Unit TAC Signs on Vehicles in BAOR

I can't say I have ever seen a list of TAC Signs numbers issued to Units.

Usually, the sign was about 4x3inches , black numbers on white background. Mounted on the front wing of a vehicle.

The number in this case was 149. Possibly an Armoured Unit (13/18 or 14/20) in Paderborn area during mid 1960's.

Thks
Alan

We had Formation (not Tac*) signs on our vehicles also in Paderborn Area  (Arty) in the '60s  they were white on black plates of similar size to the Union Jack transfer (around 4 x 3 ins) and on the opposite mud guard.  These numbers were often repeated black on white marked on the convoy plate (candle lit at night) close to the rear axle under the vehicle.

A whole BAOR Standing Order was dedicated to what signs and badges might be displayed on vehicles (including  size and colour of TP markings on wheelarches)  - a complete re-print when we all went from olive green  to olive drab/IRR paint.

Our Formation signs were 2/70 until we were shifted sideways and became 4/70 indicating owned by 2 Div and later 4 Div respectively - Staff Duties in the Field ( here is a link to that pubn: https://archive.org/details/Staff_Duties_in_the_Field_1995_B-GL-331-002/page/n13/mode/2up a delightful addition to the Map pocket) was the decode for what the second numerical grouping might mean.

Oh such joy! repainting and preparing for the Annual Admin Inspection/Annual Report on a Unit - with jurassic MT Sgts getting new signs ordered (down-town), arguing about alignments, drilling holes for pop-rivets (Sarge, why didn't we get these as transfers like the Union Jacks?) An infamous BQMS ordering a dozen signs without checking the accuracy of spelling (accomodation !  nor ref to SD in the Fd about approved abbreviations).  Tempers got frayed.  Rough justice - an officer who complained the lads had sprayed olive green over "s**t" and made them "scrape it orf!", was the first to discover that sand was the basis of a non-slip wearing surface - he enjoyed  Christmas in BMH Rinteln - no doubt arranging the itinerary of buses loaded with nurses, attending Christmas events! - leaving male nurses to see to his hygiene needs.

*Tac signs were affixed to the centre radiator grill of our vehicles, and adorned with black or white lettering backed on  to the Bty Colours (ours were Kabul Blue) and these letters reflected the rôle in the battery orbat.  (The boss was X, the BK was K, and the BQMS and baggage train were a convoy of Ech - an ex BSM/MT  expert will fill me in with the other annotations for Gun troops etc)!

These were found under layers of paint on the door and or front wing.  

14/20 Hussars hidding with something above it?
Possibly decal job previous or after.





There is also an unidentified decal, which is mostly hidden. It is suspected it might be 13/18 Hussars? Watch this space!

It is expected this 13/18 Hussars decal may be hidding. Yet to find it!

Deleted - a better answer came from Canada

Red triangle is the A Sqn marking, the yellow circle (I see two, one very early on) is the C Sqn marking for 14/20KH. Can I refer you to Col. Richard Taylor's reference material please, Warpaint Vol 3.

Thanks,

My mate has just ordered the VOL 3.

Thanks for the book tip!

Alan