Unit Serial Number

Hello everyone,

I’m wondering how Serial Unit Numbers were assigned to battalions. For example, would the 8th Bn. Royal Scots, have kept the same number from 1939 to 1945, or were new numbers assigned after a change of posting?

Thanks a lot for your answers,

Quentin

 

Quentin,

I frequently come across battalions that are re-numbered, usually after a battalion is lost e.g. Singapore and another "new" battalion changes to keep the older, invariably 'regular' battalion alive. The 1st Leicestershire Regiment for example. See: Royal Leicestershire Regiment - Wikipedia

Numbers were not changed after a posting to my knowledge.

I have one example where the Essex Regiment 2/5th Battalion was overwhelmed in North Africa and was never reformed.

 

Hello Quintin,

Thanks to DannyM
It refers to Canadian Units but might be helpful.

 

Hello Quentin,
The Serials (sometimes called 5 digit-serial) were usually assigned once.
The serials are held at TNA for British, Canadian and other Commonwealth units and formations. As the collections were subject to constant changes, look-ups are possible, but at times time-consuming.
Regarding the use of colours according to the serials for equipment, member
Northumbrian
https://ww2talk.com/index.php?members/northumbrian.93468/ will be your man.

Aixman

 

Thank you very much for your replies! I will take a look at that!