Help with Canadian Carrier Markings

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by Paul Butler

Mark you could be right about this. I had another good look over the weekend and the 1 could in fact be a 4. With quite a bit of the paint missing it is difficult to 100% sure but it would mean a vehicle from 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment the Royal Montreal Regiment. There are the remains of the First Canadian Army marking on the front plate also, I attach a photo.

Hi Paul;

I figured that it was ‘459' and not ‘159'. The attached are an example of the markings used by the 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment (Royal Montreal Regiment), C.A.C. from approximately 25 January 1943 to 12 April 1944. On the left, the AoS marking with serial '459' and white bar below to denote 'Army Troops' and on the right, the Formation sign used by 'First Canadian Army Troops'.

Cheers

[RichardT10829]

Mark, so from that is it quite highly likely that this carrier actually saw some action ?

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by RichardT10829

Mark, so from that is it quite highly likely that this carrier actually saw some action ?

Hi Richard;

Unless Paul found another Arm of Service marking painted over that of the ‘459' serial, it is highly unlikely that the carrier was used in ‘action’. The 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment (Royal Montreal Regiment), C.A.C. was converted and re-designated the First Army Headquarters Defence Company (Royal Montreal Regiment) and reallocated to the Canadian Infantry Corps from the Canadian Armoured Corps effective 12 April 1944, whereupon they would have adopted the AoS marking of serial ‘9' on a black background with a 2-inch white bar beneath denoting ‘Army Troops’.

Cheers

[Phill]

I was reading Kirk's note that he posted with interest. It seems my #777 wreck, which is missing the data plate came from Brighton, Ontario. I run into a chap at the recent Coe Hill meet, Frank Von Rosensteil, who answered a lot of questions I had on tanks, as I would like to acquire one. His knowledge on armor was impressive and he soon asked what I had. When I mentioned the rusty #777 carrier hull with the floor rotted out, he knew exactly where it came from. The carrier apparently started near or at a trailer park in Brighton. I can't remember exactly who owned it but it went west toward Toronto and 2 owners later, Dan McCaw bought it and brought it back to Coe Hill. Bit and pieces have disappeared off it all along the way. Wonder if that is the data plate for my carrier?..... Phil

[Paul Butler]

Originally Posted by Mark W. Tonner

Hi Paul;

I figured that it was ‘459' and not ‘159'. The attached are an example of the markings used by the 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment (Royal Montreal Regiment), C.A.C. from approximately 25 January 1943 to 12 April 1944. On the left, the AoS marking with serial '459' and white bar below to denote 'Army Troops' and on the right, the Formation sign used by 'First Canadian Army Troops'.

Cheers

Mark , thanks for your input on this. I am going to do a little research on the 32nd and see what turns up.

regards
Paul

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by Paul Butler

I am going to do a little research on the 32nd and see what turns up

Hi Paul;
This may be of assistance to you in regards to your research on the 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment (Royal Montreal Regiment), CAC. The National Archives (Kew) (Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom) holds copies of Canadian War Diaries, the files references for those of the 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment (Royal Montreal Regiment), CAC are:

WO 179/1909 - War Diaries for the period of Jan to Dec 1943
WO 179/3014 - War Diaries for the period of Jan to Mar 1944
WO 179/2655 - War Diaries for the period Apr to Dec 1944

Hope this helps.

Cheers

[Roddy de Normann]

Hi Paul -

Just seen your quest to research your Carrier...ref Canadian War Diaries. If you live outside Ottawa or abroad, you can use the quite excellent International Lending Library (ILL). This appears to be quite free and has been a Godsend to my researches here in the UK...

First, make sure you register with a good library near you - preferably one with a 16mm & 35mm Microfilm reader and printer.

Second, through your library, contact ILL via the Canadian Library and Archives. The ILL will only deal with official libraries, not individuals, to those abroad.

Third, order those microfilms that cover your requirements. Use the CLA for the reference numbers and only order those that are OPEN.

Fourth, sit back and wait to be contacted by your own library - takes abou a week to ten days from order.

You are allowed to keep the microfilms for about 8 weeks before either returning them or extending the loan.

This is the most excellent service and I have been using it for about two years. I think there may be an equivalent in Australia or New Zealand but am not sure...do others know ?

Good Luck

Roddy de Normann