913 RASC

Discussion in 'RASC' started by NLPalmer, Dec 30, 2015.

  1. NLPalmer

    NLPalmer Member

    Hello all,

    Looking for information on this unit, and in particular my grandfather Harry George Palmer, T/72609.

    I know the 913 was his original company, but from where he went from there is a little vague.

    I will post more information as and when I find any, but help in understanding this unit and its actions would be great,y received.

    I also know he was an active member of the Bazenville association, and was mentioned in it. How would i research this please.

    Many thanks
    Nathan
     
  2. Lotus7

    Lotus7 Well-Known Member

  3. hutt

    hutt Member

    913 coy RASC would most likely have been one of a number of support units formed to support the UKs anti aircraft defences and anti aircraft artillery brigades and regiments. This unit has a number of diaries from 1939 onwards all under WO166 implying they were home forces throughout. If I had seen this earlier I could have had a quick look to see if they had much of interest in their diaries as I was at Kew today and was looking at 900 and 902 coy diaries for 1942. From those or similar units they can either give an interesting account of their daily activities or just a few lines every few days, it's pot luck. As David says, if you can get his service record and you know for certain when he was in the unit then if may well be worth getting a copy of the diaries as they would at least tell you where he was based. If you want to dig deeper, and you can work out which brigade or AA Division they were working under you may find other references to them that can help build a picture of their activities.
     
  4. NLPalmer

    NLPalmer Member

    Thanks for the welcome and the replies!!

    Talking to my father today it seems he enlisted at Rolfe St, Oldbury, Birmingham. However it seems he must have changed company's a few times as he went ashore in the 2nd wave on D-Day at Juno beach supporting the 79th armoured, who were using thier "funnies" to assault the beaches there.
    I don't know whether the 913 was "folded" in for the assault or if he was moved, but he then apparently spent the rest of the war in Europe, eventually being based in Germany until 1946.
    My father has applied for his service record today, so hopefully that will start to string this together more.
    How long approx for this service to come through?
    Again many thanks for your time and patience!!
     
  5. Lotus7

    Lotus7 Well-Known Member

    Hi Nathan, how long is a piece of string? It depends when on when you apply. It can take anywhere from 6 weeks up to 2/3 Mth.
    They cost £30 But are well worth it


    David
     
  6. hutt

    hutt Member

    Hi Nathan
    References to men transferring in and out of these units is very common so it would not be a surprise if your father moved on at least once. Has he said anything about what he got up to?

    Graham
     
  7. hutt

    hutt Member

    It looks like 913 Coy may have been on Merseyside at the end of 1940 plus a possible detachment in Eccles. This extract is from the 1st HAA Regiment RASC Company diary which at that time was at Drayton Manor, Fazeley, Staffordshire
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Lotus7

    Lotus7 Well-Known Member

    Hi, have you had any news on the service records?


    David
     

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