Hood number

[Eric B]

Hello Folks

I have been collecting WW2 CDN Jeep data for a number of years and have been to the CDN archives numerous times.

Jeep WD numbers generally start off in the CM116 range and then go all the way up to CM82.

We received blocks of WD from the British numbers and were given more as needed. At one point they stopped using the 116 numbers and moved up to a higher number, so even though we were assigned certain blocks, not all of these would have been used up. Jeeps were also included with other Car 5cwt's, which were predominently staff cars.

We also traded vehicles with the British. Pertaining to a memo, those that were transfered ownership would have had the C removed if traded to the British or the C added if it came to Canadian ownership. If it was on loan then the C would remain or not be added.

I also have some WD numbers that do not meet the standard seven numbers system.

So the answer to your question is that yes this number could be athentic. I do have one in the same range on file (CM4421919).

I am always looking for new infomeration and will follow up on this so that i can add this WD number to my file.


thanks
Eric

[Ed Storey]

You should have asked about the two 3/4 ton US 'Beep' Weapons Carriers, how documented are they!? Of course then there is the question about lettering styles used on Canadian vehicles, the use tyre pressure markings and the painting styles of vehicle formation signs...all good nit picky stuff.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Thanks Eric, it’s always good to learn something new, census numbers and I have been limited to Kangaroos and Churchill tanks for sometime now, the nature of the beast I guess.

Cheers

[Mark W. Tonner]

Some photos from Library and Archives Canada showing a range of census numbers used on Canadian jeeps:

(left to right)

Photo 1 (CM 4230213) - Troopers of the Three Rivers Regiment in a jeep, England, 22 July 1942.
Credit: Lieut. C.E. Nye/Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada/PA-213504

Photo 2 (CM 116 . . .?) - A jeep ambulance of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (R.C.A.M.C.) bringing in two wounded Canadian soldiers on the Moro River front south of San Leonardo di Ortona, Italy, 10 December 1943
Credit: Lieut. Frederick G. Whitcombe/Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada/PA-180097

Photo 3 (CM 4233488) - An ambulance jeep of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (R.C.A.M.C.), Vaucelles, France, 20 July 1944
Credit: Lieut. Ken Bell/Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada/PA-129031

Photo 4 (M 5826948) - Two unidentified corporals of the 2nd Provost Company, Canadian Provost Corps (C.P.C.), exchanging notes on the hood of their jeep in the Reichswald, Germany, 20 March 1945.
Credit: Lieut. Ken Bell/Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada/PA-140123

Photo 5 (CM 4232803) - Personnel of the British Columbia Regiment with a jeep, near Brasschaet, Belgium, 14 October 1944.
Credit: Lieut. Michael M. Dean/Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada/PA-151371

Cheers

[Eric B]

Hello folks

Yes Ed is correct in wondering about the US Dodge's in CDN markings. There has been previous posts on that issue. I beleive most concluded that we never used them. I can't remember if they were part of the US lend-lease to Britain, in which case there is a possibility. Not a good vehicle to steal as it would not be easy to disguise as CDN.

There was even a post on CDN APT's which was debated if they were ever used in Europe during the war.

Ed... did i see 2nd Div vehicle markings and a 3 Div shoulder patch?

I am checking with the owner of the jeep to determine where he obtained the data, more for me to be able to add another CDN Jeep WD number to my list.

As for the markings. There is such a wide range. Orders might specify one thing and then photos show you something completely different.

I.e.The WD numbers were to be painted in so not to reflect a stencil, but photos show both, and in different styles of stenciling as well. Nicknames were not to be added, but again you can see some photos proving that wrong and the list goes on and on and on and on. etc.

Of course all of this makes the hobby very interesting.

At least the vehicles, equipment, uniforms and markings all reflect the right era.

Regardless of errors its nice to see a CDN unit being honoured in such a way.

If anybody picks anything else up i will advise them in a diplomatic way.

Eric

[M38CDNBill]

Hello All,

Additional picture of a Canadian jeep with the hood number CM5584352



Cheers

[Ed Storey]

Looks like tyre pressure markings on the vehicle as well as all of the other usual markings. Does anyone know the supply chian of how Jeeps would get to the Canadian Army in the field?