Miscellaneous headquarters

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous HQ' started by Trux, Aug 27, 2010.

  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    MISCELLANEOUS HEADQUARTERS

    Headquarters, headquarters units and pools of specialists were formed to support the work
    of 21 Army Group. These were many, varied and difficult to classify.



    MISCELLANEOUS HEADQUARTERS.
    Headquarters GHQ Troops. War Establishment XIV/152/May 1944
    Claims Commission. War Establishment XIV/53/1. November 1944
    Claims Commission. War Establishment VIII/717/1.
    Hirings Directorate. War Establishment XIV/54/1. November 1944
    Hirings Directorate. War Establishment VIII/718/1.
    Interpreter Pool 21 Army Group. War Establishment XIV/100/1. May 1944.
    Interpreter Pool for an Army. War Establishment XIV/251/. May 1944.
    Army Education Corps Pool. War Establishment XIV/101/1. May 1944
    Catering Pool. War Establishment XIV/102/1. May 1944.
    Camouflage Pool. War Establishment XIV/103/1. May 1944.
    Staff Pool. War Establishment XIV/104/1. May 1944.
    Mobile Labour Groups, Pool of Supervisory Personnel. War Establishment XIV/106/1. June 1944.
    Welfare Pool. War Establishment XIV/112/1. December 1945.
    Intelligence Pool. War Establishment XIV/113/1. January 1945.
    Transportation Pool. War Establishment XIV/110/1. October 1944
    Pool of Labour Staff Officers. War Establishment XIV/111/1. October 1944
    No1 Pool (Civil Labour). War Establishment XIV/106/2. October 1944
    Works Pool RE. War Establishment XIV/109/1. July 1944
    Judge Advocates Generals Staff Pool. War Establishment XIV/107/1. June 1944.
    Passive Air Defence Pool. War Establishment XIV/108/1. June 1944.
    Physical Training Instructors Pool. War Establishment XIV/1895/1. September 1944
    Local Resources Section. War Establishment XIV/52/1. May 1944
    Army Refugee Interrogation Team. War Establishment XIV/1152/1. January 1945.
    Allied Missions Camp, British Administrative Increment. War Establishment XIV/640/1. June 1944
    Disbandment Control Unit. War Establishment XIV/2030/1. February 1945.
    Headquarters War Material Reconnaissance Team. War Establishment XIV/2029/1. January 1945.

    CIVIL AFFAIRS
    Headquarters 21 Army Group Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/50/1. May 1944.
    Headquarters 2 Army Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/252/1. May 1944
    Corps Headquarters Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/270/1. May 1944.
    Headquarters Line of Communications Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/210/1. June 1944.
    Headquarters LoC Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/209/1. June 1944.
    Headquarters LoC Sub Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/211/1. June 1944
    Headquarters LoC Base Sub Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/213/1. June 1944
    Headquarters of a Garrison Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/212/1. June 1944
    Civil Affairs Base Port Depot. War Establishment IV/264/1. May 1944.
    Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type A. War Establishment IV/265/1. May 1944.
    Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type B. War Establishment IV/266/1. May 1944.
    Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type C. War Establishment IV/267/1. May 1944.



    HEADQUARTERS GHQ TROOPS
    War Establishment XIV/152/1. May 1944
    Supersedes War Establishment VIII/560/1.

    Colonel
    Brigade Major
    Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General
    Staff Captain
    Lieutenant Staff Officer RS
    Intelligence Officer, Captain or Lieutenant
    3 X Medical Officer (Pool)
    Subaltern

    company quartermaster serjeant
    6 X clerk RASC including
    Warrant Officer Class II
    serjeant
    corporal
    3 X private
    2 X driver IC
    driver mechanic
    2 X motorcycle
    3 X medical officer orderly
    3 X batman
    4 X batman driver
    4 X orderly
    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    2 X bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    4 X car 2 seat 4 X 2
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
    1 X water trailer


    CLAIMS and HIRINGS
    The Directorate of Claims and Hirings was responsible for the disposal of all claims other than those arising out of war damage and for the requisitioning and or hiring of land and buildings within 21 Army Group area. Detachments were attached to armies and to the various corps HQ. The presence of these officers with army and corps HQ proved to be of considerable assistance in regard to quartering and to dispose of certain claims which might have caused some ill-feeling if they remained outstanding. During June and July a total of 1,185 claims were received and 1,291 requisitions of real estate were recorded.
    District offices were established later at major centres.

    The speed of the advance and the large number of troops located in Belgium caused an acute shortage of accommodation and Claims and Hirings officers in static offices assisted the "Q" staff in finding accommodation for the troops. An agreement was made whereby accommodation previously occupied by the Germans was frozen for British use. During the months of August and September 6,721 requisitions of real estate were recorded and 5,875 claims received.

    When Brussels became a leave centre a number of hostels and clubs were opened and billeting was undertaken on a large scale. In many cases the maintenance repair and cleaning of buildings were carried out through local authorities and paid for by the Belgian government.

    The rapid advance of our forces into Germany, coupled with the complete breakdown of the German administrative services made it impossible to handle claims since wholesale looting which was being carried out by freed slave labour, displaced persons, German civilians and allied troops.

    During the campaign some 50,000 requisitions of real estate were recorded and approximately the same number of claims was disposed of.


    CLAIMS COMMISSION, 21 ARMY GROUP
    War Establishment XIV/53/1. November 1944
    This War Establishment supersedes WE VIII/717/1

    Personnel are distributed amongst all major headquarters as follows.

    21 Army Group HQ
    President of the Claims Commission (this position filled by the President of the Claims Commission at the War Office in London)
    Vice President of the Claims Commission, Brigadier (also acts as Director of Hirings)
    Assistant Director of Claims
    2 X Deputy Director of Claims
    2 X Staff Captain
    2 X Captain, Claims Officer
    Warrant Officer Class I Clerk
    serjeant clerk
    2 X corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    2 X shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    3 X batman
    3 X driver RASC

    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seat light utility
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2

    Note: two clerks may be ATS



    Army HQ
    Assistant Director of Claims
    Captain, Claims Officer
    Warrant Officer Class II Clerk
    serjeant clerk
    clerk
    shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    2 X batman
    2 X driver RASC

    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seat light utility


    Corps HQ each
    Deputy Director of Claims
    Captain, Claims Officer
    Warrant Officer Class I Clerk
    staff serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    batman
    2 X driver RASC

    2 X car 2 seat light utility


    HQ Line of Communication
    2 X Deputy Director of Claims
    Staff Captain
    Captain, Claims Officer
    2 X Staff Lieutenant
    staff serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    2 X batman
    2 X driver RASC

    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seat light utility



    HQ Line of Communication Area each
    Captain, Claims Officer
    Lieutenant, Assistant Claims Officer
    serjeant clerk
    clerk
    shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    2 X batman driver

    2 X car 2 seat light utility


    HQ Base and Line of Communication Sub Area each
    Captain, Claims Officer
    Lieutenant, Assistant Claims Officer
    serjeant clerk
    clerk
    shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    2 X batman driver

    2 X car 2 seat light utility



    HIRINGS DIRECTORATE, 21 ARMY GROUP
    War Establishment XIV/54/1. November 1944
    This War Establishment supersedes WE VIII/718/1

    Personnel are distributed amongst all major headquarters as follows.

    21 Army Group HQ
    Director of Hirings (this position filled by the Director of Hirings)
    Assistant Director of Hirings
    Deputy Director of Hirings
    Staff Captain
    Captain, Hirings Officer
    Warrant Officer Class II Clerk
    2 X serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    4 X clerk
    3 X shorthand typist
    2 X corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    2 X batman
    3 X driver RASC

    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seat light utility
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2


    Army HQ
    Assistant Director of Hirings
    2 X Captain, Hirings Officer
    Warrant Officer Class II Clerk
    serjeant clerk
    lance corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    2 X batman
    2 X driver RASC

    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seat light utility


    Corps HQ each
    Deputy Assistant Director of Claims
    Captain, Hirings Officer
    staff serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    batman
    2 X driver RASC

    2 X car 2 seat light utility


    HQ Line of Communication
    Deputy Director of Hirings
    Deputy Assistant Director of Hirings
    Staff Captain
    Captain, Hirings Officer
    2 X Staff Lieutenant
    Warrant Officer Class I Clerk
    2 X Warrant Officer Class II, Clerk
    2 X serjeant clerk
    2 X corporal clerk
    4 X clerk
    4 X shorthand typist
    2 X corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    3 X batman
    3 X driver RASC

    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seat light utility
    1 X car 4 seat 4 X 2


    HQ Line of Communication Area each
    Captain, Hirings Officer
    Lieutenant, Assistant Hirings Officer
    serjeant clerk
    clerk
    shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    2 X batman driver

    2 X car 2 seat light utility


    HQ Base and Line of Communication Sub Area each
    Captain, Hirings Officer
    Lieutenant, Assistant Hirings Officer
    serjeant clerk
    clerk
    shorthand typist
    corporal interpreter (may be civilian)
    2 X batman driver

    2 X car 2 seat light utility



    LOCAL RESOURCES SECTION.
    War Establishment XIV/52/1. May 1944.

    Assistant Quartermaster General
    Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General
    Staff Captain

    5 X clerk RASC including
    staff serjeant
    serjeant
    3 X private
    batman
    batman driver
    driver IC
    sanitary dutyman
    general dutyman
    cook ACC

    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS



    LIAISON OFFICERS
    War Establishment XIV/1230/1. May 1944.
    Supersedes VIII/733/1.

    Headquarters Line of Communication
    General Staff Officer 1st Grade (Liaison)
    batman driver
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4

    Each Corps
    General Staff Officer 1st Grade (Liaison)
    batman

    Each Division
    General Staff Officer 1st Grade (Liaison)
    batman driver
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4



    INTERPRETER POOL 21 ARMY GROUP.
    War Establishment XIV/100/1. May 1944.
    Supersedes War Establishment VIII/734/1

    2 X Captain Liaison Officer (Linguists)
    3 X Subaltern
    6 X serjeant
    6 X corporal
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2


    INTERPRETER POOL for an ARMY
    War Establishment XIV/251/1. May 1944.
    Supersedes War Establishment VIII/735/1.

    2 X Captain (Liaison Officer) (Linguist)
    3 X Lieutenant
    9 X serjeant
    21 X corporal
    batman driver
    driver mechanic
    45 X civilian (may be Allied Liaison Officer or Allied other ranks)

    Any other rank position may be filled by civilians.

    15 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2



    ARMY EDUCATION CORPS POOL
    War Establishment XIV/101/1. May 1944
    Supersedes War Establishment VIII/672/1
    War Establishment XIV/101/2.

    For Headquarters Line of Communication
    Staff Officer (Education) 2nd Grade
    Subaltern
    clerk
    batman driver
    1 X 15cwt GS
    For each Headquarters Line of Communication Area
    Staff Officer (Education) 3rd Grade
    2 X clerk
    batman driver
    1 X 15cwt GS
    For each Headquarters Line of Communication Sub Area
    Subaltern
    clerk
    batman driver
    1 X motorcycle
    For each Headquarters Base Sub Area
    Staff Officer 3rd Grade
    2 X clerk
    batman driver

    War Establishment XIV/101/2 deletes all the above since these now appear on the headquarters war establishments.

    For each Convalescent Depot of 1000 men
    2 X serjeant instructor
    For each Convalescent Depot of 2000 men
    5 X serjeant instructor
    For each General Hospital of 600 beds
    serjeant instructor
    For each General Hospital of 1200 beds
    2 X serjeant instructor
    For each military prison
    3 X serjeant instructor
    For each reinforcement group
    3 X serjeant instructor
    For each Garrison
    serjeant instructor

    Instructors hold rank in the proportions Warrant Officer Class I: 2 X Warrant Officer Class II: 4 X serjeant.


    The main function of the Education Service during the early stages of the operation was to stimulate and maintain morale by the early dissemination of news. Each formation issued a daily broadsheet based on the BBC broadcasts. At least two Study Centres were established. A small supply of French and German "From Scratch" books became available from War Office, together with a limited number of French and German dictionaries.

    Early in September, Education published a guide sheet to Brussels which had a very wide distribution. In conjunction with the provost staff, an information room was set up near the Gare du Nord, Brussels. A warrant 0fficer, AEC was in charge and answered enquiries in connection with visits to places of cultural and general interest.

    The static conditions in the L of C areas made it possible to establish elaborate study centres. Handicraft classes and classes in modern languages, book-keeping and mathematics were popular.

    At certain formation training schools AEC personnel were attached to the school staff and a special allotment of time was made in the syllabus for educational subjects. AEC personnel also gave individual instruction and help to patients in hospitals and convalescent depots. At Reinforcement Holding Units, military prisons and field punishment camps it was found that organised education had a good effect on
    morale.

    During the winter the Education Service sponsored a considerable number of lecturers who spoke on the life and culture of Europe and on subjects of sociological and economic interest. Special arrangements were made for talks to former prisoners of war to bring them up-to-date on war news and home affairs.



    CATERING POOL
    War Establishment XIV/102/1. May 1944
    Supersedes War Establishment VIII/713/1

    For Headquarters Line of Communication
    Captain Catering Officer
    batman driver
    1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    For each Headquarters Line of Communication Area
    Major Catering Officer
    Captain Catering Officer
    corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    batman driver
    1 X Car 4 seater 4 X 2
    For each Headquarters Line of Communication Sub Area
    Captain Catering Officer
    clerk
    batman driver
    1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    For each Headquarters Base Sub Area
    Captain Catering Officer
    4 X Lieutenant Catering Officer
    3 X batman driver
    3 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    For each Headquarters Army Troops
    2 X Captain Catering Officer
    2 X batman driver
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    For each Headquarters Corps Troops
    Major Catering Officer
    Captain Catering Officer
    clerk
    2 X batman driver
    1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X Car 4 seater 4 X 2
    For each Division Headquarters
    Captain Catering Officer
    batman driver
    1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    For each General Hospital of 1200 beds
    Captain Messing Officer
    For each Convalescent Depot
    Lieutenant Messing Officer
    For each training unit or base installation with more than 1000 men
    Lieutenant Messing Officer
    Pool of Supervisory Travelling Instructors
    3 X Warrant Officer Class I
    30 X Warrant Officer Class II


    CAMOUFLAGE POOL
    War Establishment XIV/103/1. May 1944
    Supersedes War Establishment VIII/747/1

    Major, Camouflage Officer
    10 X Captain, Camouflage Officer
    11 X serjeant for camouflage duties
    corporal clerk RASC
    3 X clerk RASC
    corporal draughtsman, architectural RE
    3 X draughtsman, architectural RE
    corporal draughtsman, mechanical RE
    2 X draughtsman, mechanical RE
    photographic developer RE
    11 X batman driver

    11 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    11 X 10cwt trailer


    STAFF POOL
    War Establishment XIV/104/1. May 1944
    15 X Lieutenant Colonel, Major or Captain
    No more than 3 may be lieutenant colonels


    MOBILE LABOUR GROUPS, POOL OF SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL.
    War Establishment XIV/106/1. June 1944

    To supervise 25 mobile labour groups of varying strengths composed of foreign civilian labour.
    5 X Major
    10 X Captain
    50 X Subaltern
    25 X serjeant
    25 X clerk
    25 X storeman
    5 X batman driver
    25 X driver

    5 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    25 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS (may be 3ton 4 X 2 GS in groups of over 150)

    Officers will be assigned on the following scale
    Under 75 Subaltern
    75 to 150 2 X Subaltern
    150 to 250 Captain and Subaltern
    over 250 Major and two Subaltern



    WELFARE POOL.
    War Establishment XIV/112/1. December 1945.

    Type A
    Increment for Headquarters 2nd Army and Headquarters Line of Communication
    Assistant Director of Army Welfare Services
    Deputy Assistant Director of Army Welfare Services.
    2 X Staff Captain
    7 X clerk RASC including
    serjeant
    corporal
    2 X lance corporal
    3 X private
    2 X batman driver
    1 X light utility
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2

    Type B
    Increment for Corps Headquarters, Headquarters Line of Communication Area and GHQ AA Troops.
    Deputy Assistant Director of Army Welfare Services.
    Staff Captain
    3 X clerk RASC including
    corporal
    2 X private
    batman driver
    1 X light utility

    Type C
    Increment for each division, Line of Communication Sub Area, Base Sub Area and Garrison.
    Staff Captain
    2 X clerk RASC including
    lance corporal
    private
    batman driver
    1 X light utility

    Type D
    Increment for British Troops with 1st Canadian Army.
    Deputy Assistant Director of Army Welfare Services.
    Staff Captain
    3 X clerk RASC including
    corporal
    2 X private
    batman driver
    1 X light utility

    Pool of Legal Aid Officers
    4 X Legal Aid Officer
    12 X clerk RASC including
    4 X serjeant
    4 X corporal
    4 X private



    INTELLIGENCE POOL
    War Establishment XIV/113/1. January 1945.

    6 X General Staff Officer 1st Grade
    25 X General Staff Officers 2nd Grade
    34 X General Staff Officers 3rd Grade
    61 X Intelligence Officer, Captain or Lieutenant (8 may be ATS)

    103 X clerk RASC including
    5 X Warrant Officer Class II
    8 X staff serjeant
    5 X corporal
    30 X lance corporal
    55 X private
    50 clerks may be ATS
    22 X clerk, intelligence corps including
    Warrant Officer Class II
    13 X serjeant
    8 X corporal
    All clerks, intelligence corps will be German speaking.
    46 X linguist including
    21 X serjeant
    14 X corporal
    11 X lance corporal
    All linguists will be German speaking
    11 X draughtsman, topographical RE including
    2 X serjeant
    3 X corporal
    lance corporal
    5 X private
    2 X clerk for administrative duties including
    serjeant
    lance corporal
    2 X corporal as duty NCO
    34 X batman (may be Allied military personnel)
    24 X batman driver (may be Allied military personnel)
    general dutyman
    2 X sanitary dutyman

    14 X light utility
    10 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS




    TRANSPORTATION POOL
    War Establishment XIV/110/1. October 1944

    Deputy Director of Transportation, Colonel
    Colonel, Transportation
    9 X Assistant Director of Transportation
    10 X Deputy Assistant Director of Transportation
    11 X Captain, Transportation
    4 X Quartermaster Serjeant, Technical
    Warrant Officer Class II, Clerk
    2 X serjeant clerk
    57 X clerk including
    2 X lance serjeant
    16 X corporal
    9 X lance corporal
    21 X driver

    6 X bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    20 X car 4 seater 4 X 4

    Personnel will be administered by the various transportation units to which they are attached.


    POOL of LABOUR STAFF OFFICERS
    War Establishment XIV/111/1. October 1944

    3 X Deputy Director of Labour, Colonel
    5 X Assistant Director of Labour
    3 X Deputy Assistant Director of Labour
    8 X Staff Captain
    3 X serjeant clerk
    5 X corporal clerk
    11 X clerk
    8 X batman
    8 X batman driver

    3 X car 2 seater light utility
    5 X car 4 seater 4 X 2



    No1 POOL (CIVIL LABOUR)
    War Establishment XIV/106/2. October 1944

    Designed to supervise four mobile labour groups of 280 foreign civil labourers.

    4 X Major
    8 X Subaltern
    4 X staff serjeant
    4 X clerk
    4 X driver
    4 X storeman

    4 X car 4 X 2 light utility (with civilian drivers)
    4 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS


    WORKS POOL RE
    War Establishment XIV/109/1. July 1944

    2 X Lieutenant Colonel
    4 X Major
    8 X Captain
    4 X Inspector of RE Machinery
    3 X Quartermaster
    4 X Subaltern
    Warrant Officer Class I Military Mechanist, Electrical
    Warrant Officer Class I Clerk of Works
    Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Electrical
    Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Machinery
    2 X Warrant Officer Class II Clerk of Works
    staff serjeant military mechanist, electrical
    2 X staff serjeant military mechanist, machinery
    3 X staff serjeant foreman of works
    serjeant engineer clerk
    serjeant engineer draughtsman
    corporal engineer clerk
    4 X engineer clerk
    corporal engineer draughtsman
    4 X engineer draughtsman

    For Regimental Duties
    2 X staff serjeant
    serjeant
    4 X corporal
    9 X lance corporal
    10 X sapper



    JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERALS STAFF POOL
    War Establishment XIV/107/1. June 1944.
    Supersedes War Establishment VIII/643/1.
    This establishment provides legal sections for all headquarters down to Corps level.

    Headquarters 21 Army Group
    3 X Major, Deputy Judge Advocate
    3 X batman driver
    5 X clerk (verbatim, shorthand) RASC for Courts Martial including
    Warrant Officer Class II
    2 X staff serjeant
    2 X serjeant
    3 X car 2 seater

    Headquarters Airborne Troops 21 Army Group
    Major (legal)
    batman driver
    3 X clerk RASC including
    Staff Serjeant
    corporal
    private
    orderly
    1 X car 2 seater

    Each Army Headquarters
    Lieutenant Colonel Assistant Deputy Judge Advocate General
    Captain (legal)
    batman
    batman driver
    4 X clerk RASC including
    Staff Serjeant
    2 X corporal
    lance corporal
    orderly
    1 X car 4 seater

    Each Corps Headquarters
    Major, Deputy Judge Advocate
    Major (legal)
    3 X clerk RASC incuding
    Staff Serjeant
    corporal
    private
    2 X car 2 seater

    Headquarters Line of Communication
    Lieutenant Colonel, Assistant Deputy Judge Advocate General
    2 X Major, Deputy Judge Advocate
    Major (legal)
    2 X Captain (legal)
    batman
    4 X batman driver
    7 X clerk RASC including
    Warrant Officer Class II
    Staff Serjeant
    serjeant
    3 X corporal
    private
    orderly
    3 X car 2 seater
    1 X car 4 seater

    Each Line of Communication Area
    Major (legal)
    Captain (legal)
    batman
    batman driver
    4 X clerk RASC including
    Staff Serjeant
    serjeant
    corporal
    private
    orderly
    1 X car 2 seater

    Each Line of Communication Base Sub Area
    Captain (legal)
    Batman
    3 X clerk including
    serjeant
    corporal
    private
    1 X car 2 seater


    PASSIVE AIR DEFENCE POOL
    War Establishment XIV/108/1. June 1944.
    Passive Air Defence includes all means of combating the danger of enemy air power without actively attacking aircraft. It includes camouflage, dispersal, deception and protective structures.

    4 X Major, Staff Officer PAD
    6 X Captain, Staff Officer PAD
    10 X clerk RASC
    10 X batman driver
    10 X car 5cwt 4 X 4.



    PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTORS POOL
    War Establishment XIV/1895/1. September 1944
    Captain, Staff Officer Physical Training
    3 X Captain, Supervising Officer Physical Training
    94 X Instructors APTC. Ranks allotted by officer in charge of APTC records.
    corporal clerk RASC
    clerk, shorthand typist RASC



    ARMY REFUGEE INTERROGATION TEAM
    War Establishment XIV/1152/1. January 1945.
    This consisted on a headquarters located near army headquarters and one section for each corp.
    Headquarters
    Major, Intelligence Officer
    Captain or Lieutenant, Intelligence Officer
    serjeant (linguist)
    clerk
    batman driver
    2 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS

    Each section
    Captain or Lieutenant Intelligence Officer
    serjeant linguist
    batman driver
    1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS



    ALLIED MISSIONS CAMP. BRITISH ADMINISTRATIVE INCREMENT
    War Establishment XIV/640/1. June 1944
    Quartermaster
    serjeant officers mess steward
    clerk RASC
    driver IC for Chief of French Mission
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 for Chief of French Mission


    DISBANDMENT CONTROL UNIT.
    War Establishment XIV/2030/1. February 1945.
    To be attached to a brigade headquarters for administration.
    Intended to supervise and control the disbandment of formed enemy units which surrendered.

    Major
    3 X Captain
    5 X clerk including
    staff serjeant
    corporal
    lance corporal
    2 X private
    3 X batman driver

    3 X light utility


    HEADQUARTERS WAR MATERIAL RECONNAISSANCE TEAM.
    War Establishment XIV/2029/1. January 1945.
    To administer up to 20 officers, 20 other ranks and 20 vehicles.
    These teams were intended to follow the advancing troops and take possession of any documents, artefacts and sites that were of interest. The RAF and RN had similar teams.

    Lieutenant Colonel
    5 X Captain
    Warrant Officer Class II Clerk
    Clerk
    Corporal vehicle mechanic
    6 X batman driver
    driver IC
    general dutyman
    motorcyclist
    2 X officers mess cook
    2 X cook

    2 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X 10cwt trailer





    CIVIL AFFAIRS

    Headquarters 21 Army Group Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/50/1. May 1944.
    Headquarters 2 Army Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/252/1. May 1944
    Corps Headquarters Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/270/1. May 1944.
    Headquarters Line of Communications Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/210/1. June 1944.
    Headquarters LoC Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/209/1. June 1944.
    Headquarters LoC Sub Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/211/1. June 1944
    Headquarters LoC Base Sub Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/213/1. June 1944
    Headquarters of a Garrison Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/212/1. June 1944
    Civil Affairs Base Port Depot. War Establishment IV/264/1. May 1944.
    Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type A. War Establishment IV/265/1. May 1944.
    Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type B. War Establishment IV/266/1. May 1944.
    Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type C. War Establishment IV/267/1. May 1944.


    When towns and large territories were being liberated very rapidly, Civil Affairs proved of the greatest assistance to the fighting formations. Their detachments were always well forward and by maintaining
    contact with the local authorities on matters concerning curfew, blackout, restriction of movements and finance they relieved the staffs of those formations of much anxiety.

    By the end of September Civil Affairs detachments were in Brussels working with the civil government and there were now two Base Port Depots, eight Inland Depots and four Civil Affairs Groups. During "Market Garden" three Civil Affairs detachments were included with the forward troops, to be located at Nijmegen, Arnhem and Apeldoorn in the event of these places being occupied.

    To bring immediate relief to liberated towns of northern Holland CA detachments advanced with the forward troops and distributed medical supplies, clothing and fuel from stocks which had been previously accumulated for this purpose. In addition to thirty-six CA detachments which were employed
    there, the rehabilitation of the country was begun under the direction of officers who were specialists in transport, public utilities, food supplies, finance and agriculture. Also under CA arrangements the British Red Cross and other relief societies operated hospitals, laboratories, laundries and bath units. In other liberated countries CA continued to advise and help local authorities in the distribution of food and fuel, and at the same time kept HQ 21 Army Group informed of the political and economic situation. In Germany Military Government detachments took over the control of provinces and towns as soon as they were captured.

    The control of the feeding, housing and registration of Displaced Persons was a Military Government responsibility. For this purpose Displaced Persons camps were set up in the territory occupied by 21 Army Group. The medical facilities which these camps provided for bathing and dusting with de-lousing powder, played an important part in preventing the spread of disease throughout Europe.



    HEADQUARTERS, 21 ARMY GROUP CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF
    War Establishment XIV/50/1. May 1944.
    Brigadier, Deputy Chief Civil Affairs Officer
    Lieutenant, Staff Secretary
    corporal clerk RASC

    Headquarters staff
    Colonel, Director
    Warrant Officer Class I clerk
    clerk RASC
    Executive sub section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    2 X Staff Officer III Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    4 X clerk RASC
    Liaison sub section
    3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    5 X clerk RASC
    Administrative sub section
    Staff officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer III Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    5 X clerk RASC
    34 X batman

    Finance Section
    Brigadier, Director
    Lieutenant, Staff Secretary
    staff serjeant clerk RASC
    6 X clerk RASC
    Accounts Sub Section
    Colonel
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    2 X clerk RASC
    Banking Sub Section
    Colonel
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    clerk RASC
    Currency Sub Section
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    2 X clerk RASC
    Administrative Finance sub section
    Colonel
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    3 X clerk RASC

    Legal Section
    Colonel, Director
    Warrant Officer clerk RASC
    5 X clerk RASC
    Courts sub section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer III Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    2 X clerk RASC
    Counsel Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer III Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    clerk RASC

    Public Safety Section
    Colonel, Director
    Warrant Officer clerk RASC
    5 X clerk RASC
    Police sub section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    4 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    4 X clerk RASC
    Civil Defence Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    clerk RASC

    Economics Section
    Brigadier, Director
    Lieutenant, Staff Secretary
    Staff Serjeant clerk RASC
    4 X clerk RASC
    Supply sub section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    5 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    7 X clerk RASC
    Food Production and Processing Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    3 X clerk RASC
    Marketing and Rationing sub section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    3 X clerk RASC
    Labour Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    clerk RASC
    Public Health and Welfare sub section
    Colonel
    Warrant Officer clerk RASC
    6 X clerk RASC
    - Medical
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    3 X clerk RASC
    - Food and Clothing
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    2 X clerk RASC
    - Emergency Shelter
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    3 X clerk RASC

    Technical Section
    Colonel, Director
    Warrant Officer clerk RASC
    Staff Serjeant clerk RASC
    6 X clerk RASC
    Engineer Service sub section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    3 X clerk RASC
    Communications Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    3 X clerk RASC
    Movements and Transportation sub section
    2 X Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    3 X clerk RASC
    Road Transport Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    3 X clerk RASC

    Local Administrative Appointments
    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    corporal, duty NCO
    corporal clerk RASC
    2 X clerk RASC
    storeman
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman
    3 X general dutyman
    12 X driver IC
    3 X driver mechanic
    corporal vehicle mechanic.

    Notes: Of the total clerks fourteen will be shorthand typists.
    Batmen are provided on the following scale
    One each for Brigadier
    One between two for Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels
    One between three for Major and below.

    Transport is a less than generous
    8 X car 2seater 4 X 2 (Utility)
    7 X car 4 seater 4 X 2

    However the number of cars 4 seater is arrived at it comes to one per Director of a section plus one for the Deputy Chief Civil Affairs Officer, or one per Brigadier and Colonel.

    Total personnel
    80 X Officer
    6 X Warrant Officer
    5 X staff serjeant
    12 X serjeant
    23 X corporal
    3 X lance corporal
    133 X private


    HEADQUARTERS 2nd ARMY CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF
    War Establishment XIV/252/1.
    Brigadier, Deputy Chief Civil Affairs Officer
    Lieutenant, Staff Secretary
    clerk RASC

    Finance Section
    Colonel
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    Staff serjeant clerk RASC
    corporal clerk RASC
    2 X clerk RASC

    Executive Section
    Colonel, Director
    Warrant Officer I clerk RASC
    corporal clerk
    5 X clerk RASC
    Public Safety Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    3 X clerk RASC
    Legal sub section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    corporal clerk RASC
    clerk RASC
    Executive Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer III Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    3 X clerk RASC

    Administrative Section
    Colonel,
    Staff Serjeant clerk RASC
    Administrative Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer III Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    2 X clerk RASC
    Supply and Resources Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    2 X clerk RASC
    Relief Sub Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    2 X clerk RASC

    Technical Section
    Staff Officer I Civil Affairs
    3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs
    Staff Officer III Civil Affairs
    serjeant clerk RASC
    3 X corporal clerk RASC
    5 X clerk RASC

    Local Administrative Appointments
    Subaltern, Camp Commandant
    Company Quartermaster Serjeant
    serjeant officers mess steward
    corporal, duty NCO
    clerk RASC
    3 X motorcycle orderly
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman
    general dutyman
    10 X driver IC
    2 X driver mechanic
    corporal vehicle mechanic.
    2 X cook ACC for officers mess
    cook ACC for serjeants mess
    3 X cook ACC for other ranks mess
    2 X officers mess orderly
    serjeants mess orderly

    Of the clerks eight will be shorthand typists.

    Batmen are provided on the following scale
    One each for Brigadier
    One between two for Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels
    One between three for Major and below.

    Transport
    6 X car 2seater 4 X 2 (Utility)
    3 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    6 X motorcycle
    5 X bicycle
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 Office
    1 X water trailer



    CORPS HEADQUARTERS CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF.
    War Establishment XIV/270/1. May 1944.

    Colonel, Senior Civil Affairs Officer
    6 X clerks RASC including
    Warrant Officer Class II
    corporal
    4 X private

    Executive Section
    Staff Officer I (Civil Affairs)
    2 X Staff Officer II (Civil Affairs)
    Staff Officer III (Civil Affairs)
    3 X clerk RASC including
    serjeant
    2 X private

    Administrative Section
    Staff Officer I (Civil Affairs)
    2 X Staff Officer II (Civil Affairs)
    Staff Officer III (Civil Affairs)
    3 X clerk RASC including
    serjeant
    2 X private
    4 X batman

    Local Administrative Appointments
    duty serjeant
    general dutyman
    motorcycle orderly
    sanitary dutyman
    driver mechanic
    3 X driver IC
    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC
    officers mess orderly

    1 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 Office



    HEADQUARTERS LINE of COMMUNICATION CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF
    War Establishment XIV/210/1. June 1944
    Supersedes War Establishment IV/126/1.
    And
    HEADQUARTERS LINE of COMMUNICATION AREA CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF
    War Establishment XIV/209/1. June 1944
    Supersedes War Establishment IV/125/1.

    These two establishments are identical.

    Senior Civil Affairs Officer (Colonel)
    2 X Staff Officer 1st Grade (Civil Affairs)
    4 X Staff Officer 2nd Grade (Civil Affairs)
    2 X Staff Officer 3rd Grade (Civil Affairs)
    12 X clerks RASC including
    Warrant Officer Class II
    2 X serjeant
    corporal
    8 X private
    duty serjeant
    4 X batman
    officers mess cook
    2 X cook
    driver mechanic
    2 X driver IC
    general dutyman
    officers mess orderly
    sanitary dutyman

    1 X bicycle
    2 X car 2 seater
    1 X car 4 seater



    HEADQUARTERS LINE of COMMUNICATION SUB AREA CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF
    War Establishment XIV/211/1. June 1944
    Supersedes War Establishment IV/257/1.
    HEADQUARTERS LINE of COMMUNICATION BASE SUB AREA CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF
    War Establishment XIV/213/1. June 1944
    Supersedes War Establishment IV/258/1.
    And
    HEADQUARTERS of a GARRISON CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF
    War Establishment XIV/212/1. June 1944
    Supersedes War Establishment IV/259/1.

    These three establishments are identical.

    Senior Civil Affairs Officer, Staff Officer 1st Grade (Civil Affairs)
    2 X Staff Officer 2nd Grade (Civil Affairs)
    2 X Staff Officer 3rd Grade (Civil Affairs)
    5 X clerks RASC including
    serjeant
    lance corporal
    3 X private
    2 X batman
    cook
    driver IC
    general dutyman
    orderly

    1 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater


    CIVIL AFFAIRS BASE PORT DEPOT.
    War Establishment IV/264/1. May 1944.

    Headquarters
    Lieutenant Colonel RASC
    Major RASC Chief Stores Officer
    Captain RAOC Administrative Officer
    Warrant Officer Chief Clerk
    staff serjeant clerk RASC, accounting
    serjeant clerk RASC, accounting
    corporal clerk RASC, accounting
    4 X clerk RASC, accounting
    serjeant clerk RAOC, accounting
    corporal clerk RAOC, accounting
    4 X clerk RAOC, accounting
    staff serjeant clerk RAOC, central registry, filing and indent checking
    corporal clerk RAOC, central registry, filing and indent checking
    clerk RAOC, central registry, filing and indent checking
    4 X cook ACC
    2 X sanitary and general dutyman

    Stores Section
    Subaltern RASC, Food Store Officer
    Subaltern RAOC, General and Clothing Store Officer
    Subaltern RAOC, Industrial Store Officer
    Warrant Officer pharmacist or dispenser RAMC
    Warrant Officer Storeman, Technical RAOC, General and Clothing Store
    Warrant Officer Storeman, Technical RAOC, Industrial Store
    Warrant Officer Storeman, Supplies RASC, Food Store
    serjeant storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing store
    serjeant storeman, technical RAOC, industrial store
    serjeant clerk RASC, transport and despatch
    clerk RASC, transport and despatch
    corporal issuer RASC, food store
    2 X issuer RASC, food store
    2 X issuer RASC, transport and despatch
    corporal nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman
    2 X nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman
    2 X corporal storeman, technical, RAOC, general and clothing store
    5 X storeman, technical, RAOC, general and clothing store
    corporal storeman, technical, RAOC, industrial store
    4 X storeman, technical, RAOC, industrial store
    corporal storeman, supplies RASC, food store
    3 X storeman, supplies RASC, food store

    8 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2

    Labour will be obtained as required from civilian sources.




    CIVIL AFFAIRS INLAND DEPOT TYPE A.
    War Establishment IV/265/1. May 1944.

    Headquarters
    Captain RASC
    Subaltern RAOC, Administrative Officer
    staff serjeant chief clerk
    serjeant clerk RASC, accounting
    serjeant clerk RAOC, accounting
    corporal clerk RASC, central registry, filing and indent checking
    clerk RAOC, accounting
    clerk RASC, accounting
    3 X cook ACC
    2 X driver IC
    sanitary and general dutyman

    Stores Section
    Subaltern RASC, Food Store Officer
    Subaltern RAOC, General and Clothing Store Officer
    staff serjeant pharmacist or dispenser RAMC
    serjeant storeman supplies RASC
    serjeant clerk RASC, transport and despatch

    clerk RASC, transport and despatch
    issuer RASC, food store
    corporal nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman
    2 X nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman
    storeman, supplies RASC, food store
    corporal storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing
    storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing

    2 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2

    Labour will be obtained as required from civilian sources.




    CIVIL AFFAIRS INLAND DEPOT TYPE B.
    War Establishment IV/266/1. May 1944.

    Headquarters
    Major RASC
    Subaltern RAOC, Administrative Officer
    staff serjeant clerk RASC, accounting
    staff serjeant clerk RAOC, accounting
    corporal clerk RASC, central registry, filing and indent checking
    2 X clerk RAOC, accounting
    clerk RASC, accounting
    3 X cook ACC
    2 X batman driver
    sanitary and general dutyman

    Stores Section
    Subaltern RASC, Food Store Officer
    Subaltern RAOC, General and Clothing Store Officer
    staff serjeant pharmacist or dispenser RAMC
    serjeant storeman supplies RASC
    serjeant clerk RASC, transport and despatch
    clerk RASC, transport and despatch
    issuer RASC, food store
    corporal nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman
    2 X nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman
    storeman, supplies RASC, food store
    corporal storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing
    2 X storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing

    3 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2

    Labour will be obtained as required from civilian sources.



    CIVIL AFFAIRS INLAND DEPOT TYPE C.
    War Establishment IV/267/1. May 1944.

    Headquarters
    Major RASC
    Captain or Subaltern RAOC, Administrative Officer
    Subaltern RASC, Accounts Officer
    Warrant Officer Chief Clerk
    staff serjeant clerk RASC, accounting
    staff serjeant clerk RAOC, accounting
    corporal clerk RASC, central registry, filing and indent checking
    clerk RASC, central registry, filing and indent checking
    corporal clerk RASC, accounting
    2 X clerk RASC, accounting
    corporal clerk RAOC, accounting
    2 X clerk RAOC, accounting
    clerk RASC, accounting
    4 X cook ACC
    2 X batman driver
    sanitary and general dutyman

    Stores Section
    Subaltern RASC, Food Store Officer
    Subaltern RAOC, General and Clothing Store Officer
    Warrant Officer Dispenser RAMC
    serjeant dispenser RAMC
    serjeant clerk RASC, transport and despatch
    staff serjeant storeaman RAOC
    serjeant storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing
    serjeant storeman RASC, food supplies
    corporal clerk RASC, transport and despatch
    clerk RASC, transport and despatch
    5 X issuer RASC, food store
    2 X nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman
    corporal storeman, supplies RASC, food store
    corporal storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing
    4 X storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing

    3 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2

    Labour will be obtained as required from civilian sources.


    FRIENDS AMBULANCE UNIT
    Although the Friends Ambulance Unit worked in hospitals in the UK and drove ambulances in all theatres, in NW Europe their main work was in civilian relief under the control of Civil Affairs. There were no fixed establishments but sections of twelve to fifteen persons were formed and deployed as required.

    On 6 September two sections (Nos 1 and 2) landed at Arromanches with a total of 23 men and eight vehicles, the men all being ambulance drivers with a knowledge of French. Together with 12 Field Surgical Unit, staffed by the Red Cross, they were to provide civilian relief in Normandy. No 1 Section remained at Bayeaux distributing relief to French civilians using one ambulance and three 15cwt trucks. In mid October the section moved up to Belgium to join 12 Corps Civil Affairs Refugee Detachment. No 2 Section moved to Belgium in mid September to work with refugees and Displaced Persons. These were mainly Russians forced to work in the Belgian mines by the Germans.

    Members organised a transit camp with
    - a reception point to which army vehicles delivered refugees
    - a registration room in which personal details were recorded
    - a disinfesting room
    - a departure enclosure from which the army collected refugees for transfer to camps further in the rear.
    This was to be the pattern for such camps in the future.

    In late September No 2 Section moved up to Nijmegen with 30 Corps, first to provide relief for Dutch civilians and then to assist with the evacuation of civilians from flooded areas.

    As a result of the good work done by the first two sections Civil Affairs requested a further five sections in order to provide one to work with each Corps. These were to be general purpose sections, able to be used flexibly. They were sent to Ostend via Tilbury in late December. Three sections then went to Antwerp to provide an ambulance service while the remaining two were sent to join Corps Civil Affairs Refugee Detachments.

    The fighting moved into Germany in order to clear the approaches to the Rhine and the Corps sections of the FAU moved right up to the front line in order to enter captured towns and villages to help civilians stranded there. On occasion members of the sections found themselves in advance of the army and in no man’s land, or even enemy territory. One two man team was captured.

    In February a Refugee Centre was set up at Bedburg and a FAU section remained there until the end of April. Another camp for German refugees was established at Kevelaer and eventually four sections worked there.

    Once the Rhine was crossed all but one section moved into Germany, one remained in Holland. The main task now was to work with the huge numbers of Displaced Persons. Transit camps moved well forward with each corps while camps further back carried out medical and security examinations before refugees could be repatriated.

    In June, after the fighting had ceased, more sections arrived, including some women. There were now eleven sections, all in Germany and involved with Displaced Persons until UNRRA could take over. Many camps were set up and one in particular was established to supervise the return of Russian Displaced Persons. This was in the Volkswagen factory at Hesslingen which had existing accommodation and medical facilities.

    Finally with most refugees and Displaced Persons gone, and the UNRRA in charge, the FAU concentrated on helping German civilians, including German refugees expelled from Poland. Two sections worked in camps near the border of the Russian zone and the remaining sections went to Berlin, Hanover, Aachen and the Ruhr. In mid 1946 the FAU was withdrawn but four sections of the Friends Relief Service arrived and continued the work.

    In France the FAU operated without military control and supervision. In January a section of ten men delivered six kitchen vehicles and three other vehicles to Paris. Once there the FAU members looked for further employment. Three men took two of the kitchens to Mulhouse to feed returning civilians. The greatest task however was found in transporting and distributing food, clothing and transport on behalf of American Relief for France, which channelled voluntary aid to France but no personnel to handle it. The FAU deployed thirty men who distributed aid to areas of France which had suffered particularly in the fighting, mainly in Normandy and the Channel ports, and on the Franco German border. Later the FAU established a ferry service which delivered vehicles bought in Britain by Entr’Aide Francaise to Paris.

    Vehicles.
    The sections working with Civil Affairs used military type vehicles. These included Austin K2 ambulances and Fordson WOT2 15cwt trucks. They also drove other vehicles belonging to civil and military authorities. FAU vehicles were painted in khaki drab with a full set of Red Cross markings and Allied stars. They did not carry Army serial numbers but had markings of their own. The FAU had their own vehicle badge which was used in other theatres but here they seem to have simply painted ‘FAU’ on the front offside wing.

    Personnel.
    Most of the personnel were young, intelligent and well educated. They were encouraged to use initiative and were regarded as officers, taking supervisory roles normally undertaken by junior Civil Affairs officers. In NW Europe they wore standard army battle dress with beret, but wore a collar and tie which was normally restricted to officers. The only distinguishing mark was the ‘FAU’ title on the shoulder strap.

    There were also FAU sections with the French Army. These were ambulance drivers and medical orderlies.
     
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  2. Little Friend

    Little Friend Senior Member

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    I took these two weeks ago along the Bayswater road,Hyde park, London. Not the easiest thing to do as there's no-where to park, and you're not supposed to stop !
     

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