Alligators and Buffaloes

[Gunner]

Hi All:

Looking for the unit(s) (and markings of same) for the amphibious transport companies that would have carried the SD&G Highrs ashore at Normandy or for the Rhine Crossing (with a preference for the Rhine Crossing).

I've just finished cleaning up a Mk 1 Alligator which will become a gate guard at the SD&G armouries in Cornwall. Before all the pundits launch their assaults; let me assure you that we (the SD&G and I) are aware that Canada did not use the Mk 1 Alligator, however, it is representative of the type of vehicle they used to invade the Nazi heartland. The plaque will read something along the lines of:

"Robling's Alligator Mk 1 manufactured in Florida c. 1940.

Vehicles like this were used to carry Allied troops ashore on amphibious assaults all over the world. The Canadian Army used a number of similar vehicles in the flooded polders of Holland in 1944 and 45. This one has been marked to represent one of the XXX amphibious carriers. The XXX transported the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders across the Rhine river for the final assault on Hitler's heartland in March 1945."

A history of the specific vehicle and its provenance will be placed in the unit's museum to ensure that the public are not misled.

Any advice on appropriate markings will be much appreciated as Army level transport units are way outside my area of expertise.

Cheers! Mike