History, technical details and pictures

Universal Bren Carrier N°2 Mk I history

The British Army realizes at the beginning of the Second World War, it has no vehicle for reconnaissance and infantry support effective enough. The British military engineers will then receive the mission to build a new vehicle able to fulfill this role.

Thus in 1940 the first models were built and were quickly engaged in the allied armed forces which wish to develop this vehicle. Its modus operandi is simple: to provide to the infantry a fast vehicle able to protect soldiers from small arms fire and at the same time to provide heavy fire.

The rectangular shape of the Universal Bren Carrier allows to transport 5 people who can open fire from the inside. A Bren heavy machine gun (hence the name "Bren Carrier") may be carried in a specially designed structure.

In other cases, the Universal Bren vehicle can carry equipment or intervene with one 81 mm mortar or an anti-tank weapon.

The Universal Bren Carrier was highly appreciated for its great mobility and speed. It was used on all fronts of the Second World War.

Universal Bren Carrier N°2 Mk I sheet

Country creator/user: Great Britain
Name: Carden Loyd Universal Carrier N°2 Mk I

Lenght: 3,75 m
Width: 2,10 m
Height: 1,60 m
Weigth: 4250 kg
Maximum speed: 51 km/h
Range: 256 km

Armament: 7,7 mm Bren machine gun

Engine: Ford gazoline 8-cylinder, 85 hp 2 800 rpm

Crew: 5

Shield: 12 mm