Hi, All,

Although I'm well aware of most of the markings in a WW2 Cdn armoured squadron, I am not sure of what were used for the squadron headquarters. Of course, the standard triangle, square and circle were applied in the usual locations. However, whereas the individual troops carried their numerical designation number inside the symbol, I am not sure of what designators were carried by the four squadron HQ tanks inside the respective symbols. Any leads will be most welcome. TIA!

A Diamond denoted RHQ Troop tanks and individual numbers denoted each tank.

Squadron HQ Troop tanks may have only had the Squadron symbol and not a Troop number...that would have set them apart and identifiable. I would imagine that any markings were based on the standard British callsign designations of the time.

I would think this would be something to check out the Armoured Acorn for.

Thanks, Jason and Joe,

It's the SHQ tanks I'm trying to sort out. I"ve seen many photos of troop tanks withthe sqn symbol and troop number, but nothing WRT the SHQ designators. I've checked with Barry at Armoured Acorn, but no luck so far. Essentially, I'm looking for the designators for a squadron commander. Sqn symbol and number? Sqn symbol and no number? Not sure, so I keep looking!

Gary, do you mean a "9" inside the Diamond to denote the CO? and a "O" for the CP?

I do not recall seeing that practice...but my knowledge of WW2 starts around 1950.

Graeme,

That's the idea, but the Diamond "9" was the marking of the Commanding Officer's tank, the Lieutenant Colonel who commanded the entire regiment. I'm trying to chase down the markings for the Major who commanded "A" Squadron of the regiment. Therein lies the challenge! Thanks for your input!

Just a guess, but would that be "19" for A Sqn?

Hi, Graeme,

That's the system we pretty much use now. I had "B" Squadron 8CH some years ago, and my callsign was 29. But there was a different system during WW2 and that's what I'm trying to track down: got most of it, but it's the SHQ vehicles that elude me yet.. You just have to love ths hobby!

Yep, I wondered if our current system was a hold over from then.

You were 8CH? I was coloc with them in Moncton when I was 4 AD HQ and 119 AD Bty.

I know this does not answer your question and I also know it is 1/48 but I I thought I would post the link to these new Canadian WWII decals as I feel they would be a good reference for some. I also think the same company does them in 1/35.

http://www.track48.com/shop/product.php?productid=1150&cat=7&page=1

It might have been as simple as having "HQ" in the Squadron marking.....take a look at the Archer Fine Transfers Squadron markings.

Hi, Graeme, Gary and Jason,

Graeme, yes, I was 8CH, but Regular Force in Petawawa starting in 1968. I got to Moncton as the District Staff Officer at the District HQ there in 1988, and met many of the Hussars during the ensuing four years.

Gary, thanks for the lead. However, these are unit and formation markings, and I need the individual Squadron markings for my build. Nice looking decals though, so I'll certainly mark them down as a future consideration!

Jason: good lead! This I had not seen, and it certainly bears a follow-up. I'll be in touch with Woody of Archer to ask if he can put me in touch with the listed researcher. Thanks for the guidance!

Gary,

Always a pleasure to help out another fellow Zipperhead!

If you have any Centurion images or stories from over your years that you are able to share please get in touch with me. I am also interested in the early days of the Lynx.

I was looking in the Barry Beldam book on Canadian WWII markings and Churchills from the Calgary Tanks SHQ tanks used the Squadron symbol with "F1, F2, F3, etc..." inside the symbol.

Good luck with your project.