Firefly Markings

[MicS]

Originally Posted by Tim Bell

All

Am getting to the stage of thinking about what markings are correct for my Firefly and where they need to go.

Intention is to mark this as 21st Canadian Armoured Regt, correct for July 44 onwards (vehicle is known to have been struck off service with GGFG in June 45)

So, my thoughts based on period photos around are:

• Allied star in solid circle on engine deck
• T289477 census number on side in dark blue/black
• "51" in White on Red background for GGFG front and rear UK Driver side
• "4th Div Formation Sign" front and rear UK Passenger side
• Red Square on Turret Side and centre rear plate
• Shipping data on sides (I have photo for this)
• Tank name on sides (I have photo for this)
• Bridge plate in yellow on front UK driver side

Is this correct please?

If not what do I need to change?

Many thanks

Tim

Hi Tim,

I suppose that by "UK driver side" you mean the right side of the tank (i.e. the right side when looking at the tank from the rear)?

In any case, on GGFG tanks, and perhaps on all Canadian tanks if the Marking Instructions as per the links by Jack Geratic above were obeyed, the 51+Formation Sign combination should look the same when viewed from rear or from front, which means they should be on opposite sides rear and front:

- 51 on left, Fmn Sign on right on the front of the tank when facing it
- 51 on left, Fmn Sign on right on rear of tank when looking at the tank from the rear.

http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...45/220?r=0&s=6
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...45/221?r=0&s=6

See this photo of a GGFG tank crossing a ponton bridge at Elbeuf on 28 August 1944, where the 51 on the rear is on the "UK Passenger side":


Michel

[Tim Bell]

Michel

Great photo - I have not seen that one before.

Excellent reference for the allied star on the engine deck too.

Also - Good point about how the formation and unit markings appear... I will look at that again more closely on some other photos.

Need to get this right first time if I can and not have annoying errors - attention to detail is key.

Thanks

Tim

[Jack Geratic]

I've found there has been work done in categorizing the Canada War Diaries.
It is a spreadsheet in xls format, so you need software to open that type of file.

Latest update was posted March 13, 2017.
http://ww2talk.com/index.php?resourc...preadsheet.21/

Once you find the subject that interests you, make note of the film roll number and head to the War Diaries site:
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...c_mikan_133700

regards,
Jack

[Maurice Donckers]

Tim there are also several pictures where the star with circle is on top of the turret

[Tim Bell]

Originally Posted by Maurice Donckers

Tim there are also several pictures where the star with circle is on top of the turret

Maurice - thanks - I will bear that in mind.

Hoping though the flat rear engine deck is an acceptable location - this will be much easier to paint I think.

Cheers

Tim

[Maurice Donckers]

ha , but then you can`t transport your sandwiches on the rear deck .

[tankbarrell]

Another well known pic of stars on the decks.

[Tim Bell]

Originally Posted by Maurice Donckers

ha , but then you can`t transport your sandwiches on the rear deck .

We wont have much ammo onboard, so I think there will be space inside.

Tim