Pale blue tactical markings for armoured car regiments?

[Jack Geratic]

Bruce, thanks for that - least now I know there is a possibility not all tactical markings were white. I considered yellow due to how similar in shade it appears to the bridge symbol in some photos:

12 sept 19444 holland.jpg

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Mike, not sure about your first question, but the object attached to the Staghound is a section of an assault ramp (bridge). The 'sergeant's car' for each troop would carry a pair these. More info here:
http://www.12mbdragoons.com/stag04.html

regards,
Jack

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

I know it's art and therefore subject to artistic licence, but it was painted in theater and every other detail is 100% accurate so I can't see why the blue squadron symbol would be misrepresented.

[Jack Geratic]

I would consider artwork as good as colour photos, so yes definitely some sort of light blue - though the sample here is strong in hue.

On the topic of markings, something I've noticed on the period b/w pictures is the II Corps formation sign has a coloured outline around the blue diamond, perhaps gold like the leaf? Something like this:

II corps.jpg


regards,
Jack

[Mike Cecil]

Thanks Jack, that answer's it nicely.

Mike

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Thanks Jack, that answer's it nicely.

Mike

Share...what is that thing strapped to the left side of that Staghound?

[Jack Geratic]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

Share...what is that thing strapped to the left side of that Staghound?

The answer was in post #4 ... bridging equipment located on both sides of the vehicle.

sh1512.jpg

regards,
Jack

[Rob McCue]

While restoring the SAR Halftrack we had the same confusion, Orders staes markings were to be in white , but the photographic evidence did not support white.

I found the attached in the Regimental War diary, stating all markings were to be reduced in size, "painted white and covered in green."

I assume an overwash of green to dull the white numbers/symbols, and thats why they do not appear as white in the photos.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Jack Geratic

The answer was in post #4 ... bridging equipment located on both sides of the vehicle.

See some more in Bridging Trays on Staghound Armoured Car.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Jack Geratic

I would consider artwork as good as colour photos, so yes definitely some sort of light blue - though the sample here is strong in hue.

On the topic of markings, something I've noticed on the period b/w pictures is the II Corps formation sign has a coloured outline around the blue diamond, perhaps gold like the leaf? Something like this:

regards,
Jack

I can't say I've ever seen that, but then again I can't say I've ever looked for it. Do you have an example? There are two varieties of the 1st Corps sign: one as shown where the red lozenge merges with the upper and lower red bars, and one where the lozenge has a white outline where it intersects the upper and lower bars.

One more thing on the Hugh's painting. It accurately depicts a Royal Canadian Dragoons A Squadron Fox but what is missing is the yellow bridge class sign that should be on the right side front armour just below the mirror arm. This puzzled me until I was sent this photograph of a Royal Canadian Dragoons D Squadron Fox that has the bridge class sign under the right fender. Bingo!!! Even better it confirms the use of the black "47" unit sign which was a carryover from when the RCD were attached to the 5th Canadian Armoured Division and before they began using the more common green/blue "44" seen later.

[Jack Geratic]

Maybe a third version of I Corps, as this example has a coloured surround on a Lynx belonging to RCD:

RCD Lynxes in NW Europe.jpg

The above may have influenced what I perceive to be seeing on the II Corps. The second photo linked in the initial post starting this thread might be something, or just shadow or even garbled pixels.

Another possible photo is this one, just seems to be a lighter line separating the diamond from the horizontal red bars:

Dudzele_bevrijding_Stationsweg_1944_spoorweg_Canadezen_voertuigen_1.jpg

regards,
Jack

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Jack Geratic

Maybe a third version of I Corps, as this example has a coloured surround on a Lynx belonging to RCD:

The above may have influenced what I perceive to be seeing on the II Corps. The second photo linked in the initial post starting this thread might be something, or just shadow or even garbled pixels.

Another possible photo is this one, just seems to be a lighter line separating the diamond from the horizontal red bars:


regards,
Jack

Certainly food for thought. The Lynx 1st Corps sign could well be my second variety of a white surround imposing into the top and bottom bars. The green over blue "44" with the top white corps band is fantastic.

It's hard to make out the bottom pic as conclusive to a strip around the blue 2nd Corps lozenge.....NEED MORE PICS!!!


And the V laport aerial on the Stag turret roof to a sigs guy is magnificent!!!