Just click on the title text and it will take you to the photos.
The photos were taken by Dana in October of 2002 and were used to show the state of the tank at the time.
These photos and discussions on this forum prompted the current unit (The Sherbrooke Hussars) to undertake cleaning and painting of the tank.
In April of 2003 the unit was given full-size stencils for all markings and information on correct paint colours and suppliers of paint. Here is the text of the instructions sent at the time:
Enclosed are the full-size stencils for painting of the tank “Bomb” as promised at the Corps Conference in October. The size, style and positioning of the insignia are based on the photos enclosed and the views of the tank in the film “Green Fields Beyond”.
At least three different tanks were used to represent “Bomb” in the film, and the markings vary. I have based the stencils primarily on the photographs taken at the time the film was made.
The best procedure to apply the markings would be the traditional method using a stencil brush with a dabbing motion. There is less chance of paint runs and overspray if stenciled by hand.
The stencils are on waxed butcher paper and should stand up to 2-3 uses. You may wish to make “hard copies” of them on Bristol Board to preserve the style of the markings for future repaintings/restorations. New stencils can be made from the hard copies.
Some will note that these markings differ from those that were on the tank before the recent restoration. I have taken care to copy the markings as nearly as possible to those that appear in the 1945 photos and the film. The original numbers for the serial number were painted individually, and do not line up neatly. As well, the legend “BOMB” and the bomb symbol were altered in later repaints.
1. Base Colour:
a. Currently the tank is painted NATO Olive Green, the same as our in-service vehicles.
b. The correct colour for a Sherman tank in 1944-1945 is Lustreless Olive Drab #319. The paint is available in Canada from:
Willy Acres Inc.
R.R. #2 3224 Conc. 7
Oro Stn. ON
LOL 2E0
Tel: 705-835-5739
www.willysacres.com
The paint is listed for $65/gallon or $12/spray can. 3-4 gallons should cover the tank and the spray cans would be handy to have for touch-ups as needed.
c. The rubber on the 12 road wheels is painted flat or gloss black, or very dark gray.
d. The tracks can be painted dark gray or a rust-brown colour.
2. Left (drivers) Side:
a. Apply the full-size stencil without the bomb emblem to the appliqué armour plate and stencil the markings in matt white paint.
b. The legend “BOMB” can be traced out from the stencil in pencil, and then painted in by brush for a more authentic look. This is how it was done originally.
c. Optionally, you can also add the “SHERBROOKE FUSILIER REGT” stenciled letters at the top of the plate. This legend was added before the tank was shipped to Canada. I did not make a stencil for this, but you can cut out the letters on the paper sample enclosed and use it if you choose.
3. Right Side:
a. Apply the full-size stencil with the bomb emblem to the front appliqué armour plate and stencil the markings in white paint.
b. The legend “BOMB” and the bomb symbol can be pencil traced and painted on by brush for a more authentic look.
c. Optionally, you can also add the “SHERBROOKE FUSILIER REGT” stenciled letters at the top of the plate.
4. Right Rear of Hull:
a. Apply the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade flash in three layers. Spray paint is best here as the original was a cellulose decal.
b. First, the rectangle, to be semi or gloss black.
c. Second, the blue bar across the centre of the rectangle, to be royal blue
d. Third, the maple leaf, to be metallic gold.
5. Left Rear of Hull:
a. Apply the Unit Serial (53) flash in two layers.
b. First, the rectangle, in semi or gloss signal red
c. Second, the white bar and numbers in white. The original numbers were hand-painted.
6. Optional Markings:
a. On the top of the turret, the Allied Recognition Star could be added. There are no photos of the turret top of BOMB but most vehicles carried this insignia, and it adds colour to the vehicle. The stars and circles were hand-painted in white. The drawing below shows the position and design of the star.
b. D+365 marking. This was chalked on the right side between the appliqué armour plates on June 6th 1945. I t could bee applied with paint freehand if desired, based on the photo enclosed.
c. Unit serial, 2CAB flash and Bridge Classification circle. There is no evidence that “Bomb” ever carried these markings, though they were required by regulation. I have included an illustration to show where they were intended to be located.
I hope the above information will be of use to you in completing the restoration and ongoing maintenance of this important piece of Canadian history.
Thus far, the markings and final paint have not been applied. Perhaps this could be a volunteer task for MLU members in the area this spring/summer? It would be a nice touch for VE Day +60.
Cheers,
Gord