... can you spot the difference?

[Michael R.]

. . . carrier parts acquisition awareness . . .

Canadian made lids for the universal carrier dashboard.

The MK-I* lid was designed before the use of a gasket between the dashboard and driver front upper protection plate. As a result, the width of the portion that fit over the front armour was a certain depth. Were the MK-I* lids ever upgraded to accommodate the introduction of the composite, one piece, gasket?


When the MK-II* carrier was introduced, Ford Canada manufactured one model, the C31UCW. (subsequent stowage changes were made for mortar and MMG carriers) We seldom call the C31UCW anything but a “Mark 2”.

The dashboard lid of the MK-II* is not interchangeable with the MK-I* series dashboards. Not only the fact there are two vs four fasteners to locate, but the shape of the dash is also different. While the two holes for the MK-II* dash are a clear indication... you may also notice the greater depth or width of the portion that fits over the front armour to accommodate the gasket. The gasket for the MK-II* model was made from two strips of thin plywood, abandoning the composite, or rubber gasket found on the MK-I* dashboard.

The next time you are looking at period images of what appears to be a MK-II* carrier, check to see if the top of the dash lid is visible. The dash was not changed when the MK-I* carriers were upgraded to MK-II style.

[Michael R.]

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[Lynn Eades]

Great info! Thanks.

[Michael R.]

A set of popular images showing Lt. Stan Biggs and his flame carrier platoon ... France, 1944. These Rifleman are from the Queens Own Rifles of Canada.

Their carriers may appear to be MK-II* from the steel tube firing rests. While the MK-I* sand shields suggest the otherwise, a later close up of the driver and flame operator show the instrument panel lid. This particular lid design makes me question if the MK-I* lid was updated to accommodate the rubber gasket material.

Without derailing the thread, there are multiple identifiers that these are updated/upgraded carriers, headlamps, seats and not the least, the W/D numbers.