1953 M37CDN Paint Complete

[Clint Tauber]

The markings were very carefully uncovered, measurements taken, and replicated as closely as possible. The doors had the remains of a triangle, a square, a circle, and a diamond, all in white, so it belonged to different squadrons during its career. Any information about the markings would be welcomed, I would love to know what the “51” means.

[Ed Storey]

You were indeed fortunate that you had surviving markings to document and wise to accurately replicate them on your nicely restored M37CDN. The "51" means that the vehicle was assigned to an armoured regiment. The British inspired tactical markings are intended to be somewhat mystifying and were changed on occasion with those used by the post-war Canadian being especially challenging to decipher decades afterwards.

Do you have the CFR and serial number for your M37CDN?

[Clint Tauber]

Originally Posted by Ed Storey

You were indeed fortunate that you had surviving markings to document and wise to accurately replicate them on your nicely restored M37CDN. The "51" means that the vehicle was assigned to an armoured regiment. The British inspired tactical markings are intended to be somewhat mystifying and were changed on occasion with those used by the post-war Canadian being especially challenging to decipher decades afterwards.

Do you have the CFR and serial number for your M37CDN?

53-41226. I don’t remember my serial number offhand. I know a little bit about the WW2 British markings, if they are similar to Canadian markings, “51” would signify the senior Armoured regt. in the formation, right? But photos don’t seem to support this, I have seen many vehicles marked with only a “5” on the RCAC flash. The hood markings were repainted a few times, and they were indeed painted, not decals. Then they were completely painted over and a Mobile Command decal replaced the old style formation sign. The only marking I couldn’t replicate was something on the driver’s side front bumper, possibly a yellow box or something similar. It had been damaged too much to figure out what it was. I am overjoyed to have been so fortunate in uncovering my truck’s 1950’s era markings! I know it’s a rare thing.

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by Clint Tauber

Any information about the markings would be welcomed, I would love to know what the “51” means.

Clint,

When the field forces of the Canadian Army were organized as a Division, the tactical serials allocated to the armoured regiments were as follows:

50 - The Royal Canadian Dragoons (1st Armoured Regiment)
51 - Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (2nd Armoured Regiment)
52 - 1/8th Canadian Hussars

In 1958 when the field forces were reorganized as Brigade Groups, the tactical serial became a '5' which signified an armoured regiment in an infantry brigade group. All of the armoured regiments carried the same serial '5' whether in Germany or Canada.

This lasted till about 1970 when the system of tactical markings went from the British to a new and low vis system.

Cheers,
Dan.

[Clint Tauber]

Originally Posted by Dan Martel

Clint,

When the field forces of the Canadian Army were organized as a Division, the tactical serials allocated to the armoured regiments were as follows:

50 - The Royal Canadian Dragoons (1st Armoured Regiment)
51 - Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (2nd Armoured Regiment)
52 - 1/8th Canadian Hussars

In 1958 when the field forces were reorganized as Brigade Groups, the tactical serial became a '5' which signified an armoured regiment in an infantry brigade group. All of the armoured regiments carried the same serial '5' whether in Germany or Canada.

This lasted till about 1970 when the system of tactical markings went from the British to a new and low vis system.

Cheers,
Dan.

Thank you 🙏🏼!!! Now I can tell people my truck was with Lord Strathcona’s Horse, and yes it did also have just a “5” painted on at one point. The “51” was repainted at least twice.

[Clint Tauber]

I have one more question, why are all of my tac signs white? It had the triangle, square, diamond, and I believe a circle at different times. All were in white. Shouldn’t Lord Stathcona’s Horse be yellow?

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by Clint Tauber

I have one more question, why are all of my tac signs white? It had the triangle, square, diamond, and I believe a circle at different times. All were in white. Shouldn’t Lord Stathcona’s Horse be yellow?

Clint,

There was a reason for different coloured squadron signs but I can't recall what they were. I don't know if the system was still in use after the War. I don't believe that individual regiments were allocated coloured squadron signs, but I'm always willing to be proven wrong.

While I'm here, I have to correct something I wrote earlier. The serial '5' in an infantry brigade group was allocated to the brigade reconnaissance squadron and not the armoured regiment. The armoured regiment was allocated serial '2'. Apologies for the error.

Cheers,
Dan.

[Clint Tauber]

Originally Posted by Dan Martel

Clint,

There was a reason for different coloured squadron signs but I can't recall what they were. I don't know if the system was still in use after the War. I don't believe that individual regiments were allocated coloured squadron signs, but I'm always willing to be proven wrong.

While I'm here, I have to correct something I wrote earlier. The serial '5' in an infantry brigade group was allocated to the brigade reconnaissance squadron and not the armoured regiment. The armoured regiment was allocated serial '2'. Apologies for the error.

Cheers,
Dan.

The pictures I have seen of Centurions from the 50’s show “41”, taken in West Germany around 1957. Others are marked “51” or “52”. I am beginning to think nothing is written in stone!

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by Clint Tauber

The pictures I have seen of Centurions from the 50’s show “41”, taken in West Germany around 1957. Others are marked “51” or “52”. I am beginning to think nothing is written in stone!

Clint,

If you have a photograph of a Canadian Centurion with the serial '41' on an arm of service rectangle, or know where I could find one, I would very much like to see it. During 1957 the RCD was the armoured regiment in Germany. It was the year the brigade tank strength was increased from a squadron to a regiment.

Cheers,
Dan.