Unit ID?
 

Hi

Posting pic from another Forum's thread for the owner. Real photo so maybe not seen before.

There isn't enough to be seen on the uniforms to really confirm the unit so I thought perhaps the markings might lend a clue.

Any thoughts? Any help appreciated.

regards
Darrell

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders?

Hi Michael

The leading and strongest possibility is Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders in Holland.

There just isn't enough in view on their uniforms and head dress to say for sure.

I thought perhaps there were records available by someone that could ID the unit through the carrier.

Thanks though. :)

regards
Darrell

Looking at the cloth shoulder title ... I wager it is closer to Glens as you suggest vs CH of Ottawa.

I am curious what one of the Dutch collectors who specializes in the Glens has to say. Message sent.

About the carrier ... another 1945 'war-time' or shortly after armistice image of the T16 in NWE, a Canadian unit. Note the single headlamp replaced with a MK-I* assembly, removal of the standard factory horn and siren? Also interesting to venture why the two gunner side engine cover access plates are off.

Although the driver has a magazine fitted to his STEN, the .50cal M2 is not loaded. The crew are not in battle gear. The woman peering out her front window does not appear overly concerned.

Is there a chance the picture could have been taken in England pre DDay? The large recognition star would be rather rate for an end of war photo. This could also explain the lack of battle order.

Any thoughts on the tactical marking of W5?

Why the T instead of CT census number? Are these guys stooging about in a British T-16? I agree though, the shoulder titles, apparently 'grey' division flashes and shape of the cap badge would indicate SDG Highlanders. Contrary to Jordan's pre D-Day suggestion, this photo has the look and feel of post war celebratory one. Another reason for thinking this is the tartan backing behind the badges on the balmorals. While you do see tartan backings behind Scottish and highland cap badges during the war, such bling was way more common just after.

I suspect the Glens by the uniform Dertails and this pic from Utrecht on June 6 1945 that was posted on MLU at
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?t=9799 notice the similarity of uniforms, the .50 mount on the front gunners plate and the similarity of T prefix census numbers in both style and placement.

Nice find Jason

At least I was partially correct around the DDay reference. :doh:

Nice find Darrell!

Many years ago it was thought the T16 was not used operationally during WW2, but research has proved it was.

See the thread Wartime pictures: T16 carrier and my T16 Universal Carrier web page with a section on The T-16 Carrier in use with the Canadian Army.

HTH,
Hanno

I'm also quite sure that these are Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders. And 100% sure that this picture was taken in Holland, typical Dutch houses.

W5 Marking
 

The W5 marking is not a tactical but an administrative marking that indicates where the vehicle falls within the unit order-of-march. The W indicates company/platoon, and 5 the vehicle number. This system was carried through on Canadian vehicles into the 1960s.