Struggling to understand my late fathers Army Service File !

Discussion in 'Service Records' started by mcalonan, Feb 2, 2014.

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  1. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Ardeo
    The use of the terms SOS and TOS is not too funny as all it means is that the person SOS is NOT available for rations - and
    when TOS he then becomes on that units ration strength…don't worry about not understanding as it fooled even Churchill - who worried about the fact that 160K were on strength of 8th Army for food and pay - BUT only 100K were on strength to fight…..

    The army just didn't take food off a ship in some harbour and throw it to the nearest body but allocated it to those units who had X men "ON STRENGTH"…..this sometimes changed daily - especially when people were dodging in and out of hospitals - leave -

    etc

    Cheers
     
  2. ardeo

    ardeo New Member

    Once more, thanks Tom for a very helpful answer! It makes me feel better that even Churchill struggled....
    I must say I am always struck by the logistics of supplying an army, which your answer brought out. Those who had to cope with the paperwork required I suspect were not always appreciated as they could have been!
     
  3. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Ardeo
    ….and they didn't have fancy computers in those days either - just a blunt pencil…but the logistics were interesting at times

    as a ship was unloaded for example - it was taken to Corps Hq's - then allocated to Divisional Hq's - then brigade Hq's- on to

    Regimental HQ's- usually by the RASC - then to the various company or squadron Hq's and on to troops - on Strength of that unit by

    the regimental Echelons supervised by the squadron/company quartermasters - that way everyone was fed…nearly always daily…

    Cheers
     

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