by eachindividual carrying out a cycle of actions whichleaves the gun ready for the nexi: m : : ~ . n . Th ose notactually h andling the gun will be constantlyquestioned so that int erest may be maintained. A

    further. demonstration should be given when it isapparent that a point is not clear.iv. Instructors mu st appreciate that, while the lessons aredesigned to be taught in one period, more ti me willbe necessary for practice and revision to obtainefficiency.

    9. Instruction in this weapon f;hould be preceded by ademonstration of th e weapon's capabilities using live ammunition on the range. This will arouse the recruit's interest andmake him eager to learn how to handle the Bren himself.10. When exercising recruits in their lat er stage of trainingor trained soldiers all the lessons in Chapters 2 and 3 shouldbe done on rough ground.

    Trained soldier instruction11. Once men have been trained in the elementary lessonsof the Bren L.M .G. it is wrong to repeat these lessons continually und er easy conditions . There must be progression.Trained soldiers will th erefore be exercised in the moreadvanced lessons of Chapter 4. During th ese lessons greatcare must be taken to ensure that the details learned in theearlier lessons are applied correctly. Special stress will belaid on training on different types of ground an d firing fromawkward positions . The correct handling of the Bren mustbe conscientiously practised on all tactical exercises. DuringLessons 15 and 16 live ammunition should be fired by alltrained soldiers in the advanced stage of tr aining. The enemyshould also be provided with live ammunition to fire nearanyone making obvious errors of over exposure . See S.A.T.,Vol. I, Pamphlet No. 1, Sec. 17 .

    Safety precautions12. Before all lessons the gun, m a g : : ~ . z i n e s drill cartridgesand pouch equipment will be inspected by the instructor.Improvisation

    13 . When drill car tridges are not av ailable a halfpenny willmake a good m agazine platform depressor.For improvised cover, targets, aiming discs, s S.A.T\ 'ol. I, P am phlet 3, General Notes.

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    4

    CHAPTER IHOLDING, AIMING, AND FIRING

    The importance of correct holding of the gun will be impressed on the soldier from the start, but Qfficiency cannotbe obtained until ball ammunition is fired. Instruction incorrect holding cannot, however, be delayed until this periodof training, and any tendency to loose holding even during themost elementary instruction must at all times be checked;otherwise failure in marksmanship will result.LESSON I . -MAGAZINE FILLING, LOADING,

    UNLOADING, AND SIGHT SETTINGbzstructor s notes

    Stores.---Gun, magazines, drill cartridges, utility pouches.Note. In usin,g drill cartridges in the Bren L. M .G. it isessential to ensure that the gun has been cleared before the ejectionopening cover is closed. f he cover is closed and a dri ll cartridgeis left in the breech, when the gun is reloaded the round does notfall through the ejection opening, and as the breech-block movesforward when the trigger is pressed the round is pushed forwardinto the well at the front end of the slide, and the ejection openingcover jams over it and the gun is put out of action. Should agun become jammed in this manner, it should be taken to thearmourer to be cleared.f it is known or suspected that a round has been left in thebreech, the ejection opening cover must be opened before thecocking handle is pulled back ; otherwise the gun may be damaged,

    This trouble cannot occur with live ammunition.f drill cartridges are not available, magazine filling can betaught and practised with empty cases.I Magazine filling see Fig. 1 .Explain and demonstrate

    i. Hold the magazine in one hand and place each roundwell back between the lips with the base towards theprojections of the magazine platform. Press downand pash forward with the thumb . Continue until28 rounds are filled, ensuring that they are not rimbehind rim and the ammunition is clean.

    5

    Press1nq ta c h rounddown w1t h thunb

    ~ ' - ~ ' \ _ Ma.ql ..Zine rcstc.a. o

    ar;p round.- .. .ru OVt fron cho.rQt.l\

    Fig. 1

    thlqh.

    M a q u 1 ~ t c h a r q t ~ h ld' one he n d .

    ii Empty the magazine by pushing each round out withthe point of a bullet.2. Practise squad.3. Loading and unloadingExplain and demonstratei. Lie down with body straight behind gun, legs together.Left hand holds small of butt with over-hand grip ;right hand h ~ l d s pistol grip with first finger outsidetrigger guard. The position of the change lever isimmaterial.ii Loading. Open magazine opening cover; take magazine from pouch equipment, inspect ma:-azine tosee that rounds are correctly positioned and pl.aco

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    6on gun, forward portion first ; pull cocking handleback and push forward. Put change lever to" Safe " if not already there and button the pouch.f further magazines are required they will be takenfrom the utility pouches.

    Putt1nqBody StNI.Iqnl ben1nd qun ut f '' h I\~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

    Fig. 2.-Loading.

    iii. Unloading. Press magazine catch with palm ofhand and remove magazine, placing it gently onthe ground. Put change lever to " Automatic .Press trigger, cock gun and press trigger again.Close magazine and ejection opening covers. Returnmagazine to pouch and button up. During elementary training or on the range stand up and report" Gun clear .

    4. Explain that in action th e gunner is responsible forkeeping the gun loaded with a full or nearly full magazine.f any orders are not understood he will call out " Repeat .

    5. Pr actise squad.6. Sight-s etling.Describe backsight drum and backsight. Turn backsight drum until range required appearsin the window. The drum gives a maximum elevation of2,000 yards, and a minimum of 200 yards. Each click givesan alteration of 50 yards. When the gun is unloaded the

    sights will always be lowered.No te. For Mark Bren raise backsight leaf, adjust torange required, leaving the leaf upright. When not in uselower the leaf. The sight is graduated from 200 yards to1,800 yards.7. Practise squad in loading, sight setting and unloadingby word of command.

    7LESSON 2.-HOLDING, AIMING, ANJJ. FIRING

    I nstructor s ttotesStores. Gun; magazines ; drill cartridges; util itypouches ; aiming disc ; landscape target i necessary.Holding must e checked at every opportunity.

    1. HoldingExplain that it is essential when firing from the bipodthat the gun should be held firmly in order to controlvibration caused by th e gun's automatic action. 2. Aiming

    i. Explain the rule for a IDlng, using a diagram seeFig. 3. Look through th e ap erture at the targetand align t4e top of the foresight on the centreof the target, keeping the aim central in th e aperturewith the sights upright.

    Fig. 3.-Correct aim.ii. Aiming position.-Explain and demonstrate with gunloaded :-

    Put change lever to " A " or " R , raise buttand move shoulder forward to meet it. Putforefinger on trigger and grip gun firmly with bothbands. pulling downward and backward into th eshoulder. The cheek should rest lightly on thebutt see Fig. 4). The bipod legs can be adjustedfor height if necessary. (This is not possible withthe :Mark II bi pod .) Unl oad .

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    Cheen on butt

    8

    on t r ~ q q u~ n d a tp1stol qnp

    left ~ n d hold inq 5n/JJI ofbutt.Right si e v1ew

    Ey clostd

    Leh st e vewFig. 4 . H o lding and Aiming.

    3. Practise squad a t aiming disc (no magazine on gun).4 Trigger pressingExplain tha t the trigger has only one pressure, whichis shorter for Automatic than for Single rounds . Itmust be taken by a squeezing action of the whole hand roundthe pistol grip. f firing Automatic i t must be pressldlong enough to fire a burst of four or five rounds. f firingSingle rounds it must be fully released after each shot.5. FiringExplain and demonstrate with gun loadedAs single rounds are normal the change lever will be vut

    9to R. If however, the order is Bursts the leverwill be put to A .

    The sequence of firing isAim, fire, observe with minimum head movement, correctelevation or point of aim, if necessary, re-aim.The rules for aiming off for side winds and aiming downas taught with the rifle must be applied with the L.M.G.6. Practise squad.7. Rates of fire and moving enemyExplain:

    i. Sl About one magazine per minute. Correctholding must be mainta ined throughout each burst.ii. Single rounds. Up to one magazine per minute.Each shot must be well aimed and fired.iii . Rapid ftre. Four magazines per minute. Bursts ofnormal length, but minimum intervals between toallow observation and correction. Accuracy mustbe maintained.The above are standards which can be reachedwith practice.iv. Moving enemy. It is not possible to swing with theLM.G. when mounted on the bipod and, therefore,a point ahead of the enemy will be chosen and fireopened just before he closes to the estimated lead.This must be quickly repeated, each burst con -sisting of eight to ten rounds. Correct holding mustbe maintained and the elbows must not be moved,

    8. Practise squad in complete lesson.

    CHAPTER 11STRIPPING, CLEANING, AND MECHANISM

    1 In the following lessons the instructor will explainand demonstrate the stripping and assembling of eacli group.The parts will be named and the squad frequently questionedabout them.2. After stripping and assembling, the correct functioningof the parts will be t.ested by cocking the gun and pressingthe trigger. Excessive stripping causes undue wear to thevarious parts of the gun and lessens its efficient functioning.Therefore, stripping, other than that required for efficientinstruction and necessary cleaning, will be avoided. Strippingand assembling against the clock will never be practised .

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    13. All cle > uing should be carried out und er the supervisionof an N.C.O. unless the men are trained soldiers.4. During e::>..i:rcmes of cold, the followingshould be notedInjurious factors-

    i. Ice.ii. Frozen oil or grease.iii. Snow.

    Counter-measures-Ice.-Keep the gun dry. Ice which has formed should beremoved by melting and the weapon thoroughly dried.Frozen lubricants.-The lower the t emperature, the lessthe gun should be lubricated. Below minus 20 degreesCentigrade th e weapon should be thoroughly cleaned bywashing in petrol, if available, and th en re-lubricated withoil, low cold, test. I f this is not available the weapon shouldbe left dry.Snow.-Prevent the working parts from coming in contactwith snow if possible. I t is a serious enemy to the correctfunctioning of all small arms, especially L.M.Gs. I f snowhas stuck to the outside of the weapon, remove it by scraping.

    If inside th e barrel by melting.LESSON 3 . -THE PISTON AND BARREL GROUPSI tlstructor's notes

    Stores.-Gtm; combination tool; drill cartridges.Only those parts of the gun will be named which are dealtwith it: future lessons.Piston g r o ~ t p

    I. Explain and demonstrate stripping and assembling: i. Cock gun and press the trigger.ii. Push out body locking pin and draw butt back toits fullest extent. In the Mark II, draw backapproximately half-way. )iii. Holding the return spring rod to the left, draw baekcocking handle sharply and push it forward.iv. Remove piston and breech block from gun.v. Remove breech block from piston .vi. Remove extractor stay and spring and extractor.vii. Name the principal parts of the piston group seeFig. 5).

    viii. Assemble in reverse order.

    11BREECH BLOCKfczlld . tncz "E CTtUJ Z Zn is

    \

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    12gas regulator. Show how gas regulator may bealtered to a larger or smaller hole, by easing thebarrel forward about an inch, and turning the gasregulator with the bar on the tool or a round,Clockwise for more gas, anti-clockwise for less gas.Note. Guns for A.A. defence should be at No. 4 hole.

    SARREL.

    G06 Blocl(

    \Barrel Clearance ForLocking EKtract;or-ThreadsGAS REGULATOR

    a )Mari

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    144. Practise squad, questioning on na mes of parts.5. Practise squad in complete stripping and assembling.

    LESSON 5.-ADDITIONAL STRIPPINGInstructor s notesSt01es.---Gun, magazines, drill cartridges combination tool.Explain that it will be necessary at times to take down partsof the gun which are not stripped in ordinary cleaning, inorder to deal with possible breakage of parts or for thoroughcleaning after a gas attack.Explain and demonstrate1 Magazine platformTo strip.-Press in the stud on the bottom plate of themagazine and slide it off, controlling the spring as it comes out.Lift out spring and platform.To assemble.-Replace the platform and spring. Compressthe spring and slide on the bot-tom plate until the stud engages

    in the hole in the plate. A tap with the hand on the thin sideof the magazine will assist it to eng age.Note. To strip the Mark II magazine. With the nose of abullet, depress the stud in the bottom pla te. Draw thebottom plate back slightly, lift off sideways and remove.To assemble.-Siide one side of the bot-tom plate forwardalong the projection, until the detents are clear of the insideedge of the magazine. Press down the bottom plate until theopposite flange engages in the necessary projection. Slideforward until the stud en gages in th e recess in the bottomplate.2 Butt plate and 1eturn springi . Butt plate

    To strip . P lace the nose of a bullet on the buttplate catch close to the butt plate, and tap the baseof the cartridge with the hand. Remove the buttplate.

    ii. Return springTo strip.-Ensure the working parts are forward.Insert the combination tool so that the recesses engagein the projection on the return spring cap. Press in,turn one-quarter turn to the left, and carefullywithdraw the return spring and rod.

    15To assemble.-Insert th e rod and return spring intheir hou sing. Compress the spring by means of thecap held in the combination tool. Guide the springwith the fingers, being careful not to distort it.Press in the cap and turn to th e right to lock.iii. Btltt plateTo assemble.-Engage the stud on the toe of thebutt plate with its recess on the toe of the butt, andlift the butt plate fumly upwards and forwards,pressing the catch with the finger of the other hand.

    Note. To remove the return spring of the Mk. II Bren.Unscrew the large screw in the centre of the butt plate, usingthe combination tool or a screwdriver. This does not necessitatethe removal of the butt plate.3. Practise squad in stripping and assembling the magazineplatform, butt plate and return spring. Question squad onstripping and names of parts.4. Firing pinTo strip.-Press out the retainer pin, taking care that thefiring pin does not jump out of the back of the breech block.To assemble.-Hold the spring in compression with the recess

    for the re tainer pin corresponding with the retainer pin hole,Replace the retainer pin.5 lllagazine catch and ejectorTo strip.-Cock the gun, press the point of the magazinecatch pin and withdraw to the right to a stop. Slide magazinecatch and ejector forward. To separate, squeeze the magazinecatch and ejector together to compress the spring, slide themagazine catch back along the ejector and lift off.While the magazine catch and ejector are off, the magazineopening cover can be removed by sliding to the rear.Assemble in reverse order.6. Practise squad n stripping and assembling the firingpin, magazine catch and ejector. Question squad on strippingand names of parts.7. Trigger group For N.C.Os. only)To strip.-All pins are removed from right to left. Presson change lever. Press out sear pin and remove sear and spring.Raise tripping lever, press out trigger pin, and remove triggerand tripping lever. Do not strip further than this.To assemble. -Keep trigzer in position by holding trippinglever vertical and replace trigger pin. Place sear and spring

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    16in position with the end of the tripping lever through the slotin th e sear and insert sear pin. Hold down tripping leverslightly and press in change lever.

    TRIGG R GROUPSear in

    Trigger-H }in - -S e a r Spring

    Tripping LeverFig. 9

    LESSON 6.-CLEANINGnstructor s notes

    Stores. Gun ; magazines ; spare barrel ; cleaning kit ;drill cartridges ; holdall complete.Cleaning kit consists of

    Si ngle pullthrough with gauze.Double pulltlwough and gauze.Spare gauzes.Cylinder cleaning rod.wire lm1sh.mopCombination tool.Oil container.Flannelette.Graphited grease.Oil, low, cold, test.

    The various articles of cleaning kit will e explained ' theyare used.On tlo account will anything rough e uspd.Explain and demonstrateStrip the gun completely.

    71 Barrel groupThe wire gauze will be used for removing fouling. Thegas block gas regulator and in side the flash eliminaturshould be cleaned and wiped with an oily rag. After firingthis will be done until all fouling is removed. The barrel

    group should be if possible completely dry before firing.A piece of flannelette 4 inches by 3 inches will be put halfway through the loop of the pullthrough for this purpose.When the barrel has been cleaned with dry flannelette aslightly smaller piece well oiled will be used to oil the barrel.2. Body groupTo remove fouling from the cylinder such as after firingthe wire brush may be found necessary. This should beoiled and inserted handle first from the breech end. Freeworking is facilitated by turning the rod clockwise. Withthe nose of a bullet remove any dirt or fouling that may bein the large holes at the end of the cylinder. Then dry andoil. This can be done by attaching the mop to the cylindercleaning rod. The mop should be covered with a dry pieceof flannelette 4 inches by 4 inches. To oil the cylinder anoily piece of flannelette 4 inches by 4 inches should be

    attached to the pullthrough.Remaining parts should be cleaned and wiped with an oilyrag.The cylinder should if possible be completely dry beforefiring.3. Piston groupTo remove fouling clean and wipe with an oily rag. Specialat tention must be paid to the head of the piston and pistonrings and all fouling removed. Before firing th ey shouldif possible be dry and the working surfaces of the breechblock and piston extension lubricated with graphited .greaseR.D. 1179.4 BipodTo remove fouling clean the sleeve in the same way asthe cylinder. Clean and wipe rem aining parts with an oily

    rag. The bipod sleeve should i possible be dry beforefiring.5. Butt groupClean and wipe with an oily rag. The return spring shouldbe oiled occasionally. This can be done by depressing thereturn spring rod and pouring a little oil in th recess.Re-assemble gun.6. MagazinesClean and wipe with an oily rag

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    18 7 allt tTeach contents. Oil can, combination tool, single pull-through and gauze, tin box containing spare gauzes, clearingplug and small spares. The wallet will always be with thegun.B HoldallTeach contents.

    Inside. Spare barrel, cylinder cleaning rod.Outside. Top left-Spare breech block (if issued). ,Top centre-Mop and wire brush. Double pullthrough .Top right-Bottle of graphited grease.Centre-Wallet complete.Bottom-Tin of oil, low, cold, test .

    9 Explain that, when possible, the following should beadhered toi. When not in use the gun should be well oiled.ii. Before firing, if possible, all gas affected parts shouldbe dry

    iii. During intervals of firing keep the working partslubricated. Allow the barrel to cool as opportunityoffers.

    t will be found that during firing th e gun willbecome stiff in the bipod sleeve. To co Tect this,rotate the gun in the bipod sleeve a.t intervals.Note. This does not apply to the Mark II Bren.iv. After firing, complete)y clean the gun.v. After gas-as for rifle.

    vi. In cases of extreme cold, oil, low, cold, test should beused. In hot and dusty climates, lubricants sho uldbe cut to a minimum.10. Practise squad.

    LESSON 7 . -MECHANISMInstructor s notesStores. Gun; rnagazines ; drill cartridges ; empty case.

    During the lesson the gun will remain with the butt drawnback, and the piston, breech block, magazine catch and ejectorremovPd only being assembled when it is necessary to emphasizeany action. ,Explain, demonstrate the action, and ask questions atthe end of each phase.

    19I B ackward actiotJSome of tM gases following the bullet pass through thegas ven t and gas regulator into th e gas cylinder. Thisforces the piston to the rear and compresses the returnspring until the piston is stopped by the piston buffer . The

    empty case, being gripped by the extractor, is carried to th erear on the face of the breech block until its base meets theejector. The case is then ejected downwards through theejection slot in the piston.2. Folward actionThe piston, h aving been stopped by the piston buffer,is forced fonva rd by the retuni. spring, carrying the breechblock with it. The feed piece m eet s the base of th e firstround in the magazine and forces it forward into th echamber, the extrac tor closing over the rim .The piston post in its final move forward drives the firingpin against th e cap of the cartridge, thus firing the round.3. Trigger ac tionWith the change lever at A, pressure on the triggerdis engages the sear from the bent on the piston, and thepiston is allowed to go forward. As long as the trigger is

    pressed, th e gun will continue to fire, bu t, if th e trigger isreleased, th e bent will engage with the sear th e next timethe piston com es to the rear, stopping its forward movement.With th e change lever at R, the trigger mu st be pressedeach time a shot is to be fi.red , bec ause the piston is heldback after each round. Thi s is caused by the rea r part ofthe piston bearing on the tripping lever during the forwardaction, causing th e sear t o ri se .With the change lever at S, th e trigger is di sengagedfrom the sear, and the gun cannot be fired.f pressure on th e tri gger is ma intained while the changelever is altered from Safe to Automatic and th enreleased and the trigger pressed again, the gun will not fire .The change lev er, th erefo re, will not be altered when the triggeris pressed.

    4 Empt y magazinet the magazine 1:; ewpty, instead of meeting th e bas e ofa round, th e feed piece on the breech block meets the rearot the ma gazin e platform, and the ac t ion cannot go for ward.o.n r eleasing the trigger and r emoving the magazine, thepiston and breech blocl' go forward until the bent on thepiston meets the sear. The action is thus cocked in readinessfor another magazine to be placed on the gun and firing tocontinue .

    Note. The Mark Bren cannot be loaded or fired unlessthe barrel nut catch is correc tly eng aged.

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    20CHAPTER I l l

    IMMEDIATE ACTION, STOPPAG ES, HANDLINGBIPOD AND TRIPOD) FIXED LINES

    1 Th e characteristics of the L.M.G. and it s maintenancein action demand the performance of special duties by certainmen of the section see General Notes, paras. 5 and 6).2. In handling bipod and tripod) every man of the sectionis tr ained in the duties of Nos . 1 and 2. The lessons are designedto exercise the gunner either alone, or with an assistant.In action, th e wallet will always be with the gunner or hisassistant.

    3. Each L.M.G. may, on occasioJlS, be provided with atripod, for the purpose of firing on Fixed lines or bet weenFixed limits during darkness, smoke or fog. There arefive tripods per infantry company for this p u r p o s ~4. Overhead fire should not be attempted unless exceptionally favourable conditions exist.5. Wh en each man has had sufficient practice to enablehim to carry out instinctively th e correct action on any given

    command, the instructor will introduce handling exercises.Th e object of th ese exercises is to quicken all numbersof th e sec tion in the h and ling of the L .M.G. Accuracy mustnot, however, be sacrificed for speed.Th ese exercises should include all types of fire, immediateaction, stoppages, use of cover, etc. No stripping andassembling against ti me will be carried out.

    LESSON 8. - IMMEDIATE ACTIONl nstructor s notesStores.-Gun ; magazines; wallet ; drill cartridges;landscape target if the ground itself is unsuitable for definingtarge ts).

    The causes of stoppages will not be taught tmtil the men areproficient in Lessons 8 and 9. They will then be explainedas set out in the summary on pages 22 and 23.1 Explain that, if the gun is properly balanced and caredfor, stoppages other than an empty magazine will rarelyoccur ; also tha t LA. is the action performed by No. 1 toremedy a stoppage. I t must be carried out quickly, and

    lwith practice should become instinctive. I.A. is not complet euntil the gun has been re-aimed and fired.

    2. Explain and demonstrateI f the gun fails to fire or stops firing

    i. LA. Cock the gun. Change the magazine. Aimand fire.ii. Practise squad by word of command.

    3. Explain and demonstrateIf after l. A ., the gun fires one or two rounds and

    again :-i Cock the gun and r emove magazine, press trigger,cock gun. No. will disconnect the barrel andadjust the gas regulator to the n ext largest hole-rep lace th e barrel-place magazine on and fire.ii. Explain th at this stoppage will rarely occur with a

    properly b alanced gun.iii. Practise squad by word of command.

    LESSON 9. -STOPPAGESInstructor s notesStores.-As for Lesson 8.Lesson will start with a recapitulation of Lesson 8.A clearing plug will be used for the instruct or s demon-st1ation, but not for squad practice. A drill cartridge willbe used for this purpose.

    1 Explain and demonstrateIf after I A., the gun will not fir e -Cock gun and remove m agazine.Examine for obstruction in the body or ch amber.

    i. If ob struction in the body, such as a jammed roundor empty case, remove i t pu t magazine on andthen fire.ii. If no obstruction in the body in ser t the clearingplug into the chamber-press the trigger-cockgun, removing clearing plug and separated portionput magazine on and then fire.

    2. Practise squad by word of command.3. Explain cause of stoppages see summary on pages 22

    and 23).

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    SUMMARY OF CAUSESThe following table is for instructors who, using it in conjunction with Lessons 8 and 9, should teachthe causes of stoppages when the man is proficient in these lessons.Ref.(I)

    LeBBon 8,para. 2.

    T.e8Bon 8,

    Possible cause ofstoppage

    2)i. Empty magazine.ii. Badly filled magazine.iii. Misfire .iv. Faulty ejection.v. Hard extraction.

    Insufficient gas.

    How to teach cause of stoppage3)

    Explain and, whcro necessary, demonstrate theeffect of no ammunition in the magazine.Lesson 7, para. 4.Explain and demonstrate overlapping rims.Explain No gns.Explain empty case in body.Explain hnrd extrnction, force of the gas absorbedin extracting empty t a ses ; not enough left todrive working parts to the rPur.

    Words of command forpmctice4)

    Gun firing all right.Gun stops.Gun fires all right.

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    24LESSON 10. -USE OF COVER

    Instruc tor s notesStores.-Gun with sling attached ; magazine on gun ; gunplaced in rear of the position.G r o ~ t n d containing suitable types of cover must be chosenbefore the lesson.

    1. IntroductionQuestion squad on points taught in using cover (rifle) andexplain that the same principles must be applied with theL.M.G.2. Explain and demonstrate mounting the gun for firingfrom various types of cover. Practise squad after eachdemonstration.

    No unncecsso.ry .. '""" -:-- ll.,nq bo pOd. ;. .. - J o - - - --- . ' ...._ H Fr..--- t / ~ ~ ..:,_ ~ .....r ,.,_,. . . . . _ ,, -... -

    ll>>lloon ollc.olo 1

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    ,

    26f.lbo14 re.sr

    -L

    - .,, ......... - ~ : v..z: ow : : - - ~ I , . ,

    - . < , , } ~ - '~ ~ ~ ~ > ' t , _ . A ) - ~ \ J. I I- \ : I8oth '' r e ~ t . d . . ;

    rF1q t5.1 Usrnq the b1pod fronc.- sf,t trench:Gun

    \ . / ; t h C J U ~ \ / ~ e of the bf pod. from $ 1 , ~ h e n ~Rg. lb.

    LESSON 11.-HANDLING (BIPOD)Instructor s notesStores. Gun with sling attached and magazine on. Maga-zines ; drill cartridges ; utility pouches in the actionposition ; holdall complete.

    This lesson should be carried out on ground which providesnatural ld artificial cater.Rea listic targets should be indicated.1. IntroductionExplain that during movement the gunner must be prepared

    27

    to operate the gun without assistance. The spare barrel willnot be carried, and if th e barrel becomes excess ively ho t,due to prolonged rapid fire, he mu st use his di scretion, in viewof the situation, as to whether the rate of fire can be reduced .In de fence a No. 2 will be close beside him with m agaz inesand holdall to render every possible assistance. This includeschanging barrels and conveying the section commander'sorders to firer2. No . I acting alonei. Explain : - Positions of observation , Behindcover .and the actions on Watch the front arethe same as for the rifle (see Pamphlet 3, Les son 7).

    ii. Explain and demonstrate : -On the order Downlie quickly behind the cov er and craw l fonvard sothat the whole of the front can be seen wi t houtundue movement or e:A--posu re. The gun below cover,concealed. On the range being ordered set th esights and mount the gun according to the cover ;this must be done as inconsp icuously as possible,finally cock the gu n. En gage enemy as indicated. Ifthe gun is detached from the section these actionswill have to be carried out on the firer's owninitiative. During la ter training, therefore, verbalsituations only should be depicted by the in structorand the No. I should th en be left to act for himself.iii. On command Stop , lower butt and change ma gazine, if necessary. With drill cartridges the workingparts remain forward once the trigger is pressed,but with live ammunition they would rem a in badon tH-e trigger being release d. On the order Goon continue firing as orde red.iv. On the ord er Cease fi.ring , unload th e gun anclplace a full ma gaz ine on. Return b ehind cover andremain concealed awaiting further orders.

    3. Practise squad individually behind all types of cover.4. Practise squad in pairs working as gunner and assistant .

    LESSON 12.-HANDLING (TRIPOD)o u n t i n ~ and d i s m o u n t l n ~ tripodInstructor s notes

    Stores_ Tripod ; gun with magazine on.This lesson should be carried out on ground affordingsuitable cover behind which the gun and tripod could bmounted for firing. When the gun and tripod are mounted,the squad should be taken to view the position from the enemy J

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    8

    point of view noting concealment camouflage required etc.In the later stages of training good practice can be obtainedin the following mannerDetail two members of the squad to mount the gun andtripod behind cover within an area. Remainder of squadto watch the area from a suitable distance in front. Instructorto comment on concealment undue exposure and time taken.Names of parts will be dealt with as they occur see Fig. 17).

    MourTtJJI p,vor.

    (UIMI*INO /1AW lllt J n C A C H ~r .oNT Lu;

    J T ~ N S I O N .

    Introduction Fig. 17

    f U I/ ..

    Instructor explains para . 3, page 20.Explain and demonstrate duties of No. 2.1 To mount the gun and tripod

    i Lay the tripod on the ground with the front leg underneath. Kneel or lie down according to the natureof the cover. Loosen rear leg clamping handles,swing legs back and clamp approximately in linewith tlie main frame. Loosen front leg clampinghandle, swing leg forward and clamp. The legsshould then be adjusted to suit the particular typeof cover being used, remembering that when thetripod is mounted the traversing arc must behorizontal from right to left. With experience itwill be possible to mount the tripod without unnecessary loss of time to suit the ty pe of cover being used.Loosen the necessary traversing stop move it toend of arc and clamp . Loosen the traversi.lg clamp

    9handle, move elevating gear to centre of arc andclamp. Loosen elevating clamp handle, slide sleevehalf-way forward and clamp. Raise to verticalposition.ii. uties of theNo. I.-Disengage front and rear mountingpins. Place the front mounting pin housing on themounting pivot and replace mounting pin. Attachbutt to rear mounting with the rear mounting pin.

    Note.-Det ail one of the squad to act as No. 2.Both numbers slide the gun and tripod cautiously forward.Obtain rough direction by moving the rear legs. Make anyadjustment necessary. Ensure legs are firm in ground (whenpossible by stamping in) and all clamps tight. Use sandbagsor sods of earth to ensure tripod does not move.2. ismmmting gun and tripod

    i Both numbers slide the gun back b ehind cover anddismount in the reverse order. Ensure mountingpins are replaced and clamps left tight.

    'I. L..

    .,\,l._,'-'11 ..

    Fig. 18 above shows gun and tripod mountedready to fire :-a) Traversing arc horizontal.b) No undue exposure .c) Sandbags or sods on legs.d) Legs are adjusted to suit cover.

    3. Practise squad in pairs, mounting and dismounting gunand tripod.

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    30LESSON 13.-HANDLING (TRIPOD)

    Firing from tripodInstructor s tlotesStores. As for Lesson 12.

    I Aiming and ftrngi Order two members of the squ ad to mount gun andtripod.

    Explain and demonstrateii. Order Load. On the range being given, set thesights. On the target being indicated, aim thegun accurately with the aid of the traversing slideand elevating gear, clamping both and the elevatingclamp nut when aim is accurate. The eye will bein the < orrect aiming position. Adopt any con-venientfiring position behind the gun with a minimumof exposure. (The butt need not be in the shoulder.)iii. When firing between fixed limits, aim will be laid ateach end of the target. Having aimed at one endof the target, the necessary traversing stop will beclamped in position before moving the elevatinggear to aim at the opposite limit. Fire whenordered. ' \ 'hen firing between fixed limits, irregulartraversing should be employed.Note. On occasions it will be necessary to mount thetripod with the traversing arc on a slant in order to make thefue from the gun conform to the slope of the ground.2. Practise squad in pairs in para. I3. Practise squad in pairs in Lessons I2 and 13 complete.LECTURE FOR N.C.Os.-FIRING ON A FIXED

    LINE AND WITHIN FIXED LIMITSI There are five tripods for L.M.Gs. to each infantrycompany ; one with each platoon, the other two with com-pany headquarters for allotment to platoons as required,Normally tripods are used only in defence.2. The use of the tripod is twofold

    i To enable the gun to fire on a fixed line.ii To enable it to fire within the limits of a fixed arc.Apart from these uses, the gun will normally be firedfrom the bipod, because of the far greater flexibilitywith which it can engage targets in different directionswhen thus mounted.

    SI3. Firing on a fixed line implies that certain measures andpreparations have been carried out during daylight, so thatwhen darkness com e.s fog descends, or the enemy uses smoke,elevation and direction with the gun can still be maintainedand its fire can be brought down on a previously selected line

    on the ground. Witb. the L.M.G. these measures consist ofmounting the tripod and clamping the elevating gear on thetraversing arc in a fixed position, so that when the gun ismounted, its fire will fall on the previously selected line.4. The method of laying a fLxed line is given in Lesson I4.There are, however, additional factors which must ' be understood by all N.C.Os. down to section commanders. t mustbe first appreciated that the necessary fixed line tasks, andthe guns which are to fire on them must be co-ordinated bybattalion, etc., commanders as a part of the complete fireplan. A section commander will merely be told that his gunis to carry out a fixed line role and what that particulartask is.5. The section commander has certain responsibilities.-Hemust first of all ensure that the safety angle is maintained ;

    no fixed line will ever be laid nearer to any position held byour own troops than an angle of 5 degrees ; but it may begreater. t is possible that he may be given the exact linefor the fire of the gun; this does not, however, absolve himfrom checking to ensure that the safety angle is being observed.The line on which the fire of the gun is to fall having beendecided, the section commander's next responsibility is toensure that the gun is laid on to a point at the far end of thisline, that is to say, at a point on the fixed line opposite the farend of the locality or area to be protected. See Fig. 19.)The sights of th e gun must also be set for ' this range.,,fi R I ND D AR A

    : r e ~ ~ : : J .......... -Fig. 19

    oo

    0 ~ 4 E C T I D N

    rThe reason for this is that when firing on a fixed line withthe L.M.G. the whole of the dangerous zone, as opposed to thebeaten zone only, is used . (See S.A.T., Vol. I, Pamphlet

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    32No. 1 Chapter 2, Theory.) As to whether this is possiblewill, of course, depend to some extent on the conformation ofthe ground and the range at which the fixed line is being laid.The 1L Xed line should be laid, if at all possible, to takeadvantage of the most suitable ground. A normal range forfixed line firing will be about 600 yards. At such a rangeby laying on the far end of the line, the whole of thedangerous zone is applied.The extreme importance of L.M.Gs. being accuratelyzeroed for elevation must also be stressed for if a gun fireslow much benefit of the above will be lost.

    6. t should be appreciated that it is a principle that theforemost guns in a defended locality should not normally begiven fixed line tasks. Should such foremost posts themselvesbe attacked they will take the gun off the tripod and use itto protect themselves thereby failing in their fixed tasks.This is only human nature and is hard to avoid. Fixed linetasks should therefore be given to guns which, as far aspossible, are protected by other positions to their front. Inorder to obtain the maximum benefit from the fire, all fixedline tasks should be enfilade ones. There will, of course, beexceptions to this such as a L.M.G. firing on a fixed line downa cutting or sunken road leading into the front.7. A section commander allotted a fixed line task must begiven clear instructions as to the times the gun is to be avail-able for the task. f he is not told he must ask. Normallythis will probably be during the hours of darkness only, i.e .from stand to in the evening until stand down thefollowing morning and will also include all periods of fog,mist or when smoke is used. Certain fixed line tasks may beordered by day as well as night. The section commander mustclearly understand that when his gun is to be available for afixed line task it is as it were, out of his command. t cannotbe removed from the tripod and t1sed for other purposesunder any circumstances.8. A section commander must also be clear as to the signalcalling for fire, and the rate and amount of fire he is to employ

    on such signal. This will be laid down in brigade, etc.orders. t is vital that when the call for fire is given the fireof guns on fixed line tasks is brought to bear instantly. twill be the duty therefore of the sentry to fire the gun atonce without waiting for further orders.9. Firing within fixed limitsGuns in the foremost positions can often be suitablyemployed by firing within fixed limits of an arc to covernarrow approaches leading into their position in darkness

    J3f o ~ etc. or they LJay 'he used for their own protection bybeing laid to travenJe along an obstacle. Guns sited for coastanJ beach protection should normally be employed f i r i n ~within fixed limits a series of interlocking arcs of fire in enfiladebeing thus provided. Preparations are still necessary indaylight . The gun having been mounted on the tripod ,i3 laid for elevation as required and the limits of the arcrequired to be traversed are fixed by the stops on th etraversing arc. Should the gun be used to protect its ownpost the aim should be low down on the wire obstacle. Forbeach defence the sights should if possible, be set to 600 yardsand th e aim laid for that distance in order to get the maximumdistance covered by fire taking advantage of the flatness ofthe tr ajectory up to that range. Thus in darkness or fogthe gun can be fired irregularly in bursts within the limitsof th e chosen arc. It should be realized it may often benecessary to have the tripod mounted so that th e traversingarc is on a slant in order that the fire ma y conform to the

    ~ o u n d Should this not be done, while fire may be at th ecorrect height at one limit it will often be found th at at thevt her limit it is very high in the air and th erefore, quiteuseless. Firing within fixed limits must not be confusedwith firing on a fixed line. Preliminary measures are stillrequired by daylight but the gun within the limits ofan arc as opposed to firing on a definite line. Moreover,when firing on a fixed line a gun is nearly always being usedto protect another locality. This does not necessarily followwhen firing within fixed limits.

    LESSON 14. FIXED LINESi1Jstructor s notes

    Stores. As f or Lesson 12.Th is lesson should be canied out on groun.d similar to thatmentionec if Lesson 12. Describe a simj. )e situationre;ativt to the task a11d position of qwn troops.

    1 Order two of th e squad to mount the gun and tripod,with reference to th e task.2. Explain and demonstrate

    i. Using th e gt.:n sights align on the ec'ge of the defendedlocality, the saf ety of which is involved.ii Note th e reading on th e traversing arc, and lay offnot less th an 5 d egrees. The fixed line rr;ust not bewithin the limit of 5 degrees of our own troops

    t may be necessary to lay off a great er :.ut

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    34in order to get suitable ground for th e line of fireand to avoid obstacles.

    iii. With sights set at the range required, lay on the farend of the area to be cov ered. This is the fixed li nefor the gun .iv . Clamp the elev ating and traversing gear ti ght. Clampboth traversing stops firmly up against th e traversingslide .v. The dangerous zone as opposed to the beatenzone, is used in fixed li ne firing.vi Great care must be taken that the tripod is not movedand th at the elevating an d tr aversing geartraversing stops are all kept firmly clamped.vii Every man in the section sho uld know the read ing onth e sights and on th e traversing arc, and the pointat which the gun is aimed .viii Should it be permitted to remove the gun from thetripod to resume its bipod role, this may now bedone. t will be rep lace d on the tripod wh eureq uir ed to t ake up it s fixed li ne rol e. This shouldbe done before dusk to enable the fixed line to bere -checked.3. Practise squad.

    CHAPTER IVSECTION HANDLING

    LECTURE FOR N.C.Os.-SECTION HANDLINGGeneral

    \. i. The Bren L .M.G is the principle weapon of the infantrvand every man will, therefore, be trained to use it:ii The rifle is the p e r s o n < ~ l weapon of the individual. twill be needed to augment the fire of the L.M.G

    when required in an emergency, for local protection,and especially for sniping single enemy.iii. Each section in the platoon is equipped with a L.M.GThe gun may be employed within the secbvn underthe direct control of the section commander 01'

    detached.

    35iv. The ammunition available in the platoon truck for theL.M.G. is 3,000 rounds, of which 700 rounds foreach gun is in magazines, the remainder being in abox. The whole should be regarded as a platoonpool.

    In movement2 i The gun can be ope ra ted by one man, provided t.Laammunition is within reach. To ensure this, a secondmember of the sect ion is required to maintain anaoequate supply at the gun.ii . During the attack sections will be divided into twogroups-the rifle group and the L .M.G. group.The rifle group consists of

    Section comdr.No . 1 rifleman. No. 2 rifleman .No. l bomber.No. 2 bomber.The L.M.G. group consists o f :

    2nd i f sec.No . 1 Bren.No. 2 Bren.Each group can advance und er the fire of theother, or the whole section can be used to cover theadvance of another section or vice versa.

    iii The task of the section is to get on to its own objective,and although it may have to take up a fire position,it will be only temporary and the advance mustbe resumed at the earliest opportunity.iv. The m ax imum use of availab le cover must be made.In defence

    3. i Within defended localities L.M.Gs. will be given arcsof fire covering their localities. Foremost sectionswill automatically engage targets directly threateningthem and greater flexibility will be obtained by firingfrom the bipod. A long field of fire is not essential ,a field of fire of 100 to 150 yards will suffice. Inthe foremost posts, therefore, guns will be givenarcs of fire covering the approaches to their positionsand will not normally be given fixed line tasks spara. 6 of Lecture on Firing on Fixed Lines). oii . Guns which are defiladed and protected from t h ~ fronthv the disposition of other sections will normally be

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    36given arcs of fire and fixed lines so that, should onegun go out of action there is another covering thesame, or almost the same, ground from a differentposition. Alternative positions will always beselected and prepar ed for guns not on fixed line tasks.iii. Concealment from ground and air is of the utmostimportance.

    iv . As sustained fire may be required, barrel changingmay be necessary. The gunner will, therefore,require an assistant constantly at the gun, whilst,if additional ammunition is available, other membersof the section will be required for filling magazinesin addition to their other duties.Section handling Lessons 5 and 16

    4. i. This consists of training the section with the L.M.G.t will take the form of exercises designed to repro-duce conditions of battle. The duties of all membersof the section will be practised.ii. The supposed direction of the enemy will always beindicated. In section handling the position of theinstructor will be that of the section commander inbattle until he has given orders. He will thenresume the role of instructor and move aboutchecking faults by questioning the section.

    5. The section will normally fight equipped as follows:Sec. Comdr.-T.M.C. 6 T.M.C. mags., 2 L.M.G.mags., wirecutters, matchet, whistle .. . .. . 6S lbs.No. Rifieman.-Rifle No. 3, bayonet, S rds.S.A.A., 4 L.l\lf.G. mags. ... ... ... ... 61lbs.No. 1 Bomber.-Rifle bayonet, S rds. S.A.A.,2 36 grenades, 2 smoke grenades, 1 L.M.G. mag. 60 lbs .No. 2 Rifieman.-Rifle bayonet, S rds. S.A.A.,4 L.l\lf.G. mags. ... ... .. . ... .. . 6llbs.No. 2 Bomber.-Rifle bayonet, S rds. S.A.A.,2 36 grenades, 3 L.M.G. ma gs. .. . . .. .. . 60 lbs.2 ifc Sec .-Rifle bayonet, 50 rds. S.A.A.,

    2 L.M.G. mags., 2 smoke grenades . . . . 61 lbs.No. 1 Bren.-L.l\lf.G. 50 rds. S.A.A., 4 L.M.G.mags. in basic pouches, spare parts wallet ... 75lbs.No. 2 Bren.-Rifle bayonet, 50 rds. S.A.A.,4 L.M.G. m ags . in basic pouches, 2 utilitypouches .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . 63lbs.Notes.-i. S.A .A. will be carried in bandoliers if available.

    ii Equipment and weapons carried should be variedto suit the particular operation in hand. For

    37patrol work and ot her special duties, consider-able modifications will be necessary.

    iii The above figures regarding ammunition are given as aguide, i.e. dependent on the situation.iv. During movement the immediate S.A.A. supply islimited to that carried by the section. Normally anindividual should not carry more than four maga-zines, except for short distances. In addition, the350 rounds for the rifles can, in an emergency, befilled into the magazines.v. The following are . the duties in connection withammunition supply(a) No. will use one of the four magazines whichhe is carrying for the initial loading of the gun.The two remaining magazines will be kept asa reserve for use in an emergency.b) No. 2 will at all times keep the gun supplied withammuniti< ll. He will place himself as near thegun position as cover will allow, so that be cancarry out his duties of ammunition supplywith the minimum movement and exposure,or, if required, act as a rifleman. He willcollect full magazines from other members ofthe section and place them in his set of utilitypouches within reach of No. 1 As furtherammunition is required, No. 2 will collect moremagazines in the other set of utility pouches.Empty magazines will be redistributed by himto the section.vi. Magazines should be refilled as opportunity offers .

    6. Sections should be frequently exercised in Section Handling (Movement and Defence) under their commanders. Theground for section handling must be constantly changed andtraining made progressive.LESSON 15.-SECTION HANDLING MOVEMENT)Instructor s notes

    Stores :i. Gttn with sling and magazine on ; magazines ; J allet ;utility pouches. Magazines should be in the equtpmentof the section.Fatiguemen with rifle and blank S.A.A.m. Fatigueman with ciummy screen, or silhouette figuretargets placed in position.The lesson should be carried ot1t on rough ground.It is essential that if jatiguemen are used they must be

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    ISfully rehearsed and that the instructor should have his situationsprepared. Suitable targetsmay be used in lieu of atiguemen.The instntctor should be fu .lly conversant with the lectureon section handling , page 34.He should criticize the actions of the riflemen first . Whencriticizing the actions of the gunner, the remainder of thesection should be called to the side of gun.Should the gun be detached from the section the riflemenshould follow in order to benefit from any criticisms madeby the instructor on the actions of the gunner andjor hisassistant. The instructor should bring out faults made byquestioning the whole section.

    I . Explaini The purpose of this lesson is to practise all members ofthe section in their duties during movement. Allmembers of the section will be practised by interchange of duties.ii. General Notes, para. 6, as applicable.iii . The organization of the section. Para. 5 pages 36, 37.)

    2. Instructor, acting as section commander, gives a simplesituation dealing with the whereabouts of the-enemy, thegeneral line of advance, sections on right and left.3. Method of conducting :-The section advances ove r the area selected for the exercisein a formation suitable to the ground and tactical situation.Signal for a pre-arranged situation to be presented andorder the section to take cover.Give a fire control order, suitable for the target, and oneor two switch targets.Check and comment where necessary on the actions takenby each rifleman.With riflemen round the gun, deal with the actions ofthe gunner and No . 2.Re-allot duties within the section and repeat as necessary.4. As proficiency increases, more difficult situations shouldbe introduced includingOrdering gun forward, covered by riflemen.Gun cove ring riflemen forward.Gas.Casualties this should not be neglected as it calls for quickthinking and initiative on the part of the individual,particularly when the gunner and section commander becomecas ualties).This lesson will require frequent repetition. t shouldnever be carried ?ut by the same secti on over the same ground .

    39LESSON 16.-SECTION HANDLING DEFENCE)

    Instructor s 110 esStores.-Gun with magazin e on ; holdall complete ; maga-zine in eqt,ipment; S.A .A. box : uti lity pouches ; t1ipod ;camouflage; fatiguemen or sui table targets.The grotmd must be selected befo1ehand and the situationsprepared.Attention is drawn to Instructor s notes, L e s s o ~ 15.1. ExplainThe purpose of this lesson is to exercise the section in itsduties during defence. Th is lesson mu st be continuallyvaried and the set sequence given in paras. 3, 4, 5, below, notadhered to slavishly.The changes in the duties of the various numbers of th esection are as followsNo . 2 will be in a position close to the gun from whichhe can assist No. 1 in every way possible.Remaining numbers duties are the sam e as for movement.2. Instructor, acting as section commander, reconnoitresposition. Points out gun position and alteiT).atiYe position.Orders section to occupy position and indicates direction of

    enemy, neighbouring sections, arc of fire and referencepoints.3. Bipod roleOrders section to stand down . Posts sentry and arrangesfor pre-arranged situation to be presented. Gives fi re controlorder. Checks and comments briefly on the actions of eachmember of the section.4. Tripod role and fixed linesExplain that, after an action as above, orders are receivedto prepare the gun for fi..xed lines. Details of the fire planand the positions of neighbouring defended localities aredescribed.Point out the defended locality or area to be protectedand the position in which the gun is to be mounted.No. 2 sets up the tripod.As section commander, order No. 1 to lay the fixed line astaught, in the meantime questioning the section on fixed lines.. Explain that it is advisable to complete all arrangementsJUst before dark, so that the aim and safety angle can bechecked. Features which are likely to stand out in thefailing light, and which may assist in maintaining direction,must be noted during daylight .On the call for fire, rapid and slow fire will beas ordered in brigade, et c., orders.

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    40To be e.tfective, fire must be produced immediately thesignal calling for it is given. Arrangements should be madeto replenish at once ammunition so expended.Instructor explains that it is now dusk, and orders sectionto " stand to . Instructor checks fixed line and safety angle.Orders section to stand down, explains that darkness hasfallen and posts two sentries. Signal for pre-arrangedsituation to be presented.

    Check and co=ent , with special emphasis on thefollowing :-Action of sentries.Was fire opened immediately ?Was the correct type of fire used ?Action of the section.

    Note. As fire must be opened immediately when a call forfire goes up, one sentry should perform this duty at once.5. Tripod role it forward posts i.e. guns not protec tedfrom the front :-Explain that in the most forward posts guns will be givenarcs of fire covering the main approach to their position.At night or in conditions of bad visibility where the mainapproach is narrow, guns can be suitably employed by firingfrom the tripod, using the traversing stops. In this role,fire will be under the control of the section co=a:nder.Point out the approa ch or ar< on which fire is to be broughtto bear, indicating the limits of the traverse.No. 2 sets up the tripod.

    As section co=ander , order No. I to lay on the approachor limits of arc.Explain that the section co=ander will decide, accordingto the situation, whether the gun will remain on the tripodafter dark or be used in the bipod role until he orders it onto the tripod.

    Fig. 20.

    .8 I