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Early Tactical Signs |
The system consisted of a number of geometrical shapes divided into Red and Blue with a third colour to indicate the Battery. Based on the units positively identified, there seems to be no pattern by either type or formation as to the shape used or the colour split. The whole system appears totally random and not universally used. |
The above represents the HQ Battery. Different coloured bars were placed below the triangle to indicate the other Batteries. See below for the battery colour system. |
Circle split vertically with 2 methods of showing the battery colour. |
Circle split horizontally with 2 methods of showing the battery colour. |
Squares and rectangles also appeared in different configurations. |
Battery Identification Colours |
There are 2 documentary sources for the colours although neither of them apply to the BEF. The first is from a book on the markings of 2 New Zealand Division in the Middle East and the other a document issued by British Troops N. Ireland in January 1941. |
Conclusions |
Although the first source is for New Zealand units, Commonwealth artillery tended to follow the UK marking systems. The second source used the colours as an additional bar below the Red/Blue AoS plate and not as a separate Tac Sign but they could well have been carried over from the earlier system. |
Other Markings |
Photographic evidence shows that signals vehicles carried a white over blue rectangle above the Tac Sign. Whether this was just attached Royal Signals or all regimental signals vehicles is not clear. |
Some units used letters and numbers to identify individual vehicles. These followed the same form as used on the later Tac Sign system. |
Return to the Tactical Signs page |