G'day all,
Recently we picked up an un-restored, 1942 Willys MB (Donald), the owner says his father bought it from a Catalina pilot who bought it soon after the war finished, and it has only been used on their family farm and never been registered. I was hoping some of you may be able to shed some light on Donald's past as he is covered in original looking markings.
The first marking we noticed is possibly the most fascinating, it depicts the sign of the 8th division AIF, of which most of its soldiers we captured as POW's and sadly many died, and the division ceased to be after February of 1942, so surely it would be something special to see on a jeep?
It is on the right hand side of the windscreen frame.

The second confusing marking is what is barely recognisable as the 1st Armoured Division, located on the rear just above the willys script. Underneath is a photo of the full unit marking.


Third, and most difficult to depict is on the left hand side windscreen frame, see what you think, to me it is 48 on a blue background with a white background above, might need to stand away from your screen on this one.

And lastly, a photo of Donald seeing daylight for the first time since 1978.

If anyone can make any sense of this bunch of markings it would be much appreciated, and if it is of any relevance, the bonnet number/ARN is 128079.
Thanks,
Ned