Locally Manufactured Bren & Vickers Machine Gun Mountings in Hong Kong

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.