41 with a green over blue background is the TAC sign designation for all reconnaissance vehicles. This is painted on the right front and rear of the vehicle, with the Divisional Wessex Wyvern on the left front and rear. In some actions, these markings were painted over to avoid giving away any unit information to the enemy.
The detailed explanations linked below are lightly adapted from original accounts written by Caption John Groves and Major A C Cole-Packer, so we know they are historically accurate and specific to 43rd Recce.
Original text was included within the book “Record of a Reconnaissance Regiment”, which has been out of print for decades and is now copyright-expired.
How the Regiment Worked – Foundations
How the Regiment Worked – Organisation
How the Regiment Worked – Wireless
How the Regiment worked – Tasks
How the Regiment Worked – Method of Operation
How the Regiment worked – Squadron headquarters
Each of 43 Recce’s fighting Squadrons (A sqdn ,B sqdn ,C sqdn) comprised four Troops,
– 3 Recce Troops
– 1 Assault Troop. Assault troops used half tracks, again supported by carriers.
– A sqdn operated Troops 1-3 for recce purposes. B sqdn, Troops 5-7. C sqdn, Troops 9-11.
Each Squadron’s also had an Assualt Troop,
– Assault troops were highly trained members of the 43rd Recce regiment – drawn from Wessex Divisional infantry regiments. Their armoured transport was the half-track.
– A sqdn assault was Troop 4. B sqdn, Troop 8. C sqdn, Troop 12.
Each of a Squadron’s Recce Troop comprised:
– The Troop leaders HAC or DAC
– 2 patrols of one heavy (HAC or DAC) plus one LRC. That is, 2 heavy plus 2 LRC
– A carrier used by the Troop second-in-command (2IC)
– 6 further carriers for support, divided into two sections of three.
– 2 additional carriers per troop, which were initially for a mortar section, but we understand these were flexibly deployed or reconfigured to supplement the other carrier sections.
Each patrol could operate independantly, or integrate with others for strength.
– In open country with good observation, the LRC would often operate as lead vehicle, closely backed by the heavies.
– In environments with limited visibility, such as urban areas and woodland, a heavy (HAC or DAC) with stronger armour and more fire-power, may take the lead.
Summary
– Each Squadron operated 60+ armoured vehicles
– Each HAC, DAC or LRC was crewed by three – Driver, Gunner and Commander.
– Carriers typically have a crew of four. Driver, gunner and two crew, although carriers can also provide an infantry section (six men) with light armour protection for rapid deployment.