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-   -   Flash on motor bike? (https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74303)

RobD 24-06-19 08:16 PM

Flash on motor bike?
 
The forum is a bit quiet, so here's an idle enquiry: my brother is repainting his 1942 Harley Davidson and side car; this is one of the 1160-odd 1200cc bikes + sidecars that the Union got from the USA [ see http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol101em.html ].
He is painting it as if it were in North Africa, that is, Light Stone, British Standard Colour No.61 [also called BS 381C - 361]. Our current understanding is that the bikes arrived from the USA in Olive Drab No. 9 paint, and would [could?] have been over-painted in theatre with a brush and paint pot.
So my questions are these:
- Does anyone think that the above colour would be completely wrong for SA vehicles?
- would vehicles have had divisional flashes painted on them?
- If so, what SA units were "likely" or "possibly" supplied with these Harley combinations?
- and what were the flashes of those divisions?
- which part of the vehicle bore the divisional flash, and how big was the flash painted?
Any educated guesses gratefully received.
Rob

fairlie63 25-06-19 05:47 AM

Hello Rod, there's a couple of South African specific books on this subject in the Armor Color Gallery series:

No 6, Camouflage & Markings of the 6th South African Armored Division, North Africa & Italy 1943-45, Part 1: Armored Vehicles, and
No 9, Camouflage & Markings of the 6th South African Armored Division, North Africa & Italy 1943-45, Part 2: Wheeled Transport and Artillery

Tons of photos in both but only a couple of Matchless motorcycles pictured.

They might assist you with any markings however.

Cheers, Keith

RobD 25-06-19 09:32 AM

Much obliged, Keith - I will seek a copy of those.
Rob

Roy 25-06-19 02:04 PM

Sounds like a lovely project Rob,

Would be keen so see some photos if/when at all possible.

Cheerio,

Roy

Milmed 25-06-19 02:23 PM

Hi Rob,
Try this site for SA colors and markings. Unfortunately only 6 SA Div in Italy.
Its a wargamers site but pretty useful info originally from defunct website sacolours.co.za and the same info mentioned in the books in post #2

https://www.flamesofwar.com/hobby.aspx?art_id=4469

Regards
Steven

RobD 25-06-19 06:15 PM

Very useful indeed, Stephen - I'll study carefully - many thanks, Rob


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