Jeeps in RCN and RCAF service

[Colin Macgregor Stevens]

My 1944 Willys MB jeep came out of Norway surplus in the mid-1980s and appears to have been in British Airborne service before the Norwegians got it. I uncovered Norwegian service markings and the original USA Registration number (on the front bumper!) but as the hood (bonnet) had been changed in service there were no British markings. :-( None on the sides or rear either. I like to think that it was one of the many that were left behind in Norway after 1 Airborne Division & SAS Bde liberated Norway in May 1945. I say this because mine had some British features:
1. Four holes in the top of each fender (wing) for the airborne stowage racks
2. Sidelights/convoy lights had been moved to the wings/fenders, but later moved back into the grille and the holes in the fenders/wings were welded shut.
3. Oil dipstick cap painted red
4. British style hinged door mounts on side of windshield frame.

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Larry,

In "The Wartime Jeep in British Service" by Gavin Birch lists the modifications carried out by the British to have them comply to their requirements. But due to the pressures of war only relatively few were converted as such. I would have to look up the details, but one cannot draw the conclusion those Jeeps were allocated direct to the Canadians because it does not have the British modifications.

Hanno

[Hanno Spoelstra]

I know it is not a wartime photo. But you may be interested to see this Canadian Navy Jeep, as info on Jeeps in RCN service is so rare.

It looks this is a bog standard CJ-3A Universal Jeep, shiny paint and all. Big question: which colour would they have chosen from the catalogue? Ref. https://www.kaiserwillys.com/about_w..._history_specs

A Jeep that was destroyed during a 52 degree roll while HMCS Crusader was sailing to Hong Kong, 25 January 1954

13817_original.jpg
source: https://www.thememoryproject.com/sto...:donald-raven/

[Hanno Spoelstra]

From Rob Grieve, another RCN CJ-3A:

Here is a photo of a M38 (or CJ2) onboard the HMCS Assiniboine (DDE234) in the late 1950's. Note the civilian tires, large fender mounted turn signals and the white headlight rims without the headlight guards. I like the extra large rear window in the canvas top. The seaman is Andrew Macnaugton.

EF206C4A-FF88-4C41-9081-021CF69D25EF.jpg

Reply by Tom McLean:

"The Capt's Jeep - got my DND license driving that very jeep. Used to run errands around the dockyard and to get "walk-through" spare parts from the stores in Collwood. Carried on deck on the Assiniboine, covered by tarp, kept painted with red wheel wells. Only 2-wheel drive. Still in use in the early 1960's until the helo deck was fitted."

If it was 2WD, then it must have been a DJ-3A (D for Dispatcher) built from 1955 - 1965. Apparently the US Navy used DJ-3A's as well: http://www.ewillys.com/2018/06/19/19...unty-ca-12500/ - http://www.ewillys.com/2010/03/19/19...sant-il-12000/

[Barry Churcher]

Does anyone know the proper letters for BCATP Station Fort Macleod, #7 Service Flying Training School? I would guess FM but would like to know for sure.
Thanks Barry

[Grant Bowker]

The current ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) identifier for the Fort MacLeod airport is CEY3. Sorry, but I don't have information on the period identifier. ICAO is a postwar creation (1947) so there may not be any linkage between the airport designators then and now. But, if you are lucky, they might just have added the C at the beginning to identify Canada.

Looking at the satellite image at https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fo...4d-113.4147974 the current airport is clearly on the site of the BCATP airport.