Field engineers

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  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    FIELD ENGINEERS

    Field Engineers were field company or field park company, which held the equipment and
    material for use by the field company. All field companies were identical in organisation and
    training, but would differ in experience with those at army or GHQ concentrating on major
    works. In armoured divisions companies became squadrons.


    FIELD ENGINEERS RE

    Headquarters Divisional Engineers. War Establishment II/118/2. December 1943
    Field Park Squadron or Company. War Establishment II/195/2. January 1944
    Field Squadron or Company. War Establishment II/194/2. January 1944
    Field Squadron or Company. War Establishment II/194/3. March 1945
    Bridging Troop or Platoon. War Establishment II/196/1. June 1943
    Field (Camouflage) Company RE. War Establishment II/203/1. December 1943
    Field Park (Camouflage) Company RE. War Establishment II/204/1. December 1943
    Field Survey Section. War Establishment III/149/2. November 1943
    Electrical and Mechanical Section. War Establishment III/15H/2. August 1943
    Headquarters Army Group RE. War Establishment III/324/2. March 1945


    There was no engineer battalion or regiment at this time but there was a standard Headquarters Divisional Engineers which was identical for both infantry and armoured divisions, although the attached signals vehicles were different. There were also Field Park Companies and Field Companies which served not only in both kinds of division but also in Corps and Army Engineers. In an Armoured Division the units were called Squadron and Troop rather than Company and Platoon.

    Divisional engineers in both types of division also had a Divisional Bridging Troop/Platoon. There was a Light Aid Detachment Type B REME attached to the Field Park Company/Squadron.

    Once a division was assigned its engineer units they usually remained together although they were not linked together in the same way as the companies of an infantry battalion or the squadrons of an armoured regiment. It was theoretically possible to remove and replace individual engineer companies.

    The War Establishments changed very little during the Campaign in NW Europe. Only the Field Company/Squadron has recorded changes and these are three minor changes to the type of vehicle used. Other units may have had such minor amendments which did not warrant a rewrite of the War Establishment table but would be issued as printed amendments to be pasted onto the original.

    Unlike most other War Establishment tables those for the various engineer units do not contain details of the organisation of the unit and do not contain suggested assignments of personnel to vehicles. This is largely because working parties of engineers would be formed for specific tasks as required. All personnel were trained in basic engineer skills such as demolition, mine laying and clearing and bridge building. Many of the personnel were also trained craftsmen whose specialist skills could be called on. The Field Park Company provided a reserve of skilled personnel and specialised equipment as well as a reserve of basic engineering stores. If need be the engineer personnel could also be used as infantry since they were trained and armed to fight. However there were usually too many engineer tasks to be done to make this anything but an emergency option.

    On occasion the Divisional Engineers could be reinforced by other engineer troops from Corps or Army. The Divisional Engineers could also be called on to support the work of Corps, Army or GHQ Engineers on major works.


    This organisation applies to the following units in 21 Army Group
    148 Field Park Squadron Guards Armoured Division
    143 Field Park Squadron 7 Armoured Division
    147 Field Park Squadron 11 Armoured Division
    4 Field Squadron Guards Armoured Division
    15 Field Squadron Guards Armoured Division
    4 Field Squadron 7 Armoured Division
    621 Field Squadron 7 Armoured Division
    13 Field Squadron 11 Armoured Division
    612 Field Squadron 11 Armoured Division
    11 Bridging Troop Guards Armoured Division
    7 Bridging Troop 7 Armoured Division
    10 Bridging Troop 11 Armoured Division

    15 Field Park Company 3 Division
    18 Field Park Company 5 Division
    207 Field Park Company 43 Division
    235 Field Park Company 50 Division
    239 Field Park Company 51 Division
    243 Field Park Company 52 Division
    285 Field Park Company 53 Division
    289 Field Park Company 49 Division
    511 Field Park Company 59 Division
    624 Field Park Company 15 Division
    17 Field Company 3 Division
    20 Field Company 15 Division
    202 Field Company 52 Division
    204 Field Company 43 Division
    233 Field Company 50 Division
    241 Field Company 52 Division
    244 Field Company 53 Division
    245 Field Company 5 Division
    246 Field Company 3 Division
    252 Field Company 5 Division
    253 Field Company 3 Division
    257 Field Company 59 Division
    260 Field Company 43 Division
    274 Field Company 51 Division
    275Field Company 51 Division
    276 Field Company 51 Division
    278 Field Company 15 Division
    279 Field Company 15 Division
    282 Field Company 53 Division
    294 Field Company 49 Division
    295 Field Company 50 Division
    505 Field Company 50 Division
    509 Field Company 59 Division
    510 Field Company 59 Division
    553 Field Company 43 Division
    554 Field Company 52 Division
    555 Field Company 53 Division
    756 Field Company 49 Division
    757 Field Company 149 Division
    2 Bridging Platoon 3 Division
    13 Bridging Platoon 43 Division
    15 Bridging Platoon 50 Division
    16 Bridging Platoon 51 Division
    17 Bridging Platoon 53 Division
    18 Bridging Platoon 5 Division
    22 Bridging Platoon 53 Division
    23 Bridging Platoon 49 Division
    24 Bridging Platoon 59 Division
    26 Bridging Platoon 15 Division

    Note: There were some 250 Field Park Companies and Field Companies, plus a small number of Bridging Platoons which were not attached to divisions.



    HEADQUARTERS DIVISIONAL ENGINEERS
    War Establishment II/118/2

    Commander RE, Lieutenant Colonel
    Adjutant, Captain
    3 X Subaltern
    Regimental Serjeant Major
    serjeant clerk
    2 X lance corporal
    6 X sapper
    1 X corporal driver
    13 X driver

    Total all ranks 28

    trades
    2 X clerk
    draughtsman, architectural
    draughtsman, topographical
    driver mechanic
    lance corporal medical officers orderly
    3 X motorcyclist
    4 X batman
    batman driver
    4 X driver of vehicle
    MT corporal
    sanitary dutyman

    Attached
    Medical Officer RAMC
    2 X cook ACC

    Plus vehicles and personnel from Divisional Signals.
    In an Armoured Division an Armoured Command Vehicle LP is provided.
    In an Infantry Division a Lorry Command Vehicle LP is provided.
    These have the following RS personnel
    corporal operator
    operator
    driver Mechanic

    A lance corporal operator and a Wireless set No 22 are provided for the CRE’s car 4 X 4.

    Transport
    1 X bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD Heavy Utility)
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X Light Reconnaissance Car, Humber MkIII
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for unit equipment
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for use as Office
    1 X trailer 1ton GS

    Weapons
    1 X Bren gun



    FIELD PARK COMPANY OR SQUADRON
    War Establishment II/195/2
    Personnel
    Major
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern

    Squadron Serjeant Major
    squadron quartermaster serjeant
    Staff Serjeant Military Mechanist
    transport serjeant
    2 X serjeant

    lance serjeant
    4 X corporal sapper class
    2 X corporal driver class
    6 X lance corporal sapper class
    4 X lance corporal driver class
    48 X sapper
    36 X driver

    Total 111

    Trades
    2 X blacksmith
    bricklayer
    4 X carpenter and joiner
    4 X clerk
    draughtsman, mechanical
    4 X driver mechanic, driver class
    3 X electrician, maintenance
    3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    engine fitter, mechanical equipment
    2 X engine hand IC
    equipment repairer
    2 X fitter
    8 X operator, excavator
    2 X painter and decorator
    2 X general dutyman
    4 X motorcyclist
    10 X storeman
    2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
    2 X sawyers
    surveyor, engineering
    2 X sheet metal worker
    turner
    2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class
    welder acetylene
    welder electric
    Total 65

    Drivers IC for duty as
    4 X batman
    29 X driver of vehicle
    sanitary dutyman
    2 X transport NCO
    water dutyman
    Total 37

    Transport
    1 X Bicycle
    9 X Motorcycle
    2 X Car 4seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD Heavy Utility)
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    8 X Truck 15cwt GS
    2 X 15cwt compressor
    1 X machinery KL
    10 X 3ton 4 X 4GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 machinery RE
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 crane
    3 X 4 X 4 tractor
    3 X 18 ton trailer
    1 X water trailer

    Mechanical equipment
    2 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
    1 X Crawler Tractor Class IV, Caterpillar D7 Angledozer

    Weapons
    5 X Bren gun
    4 X PIAT
    4 X 20mm AA.


    HEADQUARTERS
    Major
    Captain
    Subaltern

    Squadron Serjeant Major
    squadron quartermaster serjeant
    transport serjeant

    lance serjeant
    corporal sapper class
    corporal driver class
    lance corporal sapper class
    lance corporal driver class
    9 X sapper
    13 X driver
    Total 33

    Tradesmen
    4 X clerk
    draughtsman, mechanical
    driver mechanic, driver class
    3 X motorcyclist
    3 X storeman
    surveyor, engineering
    vehicle mechanic

    Drivers IC for duty as
    3 X batman
    7 X driver of vehicle
    sanitary dutyman
    transport NCO
    water dutyman

    plus
    4 X cook ACC


    Organisation
    Bicycle
    Motorcycle
    transport serjeant
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist
    Car 4seater
    Major, batman, driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Captain, driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Subaltern, driver IC

    Truck 15cwt GS
    2 X batman, cook ACC, driver IC
    Carries officers mess equipment and baggage

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    3 X cook ACC, water dutyman, driver IC
    Carries cooking sets and rations
    Tows water trailer
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    4 X clerk, driver IC
    For use as office
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    Carries Quarter Master stores and anti gas stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    Carries petrol and MT stores

    Workshop troop
    Subaltern
    staff serjeant military mechanist
    serjeant
    2 X corporal sapper class
    3 X lance corporal sapper class
    lance corporal driver class
    25 X sapper
    6 X driver
    Total 40

    Tradesmen
    2 X blacksmith
    bricklayer
    4 X carpenter and joiner
    driver mechanic, driver class
    3 X electrician, maintenance
    3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    engine fitter, mechanical equipment
    2 X engine hand IC
    equipment repairer
    2 X fitter
    2 X painter and decorator
    storeman
    2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
    2 X sawyers
    sheet metal worker
    turner
    welder acetylene
    welder electric

    Drivers IC for duty as
    batman
    5 X driver of vehicle

    Transport
    Motorcycle
    Subaltern
    Motorcycle
    serjeant

    15 cwt machinery KL
    2 X welder, driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    electrician, driver IC
    Carries electric light set
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries all personnel not otherwise assigned
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    storeman, driver IC
    Carries technical stores

    3ton 4 X 4winch
    driver mechanic
    3ton machinery
    driver IC

    Stores troop
    serjeant
    corporal sapper class
    corporal driver class
    2 X lance corporal sapper class
    2 X lance corporal driver class
    14 X sapper
    17 X driver
    Total 38

    2 X driver mechanic, driver class
    8 X operator, excavator
    2 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist
    6 X storeman
    Total 19

    Drivers IC for duty as
    17 X driver of vehicle
    transport NCO
    Total 18

    Transport
    2 X Motorcycle
    7 X Truck 15cwt GS
    2 X 15cwt compressor
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 3 ton 4 X 4 machinery RE
    1 X 3 ton 6 X 4 crane
    3 X 4 X 4 tractor
    3 X 18 ton trailer

    Mechanical equipment
    2 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
    1 X Crawler Tractor Class IV, Caterpillar D7 Angledozer

    - The stores troop held 48 X No 75 grenades (mines) and 24 X mine detectors
    - The divisional troops company held four 3ton lorries carrying a total of 2,100 X No 75 grenades and 1,320 X MkV mine. There was an identical set of lorries in the corps troops company RASC.
    - Explosives, like ammunition, were replenished automatically by staff and were not indented for.

    The Field Park Company also held the divisional reserve of tools intended for use by units other than RE
    38 X felling axe
    38 X hand axe
    515 X pick axe
    12 X reaping hook
    12 X maul
    50 X shovel RE
    860 X shovel GS
    2 X spade
    These tools would make two 3ton lorry loads according to the loading scales

    Note
    When a Field Park Company was serving with GHQ, Army or Corps Troops Engineers, the following changes were made
    - Mechanical equipment
    3 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
    1 X Crawler Tractor Class II with grader
    1 X Caterpillar Auto Patrol grader
    - Transport add
    1 X Tractor, 4 X 4 Medium
    1 X Trailer 18ton 8 wheeled, low loading
    - Personnel add
    1 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    1 X fitter
    1 X Operator, excavator
    2 X driver IC




    DIVISIONAL BRIDGING PLATOON.
    War Establishment II/196/1
    This was a platoon in an infantry division and a troop in an armoured division but there was no difference except for the name.
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    2 X motorcycle orderly
    11 X general dutymen, including one lance serjeant and one lance corporal.
    2 X transport corporal
    batman
    13 X drivers of vehicles, including two lance corporals
    2 X driver mechanic
    Total 33

    cook ACC


    Organisation
    Motorcycle
    motorcycle orderly
    Motorcycle
    motorcycle orderly

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Subaltern

    15cwt GS
    serjeant, driver IC
    Carries 12 X reconnaissance boats.

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 Bailey panel load
    driver IC
    Carries 12 X Bailey panel
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 Bailey panel load
    driver IC
    Carries 12 X Bailey panel
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 Bailey panel load
    driver IC
    Carries 12 X Bailey panel
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 Bailey panel load
    driver IC
    Carries 12 X Bailey panel
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 Bailey panel load
    driver IC
    Carries 12 X Bailey panel
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 Decking load
    driver IC
    Carries 4 X transom, 10 X stringer, 26 X chess, 4 X riband, 4 X footwalk
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 7 Decking load
    driver IC
    Carries 4 X transom, 10 X stringer, 26 X chess, 4 X riband, 4 X footwalk
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 Decking load
    driver IC
    Carries 4 X transom, 10 X stringer, 26 X chess, 4 X riband, 4 X footwalk
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 9 Decking load
    driver IC
    Carries 4 X transom, 10 X stringer, 26 X chess, 4 X riband, 4 X footwalk
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 10 ramp load
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X 10 foot ramps plus ramp transoms
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 11 ramp load
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X 10 foot ramps plus ramp transoms
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 12 Accessory load
    driver IC
    Carries end posts, bearings, jacks, rollers and tackles.
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 13 Sommerfeld track
    driver IC
    Carries 4 X roll of Sommerfield track plus timber for grillage.

    Note: two of the drivers are actually driver mechanics.

    Weapons
    1 X pistol .38”
    12 X rifle .303”
    19 X Sten gun
    1 X Bren gun
    1 X Twin Bren AA
    1 X Atk rifle.


    - The stores troop held 48 X No 75 grenades (mines) and 24 X mine detectors
    - The divisional troops company held four 3ton lorries carrying a total of 2,100 X No 75 grenades and 1,320 X MkV mine. There was an identical set of lorries in the corps troops company RASC.
    - Explosives, like ammunition, were replenished automatically by staff and were not indented for.

    The Field Park Company also held the divisional reserve of tools intended for use by units other than RE
    38 X felling axe
    38 X hand axe
    515 X pick axe
    12 X reaping hook
    12 X maul
    50 X shovel RE
    860 X shovel GS
    2 X spade
    These tools would make two 3ton lorry loads according to the loading scales

    Note
    When a Field Park Company was serving with GHQ, Army or Corps Troops Engineers, the following changes were made
    - Mechanical equipment
    3 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
    1 X Crawler Tractor Class II with grader
    1 X Caterpillar Auto Patrol grader
    - Transport add
    1 X Tractor, 4 X 4 Medium
    1 X Trailer 18ton 8 wheeled, low loading
    - Personnel add
    1 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    1 X fitter
    1 X Operator, excavator
    2 X driver IC
    The distribution of other personnel is unknown but there would be one extra person for each lorry with a couple left over. All personnel are RE as opposed to the bridge platoons of the RASC Bridging Company who are RASC except for a small maintenance section RE.

    The personnel of the platoon are responsible for the loading of the equipment and for checking and maintaining it. Unloading is the responsibility of the user unit, but the bridge platoon personnel would be available to assist. They would not normally be available to assist with the construction of the bridge however. They should immediately return and load the vehicles in case of further demands.

    Weapons
    1 X pistol .38”
    12 X rifle .303”
    19 X Sten gun
    1 X Bren gun
    1 X Twin Bren AA
    1 X Atk rifle.
    Note;
    The twin bren guns and the anti tank rifle are listed but would by spring 1944 have been replaced by a PIAT and a 20mm AA gun. The latter was soon left behind as it was never used. The jeep is listed as a car 2seater but by spring 1944 would have been replaced by a jeep.

    Plus attached units
    Light Aid Detachment Type B (Armoured) attached to an Engineer Field Park, Armoured Division
    Light Aid Detachment Type B (Unarmoured) attached to an Engineer Field Park, Infantry Division


    FIELD COMPANY OR SQUADRON
    War Establishment II/194/2

    Note: there are only 3 minor amendments during the campaign.
    - One lorry 3ton 4 X 4 GS (which was for use as an office) is replaced by 3ton 4 X 4 Office.
    - 2 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS are replaced by 15cwt 4 X 4 GS
    - One cook ACC is promoted to corporal

    Personnel
    Major
    Captain
    5 X Subaltern

    Squadron serjeant major
    squadron quartermaster serjeant
    transport serjeant
    4 X serjeant

    6 X lance serjeant sapper class
    lance serjeant driver class
    11 X corporal sapper class
    3 X corporal driver class
    15 X lance corporal sapper class
    5 X lance corporal driver class
    145 X sapper
    47 X driver
    Total 247

    plus
    officers mess cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    7 X cook ACC

    Tradesmen
    7 X blacksmith
    13 X bricklayer
    32 X carpenter and joiner
    5 X clerk
    4 X concretor
    draughtsman architectural
    draughtsman, mechanical
    5 X driver mechanic, driver class
    10 X driver operator
    4 X electrician, maintenance
    11X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    6 X engine hand IC
    6 X masons
    3 X miners
    7 X painter and decorator
    58 X general dutyman
    6 X motorcyclist
    4 X plumbers and pipe fitters
    surveyor, engineering
    3 X sheet metal worker
    2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class
    3 X water dutyman
    Total 194

    Non tradesmen
    2 X batman
    5 X batman driver
    26 X driver of vehicle
    sanitary dutyman
    4 X transport NCO
    water dutyman
    Total 39

    Transport
    16 X motorcycle
    3 X jeep
    2 X light recce car
    7 X truck 15cwt GS
    3 X 15cwt compressor
    1 X 15cwt water
    7 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
    13 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 office


    HEADQUARTERS
    Major
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern

    Squadron Serjeant Major
    squadron quartermaster serjeant
    transport serjeant
    serjeant

    lance serjeant driver class
    2 X corporal sapper class
    3 X lance corporal sapper class
    2 X lance corporal driver class
    13 X sapper
    17 X driver
    Total 46

    plus
    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X Cook ACC

    blacksmith
    bricklayer
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    2 X clerk
    concretor
    draughtsman architectural
    2 X driver mechanic, driver class
    4 X driver operator
    electrician, maintenance
    2 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    painter and decorator
    general dutyman
    3 X motorcyclist
    plumbers and pipe fitters
    surveyor, engineering
    2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class
    Total 26

    Drivers IC for duty as
    2 X batman
    2 X batman driver
    5 X driver of vehicle
    sanitary dutyman
    transport NCO
    water dutyman
    Total 12

    Transport
    7 X motorcycle
    2 X light recce car
    1 X truck 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    1 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
    5 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch

    15cwt 4 X 4 will be fitted with a wireless set.
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 will be for use as an office.

    4 X Bren gun
    2 X PIAT
    1 X 20mm AA

    Each company carried the following
    2,400 primers
    672 slabs of TNT
    1200 lb of plastic explosive 808
    900lb of ammonal
    72 X 10lb Beehive charges
    3 X camouflet sets
    detonators and fuses
    6 X mine detector
    72 X No 75 grenades (mines)

    Each company also had one RASC 3ton lorry in the divisional troops company to carry an identical load

    Platoon.
    There were three platoons to a company.
    A platoon consisted of a headquarters and four sections.

    Personnel
    Subaltern
    serjeant

    2 X lance serjeant sapper class
    3 X corporal sapper class
    4 X lance corporal sapper class
    lance corporal driver class
    44 X sapper
    10 X driver
    Total 67

    plus
    2 cooks ACC

    Tradesmen included
    2 X blacksmith
    4 X bricklayer
    10 X carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    concretor
    driver mechanic, driver class
    2 X driver operator, driver class
    electrician, maintenance
    3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    2 X engine hand
    2 X painter and decorator
    19 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist
    plumber and pipe fitter
    sheet metal worker
    stoker
    waterman
    Total 26

    Drivers IC for duty as
    batman driver
    transport NCO
    7 X Driver of vehicle
    Total 9


    Organisation
    All transport was at platoon headquarters
    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    transport corporal
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Subaltern, batman driver

    Truck 15cwt GS 1
    driver IC
    Truck 15cwt GS 2
    driver IC

    15cwt machinery compressor
    driver IC
    15cwt personnel 4 X 4 1
    lance corporal driver operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19
    15cwt personnel 4 X 4 2
    driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 winch
    driver mechanic

    The above transport also carried
    1 X clerk
    2 X cook
    4 X other unidentified personnel

    2 PIAT

    800 primers
    224 slabs of TNT in 4.5” slabs or gun cotton in 6” slabs.
    400lb of explosive 808 (plastic explosive) in 1.37” X 3.5” rolls
    300lb of ammonal in 25 lb blocks (9” cubes)
    24 X 10lb Beehive cutting charges
    1 X camouflet set for making holes for charges
    Detonators and fuse.
    4 X mine detector

    There were four sections each of 12 men.
    Each section had a corporal or lance serjeant as leader.
    It is not recorded which craftsmen were in which section. This was probably arranged at company or platoon level.
    Each section had
    Bren gun
    Sten gun
    10 X rifle.


    Troop
    In an armoured division the platoon was called a troop. There were some differences in personnel and vehicles from the platoon in an infantry division.
    There were three troops to a squadron.
    A troop consisted of a headquarters and four sections.

    Personnel
    Subaltern
    serjeant

    2 X lance serjeant sapper class
    3 X corporal sapper class
    4 X lance corporal sapper class
    lance corporal driver class
    44 X sapper
    13 X driver
    Total 67

    plus
    2 cooks ACC

    Tradesmen included
    2 X blacksmith
    4 X bricklayer
    10 X carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    concretor
    driver mechanic, driver class
    2 X driver operator, driver class
    electrician, maintenance
    3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    2 X engine hand
    2 X painter and decorator
    19 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist
    plumbers and pipe fitters
    sheet metal worker
    stoker
    waterman
    Total 26

    Drivers IC for duty as
    batman driver
    transport NCO
    10 X Driver of vehicle
    Total 9


    Organisation
    All transport was at troop headquarters
    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    transport corporal
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Subaltern, batman driver

    Light Reconnaissance Car
    driver IC
    For the use of the Subaltern for reconnaissance and liaison

    Truck 15cwt GS 1
    driver IC
    Truck 15cwt GS 2
    driver IC
    15cwt machinery compressor
    driver IC
    15cwt personnel 4 X 4 1
    lance corporal driver operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19
    15cwt personnel 4 X 4 2
    driver IC
    15cwt personnel 4 X 4 3
    driver IC
    15cwt personnel 4 X 4 4
    driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 winch
    driver mechanic

    The above transport also carried
    1 X clerk
    2 X cook
    4 X other unidentified personnel

    2 PIAT

    800 primers
    224 slabs of TNT in 4.5” slabs or gun cotton in 6” slabs.
    400lb of explosive 808 (plastic explosive) in 1.37” X 3.5” rolls
    300lb of ammonal in 25 lb blocks (9” cubes)
    24 X 10lb Beehive cutting charges
    1 X camouflet set for making holes for charges
    Detonators and fuse.
    4 X mine detector

    There were four sections each of 12 men.
    Each section had a corporal or lance serjeant as leader.
    It is not recorded which craftsmen were in which section. This was probably arranged at company or platoon level.
    Each section had
    Bren gun
    Sten gun
    10 X rifle.


    CAMOUFLAGE UNITS RE
    Field (Camouflage) Companies and Field Park (Camouflage) Companies were first and foremost Field Companies which could carry out all and any of the roles and tasks of a Field Company. They had specialists and training to enable them to additionally carry out camouflage work as required.

    Earlier there had also been Chemical Companies RE which were also organised as Field Companies but in this case they could not carry out the full range of tasks without additional training. These companies were converted into Field Companies and the chemical tasks passed to others.


    FIELD (CAMOUFLAGE) COMPANY RE
    War Establishment II/203/1. December 1943

    Major
    Captain
    5 X Subaltern

    Squadron Serjeant Major
    squadron quartermaster serjeant
    transport serjeant
    4 X serjeant

    6 X lance serjeant sapper class
    lance serjeant driver class
    11 X corporal sapper class
    3 X corporal driver class
    15 X lance corporal sapper class
    5 X lance corporal driver class
    123 X sapper
    60 X driver

    officers mess cook
    corporal cook ACC
    7 X cook ACC


    Tradesmen
    7 X blacksmith
    7 X bricklayer
    20 X carpenter and joiner
    5 X clerk
    4 X concretor
    draughtsman architectural
    draughtsman, mechanical
    5 X driver mechanic, driver class
    10 X driver operator
    3 X electrician, maintenance
    9 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    3 X engine hand IC
    modeller, camouflage
    19 X painter and decorator
    2 X photographer
    6 X plasterer
    30 X general dutyman
    6 X motorcyclist
    4 X plumbers and pipe fitters
    surveyor, engineering
    3 X sheet metal worker
    2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class
    3 X water dutyman


    Non tradesmen
    4 X batman
    3 X batman driver
    37 X driver of vehicle
    sanitary dutyman
    4 X transport NCO
    water dutyman

    First reinforcements
    Subaltern
    lance corporal
    11 X sapper

    Transport
    1 X bicycle
    16 X motorcycle
    3 X jeep
    1 X truck 15cwt GS
    3 X 15cwt compressor
    1 X 15cwt water
    7 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
    11 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS including one for use as office
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
    22 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS


    Headquarters
    Major
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern

    Squadron Serjeant Major
    squadron quartermaster serjeant
    transport serjeant
    serjeant
    lance serjeant driver class
    corporal sapper class
    3 X lance corporal sapper class
    2 X lance corporal driver class
    15 X sapper
    18 X driver

    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X Cook ACC

    Trades
    blacksmith
    bricklayer
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    2 X clerk
    concretor
    draughtsman architectural
    2 X driver mechanic, driver class
    4 X driver operator
    painter and decorator
    photographer
    2 X general dutyman
    3 X motorcyclist
    plumbers and pipe fitters
    surveyor, engineering
    2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class

    batman
    3 X batman driver
    6 X driver of vehicle
    sanitary dutyman
    transport NCO
    water dutyman

    Transport
    1 X bicycle
    7 X motorcycle
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X truck 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    1 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS including one as office
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch

    15cwt 4 X 4 will be fitted with a wireless set.
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 will be for use as an office.

    2 X Bren gun
    2 X PIAT
    1 X 20mm AA


    3 X Platoon each
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    2 X lance serjeant sapper class
    3 X corporal sapper class
    corporal driver class
    4 X lance corporal sapper class
    lance corporal driver class
    35 X sapper
    14 X driver

    2 X Cook ACC

    Trades
    2 X blacksmith
    2 X bricklayer
    6 X carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    concretor
    electrician
    2 X engine fitter
    3 X engine hand
    driver mechanic, driver class
    2 X driver operator
    6 X painter and decorator
    2 X plasterer
    16 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist
    plumbers and pipe fitters
    sheet metal worker
    water dutyman

    batman
    11 X driver of vehicle
    transport NCO

    Transport
    3 X motorcycle
    1 X truck 15cwt compressor
    2 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
    3 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS including one as office
    6 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch

    15cwt 4 X 4 will be fitted with a wireless set.

    4 X Bren gun
    2 X PIAT
    1 X 20mm AA


    FIELD PARK (CAMOUFLAGE) COMPANY RE
    War Establishment II/204/1. December 1943

    Personnel
    Major
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    staff serjeant military mechanist
    transport serjeant
    2 X serjeant
    1 X lance serjeant
    4 X corporal sapper class
    2 X corporal driver class
    6 X lance corporal sapper class
    4 X lance corporal driver class
    55 X sapper
    25 X driver

    Tradesmen
    3 X blacksmith
    bricklayer
    6 X carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    draughtsman, mechanical
    3 X driver mechanic, driver class
    3 X electrician, maintenance
    3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    engine fitter, mechanical equipment
    2 X fitter
    10 X operator, excavator
    9 X painter and decorator
    2 X general dutyman
    2 X motorcyclist
    7 X storeman
    2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
    2 X sawyers
    surveyor, engineering
    2 X sheet metal worker
    turner
    vehicle mechanic, driver class
    welder acetylene
    welder electric

    batman
    3 X batman driver
    19 X driver of vehicle
    sanitary dutyman
    2 X transport NCO
    water dutyman

    First reinforcements
    5 X sapper
    textile refitter

    Transport
    1 X Bicycle
    7 X Motorcycle
    1 X Car 4seater 4 X 2
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    4 X Truck 15cwt GS
    2 X 15cwt compressor
    1 X machinery KL
    6 X 3ton 4 X 4GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 machinery RE
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 crane
    3 X 4 X 4 tractor
    3 X 18 ton trailer
    1 X water trailer

    Mechanical equipment
    3 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
    1 X Autopatrol grader

    Weapons
    5 X Bren gun
    4 X PIAT
    3 X 20mm AA.


    Hedquarters
    Major
    Captain
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    transport serjeant
    lance serjeant
    corporal sapper class
    corporal driver class
    lance corporal sapper class
    lance corporal driver class
    7 X sapper
    10 X driver

    Tradesmen
    4 X clerk
    draughtsman, mechanical
    driver mechanic, driver class
    motorcyclist
    surveyor, engineering
    vehicle mechanic

    3 X batman driver
    4 X driver of vehicle
    sanitary dutyman
    transport NCO
    water dutyman

    officers mess cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    3 X cook ACC
    serjeant armourer REME

    1 X bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4seater
    2 X Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X Truck 15cwt GS, for officer’s mess and baggage
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for cooks, office, QM and anti gas stores and reserve petrol and MT stores
    1 X water trailer

    2 X Bren lmg
    2 X PIAT
    1 X 20mm AA


    Workshop troop
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    2 X corporal sapper class
    3 X lance corporal sapper class
    lance corporal driver class
    32 X sapper
    5 X driver
    Total 45

    Tradesmen
    3 X blacksmith
    bricklayer
    6 X carpenter and joiner
    driver mechanic, driver class
    3 X electrician, maintenance
    3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    engine fitter, mechanical equipment
    2 X engine hand IC
    2 X fitter
    9 X painter and decorator
    3 X storeman
    2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
    2 X sawyers
    sheet metal worker
    turner
    welder acetylene
    welder electric

    Drivers IC for duty as
    batman
    4 X driver of vehicle

    Transport
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X 15 cwt machinery KL
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for personnel and technical stores
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 machinery RE

    1 X Bren lmg
    1 X PIAT
    1 X 20mm AA

    Stores troop
    serjeant
    corporal sapper class
    corporal driver class
    2 X lance corporal sapper class
    2 X lance corporal driver class
    15 X sapper
    10 X driver
    Total 32

    driver mechanic, driver class
    12 X operator, excavator
    2 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist
    4 X storeman
    Total 20

    Drivers IC for duty as
    11 X driver of vehicle
    transport NCO
    Total 12

    Attached
    24 X textile refitter RAOC
    Transport
    2 X Motorcycle
    3 X Truck 15cwt GS for technical stores
    2 X 15cwt compressor
    1 X 3 ton 6 X 4 crane
    3 X 4 X 4 tractor
    3 X 18 ton trailer

    Mechanical equipment
    3 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
    1 X Autopatrol grader

    2 X Bren lmg
    1 X PIAT
    1 X 20mm AA

    A Light Aid Detachment Type B (non armoured) is attached



    CORPS ENGINEERS
    Corps had Field Park Companies which were identical to those in divisions except for the mechanical equipment as mentioned above. There were also Field Companies which were identical to those in divisions. Corps had in addition the units shown below.


    ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SECTION, TYPE A
    War Establishment III/15H/1. August 1943.
    Subaltern
    Warrant Officer Class II, military mechanist, mechanical
    staff serjeant military mechanist, electrical
    2 X serjeant
    lance serjeant
    3 X corporal sapper class
    4 X lance corporal sapper class
    lance corporal driver class
    44 X sapper
    10 X driver
    Total 67

    Tradesmen
    2 X blacksmith
    4 X carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    concretor
    driver mechanic, driver class
    3 X electrician, maintenance
    2 X electrician, power station
    2 X electrician, wireman
    4 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    engine fitter, steam reciprocating
    6 X engine hand IC
    2 X fitter
    3 X lineman (power)
    painter and decorator
    8 X general dutyman
    storeman
    2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
    motorcycle orderly
    2 X sheet metal worker
    2 X stoker, stationary engine
    2 X turner
    4 X welder

    Drivers IC for duty as
    batman
    7 X driver of vehicle

    Transport
    3 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2seater 4 X 2
    5 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery X
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery 24 Kw

    1 x pistol .38”
    55 X rifle .303”
    11 X sten gun
    2 X bren gun
    1 X PIAT



    FIELD SURVEY SECTION RE
    War Establishment III/149/2. November 1943

    Personnel
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant
    2 X corporal sapper class
    2 X lance corporal sapper class
    14 X sapper
    5 X driver

    Total 26

    Tradesmen
    9 X draughtsman, topographical
    driver mechanic
    3 X surveyor, topographical
    6 X surveyors, trigonomical

    batman driver
    3 X driver of vehicle

    Transport
    3 X motorcycle
    3 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Motorcycles are for survey personnel.



    HEADQUARTERS, ARMY GROUP, RE
    War Establishment III/324/2. March 1945.
    Colonel
    Brigade Major
    Staff Captain
    Captain Intelligence Officer
    Subaltern, Stores Officer
    Staff Serjeant Clerk
    serjeant
    24 X rank and file

    officers mess cook ACC
    cook ACC

    4 X motorcycle
    1 X Car 4 seater 4 X 4
    1 X Car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Office
    1 X water trailer

    1 X Bren lmg
    1 X PIAT



    SOME FIELD ENGINEER TASKS
    Obstacle Belt.
    This is designed to hold up an enemy advance by blowing bridges, destroying or mining possible crossing or landing points and obstructing any roads.

    Demolition
    Preliminary Demolition. This is a demolition which can be blown as soon as convenient.
    Reserved Demolition. These are usually demolitions which can be blown only at the last moment in the face of the enemy. They may also be prepared and blown at a later date in accordance with a tactical plan.

    Usually a preliminary demolition is preferred since
    - troops can move onto another task
    - it can be carried out in the most efficient and effective way
    - simpler firing arrangements can be used

    However it is often necessary to leave demolitions until as late as possible so that ones own troops are not obstructed.

    Road denial.
    A road can be denied to the enemy by a variety of methods. Usually a company or squadron will be assigned to a route. Troops or platoons will then leapfrog towards the rear. As they go they will
    - crater road surfaces
    - blow culverts
    - block roads with rock falls or trees etc
    - destroy the road surface with a rooter
    - mine road verges

    With a platoon spaced in sections over half a mile three hours work should allow a crater to be made every ten yards and a mine to be laid every five yards.
     
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