Firefly tank

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Jack Geratic

Any ideas what the numbering scrawled on the front here represents - loading info or was this something the Germans put on after this Vc was knocked out?

Jack, the numbers on the co-driver's hatch indeed look like loading information indicating which landing craft it should be stowed on.

Hanno

[Ed Storey]

It looks like the complete loading code is

1044/1/716

[servicepub (RIP)]

The first set of numbers, i.e., 1044, is always the Unit Serial. This number is used in a variety of official uses, including the War Diary and is established under Canadian Army General Orders.
As many units only received their Shermans shortly before the invasion it is not unusual to see these without markings.
C

[Bob Cohoon]

I think it was standard practice for censors to paint out squadron markings in photographs released for the public

[Jack Geratic]

Thanks everyone, great job in figuring out the exact number sequence.

I don't think though the photo stills that I'm referring to, http://www.britishpathe.com/video/d-...an+perspective are an example of censored markings, as this was a film made by the Germans after the actions of June 7th.

regards,
Jack

[John McGillivray]

Here are the landing craft serials for SFR. Note that serial 1716 consist of one Sherman Vc, two Sherman III, two Humber scout cars, and 4 porpoises ; with three officers and 17 personnel.

Note that SFR was still training with Ram Tanks in late April 1944.

[John McGillivray]

I don't remember where I got this photo from, but it shows SFR with their new Shermans.