Assistance with CDN unit marking...

[Brian H]

Thanks Dan. Would it have been normal practise to paint those unit designations on a leather jerkin?

Rob, now looking at it...I now agree it looks like 133 COY.

Cheers,
Brian

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by Brian H

Thanks Dan. Would it have been normal practise to paint those unit designations on a leather jerkin?

Beats me. You can never tell what tribal customs any individual unit might of had. Possibly used to identify an specific traffic control person at a crossroads used by multiple units? (Figuring this out is going to be a part of your journey of discovery.)

I have learned that 133 Transport Company (M) was the Hamilton RCASC unit. Still looking in to what the white serial '6' was for.

Cheers,
Dan.

[Dan Martel]

Brian,

I've looked at what I have on the subject and still can't find a reason for the white serial '6' on the unit sign. Serial numbers on a unit sign were allotted only for field units of the Regular Army. Militia units were not allocated serial numbers but were to have a 2 inch white stripe along the top of the rectangle with the abbreviated unit title in 1-1/2 inch black letters. I can only think that the serial '6' is locally applied and unofficial.

The rectangles for the vehicle unit sign were to be 9-1/2 inches wide by 8-1/2 inches high if applicable. If not then 7 inches wide by 5 inches high. I don't have a size for what the serial number should be.

I've also learned that 133 Transport Company paraded out of Burlington Street Armoury in Hamilton. I can't say if this armoury still exists.

I hope all of this helps.

Cheers,
Dan.

[Brian H]

Thanks Dan for you all your assistance. Everything seems to fit into place (except the white 6) for the 133 Company RCASC. I picked this up from a collector in the Hamilton area so the pieces all fit.

I can say, 133 Coy RCASC is now the 31 Service Battalion (and previously 23 SB), and now parade out of CFRB Hamilton...same location as HMCS Star.

[Jon Skagfeld]

In Toronto there was 5 Column RCASC based out of the long gone University Armouries.

The connotation to 5th column caused a few ill feelings amongst the local militia units.