Units in Burma/India

Hello Everyone

I have recently received a family member's war records, and I am struggling to understand the units he was in. I have attached a picture which shows "90 spec" and "m field". Does anyone have an idea of what these are? I can't find any info about it. Any help is appreciated!

Harry

 

Normally best to keep service queries on one post as this provides the whole picture and easier for members to follow and avoid duplications, other post here:
Military terms help

67 Field Co when wounded in May 44.

 

They appear to be medical units: 632nd, 54th Field Hospitals. 44th Indian General Hospital. First one possibly 90th Special Medical? Field Hospital.

 

Hi Harry,

I'd take a guess at '90 Special Mixed Field Company', which was a Royal Engineer contingent with Special Force. Very little information on these companies, but there is a forum thread:

Special Mixed Field Companies Royal Engineers with Chindits 1944

If he actually was with that unit then Steve (bamboo42) and the other Chindit experts might be able to help further. Lots of stuff being dug out of the Indian Archives lately, and he might appear on one of the nominal rolls or flight manifests for the 1944 operations.

Martin

 

Rethinking my first call. Based on the number 632nd, they may be Indian Engineer units. The only unit with number 632nd was the 632nd Engineer Base Workshop formed in 1943 from 321st (Bombay) Field Park Company. This would not be referred to as Field though.

 

Just discovered that there was a 632nd Special Field Company RE with Special Force. It is a Royal Engineer company not an Indian Engineer Company. Also 54th Field Company RE was also with Special Force.

 

From a list of RE casualties for Operation Thursday, the second Chindit expedition in 1944, there is mention of Lance Corporal Bradbury amongst the men of 632 Field Company as having been recorded - sick with disease as of 23rd June 1944. Although his initial is recorded as D and not T and there is one digit missing from the service number 200(8)6352, I do believe this is your man. The general consensus is that 632 Field Company relates to the Royal Engineers of 111 Brigade on Operation Thursday and the wounded date of 25th May 1944 on his service records points in that direction too, as this was the date that the Blackpool stronghold was abandoned by 111 Brigade after being overrun by the Japanese.