C8A HUA sign and markings

[Ian McCallum]

Originally Posted by Cschibsted

Hello out there !
Have I taken wrong about the sign "77" ? Baybe it is painted 75 on front shell.
Look on rear diff....... ! Anyone who knows something about this marking ?
Thanks
Christian

Hi Christian,

I would agree with previous comments in that due to the allied stars it is unlikely it served in Italy or North Africa during the war. Which really only leaves three alternatives.:

'77' as an arm of service (AoS) number, white on black, is common to all three Infantry Divisions as a Field Ambulance Unit.

1 Div. - 77 = 9 Can. Field Ambulance
2 Div. - 77 = 18 Can. Field Ambulance
3 Div. - 77 = 23 Can. Field Ambulance

Now it appears however that the number on the diff. is '75'? It was common practice to paint the AoS number on the diff so when illuminated by the convoy light it was known what vehicle organisation was being followed.
So did the vehicle transfer between units at some time?

As with the '77' the '75' was also used by all of the three Divisions to denote a field ambulance unit.

1 Div. - 75 = 4 Can. Field Ambulance
2 Div. - 75 = 10 Can. Field Ambulance
3 Div. - 75 = 14 Can. Field Ambulance

However, 1 Infantry Division did not arrive in Europe until 1945, so although possible allied stars were not always painted on vehicles so late in the war.

2 Infantry Division was a gold Maple Leaf on Blue, and 3 Infantry Division on Grey so have a look on the opposite side of nose. Also try the top corners on the rear or lower corners of the door.

I attach a photo of a HUA I once owned, now with Nick Bullock.