I think you're right the markings on motorcycles were deleted for the invasion....But never say never and in our case, artistic license is allowed. Especially to depict a bike to commemorate a family member or particular unit of interest.
British markings are a sod to understand, so best pic a division/unit first as they would all have had signals attached, and then research from there.
I've done one of my Triumphs as signals attached to Anti Aircraft command, based on the fact that not all bikes were front line. Ron
email (option): ronpier@talk21.com
Ah I'm sure Rik will be along soon. However I always get more confused the more he explains it:flushed:
But the formation sign for the Indian 4th inf div was No12 here (A Red Eagle)
8th Army is No 4 in the colour plate. Maybe it's a start to some research. Ron
email (option): ronpier@talk21.com
My understanding was that div. markings and unit markings were applied until late 1943 (officially) and randomely after that....Div. marking on the offside of the tank and unit marking on the nearside...At some point only the unit was marked on both sides and frequently (mostly) there were no markings at all....I'm confused just typing this so I stand to be corrected by anyone with more knowledge of the subject....
I tend to apply the 'artistic license' theory expounded by Ron...I applied 8th. Independent Armoured Brigade, 4/7th Royal Dragoon Guards to one of my M20s although that wouldn't have been used for D Day...I had a relative in that unit who was KIA on D Day so I felt I wanted to recognise that fact....Ian
email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com
Mark here is some history on the 8th Army.
And the index for plate XV1 that I posted earlier. Ron
email (option): ronpier@talk21.com
Apologies for the late response. I've been away B.E.F.ing in Northern France with Nick.
In terms of marking vehicles, a distinction needs to be drawn between the 'Formation Sign' (Divisional, Corps or above) which was a symbol and the 'Arm of Service' marking which is a coloured background with a number indicating the part of that formation to which the vehicle belonged. In an infantry division, each brigade had a unique colour with each battalion showing a different number. The various corps had a unique colour too.
Royal Signals from 1941 onwards used white over blue with red serials.
There was a directive issued quite early on (The earliest Army Council Instruction that I have seen is "Vehicle Marking 1941" dated 8/1/1941) and it clearly states that formation signs were not to be applied to motorcycles. Quite why this should have been so is a puzzle to me as it must have been a nightmare for Traffic Control.
This effectively means that if you're portraying a motorcycle from 1941 onwards, it should not have the formation sign (As Ron mentioned, many restorers do and all other vehicles in the unit would have displayed the sign).
Correct procedure from 1941 was to display the arm of service marking on both forward edges of the fuel tank and on the rear mudguard.
It is difficult to say at what point in the Middle East, for instance any markings would have been overpainted...presumably at overhaul which wasn't that long with the combination of open inlets and large quantities of sand.