Assistance Needed with Unit ID - North Africa

Discussion in 'Vehicle Names and Census Numbers' started by Neilie, May 13, 2020.

  1. Neilie

    Neilie Member

    I am currently modelling some vehicles used in the early North African campaigns and am looking for some assistance. I am building a 1/76 Morris CDF as in the attached photo which appears to have the letters "RMB" in black on the cab side panel....does anyone know what that would stand for?

    The second photo shows a Chev CC60L and a Dodge (possibly WC series). I'm interested in the marking on the Chev which is the MEF Camel formation sign with an RASC patch below and the AoS 1602. Can anyone give me a clue as to what unit that might have been? The Dodge seems to have a red cross on the front differential which is a bit odd but it may be a medical unit. I think I detect a roundel as well on the bonnet of the Chev which may put it 1942 or later.

    Any assistance would be sincerely appreciated.

    Cheers,

    Neil
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Neilie

    Neilie Member

    I am currently modelling some North African theatre vehicles for which I am looking for some input on unit ID.
    The first one is a Morris CDF in 1/76 scale based upon the attached photo. While time and place is unknown, it seems to have the letters in black "RMB" in the cab side. Does anyone know what this may represent?
    The second view is of a Chev CC60L somewhere in the western desert with an MEF Camel formation patch and what looks like an integral RASC AoS with a serial 1602. It seems also to have a roundel on the bonnet putting it 1942 or later. I'm trying to ID the RASC unit with the number 1602. A clue may be in the Dodge beside it which seems to have a red cross on the differential which is rather odd but it could be a medical unit.

    Any help would be sincerely appreciated.

    Cheers,

    Neil
     

    Attached Files:

    Chris C likes this.
  3. hutt

    hutt Member

    There are two diaries for a 1602 Independent Workshop Platoon held at Kew. Possible link?
    Unfortunately they are 44 - 45
    WO169/16955
    WO169/20690
     
  4. Neilie

    Neilie Member

    Thanks Hutt for the info. Unfortunately, that won't work as I'm looking for suitable markings for the CDF in the first photo and as I like to have them reasonably correct, thought I may be able to use that one but for this oldie, a bit too late I think. Would you possibly know of any RASC units operating in the early desert campaigns and their serial numbers or where I could find them?

    I appreciate your response.

    Cheers,

    Neil
     
  5. I'll have a look at Taylor & Hodges when I'm back home. They list quite a few MEF AoS serials, so this one might just be in there...

    Michel
     
  6. Neilie

    Neilie Member

    Thank you very much Michel.....I would appreciate it.

    Cheers,

    Neil
     
  7. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

    Bowler hat & brolly formation sign
    ;)
     
  8. Nothing in Taylor & Hodges. There is a running thread here about this same unit, but still no ID so far...

    Michel
     
  9. Neilie

    Neilie Member

    Thanks Michel.... I'd be interested in any RASC or any arm serving in NA in 1941 period, their AoS number and formation attached to if you can find any in T&H. I'd like this for my Morris CDF in the photo above. I just thought the other photo provided a possible unit but 1944 is a bit too late.

    Cheers,

    Neil
     
  10. chrisgrove

    chrisgrove Senior Member

    I bet the Dodge in the second pic is a D8/T212!
    According to Dick Taylor, Armoured Divisions in the Middle East in late (wef September) 1941 had three RASC companies with AoS 76, 78 and 82. H&T say there were two Armd Bde coys with AoS 82 and 78; a Support Group Company with AoS 73, a Div Troops Company with 80 and two tank transporter companies with 96 and 25. They (H&T) also say that 'Divisions' (presumably Infantry) had a Div Ammo Coy with 69, a Div Petrol Coy with 74, and a Div Supply Column with 95. You pays yer money and you takes yer pick!! They also have some AoS for Corps RASC, if you are interested. Unfortunately, many of the tables of AoS numbers only cover Armour, Infantry, Artillery and Engineers. Services are not always mentioned!
    Chris
     

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