Taken from E.M.E. Directorate WO 169/8367 - September 1943 Subject:- MONTHLY NOTES ON REME ACTIVITIES 1. Herewith the seventh issue of Monthly Notes on REME activities. 2. This issue gives information on the origin and functions of the newly formed REME Inspectorate... R E M E INSPECTORATE WHAT IT STANDS FOR 1. Standardised, unbiased inspection at all Wksps. 2. Efficient wksp output according to operational requirements. 3. Centralised control of Inspections. 4. Speedy dissemination of useful data received from field requirements. THE HATCHING OF THE REME INSPECTORATE EGG The idea of a GHQ controlled inspectorate was originally formulated when, after the formation of TRG, a very large number of complaints were being received on the condition of "A" vehs being sent to the Field from the Base. It became increasingly evident that the standard of passing out of vehs varied in different wksps - what satisfied one wksp was rejected by another - in other words, a common standard of inspection was required. With the enormous expansion of wksps in the M.E. it was apparent that, to obtain anything like a uniform standard, the whole function of an Inspection Branch would have to be divorced from responsibility of the CEME, and DME decided that it was essential to have an organised Inspectorate. To govern inspection it is necessary to have a "yardstick", and so the work of compiling "Inspection Schedules" was put in hand. The Schedules are compiled from practical experience and are periodically revised in the light of "recurring rejects". When laying down standards, consideration must always be given to the "user's" requirements and they are set so the complete output of wksps is up to the required standard for what the ... is intended, always having in mind the position of supply. For example, in the case of AFVs, the vehs must be battleworthy, whereas with "B" vehs a standard must be set to satisfy the "customer". The preliminary spade work proved so satisfactory that it was later decided to expand and embrace inspection of other eqpts until now we have reached the point of a fully organised Inspectorate designed to take over the complete functions of an Inspection Branch covering the whole activities of REME Wksps. THE NEW CHICKEN Advantages of a Central Inspection Branch 1. Under the new scheme the C I (Chief Inspector) has complete control of inspection at all B Wksps, Adv B Wksps and 3rd Echelon Field Wksps. He can, by immediate contact with other branches of GHQ, give spot decisions as to whether certain vehs may be issued deficient of certain non-available items of eqpt. In the past the machinery for obtaining such decisions has been much more involved, and delay has been caused. 2. From the returns rendered to him by his Inspectors the C I is able to give DME much valuable data such as:- (a) Comparative tables showing numbers of rejects on vehs overhauled in various B Wksps. (b) Comparative tables showing numbers of rejects on vehs assembled in various Veh Assembly Wksps. 3. Vehs leaving Veh Assembly Wksps are now known to be fit for issue apart from any special mods requiring B Wksps attention. All vehs are inspected after assembly by REME Inspectorate personnel attached to the Veh Assembly Wksp. Any veh requiring wksp attention beyond the capacity of the Veh Assembly Wksp is marked by the Inspectorate personnel and details of works required are forwarded to the B Wksp concerned. 4. R V S's Attached to each R V S is a small REME Inspectorate Section which classifies all vehs arriving at the R V S. This again leads to standardisation of classification and gives accurate information on which repair programmes can be based. 5. Manufacturing In the M E we manufacture items both to save shipping and to supply quickly such stores as modfn parts and items in short supply. This work is of such importance that the entire resources of a complete B Wksp have been turned over to this function, as well as the thousands of orders that are placed to local contract. Here again it is essential that inspections must be right both to ensure that the items are fit for service and to obviate waste of materials. In many cases the standard of work is to very fine limits, and correct tolerances and material are of prime importance.
Thanks for posting this. Good background information, the inspectorate are mentioned in my Grandfathers REME Unit Diaries and this helps me understand their role. Cheers Colin
Thanks for posting this. Good background information, the inspectorate are mentioned in my Grandfathers REME Unit Diaries and this helps me understand their role. Cheers Colin Up until reading this myself, the Inspectorate was something people seemed to be posted to or from in the war diaries I have, and that was about it. I'm pleased it was of use to you
