I thought Australia had their own numbering system?

email (option): deadhorsesdontgetbackup@hotmail.co.uk

Hi Barry
My 1941 WM20 matching numbers 40775 started life with the tank number C4357367 and on arrival in Australia was given the number C13709.
Currently it is painted desert yellow with the original C number in black and a silver fern in a black square to represent a bike serving with NZ in North Africa.
Henk was able to provide this information.

Cheers
John

email (option): jsaft1951@xtra.co.nz

This image from one of the on-line Australian archives shows recently arrived M20s with War Department serial numbers at the rear. The machines in the foreground show that this number was roughly sanded off, an irregular black panel applied (with runs and sags) and then the Australian census number applied on top.

If you're looking for authenticity, then this is how it has to be done.

Much of the Australian records have survived so with some detective work, it should be possible to confirm WD number and Australian serial.