I am interested in everything about the 96 Coy RASC (Troop Carrying) The War Diary does not describe the actual vehicles they use and I would like to try and find out more. I found a reference to the 96 Coy in the 46 Coln RASC War Diary which I have attached. The vehicles are shown to be 3 x 3 ton. Does this help to identify the vehicle? I understand that the 270-ton total means 90 vehicles each being ton.
I think the 3 x 3 ton refers to 3 platoons, each of 3-tonners. The 3-tonner was the workhorse of the RASC for most of the war and there were numerous manufacturers. The basic 'brick' of the RASC Companies from 1942 on was the MT Platoon, of five Sections, each of six 'task vehicles' for a total of 30 in the Platoon. There were other vehicles in there, plus three spare task vehicles, but that's where the 270-ton calculation comes from. Troop carrying 3-tonners could be fairly standard vehicles, with bench seating for about 20 men, or the purpose built Troop Carrying Vehicle (TCV) that carried 30 men. The payoff between the two was that the 20-man version could more easily be used to carry cargo when not required for troops, while the TCV proper could not carry the same cargo loads as other 3-tonners even with the seating removed or pushed aside. Gary
Thanks for the information, Gary. It is obvious now you say it. I did know that each platoon had 30 vehicles but did not appreciate they were divided into five section. Regards Paul
Thanks for the information. I have checked the 96 Coy RASC Toop Carrying War Diary again and found a number of minor references to Bedford lorries. The entries are as shown below: 19 May 1944 Purbrook, Hants. - Oi/c W/S returns having supervised collection of 33 QL Bedford T.C. at Sevenoaks and nearby. 6 June 1944 Purbrook, Hants. - 0830 hrs.: BBC announced that German radio stated that Allied troops landed in France.0920 hrs.: BBC announced ‘D’ day. Various pamphlets, letters from Gen Eisenhower and Montgomery, unit briefs etc. distributed. Operation proceeding very favourably. 1 O.R. and 1 x 3 ton Q4 Bedford lorry lands today with Tac. H.Q. Second Army. 12 Aug 1944 Esquav Sur Seulles O.C. moved report centre to M.R. 641389 at 1800 hrs. 2 more vehicles attached for maintenance from No1 M.F.S.S. 12 Bedford engines and 1 Ford engine obtained from 17 A.O.D. 23 Jan 1945 Corspel K2679 Detail with 5 B.W. completed 1130 hours. Vehs., returned to locn. Majority of vehs. engaged on miscellaneous details (see log attached) 2 x 3 ton Bedford QL TCV's received in exchange for 2 x 3 ton Bedford GS. 10 Feb 1945 Eindhoven E403183 Received Ford 4 x 4 Technical lorry as replacement for Bedford Technical which has been in use with this unit since Apr. 41. Main body of 'A' Pl at 1 hr. notice for Tp lift. Other Pls in location. Looking at the 19 May 1944 entry it would appear the company had at least 33 QL Bedford T.C. lorries. The company also needed to change many of the engines as indicated in the War Diary dated 2 Feb,45 below. I wonder if there was a particular problem with Bedford engine? 2 Feb 1945 Eindhoven E403183 O.C. remained at old location to clear up a number of points and speed up W/S, which will be completing programme of engine changes. We have now changed 84 engines out of 90 vehicles since 'D' day.
