UC identification number

[bauduin]

Hello,
I noticed on my carrier (UC MkI*) that there is an identification number stamped on the angle bar fixing the rear upper plate, on the left side.
Does anyone know the signification of this number?
Thanks,
Raphael

[alleramilitaria]

i think its a part number for that part, you will find nearly every part on your U/C will have them.

[bauduin]

No, it's not a part number. I have the part list catalog and this number is not in it. Furthermore, part numbers are often preceded by TL or CTL and here, there is only a number.
The number is stamped manually as the characters are not aligned. I also have the wreck of an other canadian carrier and the number is different.
Could it be a carrier serial number different from the army registration number?
Raphael

[Stewart Loy]

Raphael,

You are correct - the number stamped into the ironwork at the left rear of the Carrier is the hull number.

This number is different from the serial number, which may also have been painted on the sides and rear of the machine.

My Carrier had the serial number cut off to allow the driver a better field of view, so I started an small registry to try to find a correlation between the hull number and serial number of MkII Carriers. The correlation was not strong, and I guessed quite a bit to arrive at a serial number for my machine.

I don't recall whom had taken on the Peter Ford work of documenting this sort of thing - perhaps it has slipped under the waves ...



Stewart

[rob love]

There are actually three numbers on the Cdn carriers, as well as the CT number (which was more of a registration number) which could be found on the front armor, and this was often painted on the sides of the carriers, although domestically, one of the two forms of the DND numbers were more likely to be applied.
There was a serial number located on the front armor, a hull number located on the angle iron at the rear left of the lower hull, and another number (the body number)on the left side of the angle iron going across the division plate (number located just behind the drivers head).
Because the carriers were mechanically assembled without their upper armor, and the armour added afterwards, these three serial numbers varied from being just a few out during early production, to usually being several hundred out by mid production. Early carriers also had some variation, as some of the numbers were on a large serial plate located on the front right fender, instead of it being on the front armour.
I may not have all the names for these numbers correct, but they were well documented by Peter Ford's old Infoex.

[Snowtractor]

Because most people are right handed. I obviously can't confirm this but try hand stamping on the right rear angle , on the side where the driver is would seem to make sense, but no, left side it is.
Sean

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

I've seen Peter's carrier section, and may even have a paper copy someplace. When he died, I talked to his daughter about continuing his work, but she indicated strongly that the family was going to take over the task. I've heard nothing since, and I shall contact them shortly.

[rob love]

"on the left side of the angle iron going across the division plate (number located just behind the drivers head). "

I meant co-driver/gunners head of course. How embarrasing that I have to modify my post this way for all to see, rather than just sneak in the change. Guess I could just read my posts before hitting the submit reply button.

[bauduin]

Sorry for my neophyte question but who was Peter Ford every body seems to know? Is his work available on line?
I have the same problem as Stewart. I have recovered the hull serial number and would like to recover the registration number which desappeared with the upper plates of my carrier. Is there any chance?

Raphael

[rob love]

Raphael :
Peter was a loveable old goat who had been in to the CMPs long before they were fashionable. He had attempted to correlate all known Canadian produced vehicles into a big index. In it he would list vehicles by owner, index them by serial numbers, include contract numbers, engine numbers, hull numbers etc.....
Peter died suddenly of a heart attack after a long trip out east. His passing was a shock to all, and I always feel like I am missing an important stop when I pass through Saskatoon.

[Nigel Watson]

Hi everyone, snow away yet? Can we come out to play?

The carrier numbers which everyone is talking about are:
1. Serial No., WD NO., Manufacturer, Production Date and Proof marks (All normally stamped on edge armour infront of driver).
2. Upper Hull No. (Usually starting CB, stamped in large letters/numerals on the upper face of the angle iron that supports the bulkhead behind the commanders head!)
3. Lower Hull No. (Stamped in similar letters/numerals to 2. but on the upper face of the angle iron which supports the rear vertical armour plate and the rear horizontal differential cover)

These are the normal positions for MkI*, MkII* aand MkIII* carriers. Positions did vary and on the Bren carriers were different.
I have not come across any link between the Hull numbers and the Serial Numbers which would help id carriers unfortunately. Because these various numbers were assigned by the War Department and the various Manufacturers there doesn't seem to be any correlation. What I do have though for our Canadian friends is a list of WD nos related to Serial Nos related to Canadian Regiments related to type of track fitted. These numbers go from CT 29002 - CT 43197 (There are some missing along the list) The serial nos go from 502 -1617 (These miss out some so not all are consecutive). If you have a carrier with the WD No (CT No) in this band I can tell you the details.

Am just away to our Crankup Event, the first of the season. Without a vehicle for the first time! Carrier has been asked for the centre piece of the Scottish Model Exhibition in a weeks time so should hopefully be in some of the Model mags.

Nigel