ID on WW2 Bofors gun manufacturer "M & A"

[Darkman]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me who the manufacturer of monogram code "M & A" was on WW2 Bofors guns? Breech casing name plates typically marked:
"Breech casing No. 1 * (star), 1942, M & A"

Being from Australia I had always thought this referred to the Maribrynong Ordnance Factory in Melbourne. However on a recent visit to the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth, London, I noticed their gun was made by M & A.

There are quite a few M & A guns in Australia, as well as Canadian "OFE Co" (Otis-Fensom Elevator Co.) guns.

Also do any knowledgeable Aussies know what the locally made code was?

Thanks,

Graeme
Ballarat, Vic

 

[maxwell smart]

I believe that the code'"M&A"on British-built Bofors guns refers to the firm of Nuffield Mechanisation & Aero, which was set up by William Morris (Lord Nuffield) to produce military material for the British armed forces. Along with Crusader tanks, Nuffields produced more than half of the Bofors guns made in the UK during World War 2. The Nuffield Bofors were made at their Gosford St, Coventry plant.

Other British producers were ROF Newport; ROF Nottingham; and Baker Perkins Westwood works.

 

[Darkman]

Thanks for the response. Very good information.

 

[maxwell smart]

No worries Darkman, sorry I can't answer the second part of your original post.

If you get a chance, google "Westwood works at war".

This is a really interesting story of the Baker Perkins firm and how they switched from producing commercial baking equipment to various complicated military items - really gives an insight into the skill and ingenuity of the engineers of the time.

 

[maxwell smart]

I did a google search for "Maribyrnong Ordnance Factory codes" and the listing on Ian Skennerton's site archives seems to suggest "MO" or possibly "ME" as codes for Maribyrnong. The cartridge factory at Footscray was "MF", while the rifle/Bren/Vickers gun Factory at Lithgow NSW was "MA"