1944 Willy's MB Jeep with 74th Northumbrian Field Regiment, Royal Artillery markings

Hi everyone,
Thank you for accepting me to join this forum.

I recently became the new owner of the above. This is a very long shot but I wondered if anyone on here knows of the wartime history of it.

He was made in May 1944 and the numbers on the bonnet are:
US 20417628
UK M5241378

On the rear guards are:
IA 24E
MT7

Might someone or a relative know it?
Many thanks
Nick

 

Nick,

Welcome aboard.

For background as vehicle markings etc is not my focus. The reference site for Royal Artillery units: 74 (Northumbrian) Field Regiment RA (TA) - The Royal Artillery 1939-45 Note their movements when the regt. was assigned to the 50th Infantry Division. Plus: 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division - Wikipedia

If the jeep was made in May 1944 one would expect it joined them sometime after D-Day 6/6/1944 for the campaign in NW Europe. Note the assigned division changed in November 1944 to the 49th Infantry Division and their nickname 'Polar Bears'.

Slightly puzzled no 'Polar Bear' marking.

 

Hi David,
Many thanks.

Forgot to mention the 50th Northumbrian Infantry Division.

What is/are the "Polar Bear" markings?
Thanks
Nick

 

Is that 74 correct ?

I didn't think the marking had the actual unit number on them.
Too easy to work out who was who.

74 doesn't appear on this diagram.
Infantry and Mountain Division Vehicle Markings

 

Probably my ignorance Owen!

The TT symbol (on right hand side of the windscreen) is the 50th Northumbrian Infantry Division, as confirmed by your chart.
Someone else thought the 74 was the Northumbrian Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
N

 

Welcome to the forum.

You might also try:

https://hmvf.co.uk/

Nice jeep!

 

From: 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division - Wikipedia