Can anyone advise as to the correct markings for the petrol tank of a 1941 M20 in service with the Royal Engineers?....

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

The Arm of Service Marking on the r/h side of the tank would be a blue square. The number in white would be the code that referred to the actual unit. If you have a unit in mind then do a Google search to see what turns up. The number, of course, has no relevance to the Units real I.D.. Is that what you are after?

http://www.petergh.f2s.com/flashes.html#vehicle

I'm glad this was raised - I keep meaning to ask too.

The key cards say the bike I have was located in Bicester during it's service - does that mean it was probably just used as a run-about on the air-base?

I'm no expert, but from the basic research I've done it suggests Bicester was an Air Force training base during the war - so would that be the most appropriate emblem to allocate?

The only thing that casts doubt in my mind is the fact it was given a pretty major structural overhaul, not something I would immediately associate with pootling around an air base. Unless it was bombed or something.

Though I expect these bikes could have ended up anywhere - the one I have was sold off in 1960, so 20 years of service in theory.

Whilst we are talking about markings, I've got a photo of my wifes Grandfather out in the Middle East during the war standing next to his lorry. He was with the RASC and on the front of the vehicle are a pair of dominoes in a square and the drivers side door has what looks like a witches cauldron painted on, any idea of the significance of these?

I suspect if the card says Bicester it means the Ordnance depot where they were stored just in case and then finally disposed of.

Rob

email (option): robmiller11(a)yahoo.co.uk

Yes, most locations on the Key Cards are storage depot's/auction locations, not places where the bikes were actually used.

Cheers,

Lex

email (option): welbike@welbxxx.net

What about Royal Engineers markings..?...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Ian, my 16H had an RE 'Cobalt' blue square as found (but with the 1940 series '1' for Div HQ that they changed after the fall of France).

I have various copies from the 1941 instructions. HQ changed to '40' by then...Within an infantry or armoured division, there would be a Div. HQ, a Field Park Company and (usually) three Field Companies, RE.

If you want to go to a higher formation then I can look at Corps or Command level, or even GHQ troops.

For 1941, as far as I'm aware to date, you can still use a formation sign on a motorcycle.

Thanks Rik..nd BTB...Ian

Ian, Don't know about 1941, but my early 1940 tank has a red square with number 2 in it, also in red.

Rik has been able to find out the bike was part of the 1st Field Squadron Royal Engineers, but, at that time, could not pin down the red marking fully.

Can make a picture if it helps. Regards, Michiel

email (option): m.wijbenga[at]hotmail.com

Thanks Michiel...A picture would be good if it's not too much trouble...Ian

No trouble at all:

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email (option): m.wijbenga[at]hotmail.com

Ok - so this is going to be a real long shot, but to a trained eye, you never know! Does these images offer any hints at all of a former tank marking? I can't see past all the 6 monthly check stamps!

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If there is/was a marking on it, other than the checks, and it conforms (strictly) to regulations then it will only be on the right hand side of the tank. Unless I am looking at the pics wrong there isn't one of the r/h.?