Lazy D markings...cyprus vehicles

[Dan Martel]

Dave,

I have a theory about the use of red and yellow tactical symbols on Canadian Ferrets in Cyprus, but it's only an theory and could be completely wrong.

Prior to the 1958 reorganization into brigade groups the Canadian Army field force was organized as an infantry division, but with two instead of one armoured regiments. What if, as armoured regiments did in armoured divisions, the two regiments adopted the practice of using coloured tactical symbols? Red for the senior regiment and yellow for the next. In the Canadian Army's case, red for the RCD and yellow for the LdSH (RC).

And what if, even after the reorganization into brigade groups, the two regiments continued to use the same coloured tactical symbols because "That's the way we've always done it (harrumph)." It may account for the use of red and yellow symbols in Cyprus, when these two regiments provided the recce squadron's personnel, or it may not.

Just my 2 pfennings worth.

Cheers,
Dan.

[David Cussins]

Excellent !!! Love it ....thank you...589 served with the Royal Canadian dragoons and Lord Strathconas...and others....Great information...love to hear it....thanks again.....

[David Cussins]

Cheers to you Dan...very 😎

[Ed Storey]

Now that I have seen your restored vehicle, just how accurate do you want to be with your Ferret markings and vehicle fittings?

[David Cussins]

Well I wish I could be as close as possible....but it may drive me crazy getting there...I try to study all the photos....I guess for now I'm happy...I do have some original side lights...that may be the next project...thanks Ed.

[David Cussins]

I have also noticed that ferret 589 use to have a pair of wire cutters..a modification done in Cyprus...I can see on the hull where they were cut off...they could easily be reproduce and welded on...but they are a bit ugly !!! I will have to think a little while longer before restoring those...

[David Cussins]

When I got 589
it was pretty much empty inside....over the years I've collected parts and filled it up....I know the ammo boxes are U.S. ....I may paint them chocolate brown....wish I had the jump seats....but the ammo bins were a modification that started in 1965....it's not easy to get one back completely original...photos of inside are very very hard to find..just working with what I have for now...I love all the info...thank you all.