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