South Alberta M3 Command track....

[jdmcm]

When I see stories like this and especially reuniting the vetrans with their vehicles and the poignant ties to actual world history, I realize why this pursuit can be both sobering and rewarding...few other "hobbies" can realize that same result...outstanding work to all involved with the SAR halftrack...and really to everyone who literally keeps history alive

[Robert McCue]

Good afternoon,

Thanks for the kind words John.

I have attached a photo and an excerpt from the SAR War Diary reference the markings used by the SAR, and a still from a Wartime video of the "elusive" rear of the Halftrack.

We were looking for this info during the restoration and have only recently found the answers we were looking for. It has been an amazing experience to dig and find out these little mysteries.

The Regimental Tactical Markings were to be marked in white according to the Standing Orders of the day for an Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment. The actual wartime photos of the halftrack showed the diamond of RHQ was painted in something other than white as it appeared a different shade then the Allied Star. We surmised that it may have been blue, as we had seen a training film of the SAR's with Ram Tanks with blue tactical markings. The war diary was able to provide the answer. The Regiment was directed to over wash the white with green paint to dull the conspicuous markings from observation and aiming.

I was also told by Sgt Ken Armstrong that the Halftrack was never painted Khaki and Black, he thinks it was painted in two tones with a Khaki and a Dark Green coloring.

4th Cdn Armoured Division standing orders in 1943/44 showed vehicles that were painted in disruptive camoflauge should be done in green and Black colors, so we followed the standing orders.

So it may require some additional painting to bring it back to its true form.

It looks like we finally have a view of how the chorehorses and signals wire was carried in purpose built racking. We will need to correct the back of the vehicle to match the wartime photos as well.

Even years after restoration we continue to learn more about the vehicle.

Cheers,

Rob McCue