M38CDN Ambulance

[David Dunlop]

Hi Don.

It is unfortunate we have not yet discovered documentation stating when the 1952 M38CDN series of jeeps were converted to ambulance pattern, and how long that lasted before they were all restored to standard configuration.

My gut tells me it was probably a short lived experiment, but then I drink a lot of wine on weekends.

Assuming the ambulance idea ran its course early in the M38CDN service life, and they were all restored to standard, it makes sense all subsequent paint jobs applied to the vehicle would easily blend in a replaced rear seat and tailgate to the point they looked as it they had always been there.

You should check to see of the CFR Number for the jeep was ever stamped onto the drivers side front frame, just aft of the bumper assembly and see if it matches what appears painted on the sides. Post what you find and also the serial number from the data plates if they have survived on the dash. Somebody here might know something.

Also look for changes in the font style of the CFR Number on the sides. Original and first few years of service had Roman style font with lots of curves. Then a slightly smaller Gothic font was adopted with all straight edged numbers, and that ran right up until disposal of the fleet. Also check the flat sides of the hood closely for signs of the CFR Number having been applied there. It was not always on the sides.


David

[Ed Storey]

The M38CDN Ambulance was in service until at least 1970, as one is in this photograph of Canadian vehicles being loaded onto HMCS Bonaventure.

BV70-50 copy.jpg

[David Dunlop]

Wow! Good to know, Ed.

Any idea when they were introduced?

That looks a bit like the old Mobile Command decal on the lower right side of the windscreen.


David

[Ed Storey]

Photographs show the M38CDN Ambulance in use from the mid-1950s. Yes, that is a Mobile Command formation sign on the Jeep, although in this case the Canadian units involved had been on a ACE Mobile Force exercise in Europe.

[Dan Martel]

I've attached the relevant page from Vehicle Markings 1947 which gives the in-use Arm of Service serial number and background for an Infantry Brigade Group. Artillery AoS were assigned serial numbers 13, 14 and 15 on a red-over-blue background. Serial 13 was for the RCA Field Regiment, while serials 14 and 15 were artillery spares or 'alternatives.' I have photographs of the 1st Surface-to-Surface Missile Battery using serial 14, but I have no idea which RCA unit would have used serial 15.

But, hey... I have so much stored on my hard-drive, I'll probably stumble upon it some day.

[Ed Storey]

Just to make things interesting, these markings changed in 1949 and again in 1963.

[derk derin]

Here are a couple pictures of a members M38 Jeep ambulance from @2005 era.
Interesting to note that the spare tire is mounted on the passenger rear side of the vehicle and not on the hood. Did they relocate the spare tire to the hood later for a narrower vehicle width for shipping or was it just mounted incorrectly?