Hi all Just a quick line if anybody knew anything about 704 coy rasc. My grandad Tom Edkins was called up in jul 40 and by and large was based in staveley and eckington until dday. He was in 26 coy from dday onwards and from this point on my uncle and my late father generally said he went up through holland. My uncle has stated that he was at belsen when it was liberated but as yet have not verified this he ended the war in 704 coy and i have his service record and photod both these coys war diarys but they give very little info on where they were at any given time any further help or if anybody had relatives in these companies that could shed some light on this would be appreciated.
Hi Sorry to see you've had no replies to date. Do the diaries you have include any map references as these could help establish a timeline route for the unit that might enable someone to advise on how they were attached to a higher formation. If you can then widen your diary research to include these you might be able to build a bigger picture of your grandfathers service and what he may have been up to. As I've posted elsewhere, it was only via a Royal Artillery LAA regiment diary that I have an exact date for my fathers RASC unit moved from Sussex to Scotland in summer 42. It even gives the address and telephone number of the headquarters! Also, if you post his service record, someone might spot some detail in it that you have missed.
A search on 704 led me to your post. I have had no success finding a war diary for 704 Company RASC (I am interested in the Jan-Aug 45 time frame. Could you let me know the National Archive catalogue reference please (if you are still out there!). Max.
Can only help post 8 May 45 704 Company RASC (Divisional Troop Carrying) were Guards Armoured Division redesignated Guards Division 9 Jun 45 15 Jun 45 – Divisional HQ was in Bad Godesburg south-west of Bonn until 6 Apr 46 Hope this helps 21st Army Group later British Army of the Rhine
Sorry to arrive late! I served for a time in 26 Squadron RCT, the unit that followed 26 Coy RASC. 26 Coy ASC was formed at the Curragh (near Dublin) in 1888 and had a long association with Ireland and after partition moved to Belfast and then Lisburn. It was one of the few British Army units to serve continuously through the troubles. It formed part of the BEF during WW1 and was attached to the GHQ - so it was a very privileged unit. As for WW2 - "26 Coy RASC (Army Tipper) was split across a number of landing craft and RE units developing the roads and ports across the allied beaches. A principle element sailed from Southend as part of a large “Naval Force L” in LST2 3204 and LST2 3205 carrying mixed force loads in part support of 1 British Corps, 51st Highland Division. There were a number of GS vehicles (inc water) and 10 plus 3 ton tipper tucks". So if you follow 1 BC and 51 Div's war, you will have the war details you desire. They ended the war in Berlin and were deactivated, to be later re-born back in Belfast. To RASC26 - I would love to see the 26 Coy war diary pictures you have and wonder where you were able access them or any more info you have on them. PS the British Army took major steps to enable troops to visit Belsen which was in their zone of Germany, so your Uncle is probably accurate. Later (much), when I was part of 1 British Corps BAOR, the "tradition" of visiting the site of Belsen continued as a remembrance, but also recognition of what the war brought to an end.
Thanks for the info in my grandads possessions that still exist I will upload a copy of the Christmas dinner 1945 of 704 coy
