774 Company

Discussion in 'RASC' started by lenwainwright, Apr 13, 2015.

  1. lenwainwright

    lenwainwright New Member

    My Uncle from Liverpool was in 774 Transport company RASC in WW2 he ended up in Venice ( see attached photo of him in St Marks Square ) , does anyone have any information on the campaign history of this unit ?
     

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  2. 4jonboy

    4jonboy Daughter of a 56 Recce

  3. Brigsy

    Brigsy Active Member

    Hi Len,

    774 Coy RASC was one of 3 civilian transport companies formed in Vienna in late 1945/early 1946 to provide general transport tasks around the city, the others being 775 & 776. Although the Officers and NCO's were British most of the companies strength was made up of locally recruited labour.

    The available war diary for this unit runs from 1st Dec 45 to 31st May 46 and records the day to day transport details along with the difficulties of operating in a divided city, the Russians frequently confiscated vehicles and sometimes even drivers it seems.

    I have a passing interest in these companies as my Father was in Vienna from Sept 45 with 347 coy RASC which was given the task of forming the 3 civilian companies before itself disbanding at the end of Nov 45. He himself took no part in this activity as he was on UK leave during Oct and on returning due to the impending disbandment joined 934 Coy (tpt Austria) based at the Schonbrunn Palace. Most of the initial service personnel, transport, workshop facilities and tools for 775 coy, the first of the 3 to be formed came from 347 who were at the time based in the Rosasgasse.

    I have copies of all the available war diaries for 774, 775, 776, 347 & 934 companies which I obtained through the excellent Andy on this forum.

    Hope this helps shed some light on 774 but if I can be of more assistance please let me know.

    David,
     
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  4. lenwainwright

    lenwainwright New Member

    Thanks David
    AS my Uncle was in Venice at the end of the war ie May 1945 presumably he was in a different unit before 774 was formed ?
     
  5. hutt

    hutt Member

    I think that is quite likely. If you look at the diary of 1503 Arty Coy RASC (see page below) as it was being broken up in September 45, men were being sent onto numerous units while others who qualified were going on LIAP. Definitely try and get his service record and you should be able to complete the narrative. Although its a coincidence, Dolo, 1503's last location, is quite close to Venice.
     

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  6. LADC

    LADC Member

    Hey David when you get a chance please check your forum private messages.

    Thanks
    Chris.......
     

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