Canadian Markings

[Mark W. Tonner]

Hi Chris;

Did a bit of research, the picture in question is NAC PA 138353, which shows, carriers of the A&SH of C, and yes, a half-track of the SAR, and in the distance, probably the rear of two SAR B Sqn Shermans, along with a Kangaroo, which I believe to be from B Sqn of 1 CACR, who were in support of the Canadian 10th Inf Bde at this time.

The picture itself was taken sometime between 4-8 Mar 45, during operations through the 'Hochwald Gap' (OPERATION "BLOCKBUSTER")(22 Feb-10 Mar 45).

Why the SAR AoS on the half-track has a white bar below is beyond me, unless the white bar is something totally separate from the AoS, which just doesn't show up clear enough in the picture to identify.

Just a note, it is SAR and not GGHG, as you had asked earlier. The GGHG at this time were either about to embark or were already into Operation GOLDFLAKE (the move of Canadian I Corps from Italy to NWE). The GGHG did not enter operations in NWE until late Mar 45.

I have attached the complete photo in question along with a sketch map of the 'Hochwald Gap' operations.

Sources:

Photo: THE ROYAL CANADIAN ARMOURED CORPS, AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY, by J. Marteinson & M.R. McNorgan

Sketch Map: OFFICAL HISTORY OF THE CANADIAN ARMY IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR, VOLUME III, THE VICTORY CAMPAIGN, THE OPERATIONS IN NORTH-WEST EUROPE, 1944-1945, by Col. C.P. Stacey