Firefly tank

[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.

[Jack Geratic]

So can it be confirmed that no air recognition star was painted on the turret top or engine deck?

There is also this photo (which I think is "Chaser") and has what looks to be a white painted ammo box attached to the .50 cal gun. Was this some form of recognition?



Doesn't seem to be an isolated case either, as it seen on a FGH firefly nicknamed 'Death Takes A Holiday' and this photo:



regards,
Jack

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Jack,

The white painted ammo can was used in vehicles like the Fox armoured car where it was part if the internal stowage, hence the white colour.

Hanno

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by John McGillivray

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

What a nice looking Sherman, all clean and unscuffed. Notice the trick with a single loose roadwheel inside the track to feed it smoothly onto the sprocket.

[motto (RIP)]

They are removing the track from that Sherman. The driver is following instructions from the fellow in front and the road wheels are positioned so as when the end of the track comes of the sprocket it can be rolled out flat without locking into the section on the ground.
From my limited experience, the easy way to get a track on is to use another vehicle and a cable to pull it over the sprocket or return rollers. I wonder how these fellows did it?

David