Firefly Markings

[MicS]

Originally Posted by Tim Bell

All

Am getting to the stage of thinking about what markings are correct for my Firefly and where they need to go.

Intention is to mark this as 21st Canadian Armoured Regt, correct for July 44 onwards (vehicle is known to have been struck off service with GGFG in June 45)

So, my thoughts based on period photos around are:

• Allied star in solid circle on engine deck
• T289477 census number on side in dark blue/black
• "51" in White on Red background for GGFG front and rear UK Driver side
• "4th Div Formation Sign" front and rear UK Passenger side
• Red Square on Turret Side and centre rear plate
• Shipping data on sides (I have photo for this)
• Tank name on sides (I have photo for this)
• Bridge plate in yellow on front UK driver side

Is this correct please?

If not what do I need to change?

Many thanks

Tim

Hi Tim,

I suppose that by "UK driver side" you mean the right side of the tank (i.e. the right side when looking at the tank from the rear)?

In any case, on GGFG tanks, and perhaps on all Canadian tanks if the Marking Instructions as per the links by Jack Geratic above were obeyed, the 51+Formation Sign combination should look the same when viewed from rear or from front, which means they should be on opposite sides rear and front:

- 51 on left, Fmn Sign on right on the front of the tank when facing it
- 51 on left, Fmn Sign on right on rear of tank when looking at the tank from the rear.

http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...45/220?r=0&s=6
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...45/221?r=0&s=6

See this photo of a GGFG tank crossing a ponton bridge at Elbeuf on 28 August 1944, where the 51 on the rear is on the "UK Passenger side":


Michel