Vehicle Markings 1940-1945

[Wigger K. F. van der Horst]

I'm searching for a (complete) list with Numbers of Canadian Military Vehicles Markings, between 1940-1945. I have heard that all the Regiments and / or Army Units had their own number, which was on all the vehicles at the leftt side at the front (front view).
Especially I'm searching for the numbers: 55, 68 and 69. I need the numbers for identification of photos, made in 1945 during the liberation of Nunspeet on May 19th 1945 - and a Parade in Utrecht on June 6th 1945, in the Netherlands.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

For the Royal Artillery, see http://www.ra39-45.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mark/index.html

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Wigger, you'll also need to know the colour of the background behind the gold maple leaf on the other side of the vehicle - this will determine the division. The numeric unit signs are not unique to regiments and units across the whole army, just within that division; different units in different divisions will have the same numeric designations.

[Wigger K. F. van der Horst]

Wonderful & detailed site, Hanno, thanks for it! It's always a pleasure to go through all the details. I bookmarked the page, just in case . . .
However . . . I'm searching for the Vehicle Markings of the Canadian Army in NW Europe 1940-1945. It would be nice when there was a sort like site of the Canadian Army.

[Wigger K. F. van der Horst]

Good Morning Geoff ! ! !
I have a major problem . . . the photos are all in B&W . . . Oooops . . .
You mentioned that the numeric unit signs are not unique to regiments and units across the whole army - I thought already that would be the case. Probably I have to dig in local archives about the liberation of the villages & cities in the Netherlands, but the information they have is very poor. Maybe it's an idea to search for Canadian Military Maps, because they show most of the time in which direction an Army Unit went . . .

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by Wigger K. F. van der Horst
Especially I'm searching for the numbers: 55, 68 and 69. I need the numbers for identification of photos, made in 1945 during the liberation of Nunspeet on May 19th 1945

Hi Wigger;

'B' Squadron, 2nd Armoured Regiment (Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)), C.A.C. (of the 5th Cdn Armd Bde/5th Cdn Armd Div) are credited with the liberation of Nunspeet on 19 April 1945. Their Arm of Service serial at that time was '51'.

Also present in Nunspeet on 19 April 1945 were elements of the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment (AoS serial '41') of the British 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division and infantry of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade (1st Cdn Inf Div), of who The Royal Canadian Regiment's AoS serial at that time was '55', that of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment was '56', and that of the 48th Highlanders of Canada was '57'.

Nunspeet was within the I Canadian Corps area of operations.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

[Wigger K. F. van der Horst]

Mark . . .
Thanks for the Info. This will do for the Archive of Nunspeet! Also I this was a good lesson for me about the Canadian Army. I will save your Info!

[John McGillivray]

It looks like the parade in Utrecht was to mark the anniversary of the landings on D-Day by the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. The following is from the Regimental History of The Stormont Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.

“On the 6th, the anniversary of D-Day, when Hilversum was en fete and a flag was on every house, the Glens marched in the parade at Utrecht.”

The regimental history of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders also mention a parade to mark the anniversary of D-Day but it dose not state the location.

The AoS of SDGH is “68” and the NNSH is “69”, both on a brown background.

[Wigger K. F. van der Horst]

Good morning John,
Yes, the the Parade was held on the 6th of June 1945 in Utrecht - the anniversary of D-Day. Early in the morning of June 6th, the Battalion moved from Hilversum to Utrecht.
There are made several pictures before the Parade, when the carriers were waiting for the starting signal. All the pictures have a description, including all the Names & Military Registration Numbers of the Glens.
This picture is from Mr. T. Gault, the son of Capt. R.B. Gault, he's standing in the leading carrier.

[Wigger K. F. van der Horst]

This picture is also from Mr. T. Gault - including all the names of the Glens in the carriers.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by Wigger K. F. van der Horst
Especially I'm searching for the numbers: 55, 68 and 69. I need the numbers for identification of photos, made in 1945 during the liberation of Nunspeet on May 19th 1945 - and a Parade in Utrecht on June 6th 1945, in the Netherlands.

Wigger;

From the parade in Utrecht on 6 June 1945 to mark the anniversary of the landings on D-Day by the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division:

vehicles of the 7th Reconnaissance Regiment (17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars), C.A.C., the divisional reconnaissance regiment of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, note the AoS serial '41' -

Caption: General H.D.G. Crerar taking the salute at a parade of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division on the first anniversary of D-Day, Utrecht, Netherlands, 6 June 1945
Source: Library and Archives Canada
Date(s): June 6, 1945 , Place of publication: Utrecht, Netherlands
Credit: Lieut. Donald I. Grant / Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-135986
Restrictions on use: Nil
Copyright: Expired
Reference Numbers
Copy negative: PA-135986
MIKAN No. 3204004



Although no vehicles are showing in the next photo, it is of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, whose AoS serial was '55' -

Caption: Infantrymen of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles taking part in a 3rd Canadian Infantry Division parade on the first anniversary of D-Day, Utrecht, Netherlands, 6 June 1945
Source: Library and Archives Canada
Date(s): June 6, 1945 , Place of publication: Utrecht, Netherlands
Credit: Lieut. Donald I. Grant / Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-136001
Restrictions on use: Nil
Copyright: Expired
Reference Numbers
Copy negative: PA-136001
MIKAN No. 3204479



and regarding your "I'm searching for the numbers: 55, 68 and 69" - for the three Canadian infantry divisions, the following AoS serials were allotted:

for the 1st Cdn Inf Div:

in the 1st Cdn Inf Bde:
'55' - The Royal Canadian Regiment

in the 3rd Cdn Inf Bde:
'68' - 1st Battalion, The Carleton and York Regiment
'69' - 1st Battalion, The West Nova Scotia Regiment

for the 2nd Cdn Inf Div.

in the 4th Cdn Inf Bde:
'55' - 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Canada

in the 6th Cdn Inf Bde:
'68' - 1st Battalion, The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada
'69' - 1st Battalion, The South Saskatchewan Regiment

for the 3rd Cdn Inf Div

in the 7th Cdn Inf Bde:
'55' - 1st Battalion, The Royal Winnipeg Rifles

in the 9th Cdn Inf Bde
'68' - 1st Battalion, The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders
'69' - 1st Battalion, The North Nova Scotia Highlanders

Hope this helps.

Cheers

[Wigger K. F. van der Horst]

Thanks for all the information, Mark. YES, this helps to find the right Canadian Army Unit ! Also wonderful pictures and made in the right perspective !

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Mark charges a hefty fee for his services, y'know, but he's just too shy to admit it... but hell, he charges me for the privilege of having him post here!

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
... but hell, he charges me for the privilege of having him post here!

.... please s'plain Lucy .......


..... and also 'Oh Great and All Seeing SUNRAY' ... could you move this thead to the 'WW2 Military History & Equipment' forum, since it is more in line with the markings of all vehs, not just carriers ......Thank you

P.S. ..... and by the way, the bill is in the mail ....... "WAIT OUT".......or something to that effect .....

.....now back to my and ......

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally posted by Mark W. Tonner
.....now back to my and ......

Funnily enough, that's just what I'm having!

Quite so on the move, will execute momentarily.

[Wigger K. F. van der Horst]

What's going on today . . . ? Thought you both were friends . . . ! If not . . . it's always good to get to the bottom of the mystery of your 'enemy' . . . !

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally posted by Wigger K. F. van der Horst
What's going on today . . . ? Thought you both were friends . . . ! If not . . . it's always good to get to the bottom of the mystery of your 'enemy' . . . !

Hehehehe.... he'll get his own back, on his own time....

[Tony Smith]

Originally posted by Wigger K. F. van der Horst
This picture is also from Mr. T. Gault - including all the names of the Glens in the carriers.

For the rivet counters amongst us, are these T16 Carriers? 1st Gault pic shows a 6pdr behind one carrier, while the 2nd pic shows US blackout marker lights and 4 roadwheels.

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally posted by Tony Smith
For the rivet counters amongst us, are these T16 Carriers? 1st Gault pic shows a 6pdr behind one carrier, while the 2nd pic shows US blackout marker lights and 4 roadwheels.

Yep.... by that time, widely issued in NW Yurrup as 6pdr carriers by that time (amongst other roles).

[Jon Skagfeld]

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
Yep.... by that time, widely issued in NW Yurrup as 6pdr carriers by that time (amongst other roles).

Yep x 2. As reported on this Forum about 2 years ago, 7th Recce Regt (17th DOYs Own) used T-16s in battle and used the "usual" other carriers for training.

[Tony Smith]

Originally posted by Jon Skagfeld
As reported on this Forum about 2 years ago, ....

Sorry, I'm only a Newbie, go easy on me.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
Quite so on the move, will execute momentarily.

SUNRAY, thanks for swift execution of the 'MOVEMENT ORDER'

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally posted by Tony Smith
Sorry, I'm only a Newbie, go easy on me.

No worries, mate... Jon doesn't hate you, he hates everybody!

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally posted by Mark W. Tonner
SUNRAY, thanks for swift execution of the 'MOVEMENT ORDER'

It was either that, or get sat on by a 15 year-old lump of vibrating silver fur...

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Tony Smith
Sorry, I'm only a Newbie, go easy on me.

Hey rookie, read Wartime T16 pictures and catch up!

H.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Wigger K. F. van der Horst
There are made several pictures before the Parade, when the carriers were waiting for the starting signal. All the pictures have a description, including all the Names & Military Registration Numbers of the Glens.

Great pictures, Wigger. Were they published in a book?

Thanks,
Hanno

[sapper740]

Originally posted by Wigger K. F. van der Horst
I'm searching for a (complete) list with Numbers of Canadian Military Vehicles Markings, between 1940-1945. I have heard that all the Regiments and / or Army Units had their own number, which was on all the vehicles at the leftt side at the front (front view).
Especially I'm searching for the numbers: 55, 68 and 69. I need the numbers for identification of photos, made in 1945 during the liberation of Nunspeet on May 19th 1945 - and a Parade in Utrecht on June 6th 1945, in the Netherlands.

Wigger, check out these two web sites, they might help you.

http://bcoy1cpb.pacdat.net/markings_...y_vehicles.htm


http://home.cogeco.ca/~gdavidson1/home.html

[sapper740]

Originally posted by Mark W. Tonner
for the 1st Cdn Inf Div:

in the 1st Cdn Inf Bde:
'55' - The Royal Canadian Regiment

in the 3rd Cdn Inf Bde:
'68' - 1st Battalion, The Carleton and York Regiment
'69' - 1st Battalion, The West Nova Scotia Regiment

for the 2nd Cdn Inf Div.

in the 4th Cdn Inf Bde:
'55' - 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Canada

in the 6th Cdn Inf Bde:
'68' - 1st Battalion, The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada
'69' - 1st Battalion, The South Saskatchewan Regiment

for the 3rd Cdn Inf Div

in the 7th Cdn Inf Bde:
'55' - 1st Battalion, The Royal Winnipeg Rifles

in the 9th Cdn Inf Bde
'68' - 1st Battalion, The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders
'69' - 1st Battalion, The North Nova Scotia Highlanders

Not to be confused with the Corps level markings


1st Canadian Corps:

68 5 Casualty Clearing Station RCAMC
69 1 Corps and Army Troops Sub-Park RCOC


2nd Canadian Corps:

68 3 Casualty Clearing Station RCAMC
69 2 Corps and Army Troops Sub-Park RCOC

[Wigger K. F. van der Horst]

Hi Hanno. In which part of the Netherlands are you from? Noticed you are a lot on this site. Well I try to do my best to identify the locations and SD&G-Highlanders in pictures.
About you question: no, these pictures are never published. The legal owner is Mr. T. Gault, the son of Capt. Ralph B. Gault. I got photo copies of the originals. I think that the pictures I have, are made by two local photographers in Hilversum. Mr. Anno Hofma and Mr. Niestadt. Anno had a photo shop at the Leeuwenstraat in Hilversum and made a lot of group pictures of the SD&G-Highlanders. Some of them did I get from several Canadians. The largest one is the 1st Battalion at the Maple Leaf Stadium (Het Gemeentelijk Sportpark aan de Soestdijkerstraatweg) in Hilversum: 450 Glens. The original picture is smaller than 5 inch, but the scan my sister made is realy fantastic, because all the faces are clear to identify . . .! I talked with some family-members of the Hofma family, but the photo archive is vanished . . . and that's a pitty, because is should be part of our history in our Archives or Musea, and ofcourse it's also of major importance for the Archives and Musea in Cornwall & Ottawa in Canada.
The second photographer, Mr. Nietstadt, was living at the Fabritiusstraat in Hilversum. He was also a filmmaker. He lived closeby the Fabritiusschool. At that time we lived opposite the Ruysdaelschool, which was part of the same building. The Glens came to Hilversum on May 19th 1945. Capt. Ralph Gault organized a tour "along the Battlefields, back to Juno Beach later that year. Mr. Niestadt heard about this event and asked if he could go which them as a photographer. This was possible, when Capt. Gault put him in a Canadian uniform . . . At Juno Beach, Mr. Niestadt traded the pictures he made for sigarettes . . . This story is from several Canadians & Dutch. I only put all the pieces together. I think the archive of Mr. Hofma must be somewhere in the Netherlands. A family member told me it was donated to "de Stichting 40/45", but that's not true. Also 'Het Nederlandse Instituut voor Militaire Historie" NIMH - and "het NIOD" in Amsterdam have not one photo or movie in their collection. However I will search further.
I talked to relatives of Mr. Niestadt, and they told me his archive of movies and photos are destroyed by fire for decades ago. Only the movies that were lent, were saved. a unique, tragic event . . .
I think that the pictures in Utrecht are made by Mr. Hofma. In the second place it could be Mr. Niestadt.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by sapper740
Not to be confused with the Corps level markings

1st Canadian Corps:

68 5 Casualty Clearing Station RCAMC
69 1 Corps and Army Troops Sub-Park RCOC

2nd Canadian Corps:

68 3 Casualty Clearing Station RCAMC
69 2 Corps and Army Troops Sub-Park RCOC

Hi Derek;

As first indicated by Wigger - "Especially I'm searching for the numbers: 55, 68 and 69. I need the numbers for identification of photos, made in 1945 during the liberation of Nunspeet on May 19th 1945 (should read: April 19th 1945) and a Parade in Utrecht on June 6th 1945, in the Netherlands"

By this time (April 1945) the Casualty Clearing Stations, were no longer Corps Troops, but were instead Army Troops and were allocatted out in support of operations by the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Headquarters First Canadian Army. The only RCAMC 'Corps Troops' assets at this time were:

I Canadian Corps:

No. 8 Field Dressing Station, R.C.A.M.C. - whose AoS serial was '65' (with a 2 inch horizontal white bar above denoting Corps Troops)
No. 5 Field Hygiene Section, R.C.A.M.C. - whose AoS serial was '66' (with a 2 inch horizontal white bar above denoting Corps Troops)

both of which used the formation sign of I Canadian Corps.

II Canadian Corps:

No. 6 Field Dressing Station, R.C.A.M.C. - whose AoS serial was '65' (with a 2 inch horizontal white bar above denoting Corps Troops)
No. 8 Field Hygiene Section, R.C.A.M.C. - whose AoS serial was '66' (with a 2 inch horizontal white bar above denoting Corps Troops)

both of which used the formation sign of II Canadian Corps.

In April 1945, the AoS serials for the Casualty Clearing Stations were:

'624' - No. 2 Casualty Clearing Station, R.C.A.M.C.
'625' - No. 3 Casualty Clearing Station, R.C.A.M.C.
'623' - No. 4 Casualty Clearing Station, R.C.A.M.C.
'626' - No. 5 Casualty Clearing Station, R.C.A.M.C.
'627' - No. 6 Casualty Clearing Station, R.C.A.M.C.

all of which had a 2 inch horizontal white bar below denoting Army Troops, and all of which used the formation sign of First Canadian Army.

As for the Corps and Army Troops Sub-Parks AoS serials in April 1945, yes you are correct, '69' was used for both:

No. 1 Corps and Army Troops Sub-Park, R.C.O.C. - in I Canadian Corps
No. 2 Corps and Army Troops Sub-Park, R.C.O.C. - in I Canadian Corps

but with a 2 inch horizontal white bar above the AoS serial '69' denoting Corps Troops and both used their respective Corps formation sign.

Cheers