WD / Census Number tags

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

1. However GM Ltd ,when they first started assembly of CMPs, allocated 'GML 1' etc. which was presumably before they knew what numbers were allocated...I assume that they were driven to Chilwell for numbers to be painted on.

2. As regards assembly companies that I know of that assembled Canadian and British vehicles, the photo evidence shows that Census Numbers were allocated as per vehicle as it went down the line, having the numbers painted on after the camo had been put on, presumably in accordance with batch allocations. Canadian vehicles had CMD numbers applied pending Bordon allocating numbers. They were delivered from Southampton, Slough, Liverpool, Goole, we know with CMD numbers. The RCOC Vehicle Census Branch was initially located in Aldershot, as part of 1 Det, RCOC, Aldershot, and then moved to Bordon Camp in June 1940. Vehicles assembled in Southampton were initially issued from around 8th June 1940 at the Mechanical Transport Vehicle Reception Depot at Bordon. After the RCOC had moved into Bordon, vehicles were delivered to what became the 1 Canadian Corps Ordnance Depot (RCOC MT Depot). This, with the Census Branch, transferred from 1 Det to 2 Det in April 1940.

3. As regards Bedfords I can attest from photo evidence that Luton delivered in 1940-41 vehicles with WD census Numbers that had been painted on the line. This was after trade plates were no longer required for delivery.