Vehicle Markings

[UK Jack]

Some questions regarding markings/stencils;

1. Did all GMC's have standard markings.

2. I have seen some with markings on the petrol tank, bonnet and loads more without, is this a personal preference?

3. Again, I have seen on the tail gate 'left hand drive, no hand signals' but not on many vehicles.

4. What do the numbers mean that run on both sides of the bonnet.

5. What are the numbers on the bumper?

6. I have also seen people 'name' their vehicles, was this practiced during the WW2.....

That’s it for now!

Best wishes.

Jack.

[joel gopan]

There were 562,000 CCKWS produced, and markings varied in style, even if done to same regulation, GIs had to be expedient, there were obviously differences in interpretation of regs, some markings were left up to local interpretation, etc. They were issued thousands of units all over the planet. There were thousands of Motor Officers and Motor Sargeants, and a lot of fingers in the pie. Gotta remember also, that a lot of stencils were hand cut in the field, the size and font varied, some were sprayed on some were brushed on.
Joel

[Degsy]

Hi Jack

The tailgate or rear mudguard marking 'Left hand drive no signals max speed 40mph was ued in the UK. Jeeps usually had it on the canvas hood.
The no's on the bonnet (hood) sidesthe serial no of the vehicle (not chassis no),each class of vehicle started with adifferent no or no's,class that CCKW is in starts 4.
No's on bumper identify division, regiment etc. ie 1-32F on right (passenger) side ,C7 on left would signify 1st Inf. Div. 32nd Field Arty.Regt. C Battery truck #7.but to unravel all the markings can sometimes be difficult. Joel probably has forgotten far more about these
markings than I know.Some drivers not only named their vehicles but also had excellent artwork on them but some of them became too lurid leading to complaints from some quarters and I have read somewhere that a directive was issued from HQ ordering that they be toned down.

[armydriver]

Lots of markings and even decorations and names on the trucks. Remember the driver assigned to this truck made this truck his home away from home as best he could.