Pale blue tactical markings for armoured car regiments?

[Jack Geratic]

I've come across this info form the war diary of 5th Armd Div. dated January 1942.
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...52/964?r=0&s=4

CAR MARKINGS TACTICAL.jpg

At that time, it's composition included the 1st Armoured Car Regiment (The Royal Canadian Dragoons). With reorganization in 1943, they became a I Canadian Corps asset.

So many questions, but obvious one - would the pale blue tactical colour still be in use during 1944-45? Is there any seniority between the two Dragoon car units, such that RCD would have red tactical signs, and yellow for the Manitoba Dragoons?

How about the Reconnaissance Regiments assigned individually to the three Infantry Divisions:
https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/tac...ceregiment.htm

dfDbbsD.png

Colour for tactical markings - pale blue, seniority colours, or white??

Back to the Manitoba Dragoons, they seem to have the best photo samples, and studying them gives an impression that the tactical marking was anything but white. In fact, sometimes even the vehicle census number is dark:

8968_574620812640194_4010584611335115847_n.jpg

image152.jpg

regards,
Jack

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

The seniority colours were for armoured regiments in brigades. Armoured car regiments attached to the higher formation (division, corps) were supposed to be white. However by your document and other evidence these were often light blue.

[Mike Cecil]

What's the object just above the wing mirror on the right side of the image, please? Seems to be attached to the Staghound, but can't make out what it is.

Nice images: interesting turret basket construction: was this standard for this unit, or did each crew do their own thing?

Mike

[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