Also known as “LP1 Carrier (Aust), the Australian production was similar to the British Universal Carrier but welded with some minor differences. About 60 were sent to North Africa in 1940 and saw action in North Africa, Greece and Palestine. In all, 160 LP1 carriers were built by Victorian Railways at their vast Newport workshops in Melbourne.

They were not successful as the engine overheated, there was a shortage of spare parts and break wear was excessive. Although problematic, much was learnt from the experience, and a new design was produced, which corrected many of the inherent faults of this first model.

The Australian Tank Attack Platoon used the Bren Gun Carriers for gun tows, ammunition carriers, and troop carriers for the Command support teams and rifle sections.