Communication unit markings
 

Hello

Not about wireless equipment but looking for Communications Unit markings.

My 1967 M38A1 was 2nd Canadian Signals Squadron. Looking for the white number that would have gone on top of the Blue and white square. Also any vehicle photos of the same time period.

I beleive Jon Skagfeld indicated he was in this unit.

My 1974 M151A2 was 1st CDN Mobile Brigade Group Signals Squadron. Looking for vehicle markings that would have gone with the NATO black rectangle with the bolt of lightning inside it. Any vehicle photos would be appreciated as well.

Thanks

Eric

As white numerals over a white background would be difficult to discern, Signals units have RED numbers on a white over blue, horizontally divided background.

What that particular number is for your specific application, someone else will have to answer that. :confused

oops...yes red number
 

Tony

Yes you are correct it is a red number.

Don't know how that happened as i was staring at a vehicle marking when i wrote it. :doh:

I guess i am use to infantry markings. :no4:

thanks :salute:

Eric

Unita markings
 

Hello

Jon has advised me that he was only attached to the 2nd Canadian Signals Squadron. However the unit markings were white over blue with NO number. There was a white strip, about 6" long x about 1 1/2" high, which had the abbreviation stencilled in red, 2 CDN Sig Sqn.

Thanks

Eric

Photos are part of the Laurier Collection. CFB Borden Unit on training in Gagetown NB in 1957. Just an example to show photos of Comm Unit markings.

The communications decals were still in the supply system a decade or so back. I think I have a few examples downstairs if you want the exact size.

Attachment 57305

Attachment 57306

These are the two that I photoed at the museum in Kingston. Both my vehicles are 2 ABN Sigs Sqn. circa 1967. The white number would be 1 and it would be red. I had my decal shop make me some. I can see if they still have it on the computer and make some more up, if you want.

Attachment 57310

Attachment 57309

Attachment 57307

Attachment 57308
Here's a couple of shots of my trucks with temporary magnetic markings.

Also, where did you find the photos from the Laurier collection and were there any more?

Here's a couple more I had.
Attachment 57311

Attachment 57312

If anyone is wanting to make a 3/4 ton line vehicle like Dano has shown in the post above, I have the left side table with handle languishing in the backyard. $20, local pickup only. Negotiable. Someone buy it please.

Eric,

According to Annex F "Vehicle Unit Signs" of CAMT 1-36, Volume 3, Staff Duties in the Field, 1963, the number allocated to the brigade group signal squadron was "1". This number was used by the signal squadron on the white over blue sigs AoS, the brigade group headquarters on a red rectangle, the headquarters LAD over the RCEME AoS and the intelligence unit on a black rectangle.

There's no indication as to what colour the numeral was to be, but I'd go with the photographic evidence provided.

I also recall, in my youth, seeing vehicles marked with the AoS surmounted by white strip upon which the unit designation was stenciled. But this was in the late 60's, just prior to the disappearance of the traditional army type vehicle insignia and the introduction of the full colour, door mounted, CF pineapple decal. I think such things as vehicle markings were in a state of flux at the time.

Cheers,
Dan.

Attachment 57349

Attachment 57351

Attachment 57350

A couple of pics of the M-38A1 from Kingston.

Hello Dano and Dan

Thanks for the replies.

Here is the link for the Sir Wilfred Laurier U Library digital collection.

There are more Communications vehicle photos on line.

http://images.ourontario.ca/Laurier/...military&st=kw



I have seen the vehicles at the Sig Museum. Markings were not correct on all of the vehicles.

It was my understanding that the 1 indicated 1st CDN Sigs Regt and that 2 was for the 2nd CDN Sig Regt?

Dan, any possibility of getting a photo copy of Annex F "Vehicle Unit Signs" of CAMT 1-36, Volume 3 ? Or scan e-mail to cmpmagazine@hotmail.com.

Rob Measurements would be nice to have.
Thanks

Eric

The 1 was for the 1st Div. Sigs regiment vehicles were numbered with 30. Not really sure why. I know the 1 is correct as we were posted to 2 Sigs in Petawawa in the mid to late 60s. I have a few pictures of my Dad on the drop zone with vehicles that would have been attached to 2 Sigs. Also a shot of the sign from in front of the HQ and Sigs building with MobCom on the left and the white over blue with the number 1 on top.

Re: Laurier pictures of military vehicles.

Fifth down, Signal Centre, at the entrance, shows an AoS of white over blue with red 40 in the centre. The Div sign could be blue, that would make it HQ 2 Div Sigs.

That was a wartime marking. Odd that it would be used in 1957.

Perhaps an old-timer SQMS had it squirreled away in his Stores?

Sent you a transcript of it this morning.

What needs to be remembered is that at different periods after the war the Canadian Army (Regular) was organized first as a brigade, then as a division and then as brigade groups. Each change would have changed the serials on a vehicle's AoS as the situation dictated.

The appendix I quoted for my answer, from 1963, was for the period the Army was organized into brigade groups (1958-66), each group using identical serials. During the period the Army had a divisional organization (circa 1954-58), divisional serials would have been used and I don't think that they would have differed greatly from those used in the Second World War.

Also remember that the Reserves were organized into six divisions during the 50's, four infantry and two armoured, along with the troops required for two corps. Who knows how many different serials, of all kinds, were being used during this time.

It's a good field for study, with lots of answers yet to be found.

Cheers,
Dan.

marking info
 

Hello Dan

Thanks for the info, both on MLU and the e-mail.

Yes the 1960 - 70 era is challenging when it comes to vehicle markings.

There was definetly an overlap in some markings. As Jon noticed there were even WW2 era style markings in 1957.

Before i put any numbers on mine i will wait to get things confirmed, as it is 1967 and later the 1963 orders might be outdated.

I still have some time, as i have the frame to clean up before i start the assembly.

If you noticed, the 1967 M38A1 at the Communications Museum has 1966 plates and Div markings. For 1967, I beleive it should have Mobile Command and DND plates.

If anybody is interested for the Dodge M series there was an order to put the CFR on the drivers side along the top edge of the cab when the spare tire was mounted on the door.

Thanks

Eric