I'm in the process of finishing a Sherman IC hybrid-hull Firefly. Using the photo on the bottom of page 324 in Hunnicutt's Sherman book, I have added track link armor and will have it plowing through the mud. I assume the photo was taken in Holland in the winter of 1944/45.

The cutline describes this vehicle as a Canadian Firefly in the 21st Army Group (Montgomery's command). Therein lies the problem. 21st Army Group included the 4th and 5th Canadian Armoured Divisions, and the 1st and 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigades. Which unit might have had the IC Firefly? On page 325, there is a photo of scores of 5th Canadian Armoured Division tanks in formation, but all the Firelies are VCs.

Also, what would the markings be? I'm specifically interested in the "Arm of Service" marking -- i.e., the colored square with the number in it.

Any help with this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

HI,

Have you tried the following sites:
- Canadian Tracks
- Steel Chariots
- Maple Leaf

I think in one of them you can get som info.

HTH

If it's the picture I think it is...it's of the 4th Cdn Arm. Div. so it would have a green square with a yellow or gold maple leaf....not sure what Reg't it was....The South Alberta's had a green over blue square with a white 45 in it....Gov. Gen. Foot Guards had the same with a 51.....Cdn Gren. Guards had the same with 52....BC Reg't had the same with a 53.....take your pick.....if 1 Reg't had them...they probably all had them....made it easier for the RCEME guys to fix them.

Thanks guys. It turns out I had the answer right under my nose the whole time -- right on the kit's instruction sheet and decals!

The DML kit has decals for the South Albertas and the General Governor's Foot Guard, so now I have to pick.

Once again the old adage rings true: "When all else fails, read the instructions ..." When I build Sherman variants I tend to toss the instructions and build using reference photos for placement of accessories, etc.

I must have been suffering from serious braincramping when I posted this. Too much turkey, beer, football and model building on the long holiday weekend, I suppose.