CZ numbers

[Andy Beevers]

Thanks for the replies,
I have to admit the other door is still bright orange, I haven't started on it yet.
The doors are original to the vehicle, (quite a statement to make considering I wasn't there!) from the history I have of the vehicle, condition and paint layers they all seem to match up pretty well.
The numbers are in two rows:

CZ6185910
L6185910
Then a rather large white star under the numbers,

why would there be two rows showing the same number?
I thought I had seen british vehicles with a number starting with an L, but am not sure how they are classified, The description for Canadian vehicles is as has been suggested.

From the insignia on the front panels it would appear to have been in the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, 12th Field Regiment (SP)

I am not sure of the vehicle's original designation, it may have been a wireless or GS, the rear body was removed in the early 50's and had a recovery crane fitted, it may have been done in the late 40's, the crane was manufactured in 1938, Holmes wrecker serial number been verified, the cab is rust free and original, no repairs. The use since the war and storage after use as a recovery has kept it very well indeed, and 6-8 layers of paint!

I am finding all this information fascinating, please any little snippet, no matter how trivial it may seem, will be appreciated.

Regards

[Richard Farrant]

Hi Andy,
Your Truck comes up in the WD Census number list produced by RAOC Chilwell, as Chevrolet 15cwt 4x4 GS, Contract no SM6439 Z6185311 to Z6185998

[Harry Moon]

I think we borrowed a British truck put a 19 set in it and a canadian radio truck prefex on it.

[Andy Beevers]

Hi Richard,
that is excellent, thank you very much.
With the contract number is there any way of gaining more info?

Does any one know how to downsize a jpg picture to put on the forum?

Regards

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Andy Beevers

Hi Richard,
that is excellent, thank you very much.
With the contract number is there any way of gaining more info?

Does any one know how to downsize a jpg picture to put on the forum?

Regards

Hi Andy,
One of the forum members had done great research in to Canadian wartime vehicles. His name was David Hayward and he sadly passed away last Easter. Here is a link to one of his posts and it refers to the contract of your Chev, it is worth searching the number further on this forum to pick up any more info.

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?t=312

regards, Richard

[Andy Beevers]

Richard thanks for the link, interesting reading, he will be missed!
Andy

[hrpearce]

Originally Posted by Andy Beevers

Does any one know how to downsize a jpg picture to put on the forum?

Regards

Andy, some computers have resizing built in, right click on a picture and see if resize is an optun. If not you can resize in paint or send the picture to yourself in an email selecting to send it in a reduced size. Hope this helps.

[Andy Beevers]

Originally Posted by hrpearce

Andy, some computers have resizing built in, right click on a picture and see if resize is an optun. If not you can resize in paint or send the picture to yourself in an email selecting to send it in a reduced size. Hope this helps.

Hi Robert,
will give that a go, one of them should work
Regards
Andy

[Richard Farrant]

Hi Andy,
David did a lot of in depth research on vehicle production by Chevrolet and Ford. Check the following document, I think it is page 99 that refers to your contract number;
http://www.gmhistorian.btinternet.co...evdatabase.doc

regards, Richard

[servicepub (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Harry Moon

I think we borrowed a British truck put a 19 set in it and a canadian radio truck prefex on it.

From my research the use of the census number was very strictly controlled. Canada rented a number of trucks from the Brits early in the war and these were NOT to have the 'C' added. Later, when some of these were bought outright the units were ordered to apply the prefix.
After the invasion these details were not a high priority and British vehicles could be in use by Canada without the prefix being added although there was an attempt to add this if the vehicle was in an Ordnance shop.
This vehcile could have been provided to the Brits and then transferred to Canada. Why they didn't just add the 'C' prefix to the existing number remains a mystery.
In essence, the 'C' indicated ownership and not the user.

Clive

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Andy Beevers

I thought I had seen british vehicles with a number starting with an L, but am not sure how they are classified, The description for Canadian vehicles is as has been suggested.

For the record, British War Department (WD) Numbers were alloted in line with vehicle classes listed below:

• A - Ambulance
• C - Motorcycle
• F - Armoured Car or Scout Car
• H - Tractors (ie Artillery tractors)
• L - Lorry (30 cwt or heavier)
• M - Car (staff car, jeep, etc.)
• S - Self-Propelled Gun
• T - Universal Carrier or Tank
• X - Trailers of all types
• Z -Truck (15 cwt and smaller)

Vehicles built under Canadian contracts had a "C" added in front of the British WD number.

Hanno

[Andy Beevers]

Thanks Hanno, a lot of the detail is starting to click for me now, the lettering was standard through out, with a C added for Canada. Therefore there is no way little truck should have an L, unless...
It shrunk
The bloke writing was either wearing the wrong glasses or having a bad day (it does happen)
Or, being such a new truck at the time, it may grow into the new number.
Simples'