Bridge Classification Signs

Bridge Classification Signs

Bridge Classification Signs and Plates on Allied Vehicles and Tanks during WWII

Introduction

During World War II, the effective movement of military vehicles and tanks across various bridges was a critical aspect of strategic mobility. To address concerns about potential damage to bridges from vehicles exceeding their weight capacities, the Allied forces implemented a comprehensive system of Bridge Classification Signs and Plates. This system aimed to categorize both bridges and vehicles based on their weight capacities, ensuring safe passage and minimizing the risk of structural damage. This essay explores the historical development, implementation, and significance of the Bridge Classification Signs and Plates used by the Allied forces during WWII.

Historical Background and Implementation

The origin of the Bridge Classification System can be traced back to the early stages of World War II. In the summer of 1940, the War Office recognized the increasing risk of bridge damage caused by vehicles exceeding their weight limits. To mitigate this risk, a system of classification and marking for both bridges and vehicles was adopted. The regulations in 1940 initially designated bridge classes as 5, 9, 12, 18, and 24, while by 1944, the system expanded to include classes 5, 7, 9, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, and 70.

Bridge Classification Signs

Bridge Classification Signs were instrumental in conveying crucial information about the weight capacity of a given bridge to approaching vehicles. These signs were typically discs, ranging from 6 to 9 inches in diameter, painted yellow and adorned with black numbers representing the weight class. The signs could either be metal plates attached to the vehicle or painted directly onto it. They were commonly positioned on the right front fender, and in some cases, replaced the right front headlight.

The numbering system denoted the maximum weight class of vehicles that could safely cross a specific type of bridge. These weight classifications did not necessarily reflect the actual weight in tons but were derived from factors such as axle loading, distance between axles, and impact factor. The 1943 manual “TM 5-277” provided detailed information.

Vehicle Classification and Marking

To complement the bridge classification system, Allied vehicles and tanks were classified based on their weight, and corresponding markings were applied. Each vehicle had a black numeral(s) on a yellow disc indicating its weight class, attached to or painted on the front of the vehicle. Motorcycles, classified as Class 1 vehicles, were an exception, and they did not have bridging discs.

Vehicles towing guns or trailers received double classifications. The upper number denoted the class of the complete “train” (vehicle and attached equipment), while the lower number indicated the class of the “tractor” (vehicle) alone. In cases where vehicles towed other vehicles, the classifications of both vehicles were added to determine the overall classification.

Challenges and Solutions

Implementing and maintaining this classification system posed challenges in the field. The visibility of the classification signs was crucial, and efforts were made to ensure they remained visible even when vehicles were camouflaged. Canadian Army Training Memorandum No. 22, published in January 1943, emphasized the importance of covering these signs to prevent them from attracting unnecessary attention.

Vehicle Types and Classifications

Military Training Pamphlet 74 Part IV, published in May 1944, listed various vehicle types and their corresponding bridge classifications. This information provided a comprehensive overview of the diverse fleet of military vehicles and tanks used during WWII, helping commanders make informed decisions regarding bridge crossings.

Conclusion

he WWII Allied Bridge Classification Signs and Plates played a crucial role in ensuring the safe passage of military vehicles and tanks across bridges. This systematic approach to bridge and vehicle classification helped minimize the risk of structural damage and contributed to the overall efficiency of Allied military operations. The implementation of this classification system, as detailed in historical documents such as 1943 “TM 5-277,” underscored the meticulous planning and attention to detail that characterized Allied military strategies during World War II.

Military Training Pamphlet 74 Part IV published in May 1944 and the U.S. 1943 “TM 5-277”  listed the following vehicle types and their bridge classifications (the list is also useful for providing a look at vehicle designations as the army of the time used them):

 

Bridge Classification – Commonwealth – Vehicles and Tanks

Class Type Vehicle Category Class
1 Car, 5-cwt Jeep, 5-cwt, 4×4, 80 wb “B” Vehicles 1
1 Motorcycle, Solo, Heavy Harley-Davidson twin “B” Vehicles 1
1 Motorcycle, Solo, Light Matchless single cylinder “B” Vehicles 1
1 Motorcycle, Solo, Light Norton single cylinder “B” Vehicles 1
2 Car, Light Sedan, Chevrolet 4×2. 116 wb “B” Vehicles 2
2 Car, Light Sedan, Dodge 4 x 2, 117 wb “B” Vehicles 2
2 Car, Light Sedan, Ford 4 x 2, 114 wb “B” Vehicles 2
3 Car, Heavy Buick 4900, 4×2, 139 wb “B” Vehicles 3
3 Station Wagon Ford 7-pass, 4X2, 114 wb “B” Vehicles 3
3 Station Wagon Ford C11AD, 4X2, 114 wb “B” Vehicles 3
3 Truck, 8-cwt, GS Chev/Ford C/F 8 8-cwt. 4×2. 101 wb “B” Vehicles 3
3 Truck, Heavy Utility, Cipher Office Chev C8A Heavy utility, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 3
3 Truck, Heavy Utility, Computer Chev C8A Heavy utility, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 3
3 Truck, Heavy Utility, Machinery “ZL” Chev C8A Heavy utility, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 3
3 Truck, Heavy Utility, Personnel Chev C8A Heavy utility, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 3
3 Truck, Heavy Utility, Wireless Chev C8A Heavy utility, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 3
3 Car, Light Reconnaissance Humber, Mark III. 4×4. 112 wb “B” Vehicles: Armoured Cars 3
3 Car, Light Reconnaissance Otter 1,4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles: Armoured Cars 3
4 Scout Car Humber I, 4×4, 91 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 4
4 Carrier, 3-Inch Mortar No. 3, Mark II “A” vehicles: Universal Carriers 4
4 Carrier, 4.2-Inch Mortar T16, Mark I “A” vehicles: Universal Carriers 4
4 Carrier, Medium Machine Gun No. 3, Mark 11 “A” vehicles: Universal Carriers 4
4 Carrier, Universal No. 3, Mark II, Welsh Guard Stowage “A” vehicles: Universal Carriers 4
4 Carrier, Universal, T16 T16, Mark I “A” vehicles: Universal Carriers 4
4 Truck, 15-cwt, Fitted for Wireless Chev C15A 15-cwt, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 4
4 Truck, 15-cwt, GS Chev C15A 15-cwt, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 4
4 Truck, 15-cwt. LW(V) Chev/Ford C/F 15A 15-cwt, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 4
4 Truck. 15-cwt, GS Ford F15A 15-cwt, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 4
5 Scout Car Lynx II, 4×4, 81 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 5
5 Carrier, Universal Windsor “A” vehicles: Universal Carriers 5
5 Lorry, 30-cwt, GS Chev/Ford C/F 30 30-cwt, 4×4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 5
5 Lorry, 3-ton, Caravan Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 5
5 Lorry, 3-ton, Disinfector Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 5
5 Lorry, 3-ton, GS Medical Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 5
5 Truck, 15-cwt, Battery Charging Chev/Ford C/F 15A 15-cwt, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 5
5 Truck, 15-cwt, Wireless Chev C15A 15-cwt, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 5
5 Truck, 15-cwt. Water Chev C15A 15-cwt, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 5
5 Truck. 15-cwt, Machinery “KL” Ford F15A 15-cwt, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 5
5 Truck, 15-cwt, Armoured Chev C15TA 15-cwt, 4×4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles: Armoured Cars 5
5 Truck, 15-cwt, Armoured White M3A1, 15-cwt, 4×4, 131 wb “B” Vehicles: Armoured Cars 5
6 Lorry, 3-ton, Dental Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 6
6 Lorry, 3-ton, Machinery “D-l” Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 6
6 Lorry, 3-ton, Machinery “J” Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 6
6 Lorry, 3-ton, Mobile Operations Room Bedford QLR 3-ton, 4×4, 143 wb “B” Vehicles 6
6 Tractor, Field Artillery Chev/Ford CGT/FGT FAT, 3-ton, 4X4, 101 wb “B” Vehicles 6
6 Tractor, Light AA Chev/Ford C/F 60S 3-ton, 4 X 4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 6
7 Armoured Car Daimler Mark 1, 4×4, 102 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 7
7 Armoured Car Humber Mark IV, 4×4, 102 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, 40-MM, Self-Propelled Ford F60B 3-ton, 4×4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, Battery Storage Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, GS Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, GS Ford F60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, Machinery “1-30” Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, Machinery “B”, Mk II Ford F60L 3-ton, 4X4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, Machinery “I” Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, Machinery “Z”, Mk II Ford F60L3-ton, 4×4. 158 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, Mobile Kitchen Chev/Ford C/F 60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, Office (House type) Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Lorry, 3-ton, Troop Carrying Vehicle Bedford QLD 3-ton, 4×4, 143 wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Tractor, Breakdown, Light Chev C60S 3-ton, 4×4, 134wb “B” Vehicles 7
7 Transporter, 16-ton, (Trailer) Semi-trailer, 16-ton “B” Vehicles 7
7 Transporter, 20-ton, (Trailer) Semi-trailer 20-ton “B” Vehicles 7
8 Lorry, 3-ton, 20-MM Quad, Self-Propelled Ford F60L 3-ton, 4×4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Machinery “F” Chev 60X3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, X-Ray Ford F60H 3-ton, 6×4, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Bulk Petrol Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Cipher Office Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Command High Power “H 53” Chev C60L 3-ton, 4X4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Command Low Power Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Derrick Ford F 60S 3-ton, 4×4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, GS Stores (Binned) Chev/Ford C/F 60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Instrument Repair Chev C60L 3-ton, 4X4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Machinery “M”, Mk II Ford F60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Power Auger Chev/Ford C/F 60L 3-ton, 4×4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Signal Construction Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Signals (Cable Layer) Chev/Ford C/F 60L 3-ton, 4×4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Teleprinter Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, TEV Corps Terminal equipment vehicle Chev C60L,
3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb		 “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, TEV Div Terminal equipment vehicle, Chev C60L
3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb		 “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Tipping Chev C60S 3-ton, 4×4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Wireless “I” Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton, Wireless “R” Chev C60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Lorry, 3-ton. Wireless “C 33” Chev C60L 3-ton, 4X4, 134 wb “B” Vehicles 8
8 Truck, 15-cwt, Half-Track International M-14, 15-cwt, half-track, 135 wb “B” Vehicles: Armoured Cars 8
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Bacteriological Laboratory Chev 60X 3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Camera Leyland Retriever Chev 60X3-ton, 6×4, 156 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Chemical Warfare Laboratory Chev 60X 3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Dark Room Leyland Retriever 3-ton, 6×4, 156 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Machinery “A” Chev 60X3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Machinery “B” Chev 60X3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Machinery “L” Chev 60X 3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Machinery “RE 7 1/2 -KW” Chev 60X 3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Machinery “Z” Chev 60X 3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Mobile Petroleum Laboratory Chev 60X 3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Printing Leyland Retriever 3-ton, 6×4, 156 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Stores Chev 60X 3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, Switchboard Chev 60X 3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, TEV Chev 60X 3-ton, 6X6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, 6-wh, TEV Army
(Terminal equipment vehicle)		 Chev 60X3-ton, 6×6, 160 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 3-ton, Ambulance Ford F60L 3-ton, 4×4, 158 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Lorry, 4-ton, 6-wh, Crane, Mark VI
(Coles Crane)		 Diamond T 970 4-ton, 6×6, 201 wb “B” Vehicles 9
9 Tractor, D-4 Caterpillar “B” Vehicles 9
10 Transporter, Recovery, 40-ton, (Trailer) Full trailer, 40-ton “B” Vehicles 10
11 Lorry, 4-ton, 6-wh, GS Diamond T 970 4-ton, 6×6, 201 wb “B” Vehicles 11
11 Lorry, 4-ton, 6-wh, Pontoon Diamond T 970 4-ton, 6×6, 201 wb “B” Vehicles 11
11 Tractor, Breakdown, Medium Diamond T 969 4-ton, 6×6, 151 wb “B” Vehicles 11
12 Armoured Command Vehicle, High Power Matador, 4×4, 151 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 12
12 Armoured Command Vehicle, Low Power Matador, 4×4, 151 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 12
12 Lorry, 4-ton, 6-wh, Crane, Mark VII
(Bay City Crane)		 Diamond T 970 4-ton. 6×6, 201 wb “B” Vehicles 12
12 Lorry, 4-ton, 6-wh, FBE Diamond T 970 4-ton, 6×6, 201 wb “B” Vehicles 12
12 Lorry, 4-ton, 6-wh, Machinery “H” Diamond T 970 4-ton, 6×6, 201 wb “B” Vehicles 12
12 Lorry, 4-ton, 6-wh, Machinery “M” Diamond T 9704-ton, 6×6, 201 wb “B” Vehicles 12
12 Lorry, 4-ton, 6-wh, Machinery “RE 25-KW” Diamond T 970 4-ton, 6×6, 201 wb “B” Vehicles 12
12 Tractor, Artillery, Medium FWD SU-COE 4-ton, 4×4, 144 wb “B” Vehicles 12
12 Tractor, Breakdown, Heavy Mack LM-SW 5-ton, 6×4, 166 wb “B” Vehicles 12
12 Transporter, 16-ton, (Tractor) FWD SU-COE 4-ton, 4×4, 144 wb “B” Vehicles 12
13 Transporter, 20-ton, (Tractor) Federal 604 6-ton, 6 x 4, 168 wb “B” Vehicles 13
13 Transporter, Recovery, 30-ton, (Tractor) Diamond T 980 12-ton, 6×4 179 wb “B” Vehicles 13
14 Tank, Light Stuart V, M3A3 “A” vehicles: Tanks 14
14 Lorry, 10-ton, Breakdown Ward La France M1A1 10-ton, 6X6, 181 wb “B” Vehicles 14
15 Armoured Car Staghound, T17EI, 4×4, 120 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 15
15 Armoured Car, AA Staghound, T17E2, 4×4, 120 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 15
15 Armoured Car, Command Staghound, T17EI, 4×4, 120 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 15
15 Armoured Car, Control Staghound, T17EI, 4×4, 120 wb “A” vehicles: Armoured Cars 15
17 Lorry, 6-ton, GS Mack NR 6-ton, 6×6, 177 wb “B” Vehicles 17
18 Tank, Bridge Laying Valentine “A” vehicles: Tanks 18
18 Lorry, 10-ton, Auto Processing Foden D6G 10-ton, 6×4, 188 wb “B” Vehicles 18
18 Lorry, 10-ton, Enlarging and Rectifying Foden D6G 10-ton, 6×4, 188 wb “B” Vehicles 18
18 Lorry, 10-ton, Photo Mechanical Foden D6G 10-ton, 6×4. 188 wb “B” Vehicles 18
18 Lorry. 10-ton, Printing Foden D6G 10.ton.6×4, 188 wb “B” Vehicles 18
18 Tractor. D-7 Caterpillar “B” Vehicles 18
18 Transporter, Recovery, 40-ton, (Tractor) Diamond T 980 12-ton, 6 x4 179 wb “B” Vehicles 18
21 Lorry, 10-ton, 6×4, GS Mack NM 10-ton, 6×4, 201 wb “B” Vehicles 21
21 Lorry, 10-ton, 6×6, GS Mack NR 10-ton, 6×6, 177 wb “B” Vehicles 21
22 Transporter, Recovery, 30-ton, (Trailer) Semi-trailer ,30-ton “B” Vehicles 22
24 Tractor, D-8 Caterpillar “B” Vehicles 24
30 Armoured Gun Tower Ram II “A” vehicles: Tanks 30
30 Armoured Personnel Carrier Ram II “A” vehicles: Tanks 30
30 Tank, Observation Post Ram II “A” vehicles: Tanks 30
30 25-Pr, Self-Propelled, Tracked Sexton “A” vehs: Self Propelled Guns 30
33 Tank, Command Sherman, M4A2 or M4A4 “A” vehicles: Tanks 33
33 Tank, Control Sherman, M4A2 or M4A4 “A” vehicles: Tanks 33
33 Tank, Cruiser Sherman VC, M4A4 “A” vehicles: Tanks 33
33 Tank, Cruiser Sherman, M4A2 or M4A4 “A” vehicles: Tanks 33
33 Tank, Observation Post Sherman, M4A2 or M4A4 “A” vehicles: Tanks 33
33 Tank, Recovery Sherman, M4A4 “A” vehicles: Tanks 33
33 17-Pr, M10, Self-Propelled, Tracked Sherman, M10 Chassis “A” vehs: Self Propelled Guns 33
33 3-Inch, M10, Self-Propelled, Tracked Sherman, M10 “A” vehs: Self Propelled Guns 33

 

Bridge Classification – Commonwealth – Trailers

Class Type Vehicle Category Class
1 Trailer, 10-cwt, GS Trailer – 10-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 1
1 Trailer, Cable Splicing Trailer – 10-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 1
1 Trailer, Class, 10-cwt, GS Trailer – 10-cwt. 2-wh Trailer 1
1 Trailer, Generator, 6-KVA and Trailer, Trailer – 10-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 1
1 Trailer, Generator, 6-KW Trailer – 10-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 1
2 Trailer, 20-cwt, GS Trailer – 20-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, AA Command Post Trailer – l-ton, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Direction Finding Trailer – 10-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Gas Welding Trailer – 15-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Generator, 22-KW Trailer – 15-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Generator, 9-KVA Trailer – 1-ton, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Generator, 9-KW Trailer – 15-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Generator, RE, 25-KW Trailer – 15-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Generator, Wireless, 2-KW Trailer – 15-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Pole Trailer – 15-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Sterilizer Trailer – 1-ton, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Water Trailer – 180-gal, 20-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
2 Trailer, Workshop Servicing Trailer – 20-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 2
3 Trailer, 4-wh, 2-ton, GS Trailer – 2-ton, 4-wh, 93 wb Trailer 3
3 Trailer, 4-wh, Folding Boat Equipment Trailer – 3-ton, 4-wh, 144 wb Trailer 3
3 Trailer, Compressor Trailer – 15-cwt, 2-wh Trailer 3
3 Trailer, Generator, 15-KVA Trailer – 3-ton, 2-wh Trailer 3
3 Trailer, Generator, Laundry, 24-KW Trailer – 3-ton, 2-wh Trailer 3
3 Trailer, Generator, Survey, 24-KW Trailer – 3-ton, 2-wh Trailer 3
4 Trailer, 4-wh, Heavy Compressor Trailer – 4-ton, 4-wh, 93 wb Trailer 4
4 Trailer, 4-wh, Motor Boat Trailer – 2-ton, 4-wh, 125 wb Trailer 4
5 Trailer, 4-wh, AA, No. I MK II (R) Trailer – Receiver, 5-ton. 4-wh, 161 wb Trailer 5
5 Trailer, 4-wh, Machinery, 60-ton Press Trailer – 3-ton, 4-wh, 93 wb Trailer 5
5 Trailer, 4-wh, Machinery, Grind & Brake Trailer – 3-ton, 4-wh, 93 wb Trailer 5
6 Trailer, 4-wh, AA, No. I MK II (T) Trailer – Transmitter. 5-ton, 4-wh, 169 wb Trailer 6
6 Trailer, Cable Trailer – Cable drum, 3-ton, 2-wh Trailer 6
7 Trailer, AA, No. 4 MK V Trailer – 5-ton, 4-wh, 169 wb Trailer 7
8 Trailer, 4-wh, 5-ton, GS Trailer – 5-ton. 4-wh. 102 wb Trailer 8
8 Trailer, 4-wh, AA, No. 3 MK 11 Trailer – Receiver and transmitter,
5-ton, 4-wh, 170 wb		 Trailer 8
9 Trailer, 4-wh, 6-ton, GS Trailer – Carrimore, 6-ton, 4-wh. 180 wb Trailer 9
9 Trailer, 4-wh, Laundry, CCS Trailer – Laundry, CCS, 5-ton, 4-wh, 137 wb Trailer 9
9 Trailer, 4-wh, Laundry, MK ll Trailer – 5-ton, 4-wh, 137 wb Trailer 9
10 Trailer, 6-wh, 7-ton, Light Recovery Trailer – 7-ton, 6-wh, 136 wb Trailer 10

 

Bridge Classification – U.S. Army – Vehicles, Trailers and Tanks (1943)

Class Type Category Class
1 Motorcycle Motorcycle 1
1 Trailer, small 1/4 ton, 2-wheel, (TM 10-1281 & TM 10-1230)
for Jeep 4×4 Willys / Ford		 Trailer 1
2 Trailer, medium 1 ton, 2-wheel (Ben Hur), (TM 9-883)
for like Dodge / GMC		 Trailer 2
2 Truck 1/4 ton, Jeep / Reconnaissance truck Truck 2
2 Truck 1/4 ton, Jeep 4×4 Willys / Ford Truck 2
3 over 2 Truck 1/4 ton, Jeep 4×4 Willys / Ford,
w/trailer small		 Truck + Trailer 3 over 2
3 Trailer, heavy M10 Ammo, 2-wheel, (TM 9-333) Trailer 3
3 Truck 1/2 ton, Dodge VC-series,
no trailer		 Truck 3
4 Ambulance, 3/4 ton Truck 4
4 Truck 3/4 ton, Dodge 4×4 WC-series, (TM 9-808)
no trailer		 Truck 4
4 Truck Light Truck 4
6 over 4 Truck 3/4 ton, Dodge 4×4 WC-series, (TM 9-808)
w/trailer (Ben Hur)		 Truck + Trailer 6 over 4
5 Truck 1-1/2 ton Truck 5
5 Truck 1-1/2 ton, Dodge 6×6 WC62-63, (TM 9-810)
no trailer		 Truck 5
5 Truck 1-1/2 ton, Dodge VF-series,
no trailer		 Truck 5
7 over 5 Truck 1-1/2 ton, Dodge 6×6 WC62-63, (TM 9-810)
w/trailer (Ben Hur)		 Truck + Trailer 7 over 5
6 Truck 1-1/2 ton, w/105-mm How Truck + How 6
7 Armored Car M8 Armored Car 7
10 Half-Track like M3 Armored Car 10
10 Truck 2-1/2 to 5 ton Truck 10
15 Tank, Stuart Tank 15
16 Tank, destroyer Hellcat Tank 16
21 Trucks over 5 ton Truck 21
30 Tank, Sherman Tank 30
34 Tank, Pershing Tank 34
6 or 7 Truck 1-1/2 ton, w/1-ton trailer
(*)class 6 or 7, depending manuals & photo’s		 Truck + Trailer 6 or 7
7 Tractor, D-4, w/dozer Tractor 7
8 Car, armored light M8 Armored Car 8
9 Car, half track M2 Armored Car 9
9 Truck 2-1/2 ton, w/105-mm How. Truck + How 9
9 Truck 2-1/2 ton, w/1 ton trailer Truck + Trailer 9
11 Grader, road mtzd. (Engr.) Grader 11
11 Truck 4 ton wrecker Truck 11
11 Truck 2-1/2 ton, w/155-mm How. Carr. M1 Truck + How 11
12 Crane trk-mtd. (Engr.) Crane 12
12 Tank, light M2A4 Tank 12
12 Trk-tractor, 4-5T w/semi-trailer fuel serv. F-2 Truck-tractor + Trailer 12
13 Truck, 4 ton cargo (same as distributor water) Truck 13
13 Truck, 4 ton ponton Truck 13
14 Tank, light M3 Tank 14
14 Trk-tractor, 5-6T w/semi-trailer ponton Truck-tractor + Trailer 14
15 Crane trk-mtd., w/crane atchmnts. trailer Crane
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 15
15 Tractor, D-7 w/dozer Tractor 15
16 Motor carriage, M8 Motor Carriage 16
16 Tank, light M5 Tank 16
16 Truck, wrecking C-1 (AC) Truck 16
16 Truck, 4 ton, w/155-mm How., carr. M1 Truck + How
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 16
17 Truck, 2-1/2 ton, w/8 ton trailer Truck + Trailer
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 17
18 Tank, light 18 ton Truck
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 18
18 Truck, 6 ton, cargo Truck
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 18
19 Truck, 6 ton, bridge Truck
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 19
20 Truck, 4 ton. cargo. w/8 ton trailer Truck + Trailer
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 20
21 Tank, medium M2A1 Tank
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 21
21 Truck, 7-1/2 ton, cargo & prime mover Truck
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 21
22 Tractor, D-8, w/dozer Tractor
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 22
22 Truck, 6 ton, w/3-in. AA M2A2 Truck
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 22
23 Truck, 6 ton, w/90-mm AA M1 Truck
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 23
24 Motor carriage, M7 Motor Carriage
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 24
26 Trk-tractor, 6 ton, w/semi-trailer wrecking C-2 Truck-tractor + Trailer
H-10 loading (AASHO)		 26
26 Trk-tractor, 7-1/2 ton, w/semi-trailer fuel serv. F-1 (AC) Truck-tractor + Trailer
H-15 loading		 26
27 Motor carriage, M12 Motor Carriage
H-15 loading		 27
28 Truck, 7-1/2 ton, w/155-mm gun carr. M2 & M3 Truck
H-15 loading		 28
29 Motor carriage, M10 Motor Carriage
H-15 loading		 29
31 Truck, 6 ton, w/16 ton trailer Truck + Trailer
H-15 loading		 31
32 Trk-tractor, 5-6 ton, w/20 ton semi-trailer Truck-tractor + Trailer
H-15 loading		 32
33 Tank, medium, M3 Tank
H-15 loading		 33
34 Tank, medium, M4 Tank
H-15 loading		 34
34 Truck, 7-1/2 ton w/8-in. Gun carr. M2 transp M1 Truck
H-20 loading		 34
37 Truck, 6 ton, w/20 ton trailer Truck + Trailer
H-20 loading		 37
39 Truck, 7-1/2 ton, w/20 ton trailer Truck + Trailer
H-20 loading		 39
46 Tank, assault, T-14 Tank
H-20 loading		 46
60 Tank, heavy, M6 Tank
H-20 loading		 60

 

Source info & some other interesting links for extra research:
– Our own historical research and collection by “Army Vehicle Marking . com”
– 1943 & 1948 manuals “TM 5-277”
– U.S. Army Vehicle Markings by Jean Bouchery & Philippe Charbonnier
– www . canadiansoldiers . com
– www . wartimecanada . ca
– www . mapleleafup . net
– forums . g503 . com
– www . wikipedia . org

Index: Bridge Class, Bridge Classification, Bridge Classification Signs, Bridge Plate