[servicepub (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Roddy1011

A. DND Numbers most likely used only in Canada. If they were noted in the UK, this was prob due to not having been removed...

DND numbers were only used in Canada. I have never seen a DND number on a UK-based Ram

B. CT Numbers were applied in the factories after early agreement with UK.

NO. WD Census numbers were accepted by CMHQ in London and the factory/DND had no say in this. The factory would be made aware of the numbering system i use overseas and would probably have applied a brass tag to the steering column (or its equivalent). They would need to know in order to ensure that vehicles could be identified for maintenance and upgrade purposes.

C. Some vehs (Rams) sported the SKC serials in the UK, but only early on.

Only the Skink sported an "SKC" number. Rams sported TKC numbers which, in my belief, represents a Tank Control Number. This TKC was used solely for the benefit of the factory. The TKC number was painted on at the factory. Once DND in Canada, or CMHQ in London, accepted the vehicle, their DND or CT number was applied. Although the TKC number should have been removed at that time it was occasionally left on.

D. Within a short space of time all vehs conformed with overall UK numbering although as of mid-43, all Ram gun tanks added the figure T to the end of the veh serial to denote a Training Veh (and prior to issue of US Shermans)

Correct. Although there are a number of photos showing Rams without the "T" suffix

So the questions still un-answered are:

1. What was the DND System ? How did it work ? Are there any archives remaining to help us understand it.

Initially the numbering represented the year, followed by the sequential number of that vehicle coming into service; 36-0-27 was the 27th vehicle in 1936; 42-1-3574 was the 13,574th vehicle in 1942. At about 1942-43 the system changed but I have been unable to determine the rationale as of yet.

2. What was the SKC system ? How did it work and what knowledge also remains (although has been mentioned before here) ?

See my comments above

One has to now ask where would the best place be to try and answer these ques. The Canadian National Archives obviously (but unlikely to be on Microfilm ?). Also, would there be anything in the records of the various factories ? Indeed, where are these archives, in Ottawa ?

I continue to try to uncover this info but the records are sparse. I invite you to look at http://www.ramtank.ca/ramcensus.htm for some information and to surf through RamTank.ca for photos.
Clive