Correct Markings for Sherman Firefly
 

Following on the post about correct markings for the Stuart, hopefully I can get your advice on correct markings for my Sherman Firefly.

What do I know...

• Original USA Number - was painted rear sides.
• Original T Number - was painted middle sides
• Original Shipping Data - was painted on applique armour on the sides
• Original Shipping Data - was painted on Off-side transmission housing (ie not the Driver's side)
• Tank Name - Gaucho - was painted middle sides

From the original T Number, we know this vehicle finished up in June 1945 with Governor General Foot Guards... the history before then is not known.

Unfortunately there were no unit or divisional markings visible - however I know that these were removed post-war when the vehicles were demobbed - so this is not so much a surprise.

Moving forwards to a restored vehicle, I propose replacing all of the original markings (these have been photographed and will be remade as close to the original as possible).

Markings I believe should be there and I don't know what they should be or for definite where they should be... are:

• Unit Marking - Front and Rear Off Side
• Div Marking - Front and Rear Near Side (Driver's side)
• Bridge Plate - Centre Transmission cover
• Troop Marking - Each side of turret and centre rear of hull
• Allied Star - Engine Cover

For the restoration therefore, I am proposing to have these:

• T Number
• Shipping Data
• Tank Name
• Unit Marking
• Div Marking
• Bridge Plate
• Troop Marking
• Allied Star

Additional thoughts therefore...

• Unit Marking will be RED SQUARE with WHITE "51"
• Div Marking will be GREEN SQUARE with GOLD "MAPLE LEAF SYMBOL"
• Troop Marking will be.....

Questions therefore...

1. Is the above list correct to replace, or would certain of the above markings have been removed in theatre?
2. Are there any markings missing, or perhaps incorrectly located?
3. What should the Troop Marking be - shape and colour?

Any other advice on this would be most helpful please.

Original photos are here...

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=23489

Many thanks

Tim

Bridge disc position did vary, mine was on LH brake housing.

Troop markings were very unit specific as to size and location, best check photos for that.

Some air recognition stars were turret top mounted.

Squadron marking would be a Red (senior regt in brigade) hollow geometric symbol "usually" on the turret sides and rear, sometimes numbered sometimes not. IIRC these numbers meant an order of march?

HQ Diamond, A squadron Triangle pointing up, B squadron Square, C squadron Circle, (rarely) D squadron a solid rectangle standing on its narrow side.

Its a system thats pretty universal for Armour in 21st army group

would it have a T number or a CT number?

Very definitely a T number, not CT... as painted on the side of the vehicle... and backed up by the documentary evidence from the Canadian archives.

Tim

Adrian

Thanks - I will check the pics a bit more to then make a decision on these elements.

As long as the other items are good to be going on with, then am happy.

Cheers

Tim