M38A1 unit markings advise

[wingnut]

Hi can anyone on here please advise me on marking my M38A1 C.D.N.1.I would like to mark it up as a jeep that was serving in west Germany in 1968. There is no trace of any original markings as the first civilian owner had the exterior of the body stripped back to bare metal. I did find the engine rebuild plate showing rebuild at 23 Base w/shops Wetter in 1968.So I thought this could be a good time frame at which to do a motor pool restoration. Many thanks for reading Kind Regards Bernard.

[maple_leaf_eh]

I am not well enough informed on the 1960s period markings of the M38A1 to give explicit advice. My knowledge is based on Canadian experience in the 1970s.

Clive Law hosts a web site called www.ramtank.ca, and he lists by registration number many Canadian vehicle types. There is a tab for M38A1, and where available, a photo. You might find inspiration there.

[wingnut]

Hi. Thank you for your reply I will do as you suggested. Kind Regards. Bernard.

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by wingnut

So I thought this could be a good time frame at which to do a motor pool restoration.

Bernard,

Which unit do you have in mind? I can help you but I don't understand what you mean by a 'motor pool restoration.'

Cheers,
Dan.

[Ed Storey]

'Motor Pool Restoration' is a military vehicle restoration term for restoring a vehicle to how it would look while sitting in the vehicle compound as opposed to off the assembly line or in the field.

[wingnut]

Hi. Thank you both for your replies. The only known military history I have for this jeep is that it had a major engine rebuild at 23 Base work shops in 1968. The jeep is in very good condition in all ways . I am in the process of painting the body in the colour I have made up from a sample found on the shovel bracket under the hood as the jeep is now painted in a very dark green that's just not correct. Also I have removed the phony U.S. markings and white stars which has meant I have to do a complete repaint. My knowledge of C.D.N. units and vehicle marking is almost zero apart from I know there is normally a maple leaf on the right hand side, I also thought that at the 1968 time frame the jeep may still have been in the semi gloss that I'm using . Kind Regards. Bernard.

[Dan Martel]

Well, a lot happened within the brigade group over 1968. In January, Brigadier James C Gardner took command. In May, it was redesignated 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from Canadian Infantry Brigade Group. The M109 self-propelled howitzer and Lynx reconnaissance vehicle arrived over the summer. The service battalion began to operate provisionally, and the tenth (and last) barracks, Fort Qu'Appelle in Iserlohn, was taken over.

As for choice of units to represent on your vehicle, you have the following:
HQ 4 CIBG,
4 Signal Squadron,
HQ 4 CMBG and Signal Squadron,
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians),
C Squadron, 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's),
1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery,
1 Surface-to-Surface Missile Battery, RCA,
4 Field Squadron, RCE,
2nd Bn, The Royal Canadian Regiment,
2nd Bn, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry,
1e Bn, Royal 22e Régiment,
B Company, 2e Bn, Royal 22e Régiment,
1 Field Ambulance, RCAMC,
1 Transport Company, RCASC,
4 Ordnance Field Park, RCOC,
4 Field Workshop, RCEME,
plus the brigade, artillery and armour Light Aid Detachments, RCEME.

Pick one and let me know.

FYI: By 1968 the 1st Canadian Division insignia (the gold maple leaf on a red patch) had been replaced by the Mobile Command diamond (see my avatar). If you would rather your vehicle have the 1st Division insignia, it will have to be for a vehicle prior to January, 1967.

Cheers,
Dan.

[wingnut]

Hi Dan thank you for your help in this. I have give some consideration to the choices of the units you so kindly provided and I think I would pick the Lord Strathcona's horse in the 1968 time frame . Sorry for the delay in replying but been a bit tied up today. Kind Regards. Bernard.