Mk1 Universal Carrier found

[Nigel Watson]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

The data plate remains, showing WD No T58482 (Nigel Watson, does this number appear in your extensive records? ), and painted on the front lower glacis plate there is what appears to be a 7 digit number, best guesstimate being 4213488 (I've shown this No both dry and wet, but can't read it any better. Any suggestions?)

On the Hull sides inboard of the centre roadwheel are the numerals 348 painted in large red paint. A highly peculiar position, as it would be covered by the metal track guards, the upper track and the roadwheel itself, but it appears to be well laid out professionally (not done with a house brush!), lending credence to it being official. If 348 is supposed to represent the last 3 digits of the number, perhaps it is 421348 painted twice with the lower coat showing through. This number is still a mystery, as although Aust Army Registration Numbers were 6 digits, they were not higher than 2xxxxx.

Hi Tony
Sorry not been on for a while. Working on my MkI* V8!!! T58482 was built by Sentinel Wagon between 17th March 1941 and 19th November 1941. It was built as a Universal Carrier 3" Mortar to contract T2035 of which 360 were built with WD Nos. from T58225-58584. Nice find and I look forward to seeing its rebuild.

I note the discussion re large numbers on the lower hulls. I have come across nothing official that identifies what these were for, however I have come across them over here as well. I suspect they may have been hull numbers chalked/painted on in the factories to identify which hull was for which type of carrier, then painted over. I do not think they were anything to do with the actual Hull No., lower or upper, that was stamped on the carriers as these were most likely done after the carrier was assembled in part. I would be fantastic if suddenly we could find a plate/stamping that showed this large number alongside an official one. We live in hope!

Hope you all have a guid hogmanay

Nigel