M37 Restoration (53-41242)

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by Wayne Hingley

If anyone out there can help, I have a few questions as listed on the photo attached.

The second photo is on parade, and the formation sign appears to be red background with yellow maple leaf.

Wayne,

Sorry for the late response but I've just seen your thread for the first time today. I think I can help you with your questions about markings for your truck.

In 1958 the Canadian Army Field Force reorganized from an infantry division to separate infantry brigade groups.

According to Annex F, Vehicle Unit Signs, of CAMT 1-36 Vol III, the unit sign for the infantry battalions of an Infantry Brigade Group was a red backing with a white serial. The serials used were 7, 8 and 9, which were allocated based on the seniority of the battalion within the brigade group. As the Black Watch would always to junior to the Van Doos, the other regiment in 3 CIBG, their serials would be either 8 or 9. These instructions applied to all three infantry brigade groups in Canada and to the one in Germany.

The formation sign would have been for the 1st Canadian Infantry Division rather than for Atlantic Command. All of the Canadian Army Field Force units within the brigade groups were designated as a part of 1 CID. Non-field force units would have used the Atlantic Command shield. So you're correct about using a red rectangle with a gold maple leaf.

Now the light coloured squares are a bit of a mystery. I'm inclined towards tactical signs, which would have designated which company and platoon the vehicle belonged to within the battalion. But it's hard to tell from the photographs. I don't think it would make your vehicle any less authentic if it didn't have them.

Cheers,
Dan.

PS: I've attached Annex F should you wish to have a look.

[Wayne Hingley]

Many thanks for the help and explanation of reasoning behind the markings, Dan. I really appreciate your help. Darrell Zinck has offered to help me get access to do more research for additional photos in Gagetown, but the travel restrictions have slowed my ability to be in NB for the past few months. Hopefully something will turn up regarding the white squares that appear to be on all four sides of the vehicles. Your suggestion of it being an indicator of Coy/PL sounds reasonable. Perhaps that will become less of an unknown with more photos. Now I can begin to prepare the markings on some of the painted pieces.

[Rob Crombie]

Looks good. I had the same fight with the tires. I tried quite a few things but nothing would budge them. Thankfully the local truck tire shop was willing to break them down, and did so without damaging anything.
I’m looking forward to watching your truck go back together. It’s always a good feeling on any project when you turn the corner from disassemble and clean/ repair to putting everything back together again.

Cheers,
Rob

[Wayne Hingley]

With a makeshift rotisserie, I got some frame paint on today. Hoping for decent weather tomorrow to spray some semi gloss OD.

[David Herbert]

I like the rotisserie, a nice piece of innovation but it took me a moment to work out what the ladder and ridge pole was for.

It is amazing how a coat of paint cheers things up. Soon you will be building up a 'new' truck.

David

[Wayne Hingley]

I was working under the threat of a rogue rain cloud coming by, so a plan for quick cover was necessary. Yes I agree, a bit of paint cheers things up, and gets me one step closer to another milestone.

[David Dunlop]

Great alternate use for a cargo tarp, Wayne! A little higher and you could get one heck of a family gathering dinner table under it!

David

[BCA]

Nice job Wayne. Were you able to spot the hand-stamped serial number on the outer left frame rail near the forward rear spring hanger? Faintly stamped and should match the glove box door serial number.

[Wayne Hingley]

Hi Brian. Yes the s/n was clearly visible and does match my data plates.