Hi, These extracts are from WO171/2362 - War Diary of 39 Coy RASC (GT) for 1944: C.O.: Maj. H.J.E. Colley, RASC 1 May 44 Camp A.14 1200 Strength 10 Offrs and 385 ORs. WE 10 Offrs and 395 ORs. 11 1st Rfts. 20 May 44 Orders received from 101 Beach Sub Area for this unit to take part in Operation ‘OVERLORD’. Change of WE of vehicles: Returned to VRDs. 1 Humber 4 x 2, 2 15 cwt 4 x 2, Received 1 Humber 4 x 4, Lorrys 15 cwt 4 x 4 2. 26 May 44 Received 34 Lorry Chevrolet 4 x 4 3-ton, 60 Ford 4 x 4 3-ton. Returned 66 Lorry 4 x 2 3-ton. 31 May 44 Strength 10 Offrs and 384 ORs. 1 June 1944 Camp A.10 0525 Strength 10 Offrs, 384 ORs. OC together with CRASC 21 Tpt Coln RASC visited all pls in their respective camps to ascertain the condition of the vehs which had been giving minor trouble. 1200 Comd 101 BSA visited Unit HQ. 1400 My Serial moved to Gosport Hards for embarkation. 2145 Ordered to embark. Serial embarked and was completed at about 0200 hrs 2 Jun 44. Pte. Neesham S admitted to CRS and SOS. Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. It was learnt that Dvvr Boone JD who was with Lt. Young’s Party at Camp A.4 had gone absent. The fact was not confirmed and as a result he was not SOS camp Commandant A.4 and police informed. Serial 612/LST(2) commanded by Lt. J. Carlton left for embarkation p.m. The fact that very Junior Offrs should be appointed as OC craft in addition to his duties as Serial Commander seems to be the wrong policy. It is considered that the craft should be commanded by the Senior Offr travelling on that particular Serial or Craft. Very often Junior Offrs find themselves commanding craft and Senior Offrs travelling as passengers. 2 June 1944 At Sea 0600 Strength 10 Offrs, 383 ORs. Dvr Boone JD presumed absent and SOS. Dvr Scatchard joined Unit. The men were very cheerful and were able to have a well earned rest. The vehs were run and it was found that several batteries required charging. These were charged. Strength remained the same 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. 3 June 1944 At Sea 0600 Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. See Appx “A”. Lt. Young’s Serial contacted and his party were quite happy. P.M. Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. 4 June 1944 At Sea Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs – sea getting a little rough. 5 June 1944 0600 Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. Sea still a little rough with a fairly strong wind. Much speculation as to whether we move off or not and what date “D” Day will be. Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. 6 June 1944 At Sea 0600 Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. 0800 The craft is under way and we are still all wondering whether this was the commencement of the party. Maps were distributed and we then knew that we were definitely off to war. Held conference of dvrs and explained alterations of map references. Last minute details arranged and discussed. 1800 Shelling of beaches going on. Enemy shells fall in sea about 50 yds away. Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. The strength of the Coy is a matter of conjecture because there isn’t any means of checking up until we get over the other side. 7 June 1944 At Sea 0600 Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. Was very disappointed in not being able to land. Sea getting up a bit. Number of fires on foreshore seem to have burnt themselves out. Everyone getting rather bored because there seems no hope of getting ashore today. Destroyers still shelling beach. Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. 8 June 1944 At Sea 0200 Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. At last a Rhino Ferry came alongside and I managed to get aboard. Landed at about 0200 hrs. The beach was in rather a mess. No casualties sustained by us in actual landing. Proceeded to G.T. Park, carried out recce and then went around to Sector Stores. It was learnt that Dvr Rippon GL and Pte Smith S (ACC) had been wounded and evacuated to the United Kingdom. Strength 10 Offrs and 381 ORs. “B” Pl had 1 x 3-ton veh destroyed by Enemy Action. Remainder of 2nd and 3rd Tide landed. P.M. The Amn and Pet Sector Stores bombed. It was learnt that the 44 dvrs of “B” Pl together with Lt. R.E. Swan had put up a very good show. It was learnt that Dvr Fosbracy VS has absented himself. 1 Veh of Lt. Young’s Serial together with Dvrs xxxx and xxxx had not embarked and were SOS. Dvr Brown G and Lcpl. Smith LJ wounded and evacuated to United Kingdom. Strength 10 Offrs and 378 ORs. 9 June 1944 COLLEVILLE, FRANCE, 085786 0600 Strength 10 Offrs and 378 ORs. 0630 Worked very hard at Beach Clearance and returned to Coy HQ and 2000 hrs. Conference on method of getting rest for Drivers. The dvrs have put up a really magnificent show and deserve the highest praise. They carried on all through the day and night without a grumble. During the day the Beach was shelled by the enemy and we had an Air Raid. 1 x 3-ton veh of “D” Pl was destroyed by Enemy Action. Dvr unhurt. 10 June 1944 COLLEVILLE 0600 Strength 10 Offrs and 378 ORs. See Appx “B” Infm received that Dvr Barber CM had been admitted to CRS on 8 Jun 44 prior to leaving United Kingdom. Struck off Strength, so strength as from 8th should be one less. Todays strength therefore amended to read 10 Offrs 377 ORs. Pte McDonald MJ wounded and admitted to CRS. Strength 10 Offrs 376 ORs. 16 ORs reinforcements received. Strength 10 Offrs and 392 ORs. Worked all night on Beach Clearance and returned to Coy at 0700 hrs having spent the last three days and nights there. Strength 10 Offrs and 392 ORs. 11 June 1944 COLLEVILLE 0600 Strength 10 Offrs and 392 ORs. A certain amount of shelling by own tps and aerial activity. Usual hard day on beaches. Strength 10 Offrs and 392 ORs. 12 June 1944 COLLEVILLE 0600 Strength 10 Offrs and 392 ORs. Sharp Air Raid and Gunfire. Nothing of importance to record. Strength 10 Offrs and 392 ORs. 13 June 1944 COLLEVILLE 0130 Air Raid still on. Went visiting tps and at “D” Pl locn found that Capt. W.C. Davies (273942) had been killed, Lcpl. Baker CW and Dvr Crawford and Dvr Dexter wounded and evacuated. Lt.R.E. Swan posted to 21 Tpt Coln, RASC to fill existing vacancy within authorised War Estab, wef 28 May 44 and SOS. A/Capt.R.E.Swan, 21 Tpt Coln RASC attd to 39 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt) for all purposes wef 28 May 44. Dvr Klous M had not embarked but not SOS. Strength 8 Offrs, 1 Offr attd and 389 ORs. Capt.W.C.Davies buried in a field at Colleville-sur-Orne, France, p.m. Given semi-military funeral. Letter to father. First residues arrived, with them, Dvr Wilson G who has now been remustered as a Cook ACC. Pte Neesham S discharged from CRS and TOS wef 14 June 44. Strength 8 Offrs, 1 Offr attd and 390 ORs. 14 June 1944 COLLEVILLE 0600 Strength 8 Offrs, 1 Offr attd and 390 ORs. 0900 Attended CRASC Conference re policy of Wheeled Control Points. 1600 Dvr Hardman posted from 21 Tpt Coln RASC and TOS which is now 8 Offrs, 1 Offr attd and 391 ORs. 15 June 1944 COLLEVILLE 0600 Strength 8 offrs, 1 Offr attd and 391 ORs. Two tpt pls of 706 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt) attd to assist in RMA duties together with 20 Task Vehs from 502 Armd Bde Coy. 1000 The beaches were shelled and an United States LST sustained a hit on the Train Deck. Nothing much has happened today. The usual RMA clearance. Strength 8 Offrs, 1 Offr attd and 391 ORs. Attd 103. 16 June 1944 COLLEVILLE 0600 Strength 8 Offrs, 3 Offr attd and 391 ORs. Attd 103. Very quiet day. Several distinguished personages were seen on the Beach. Beaches shelled. Am on night duty on beaches. Returned form Beaches at 0200 hrs. 17 June 1944 COLLEVILLE 0600 Strength 8 Offrs, 3 Attd Offrs and 391 ORs. Attd 103. See Appx “C” Nothing unusual has happened. Strength as at 0600 hrs. 18 June 1944 COLLEVILLE Strength 8 Offrs and 3 attd. 391 ORs and 103 attd. 1205 Dvr Potts sustained injury on RED PETER BEACH. Treated as Battle Accident. Admitted to F.D.S. for evacuation and S.O.S. 2300 Very rough sea. Vehs still working. First available day to take a Tpt Pl off the road for veh maintenance. 19 June 1944 COLLEVILLE 0600 Strength 8 Offrs and 3 attd. 390 ORs and 103 attd. The sea very rough. The beach littered with wrecks etc. Vehs unable to work on beach for some few hours but other tpt commitments have been met. Dvrs James and Swenson of A Pl joined Coy today from U.K. The pre-loaded veh was not embarked and has now been shown as a deficiency. Capt Swan is to rejoin 21 Tpt Coln. RED PETER BEACH now being operated. Dvr Mason posted to CRASC 21 Tpt Coln and S.O.S. 20 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 2 attd. 389 ORs and 103 attd. All ranks on Serial 33209/3211 MTC consisting of Dvrs Wear, Sibson, Smurthwite, Lindores, Starke and Driver assumed to be missing after 14 days and have been S.O.S. Dvr Hammond evacuated to U.K., knee injury. Nothing unusual to report. Strength 8 Offrs and 2 attd. 382 ORs and 103 attd. 21 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 2 attd. 382 ORs and 103 attd. Attd personnel ceased to be attd. Strength 8 Offrs 382 ORs. 22 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs 382 ORs. Cpl Payne sustained burns to his face and hands as a result of an explosion the cause of which could not be ascertained as he was immediately evacuated to U.K. Treated as a Battle Casualty and S.O.S. Nothing unusual to report. Strength 8 offrs 381 ORs. 23 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs 381 ORs. Little shelling. Ammunition ship struck and caught fire. Dvr Davey distinguished himself and recommended for an award. 24 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs 381 ORs. See Appx “D” Dvr Stokes posted from HQ 101 B.S.A. and T.O.S. Dvr Soul posted from 39 Coy RASC (G.T.) to HQ 101 B.S.A. and S.O.S. No change. Dvr Ruffle wounded on the vehicle harbouring area at Breche Beach PM. 23rd as a result of enemy shelling. Evacuated and SOS. A certain amount of enemy activity. Strength 8 Offrs and 380 ORs. 25 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 380 ORs. It is understood from conversation with a survivor of the missing Serial that the six dvrs may have been survivors and an inquiry has been forwarded to GHQ 02E. Rather a noisy night. Coy was employed on a transhipment bay system in conjunction with 101 DUKW Coy, Gen Tpt. Very successful providing DUKWs are able to keep up a steady flow of stores. Strength 8 Offrs and 380 ORs. 26 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 380 ORs. Main residue consisting of 1 Sgt, 18 ORs, 5 Bed 3 ton GS 4 x 4, Cars 5 cwt GS 4 x 2, 2 Bed 15 cwt W/T 4 x 2, 6 Bed 15 cwt 4 x 2 arrived from the UK. 27 June 1944 Dvrs Gold and Crane admitted to Field Gen Hospital. Normal sickness and SOS. Strength 8 Offrs 378 ORs. 28 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs 378 ORs. 29 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 378 ORs. It has been ascertained from GHQ 02E that the absentees Dvrs Wood G., Belfield F., Boone JD, Jacobovitch S, and Fosbraey V. are the be retaken on strength. Information was received that Dvr Belfield had been admitted to Hospital on 8.6.44 therefore is no longer an absentee and has been SOS wef dated of admission to Hospital. Strength 8 Offrs and 382 ORs. 30 June 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 382 ORs. Courts of Inquiry held on the remaining four absentees, declared deserters and SOS. Message received at 0015 hrs that this unit would move 71 Inf Bde. Three Tpt Pls were despatched to carry out this duty under Comd of Capt GB Crosthwaite and Capt HB Woodward. Strength 8 Offrs and 378 ORs.
1 July 1944 Colleville Sur Orne Strength 8 Offrs 378 ORs. Raining. Dvr Lee P to Hospital, normal admission. ADST 2nd Army visited Coln. Ordered by CRASC to stand by for move. 2 July 1944 Strength 8 Offrs 377 ORs. Raining. Sgt Nash J posted to 21 FDS. Sgt Shore posted to Unit, Dvr Lee P discharged from hospital and TOS. Capt GB Crosthwaite and Capt RB Woodward and 3 Tpt Pls returned from Tp carrying. Recced new locn at Luc Sur Mare [sic]. Strength 8 Offrs and 378 ORs. 3 July 1944 Strength 8 Offrs adn 378 ORs. At 0545 a Piolet-less [sic] Plane went over the locn flying North East. Appeared to return. Move to new locn cancelled temporarily. Dvr Burns J to 21 FDS with Malaria and SOS. Dvr Nelson AM admitted to Hospital as a result of a traffic accident. Strength 8 Offrs and 376 ORs. 4 July 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 376 ORs. Cpl Clare E met with an accident. Taken to LP and SOS. B and C Pls move to a new locn and are now nearer Coy HQ. Complimentary letter received from Lt Gen Dempsey Comd 2nd Army Copy attd. Strength 8 Offrs and 375 ORs. 5 July 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 375 ORs. Fine day. Rain in evening. Dvr Nelson AM discharged from Hospital and TOS. Enemy shells falling in Camp area so far no damage. Dvr Parkes admitted to Hospital and SOS. Strength 8 Offrs and 375 ORs. 6 July 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 375 ORs. Fine day. Rain in evening. Dvr Nelson AM out of FDS and TOS. Enemy shells falling in Camp Area. Dvr Parkes H to FDS & SOS. Strength 8 Offrs and 376 ORs. One veh burnt out as a result of shelling. Dvr Constable R and Dvr Pearson H wounded and admitted to Hopstial and SOS. Cpl Wyborn E admitted to Hospital and SOS. Shelling is pretty hot so have decided to disperse to alternative locns. Saw CRASC & I decided to stay where I was except to disperse B Pl. Lt.P. Egan to Hospital for treatment but NOT admitted and NOT SOS. Strength 8 Offrs and 372 ORs. 7 July 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 372 ORs. Fine day. Slight rain in evening. Ordered to move to LANGRUNE-SUR-MERE. Carried out recce and moved. Coy est at MR.031836 at 1600 hrs. CRASC 21 Tpt Coln RASC informed. Area is a little cramped but can expand when mines are lifted. Apart from terrific pounding of enemy post by huge force of RAF planes it was extremely pleasant to have a quiet night. Coy ordered to stand by to be ready at 0200 hrs for Beach Work. Lt.P.Egan to duty but to attend FDS for treatment. Strength 8 Offrs and 372 ORs. 8 July 1944 LANGRUNE-SUR-MERE 0600 Strength 8 Offrs and 372 ORs. Inclined to be rainy. Lt.P.Egan is now quite fit. 3 Pls employed on Beach Work 0200 hrs and moved 650 tons by 1105 hrs. Good work. Dvr Marsden L trod on mine and wounded. Admitted to FDS and SOS. Dvr Heyworth P admitted to 12 FDS as a result of an accident and SOS. Certain amount of enemy aerial activity. No bombs dropped near Unit. WS/Lt J.J. Venables joined unit and taken on strength 4th. Strength 8 Offrs and 370 ORs. 9 July 1944 Strength 8 Offrs and 370 ORs. Fine morning. Cool breeze. Fine rain during day. Dvr Pearson H discharged from LP and TOS. 650 tons POL off-loaded between 1630 hrs and 2035 hrs by 2 Pls. Quiet night. Strength 9 Offrs and 371 ORs. 10 July 1944 0600 Strength 9 & 371 ORs. Cold rainy day. Seems more like winter. Informed that wef 1800 hrs 9 July 44 the Coy no longer comes under command of 21 Tpt Coln RASC but is now under 30 Tpt Coln RASC. It seems a great pity that a Coln that should have trained together and to have been the first eleven for the assault on this country should disintegrate. It has been a pleasure to work for such a human and reasonable CRASC, one who after giving his orders allows one to do a job and who allows for the human element and stress of war. It is to be hoped that the Coln will be got together again. Strength 9 Offrs and 371 ORs. 11 July 1944 Strength 9 Offrs and 371 ORs. Inclined to rain. No.17777 Lieut.H.G.Walker, RASC, joined Coy to fill vacancy as HQ Subaltern, and is TOS. Slight enemy activity. Strength 10 Offrs and 371 ORs. 12 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 371 ORs. Dull cloudy day. Finer towards evening. Cpl Wyborn E discharged from LP and TOS. 2 Pls employed on transhipment duties. 2 Pls employed on beach clearance of ammunition. 80 loads moved in 4 hours 30 minutes. Rather a noisy night but no bombs fell near us. Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 13 July 1944 Strength 10 Offs and 372 ORs. Dull morning. Inclined to rain. 2 Pls employed on transhipment duties. No beach work. Rained during the evening. Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 14 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. Looks like being a fine day. A certain number of Offrs and ORs taking part in July 14 celebrations in the village including placing of wreaths on various monuments and graves of British troops killed on “D” Day. Operated on Langrune Beaches for first time. 61 vehs employed in addition to Transhipment duties, during day. Certain amount of aerial activity. Fine day. NAAI opens and stock bought for men. Quiet night. Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 15 July 1944 Strength 10 Ofrs and 372 ORs. Dull morning. 15 vehs on Langrune, transhipment and numerous other duties. 2 Pls employed on Transhipment Bays. Certain amount of aerial activity. Rained during night. Lcpl Chattaway C posted to CRASC 21 Tpt Coln RASC. Col. Reader CRASC 31 Tpt Coln RASC visited Unit. Strength 10 offrs and 371 ORs. 16 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 371. Fine morning. 2 Pls employed on Transhipment Bays. Lcpl. Chattaway to be borne on strength of unit and only attd to CRASC 21 Tpt Coln RASC. 2 Pls employed on beaches. Rained during night. CIMT Representative visited unit. Warning received that enemy air attack is expected. Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 17 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. Misty morning. 4 Pls employed on Transhipment duties. 1 Pl also used during night on OBOE Beach. Grand sunny day. Had the mayor of Langrune to dinner. Courtesy visit. Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 18 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. Fine day. 2 Pls employed on Transhipment Duties. Been very hot today. Ceased to be under comd of 30 Tpt Coln RASC and now under comd 31 Tpt Coln RASC. Lt. Col. Reader. Certain amount of aerial activity. Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 19 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. Fine day. 2 Pls on Transhipment Bay. Usual nights aerial activity. Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 20 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. Fine day. Pls on Transhipment Duties. 21 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. Rained heavily all day. The sea too rough to allow DUKWs to operated so tpt returned. Tonnage. 78 vehs 774 Tons. Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 22 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 2 Pls on Transhipment duties. Rained during the morning cleared into a fine evening. Tonnage 123 Vehs 1157 Tons. Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 23 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. Enemy aerial activity 0245 – 0345. No bombs dropped in this area. One Flying Bomb passed over the location heading for the enemy lines. Raining and very dull. Morale good. Dvr Freear fractured his leg at Football. Taken to Hospital. 24 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 371 ORs. Dull morning everything is very damp. Difficult to get mens clothes dry. Record Tonnage 132 Vehs 2200 Tons. Coy played 297 Coy RASC Gen Tpt at Football. Won 10-0. Strength 10 Offrs and 371 ORs. 25 July 1944 10 Offrs and 371 ORs. Dvr Klous to be SOS w.e.f. 2 Jun 44. Damp dull day. Rather more enemy aerial activity than usual during the hours of darkness. Transhipment Tonnage 95 Vehs, 514 loads. Strength 10 Offrs and 370 ORs. 26 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 370 ORs. Fine day. Posting Order received for L/Sgt MacGill, to 134 Rft Gp 101 Beach Sub Area. Pls on Transhipment area shelled during the afternoon. Reluctantly the Pls had to return to Coy Location. No casualties sustained by this Coy. Tonnage 76 Vehs 277 Loads. 27 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs & 369 ORs. L/Sgt Macgill posted to 101 Rft Unit & SOS. Transhipment Tonnage 106 Vehs 1,491 Tons. Capt.G.B. Crosthwaite, RASC and Lt.H.G. Walker, RASC interviewed by CRASC 31 Tpt Coln RASC and recommended for promotion. Lt.J.J. Venables (303986) RASC promoted to A/Captain to fulfil vacancy of Wksps Offr, Authy. ST.HQ L of C ST/15/A. Had fresh meat today together with rice and prunes. This is the first time I have seen the troops enjoy a meal so much. Morale went up sky-high. The number of seats allotted for ENSA and other entertainments are now very much better and sufficient for all ranks to go at least once per week. Slight enemy air activity during the night. Strength 10 Offrs & 369 ORs. 28 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs & 369 ORs. Weather much improved. Transhipment Tonnage 81 Vehs and 1003 tons. 29 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs 369 ORs. Fine day. Transhipment Tonnage 89 vehs, 1,125 tons. There were a number of anti-personnel shells bursting on or near LANGRUNE BEACH. There were a few sent over about 2200 hrs and throughout the night at intervals of 10 to 15 mins. It appears by this to be only one Long Range Gun. Sport: Unit played 282 Coy RASC (GT) in Second round of the Coln Football League. Result – Draw 3 all. Strength 10 Offrs & 369 ORs. Unit visited ‘George Fornby’ ENSA Show. 30 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs & 369 ORs. Transhipment Tonnage 99 vehs, 1,585 tons. A dull cold morning but improved during the afternoon. Enemy gun still putting over a few shells. 31 July 1944 Strength 10 Offrs & 369 ORs. P.Plan passed over location, flying towards enemy lines. Tonnage 120 [vehs], 1545 Tons.
1 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs & 369 OR’s. Dvr Parkes H rejoined from Hospital and TOS. Transhipment Bay – 76 vehs – 1761 tons. Hazy weather until later afternoon when it became hot. Fairly quiet night. Mail delayed. Strength 10 Offrs, 370 ORs. 2 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 370 ORs. Hazy weather as for 1 Aug 44. Transhipment rather slow due to lack of craft and rough state of sea early evening. Coy played 282 Coy RASC replay 3rd round Column Knockout Soccer competition and won 5 goals to 3. Quiet night. Strength 10 Offrs, 370 ORs. Transhipment figures – 120 vehs – 1659 tons. 3 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 370 ORs. Raining until 1000 hrs, remainder of day fine and warm. Transhipment of stores held up by heavy swell at sea. Pte. McDonald MJ, Dvr Driver EJ, joined Coy and TOS. Dvr Jenson R rejoined from Compassionate Leave. Rather noisy night. Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. 4 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. Fine day. Transhipment Figures – 80 vehs – 714 tons. Transhipment and stores held up by rough sea and swell. Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. 5 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. Transhipment of stores held up by swell and ground mist. Dvr Cain M admitted to Field Punishment Camp and SOS. Played 551 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt) in semifinal of Column Knockout competition soccer and lost 6 – 2. Dvr Simmonds CR of “C” Pl admitted to hospital and SOS. Pte Ketley, (Turner) posted to unit from 706 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt) and TOS. Strength 10 Offrs, 371 ORs. 6 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 371 ORs. Transhipment figures – 73 vehs – 658 tons. Fine day. Strength 10 Offrs, 371 ORs. 7 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 371 ORs. Transhipment figures 76 vehs – 907 tons. Sjt. Stocker JV cross posted from 299 Coy RASC (DUKW) to fill vacancy of Sjt Veh Mech. Fine day. Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. 8 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. Transhipment figures 63 vehs 1029 tons. Fine day. Dvrs Tomkins and Tweddle joined unit from 37 Rnft Hldg Unit and TOS and posted to Wksps Pl for duty. Dvr Wooten L shot himself in foot with Sten Gun. Inspected S.I.W. Admitted to 88 Fd Gen Hosp, normal case, and SOS. Court of Inquiry ordered to assemble on 9 Aug 44. Capt.G.B. Crosthwaite was interviewed by DDST L of C as a result of recommendation for promotion. Strength 10 Offrs, 373 ORs. 9 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 373 ORs. Transhipment figures 96 vehs – 905 tons. Dvr Wooten L admitted to hospital and SOS. Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. 10 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. Transhipment figures 166 vehs 581 tons. As a result of enemy action the transhipment of stores from PETIT ENFER has ceased. Company are to operate on NAN Beach. Fine day. Slight aerial activity. Wksps Pl gave a very good concert in the evening which was appreciated by all. Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. 11 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. Fine day. 3 Pls employed on Beach work by day and night. 1 Pl employed on troop carrying. News received that CSM Paine B.F., Cpls Watts J.H. and Wyborn E.A. have been awarded the Military Medal which decoration they thoroughly deserve. 12 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. Beach Duties 115 vehs 931 tons. Visit to L of C. Catering Advisor visited unit and rendered an excellent report. Certain amount of enemy shelling during night Courseulles area. 13 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs, 372 ORs. Beach duties 107 vehs 637 tons. Fine day. Certain amount of shelling during night Courseulles area. 14 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs 372 ORs. Beach duties 79 vehs 311 tons. Fine day. Wind got up in evening, sea getting rough. Cpl E.A. Wyborn MM posted to 722 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt) and SOS. Cpl K. Morgan posted from 722 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt) and TOS. 15 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. Fine day. 1 Pl employed on Dock work at Courselles. 1 Pl moving 25000 empty jerricans. Rained during evening, considerable amount of aerial activity. 16 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. Fine day. 4 Pls employed on ‘NAN’ Green beach. Dvr Triplets posted from 722 Coy RASC Gen Tpt and TOS. Transhipment Tonnage: 121 vehs 504 tons. 17 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 373 ORs. Fine day. Coy employed on beach duties. Gunner MORSE posted to this unit from RHU and TOS. A Pl Locn shelled (see report attd). 18 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 374 ORs. Dvr Pinch posted to 722 Coy RASC (GT). Dvr Hignett posted to this unit and TOS. Dvr Norcliffe admitted to Hospital normal admission and SOS. Dvr Swinglehurst posted to this unit from 722 Coy RASC and TOS. 19 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 374 ORs. Fine day. Coy employed on Beach duties. Pte Smith S admitted to hospital (normal admission). Slight outbreak of enteritis in Coy. Strength 10 Offrs and 373 ORs. 20 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 373 ORs. Fine day. Rained during night. Coy employed on Beach Duties. Dvr Law T admitted to hospital (normal admission). Strength 10 Offrs and 372 ORs. 21 August 1944 Langrune-sur-Mer, France Strength 10 Offrs and 372 Ors. Rained heavily all day. Coy employed on Beach Duties in the morning but in afternoon work cancelled on account of rough seas. Men’s Bivouacs inspected by CRASC for condition after rain. Information received from 11 L of C that all Chevrolet 3 ton 4 x 4 GS C60L and Ford 3 ton 4 x 4 GS WOT6 vehs are to be exchanged for Austin 3 ton 4 x 4 GS K5 vehs. Dvr Milton H rejoined unit from 37 RHU and TOS. Strength 10 Offrs and 373 Ors. 22 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 373 Ors. Beach duties are cancelled due to adverse conditions. 3 Pls employed on PM Tide. 6 Dvrs posted to this Unit from 37 RHU and TOS. Rained very heavily during the night. Majority of bivouacs flooded. Strength 10 Offrs and 379 Ors. 23 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 379 Ors; Beach Duties, Inclined to be a dull day endeavouring to ‘Bale Out’ after last nights downpour. DADOS asked to release first issue of dry blankets. Unit visited by ADST 11 L of C. Rained during the night. All concerned very cheerful. Strength: 10 Offrs and 379 Ors. 24 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 379 ORs. Beach duties. Rather a chilly day, rained during the evening for about an hour. Pte Smith S.A.C.C discharged from hospital and TOS. NAAFI opened at Langrune at Coy location. 25 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 380 ORs. Beach Duties. Fine day. Dvrs Hold, Brown and Pte Markham posted to Coy and TOS. Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. 26 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 383 ORs. Fine day. Beach Duties. Pte Bacon posted to 50 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt) and SOS. Strength 10 Offrs and 382 ORs. 27 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 382 ORs. Beach Duties, Fine day. Dvr Law discharged from Hospital and TOS. Pte law, Dvr Crosby and Dvr Harrison posted to this unit from 79 Base Pet Coy RASC and TOS. Strength 10 Offrs and 386 ORs. 28 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 386 ORs. Fine day, Coy employed on Beach Duties. Strength 10 Offrs and 386 ORs. 29 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 386 ORs. Dull day looks very much like rain. A Pl moved off to carry out Tp Carrying detail from 38 RFU [sic: RHU?] to Fallise [sic: Falaise?]. Remainder of Coy employed on beach duties. Cpl Chaplin met with a serious traffic accident admitted to hospital and SOS. Strength 10 Offrs and 385 ORs. 30 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 385 ORs. 28 Vehs employed on Mail Carrying to forward areas. 94 Vehs employed on Beach Duties. Tonnage 496 Tons. Dvr Bowers to Hospital Admission Normal. Dvr Norcliffe discharged from hospital and TOS. Dvr Cade posted to this Unit from 722 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt). Rained all day. 31 August 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 386 ORs. 26 Vehs engaged on Mail detail to forward areas. Beach Duties 88 vehs 446 Tonnage lifted. Dvr Wear F posted to this unit from 37 RHU and TOS. Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs.
1 September 1944 Langrune sur Mer Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs. Rained in the morning. Beach Duties. 33 Vehs to Aigremont with stores for REs. 2 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs. Unit came under command of 33 Tpt Coln RASC. Transport details consisting of 27 vehs on APO, PW Details of 54 vehs. Raining. Slight enemy activity during the night. 3 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs. 25 Vehs attached to 39 Tpt Coln RASC. 54 Vehs on PW details. 33 Vehs overdue from Aigremont. 4 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs. 0130 hrs 33 Vehs returned from Aigremont. Dull cold windy morning. 5 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs. Dull day. Veh details 97. 6 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs. Fine day. 12 Vehs detached to Cherbourg. Tpt details for 94 Vehs carried out. 7 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs. Vehs on permanent daily details 95. 1 Veh to Amiens 246 PC Coy. 8 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs. Fine day. 78 Vehs on detail. 3 x 3 to Amiens 229 PC unit lift. 9 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 387 ORs. Fine day. Dvr ruffle Ex UK T.O.S. this unit. 108 Vehs on detail. 2 x 3 Vehs to Lille – CA Stores. 2 x 3 Vehs to Amiens (Sigs Stores). 10 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 388 ORs. Fine day, windy. Pte Wilson ACC SOS and posted to 146 Pet Depot. 9 Dvrs i/c TOS on posting from 246 Motor Boat Coy RASC. 11 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Fine day. 10 x 3 Vehs to Brussels, unit lift. 12 x 3 Vehs (60 Transit Camp lift personnel) to Ruggles. 12 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Fine day. Veh details 94. 10 x 3 Vehs to Angers CA Stores. 13 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. 17 x 3 Vehs left location for Antwerp – lift 212 PC. 14 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Fine. Under instructions issued by HQ 12 L of C 30 x 3 ton Vehs issued to be held surplus to WE and personnel of RDI Pls to man them. ‘A’ Pl moved from Bivouacs into winter billets. 15 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Fine. Dvr Bowers T.O.S. from Hospital. In accordance with CRASC 33 Tpt Coln Instructions this unit is absorbed within the GHQ Pool of Tpt authority HQ 12 L of C. B Pl moved into winter billets. 16 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Cpl Hall and Dvr Hanford T.O.S. Fine day. 5 x 3 vehs left location for DOUAI and ABBERVILLE [sic] Tp carrying. 25 x 3 left location for Dieppe – stores for 17 A.O.D. 12 x 3 Vehs returned from Cherbourg. 17 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 399 ORs. Cpl Clark posted to 722 Coy RASC and SOS. Pte Bernstein (ACC) posted to this unit and TOS. Pte Markham (ACC) posted to 148 PC and SOS. Dvr Downer admitted to Hospital (normal) and SOS. 32 x 3 vehs returned from Le Treport. 5 x 3 vehs returned from Douai. 18 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Fine day. 4 x 3 vehs returned from Amiens. 4 x 3 vehs left location for Abbeville – Unit lift. 6 x 3 vehs left location to Ostend – CA Stores. 34 vehs left location to lift 107 and 104 Pioneer Coys. 15 x 3 vehs detached to 721 GHQ Cdn Coy at Bayeux. 22 vehs on local details. 19 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Fine day. 4 x 3 vehs left location for Dieppe. 2 x 3 vehs returned to location from Rouen. 20 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Fine day. MSS Darling posted to 714 Coy RASC. Authority to promote Sgt Stocker to MSS granted. 29 x 3 vehs left location for Antwerp lift 224 P.C. 17 x 3 vehs returned from Amiens. 15 x 3 vehs returned from Dieppe. 21 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Weather fine but windy. 3 x 3 vehs to Amiens CA stores. 13 x 3 vehs to Antwerp lift 704 PC 8 x 3 vehs to Abbeville unit lift. 10 vehs returned from Brussels. 12 returned from Dieppe. 22 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Fine day. Dvr Chapman and Mc’Shane TOS this unit from 37 RHU. 4 x 3 vehs returned from Amiens. 4 x 3 vehs to Ostend – CA stores. 23 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 398 ORs. Raining. 5 Dvrs i/c and 1 Cpl Dvr posted to this unit and TOS from 46 RHU. 7 x 3 vehs to Brussels lift 73 DID. Dvr Chapman SOS this unit and on being below Field Force Med Cat. 24 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 403 ORs. Fine. 28 x 3 vehs to Amiens lift Reinforcements from 104 Rft Gp. Unit came under command of 35 Tpt Coln RASC. 25 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 403 ORs. Fine day but windy. Unit came under command of CRASC 38 Tpt Coln RASC. 1 x 3 Veh returned from Amiens. 26 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 403 ORs. Fine day Warm. 2 x 3 Vehs left location for Brussels. 1800 18 x 3 Vehs returned from Antwerp. 1940 13 x 3 Vehs returned from Antwerp. 27 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 403 ORs. Raining. 4 x 3 vehs returned from Ostend. 6 x 3 vehs returned from Amiens. 17 x 3 vehs returned from Ostend. 28 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 403 ORs. 8 x 3 vehs returned from Brussels. 3 x 3 vehs returned from Corbie. 16 x 3 vehs returned from Alencon. 29 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 403 ORs. Rained in evening. Dvr Easter admitted to Hospital, normal. 16 x 3 left location for Beauvais, unit lift. 16 x 3 vehs left location for Arras, unit lift. 16 x 3 vehs left location for Fournay. 6 x 3 vehs left location for Dieppe – unit lift. 30 September 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 402 ORs. Fine. 12 x 3 vehs left location for Darnetal. 16 x 3 vehs to Blurgetheroulde.
1 October 1944 Langrune sur Mer Strength 10 Offrs and 402 ORs. Rained all day. 2 x 3 vehs returned to Coy location from ARRAS. 16 x 3 vehs returned to location from BEAUVAIS. 2 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 402 ORs. A fine day. Dvr Downer TOS from hospital. 2 x 3 Vehs returned from BRUSSELS. 16 x 3 Vehs returned from ARRAS. 16 x 3 Vehs returned from FOURNAY. 6 x 3 vehs returned from DIEPPE. 16 x 3 returned from BOURGETHOULDE. 3 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 403 ORs. Fine, rained in the evening. L/Cpl Barron admitted to hospital – Normal. Admin Inspection carried out by CRASC 38 Tpt Coln RASC. 25 x 3 vehs left location for BRUSSELS – Unit lift. 61 x 3 vehs left location for ABBEVILLE – NAAFI stores. 8 x 3 vehs returned from BRUSSELS. 12 x 3 vehs returned from DANTEL. 4 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 402 ORs. Fine day. Tpt availability – NIL. 5 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 402 ORs. Fine. Dvr Pooley posted to No 1 Crane Coy RASC. 15 x 3 vehs returned from detachment at BAYEUX. 3 x 3 vehs returned from BRUSSELS. 32 x 3 vehs left location for EVREUX – Troop carrying. 6 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 401 ORs. Fine day. Dvrs Sibley, Morgan, Jones W and Preston SOS on posting to No 2 CRANE Coy RASC. Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. 7 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Coy ordered to move to new location by CRASC 38 Tpt Coln RASC via, G Branch 12 L of C. 17 x 3 vehs left location for BRUSSELS, lift P C Coy. Dvr Turner SOS on admission to hospital – Normal. 8 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. HQ and Wksps Pls left for new location. 17 x 3 vehs returned from BRUSSELS. Adv party staged at CAMBRAI en route for new location. 9 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. HQ and Wksp arrive at new location at LIGNE Belgium. It is thought that owing to outstanding details that it will be some time before the whole coy is settled in at the new location. 10 October 1944 LIGNE, BELGIUM Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Raining all day. Unit now forms part of 21 Army Tpt Pool. 11 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Dull day, 21 x 3 vehs left location for DIEPPE. The new location is not suitable for holding the whole coy, therefore A Pl have been billeted in GRAND METZ about 4 miles away. 12 October 1944 Strength 10 offrs and 396 ORs. Fine day. 13 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Dull overclouded day. 39 x 3 vehs left location for EVREUX – Stores. 22 x 3 vehs returned from DIEPPE. 22 x 3 vehs returned from BRUSSELS. 14 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Fine day with occasional showers. Lt Egan arrived back at location with 22 x 3 vehs from DIEPPE. 10 x 3 vehs returned from ABBEVILLE. 6 x 3 vehs from AMIENS. 15 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Rained heavily. 25 x 3 vehs returned from ABBEVILLE. 45 x 3 vehs left location for DIEPPE – Stores. 16 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 396 ORs. Rained during the day. Attended CRASC Conference. Capt JJ Venables RASC recommended to proceed on Civil Affairs Course. Posting order teceived in respect of posting Capt GB Crosthwaite RASC to 377 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt) as OC with rank of A/Major. Auth: ST HQ L of C ST 1A of 150910A. 17 October 1944 Strength 9 Offrs and 396 ORs. Rained during the day. 22 x 3 vehs left for Boulogne. 13 x 3 vehs left for DIEPPE. 39 x 3 vehs returned from DIEPPE. Rear party arrived from LANGRUNE. 19 x 3 vehs returned from details at LANGRUNE. 18 October 1944 9 Offrs and 396 ORs. Raining. L/Cpl Barron discharged from hospital and TOS. 45 x 3 vehs returned from DIEPPE. 8 x 3 vehs left for DIEPPE – Stores carrying. 19 October 1944 Strength 9 Offrs and 397 ORs. Rained all day. Details – 30 x 3 vehs left location for BRIONNE. 13 x 3 vehs left for BRIONNE. 20 x 3 vehs left for BOULOGNE. 20 October 1944 Strength 9 Offrs and 397 ORs. Still raining. 34 x 3 vehs left location for BRIONNE. 12 x 3 vehs left location for DIEPPE; 3 x 3 vehs returned from BOULOGNE. Unit visited by CRASC 40 Tpt Coln, unsuitability of Coy location pointed out. Other areas within working distance of CRASC HQ are booked for use as rest centres. 21 October 1944 Strength 9 Offrs and 397 ORs. Wet day. Cleared up during the afternoon. 10 x 3 vehs returned from BRUSSELS. 3 x 3 from ELBEUF. Lt CS Jerome RASC (282358) reported for duty. 22 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Wet misty and cold day. No rain. 34 vehs under Lt Sandland proceeded to BAYEUX. 13 x 3 vehs returned from DIEPPE. 3 x 3 vehs returned from BOULOGNE. 8 x 3 vehs returned from DIEPPE. 23 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Misty and cold but fine. Coy location visited by Colonel HC De La Bere OBE, DDST HQ L of C. Complimented company on all he had seen. Rained heavily during the night. 16 x 3 vehs to DIEPPE. 33 x 3 vehs from BRIONNE. 24 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Cold misty morning. Number of personnel now contacting [sic] colds. Tpt details:- 34 x 3 vehs returned from BRIONNE. 12 x 3 vehs returned from DIEPPE. 43 x 3 vehs left location for DIEPPE. 25 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Cold day no rain. Tpt details:- 3 x 3 vehs returned from ELBEUF. 32 x 3 vehs left location for DIEPPE. 26 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Damp cold day. Tpt details:- 16 x 3 vehs returned from DIEPPE. 15 x 3 vehs left location for DIEPPE. 27 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Rained during the day. Tpt details:- 40 x 3 vehs returned from DIEPPE. 13 x 3 returned from BAYEUX. 37 x 3 left location for DIEPPE. 28 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Fine frosty morning. Tpt details:- 32 x 3 returned from DIEPPE. 30 x 3 left location for DIEPPE. 29 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Rained during the morning. Tpt details:- NIL as all vehs employed. 30 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 397 ORs. Dull day. Dvrs Prosser L and Roberts C admitted to hospital – normal. Tpt details:- 15 x 3 ton returned from DIEPPE; 12 x 3 ton left location for DIEPPE; 6 x 3 ton vehs left for OSTEND. 31 October 1944 Strength 10 Offrs and 395 ORs. Fine day and cold. Dvr Smith WF posted to HQ 7 Base Sub Area to serve with elder brother. Tpt details:- NIL. Warnign order received from CRASC 40 Tpt Coln RASC to be prepared to despatch 2 Tpt Pls to GHENT (13 B.P.S.C.) w.e.f. 1 Nov 44. Capt HS Woodward will be in charge of this detachment. Strength: 10 Offrs and 394 ORs.
Hi i found this very,very interesting as my Uncle Malcolm J Macdonald is mentioned on the 10th of June 1944 as being wounded. I have a letter from him to his mum upon hearing of the death of his Brother William a Japanese POW here is how he adressed the letter. Acpl (acting corporal maybe ) MacDonald 5123436 w/s section ? No 39 Coy RASC /GT BAOR I wondered if you know when he returned to his unit ? And where and when they were stationed in Germany ? Many thanks
