Source: WO171/2433 February 1944 - extracts only 1 February 1944 Hebden Bridge Warning memorandum received from C.O.D. Chilwell re collection of new vehicles and retention of certain old vehicles. 6 February 1944 Received instructions from No.1 RASC Mob. Centre for collection of 6 cars, 6 water trucks and 8 trucks 15-cwt. Received instructions from No. 1 RASC Mob. Centre for return of 50 x 3-ton vehicles (Bedford) to 62 V.R.D. 8 February 1944 20 x 3-ton Bedford returned to 62 V.R.D. Detailed instructions for collection of 132 x Bedford 4x 4 GS 3-tonners (new) received from No. 1 RASC Mob. Centre, also 22 Matchless M/cycles (new). 9 February 1944 30 x 3-ton Bedfords returned to 62 V.R.D. 6 x Austin Utilities, 8 x 15-cwt 4 x 2 Ford trucks and 6 x 15-cwt 4x2 Water Trucks (Bedford) collected from No. 3 VRD Aberford (all new). 11 February 1944 Collected 32 x lorries (3-ton) 4x4 Bedford from No. 5 V.F.D. Luton. 15 February 1944 Collected 32 x 3-ton Bedford 4x4 GS from No. 5 V.F.D. Luton. 17 February 1944 Collected 32 x 3-ton Bedford 4x4 GS from No. 5 V.F.D. Luton. 21 February 1944 [collected 18 vehicles from 5 V.F.D.] 22 February 1944 [collect remaining 18 x 3-ton Bedfords from Luton]
Appx “B” EXERCISE ‘ROUNDABOUT VIII’ 305 Gen Tpt Coy RASC OO No 4 Ref: Map 1 – in OS Sheet 68 (Firth of Forth) 24 Mar 44 INFM 1. The purpose of Exercise ‘ROUNDABOUT VIII’ is to train Port Operating Coys in their war role and to study the flow of stores from Coasters to DUKWs, thence to Transhipment Areas and lorries. 2. Duration of Exercise approx 5 days. 3. Stores incl the following:- (a) Sups and water - Sups will be dummy compo packs, water will be in 2 gall cans. (b) Amn - live – all natures will be carried. (c) POL - derv in jerrycans and 4 gall returnable cans. (d) RAF Stores - miscellaneous. (e) Ord Stores - various types. 4. Sequence of Exercise ‘Roundabout VIII’ Day Date Action. D 27 Mar 44 Coasters arrive and transhipment per DUKWS to lorries and thence to port takes place. INTENTION. 5. A and C Pls will provide tpt for movement of stores from Transhipment Areas to NAD LONGNIDDRY or docks. METHOD. 6. A and C Pls will be at immediate notice wef 0900 hrs 27 Mar 44, for a duty spell of 48 hrs. 7. NSC. (a) OIC NSC – Capt T. DONNITSORME [??] RASC (b) Duties – in accordance with Appx A. In addition will co-ordinate and demand tpt required by BGPC for domestic purposes. (c) Org - Staff laid down in Appx A. (d) OIC NSC will attend daily PORT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE meeting at COLDSTORES at 1600 hrs or at any other time as laid down by Port Comd. 8. Transhipment Areas. (a) OIC - Lt G.B. HAMYNTON [??] RASC. (b) Duties – To ensure:- (i) That sufficient lorries are waiting in lorry ‘Cushion’. (ii) That at no time is a DUKW kept waiting in a bay for a lorry. (iii) That sufficient reserve of lorries is always available in lorry ‘Reservoir’. (c) Org – 2 MCs and 2 dvr clerks to be detailed by CSM L Sjt Skinner. G. 9. Tpt pls (a) Vehs will travel individually between transhipment areas and NAD LONGNIDRY or docks. (b) Sector traffic control and control posts will be instituted as ordered in OO No.3 from 1200 hrs 27 Mar 44 for 48 hrs. 10. Routes See Appx B. ADM 11. Amn – pl comds will convey to all dvrs the contents of ACI 2616/42 Pet ) Sups ) - In accordance with Adm O No 1 Med ) 12. Dress Skeleton order – cap comforter with cap badge, will be worn in lieu of steel helmets – clean denims will be worn. INTERCOMN 13. HQ RASC and Coy HQ will remain in present locns. 14. Vehs will be marked ‘NS’ as per previous exercise. Major RASC. Comd 305 Gen Tpt coy RASC. 34 L of C Tpt Coln. ACK Method of Issue: MC Time of Signature: 1800 DISTRIBUTION Copy Nos Appx A & B Copy Nos HQ Pl Comd 1 1 A Pl Comd 2 2 B Pl Comd 3 3 C Pl Comd 4 4 D Pl Comd 5 5 Wksps Pl Comd 6 6 Comd 305 L of C Tpt Coln 7 7 OC 8 8 NSC 9 9 OIC Tpt 10 10 Adm offr 11 11 CSM 12 12 CQMS 13 13 War Diary 14 – 15 14 – 15 File 16 – 17 16 – 17 Spare 19 – 20 19 – 20
5 April 1944 Haddington 1 OR SOS on posting to 148 Pre Octu Tng Est. 6 April 1944 Haddington Exercise “Roundabout IX” commences, finishes 10 Apr 44. 7 – 12 April 1944 [no entries] 13 April 1944 Haddington 1 OR TOS from Adv Base Wksps REME (Cook Sjt, A.C.C.). 3 RASC Cooks transferred to A.C.C. 14 April 1944 1 OR T.O.S. from No. 101 Rft Hldg Unit. 15 April 1944 1800 Received Movement Order for Coy to move from Haddington to new location at Southampton Common, Hants, on 16 Apr 44. 16 April 1944 0500 Advance Party (Comd – Capt J. ??) left for new location – staged night at Lutterworth. Appx ‘A’ Appx ‘B’ 0830 Main Party (Comd – Capt K.B. Hare-Scott) left for new location – staged night at Carlisle. 17 April 1944 0700 Main party left Carlisle stage night at Wellington. Advance Party arrived new location Southampton Common. 18 April 1944 0730 Main Party left Wellington arrived new location. Coy now under Comd HQ 28 Transport Column RASC in 104 Beach Sub Area. Movement reported to War Office and 21 Army Group. 19-20 April 1944 [No entries] 21 April 1944 Southampton 1 OR SOS on posting to ‘X’ list after 21 days in hospital. 6 ORs commenced 2 day course in use of “RT” Sets. 12 ORs commenced 4 day course in handling of DUKWs. 22 – 23 April 1944 [no entries] 24 April 1944 Congratulatory message received from Comd 34 L of C Tpt Coln. 25 April 1944 1 OR TOS from H.Q. 28 Tpt Coln RASC. 1 OR SOS on posting to HQ 28 Tpt Coln RASC. 14 ORs TOS from 127 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt). 1 OR TOS from F31 R.H.U. 26 April 1944 15 ORs TOS from 101 R.H.U. 2 ORs SOS on posting to ‘X’ list after 21 days in hospital. 27 April 1944 Exercise “Fabius II” commences. Appx “C” 28 April 1944 [no entry] 29 April 1944 2 ORs SOS on posting to ‘X’ list after 21 days in hospital. 30 April 1944 1 OR SOS on posting to HQ 104 Beach Sub Area. 1 OR TOS from H.Q. 104 Beach Sub Area. Meteorological Note:- Weather during month was mainly good. Interfered little with training.
10 May 1944 SOUTHAMPTON Unit pre-loading begins, numerous tpt details to be performed, building up 1st deliveries for 30 Corps. Appx ‘E’ 5 ORs SOS on posting to 536 Coy RASC. 1 OR SOS on posting to X(ii) List. Adm Instr No 4 issued. Appx ‘F’ 11 May 1944 Waterproofing of approx 210 Royal Navy vehicles begun, for EXERCISE “OVERLORD”. 12 May 1944 15 ORs TOS from 721 Coy RASC. 13 May 1944 Assault Order for Kit issued to all ranks, parade held and instructions given. Appx ‘G’ 1 OR TOS from 128 Fd Amb. 5 ORs SOS on posting to 1612 Arty Pl RASC (AA). Adm Instr No 5 issued. Appx ‘H’ 14 May 1944 1 OR TOS from 536 Coy RASC. 1 OR SOS on posting to 536 Coy RASC. 4 ORs SOS on posting to 1656 Hy AA Regt Sec. 15 May 1944 NTR 16 May 1944 Collected 60 x 3-ton 4 x 4 Austin GS vehs (pre-waterproofed) from 24 VRD. Appx ‘I’ Collected 72 x 3-ton 4 x 4 Austin GS vehs (pre-waterproofed) from 27 VRD. Appx ‘I’ 2 ORs SOS on posting to 35 FDS. 1 OR SOS on posting to 31 FDS. 1 OR SOS on posting to 25 FDS. 17 May 1944 Pre-loading begins according to 30 Corps Loading Tables. Vehs filled to capacity, every spare foot loaded with AMN. 3 ORs SOS on posting to 37 RHU. 10 ORs SOS on posting to 102 Rfts Gp. 18 May 1944 Pre-loading continues. 1 OR TOS from 30 Corps. 1 OR SOS to 31 FDS. 19 May 1944 Coy split into parties A, B, C, D, E, F and G for dispersal to Marshalling Camps prior to embarkation. Appx ‘J’ 20 May 1944 Party A – remains Southampton under comd OC Coy. Party B – proceeded to BRAMFORD PARK, SUFFOLK under comd Sjt Slater.J. Party C – proceeded to Camp T.5, EAST HAM, LONDON under comd Lt G.B. Hamilton RASC. Party D – proceeded to Camp T.5.B under comd Capt K.B. Hare-Scott RASC to land 4th Tide (approx D+1). Party E – to remain Southampton under comd WO1 MSM Sefton W.H. to land on D+2 or 3. Party F – to remain Southampton under comd Capt W.A. Meakin RASc to land D+4. See Appx ‘J’ 21 May 1944 Waterproofing of RN vehs continues. 1 OR SOS on posting to 52 FSU. 22 May 1944 NTR 23 May 1944 Completion of waterproofing of Coy vehs to Stages A & B (i). 1 OR SOS on posting to 37 RHU. 24 May 1944 Completion of all preloading of Task Vehs. 25 May 1944 Inspection parade of all 1st Tide personnel. 1 OR SOS on posting to 104 Beach Sub Area. 26 May 1944 0001 All Camps sealed for all personnel. 27 May 1944 1 OR SOS on posting to 28 Transport Column RASC. Capt K.B. Hare-Scott RASC SOS on posting to 28 Tpt Coln RASC. 28 May 1944 All Coy personnel at Camp B.7 [Branford Park] briefed by OC Coy, sketch maps issued, photos examined. All Coy personnel at Camps T.5 and T.2 briefed by OC Coy. Data as for B.7 Camp. 29 May 1944 All Coy personnel landing on 1st Tide on D Day briefed by OC Coy to the smallest detail. Wall maps, sketch maps, photos, code names etc examined by all drivers. Landing procedure given in detail. Appx ‘K’ 30 May 1944 Craft Serials of 1st Tide dispersed to Camps B1, B2, B10, C12, C15 and C21. 31 May 1944 1 OR SOS on transfer to REME. Final preparations for embarking. Weather during period of concentration and marshalling has been fine, summery and warm with occasional showers. Welfare and Morale. Welfare amenities were provided in all camps, (i.e.) cinemas, NAAFI Canteens, games, footballs, etc. Censorship rigorously enforced, guards posted at all exits and entrances and around camp boundaries. Morale excellent, couldn’t have been better, all men fully ‘in the picture’. Several cases of both insufficient food and bad cooking reported from several camps, especially C.21. Considered that troops were very glad to embark having been confined to camp for two periods, namely, FABIUS II and BIGOT NEPTUNE.
1 June 1944 Southampton 1900 Party “A” under command OC Coy loaded into LST (II) at S.1 and S.2. “Hard”, SOUTHAMPTON, into Craft Serials. [See Appendix “J” in May War Diary for distribution of personnel & vehs down to Craft Serials] 2 June 1944 0615 Loading completed of above, shipping to be marshalled in the SOLENT and SPITHEAD. Craft serials at FELIXSTOWE and LONDON loaded & embarked . Riding at anchor, sea choppy. 3 June 1944 Bright and summery. No enemy action. 4 June 1944 Solent Water Convoy moved forward approx 6 miles to new anchorage. American LST (II) in good condition, food excellent, spirits of men 100%. 1700 Warning received that D-Day delayed for 24 hours. Sea more choppy, fresh wind blowing up from S.W. 5 ORs TOS from 43 RHU. 5 June 1944 1815 Convoy ex SOUTHAMPTON for 1st Tide sailed for FRANCE. Destination and 1st phase of Allied plan explained to all personnel. The secret had been well kept. Air cover small but frequent, wind still very strong. H Hour established at 0720 hours. 2400 N.T.R. – everybody slept well. 6 June 1944 Channel, D-Day Off shore JIG & KING Sectors, Normandy 0600 NTR, convoy proceeding satisfactorily, no enemy action. 1130 LAND first sighted, numerous gun flashes, heavy firing, mines being exploded. 1210 LST of convoy for JIG and KING Sectors now proceeding to individual unloading positions. Coastal gun action observed on JIG Sector, with destroyers, approx 35 rds fired, no LST (II) hit. First sight of medical DUKWs with casualties proceeding to LST to unload. Unloading proceeding with RHINOS – slow procedure, 4 addit ones required. Craft Serials landed at JIG and KING Sectors as follows:- No 2301 – 1200 hrs. No 2302 – 1215 hrs. No 2303 – 1400 hrs. No 2916 – 1515 hrs. No 2917 – 1500 hrs. No 2918 – 1530 hrs. No 2919 – 1530 hrs. No 2920 – 2345 hrs. Total landings – Personnel 125, Vehicles 63. 1 OR TOS from 230 Coy RASC. 7 June 1944 La Riviere 0700 Adv Coy HQ est in vicinity of Port Op Gp Bivouac Area, area allocated to GT Park heavily mined plus swamp and marshland, entirely unsuitable. 1100 12 vehs loaded POL and amn refills for 4/7 Dragoons (8 Armd Bde) landed 23 hours late, proceeded to locn at ST GABRIEL Sq 8979 direct. Further craft landed on arrival from LONDON and FELIXSTOWE, 18 vehs 36 ORs. Coy split – I & J Pls on KING Sector, K & L on JIG Sector. Coy HQ located LA REVIERE. All available task vehs clearing beached craft. 1 OR TOS from 43 RHU. 2 ORs SOS on posting to X2 List. 8 June 1944 0530 to 1800 Further 66 vehs and 137 personnel landed. Frequent sniping in vicinity of woods East of La Riviere, 2 Herts Bn engaging. Two vehs sustained snipers’ bullet holes – no casualties. 1 x 3 ton Austin total loss on disembarkation – wet shod. 9 June 1944 Contact made with 4/7 Dragoons, POL issued, vehs retained owing to future move of TANKS forward. 10 June 1944 0230 Orders issued to personnel going on Tp carrying detail for 2 SWB of 36 [sic] Inf Bde. Transhipment Area stated on KING Sector organised and manned by 305 Coy. 1 OR SOS on posting to X2 List. 0330 33 x 3 ton vehs under comd Lt. L. Charlton RASC proceeded to 56 Inf Bde BAYEUX. 11 June 1944 1130 A/m vehs lifted 2 Bn South Wales Borderers to battle posn S of BAYEUX to secure and hold 10 Bridges over the River Aure. Task accomplished by 1800 hrs. 75% of drivers “roped in” as immediate reserve for D Coy SWB in event of counter-attack. 12 June 1944 Transhipment Area in full swing, approx 1200 tons shifted in first 24 hrs. 2315 Tp carrying vehs located near BUCEELS (8370) N TILLY having completed final lift of SWB. 1 OR SOS to and 1 OR TOS from CRASC 28 Tpt Coln. 13 June 1944 0400 Tp carrying detail returned to Coy locn. 1030 Capt Meakin and Party “E” plus 40 RDI drivers disembarked. 14 June 1944 Lt W.H. Whitfield RASC (267443) TOS from 536 Coy RASC (GT). All coy vehs now engaged in clearance of dried-out craft and work from Transhipment Areas to fwd dumps, 2 pls operating from JIG Sector and 2 from KING Sector. In addition to supplying vehs to the transport pool for each of the Transhipment Areas, the Coy officers and NCOs assumed charge of both lorry control points. In operation both by day and night, all vehicles were routed, loads checked and general supervision of the operation of approximately 300 was assumed. 15 – 19 June 1944 [no entries] 20 June 1944 3 ORs SOS on Posting to X2 List. 1 OR TOS from CRASC 28 Tpt Coln. 21 June 1944 1 OR SOS on posting to X2 list. 1 OR TOS on discharge from 34 FDS. 22 June 1944 1 OR SOS on posting to X2 List. 23 June 1944 [no entry] 24 June 1944 VER-SUR-MER 0800 Coy location moved to VER-SUR-MER. Transhipment Areas became the responsibility of the respective MLOs. The Coy continued with Beach and Transhipment Area clearance on KING sector only together with the administration and control of all tpt under comd. 25 June 1944 [No entry] 26 June 1944 1 OR SOS on posting to X2 List. 27 June 1944 1 OR TOS on discharge from 32 FDS. 28 – 29 June 1944 [no entries] 30 June 1944 1 OR SOS on admission to hospital (shrapnel wounds). During the month an average daily tonnage of approx 5000 was cleared from the Beaches.
1 July 1944 Coy continues to operate Beach and Transhipment Area clearance on KING Sector with administration and control of all tpt under comd. 2 – 8 July 1944 NTR 9 July 1944 1 OR SOS on posting to 711 Coy RASC. 10 – 16 July 1944 NTR – Coy continues KING Beach and Transhipment Area clearance. 17 July 1944 1 OR SOS on posting to 50 Coy RASC. 1 OR TOS from 50 Coy RASC. 18 – 20 July 1944 NTR 21 July 1944 104 Beach Sub Area disbanded, this Coy now under comd of HQ 4 L of C Sub Area. 22 – 24 July 1944 NTR 25 July 1944 1 OR SOS on posting to 711 Coy RASC. 26 July 1944 Coy moved to BAZENVILLE. Coy personnel now assumes complete control of T.S.9 No 3, controlling Transhipment Area as well as tpt. 27 – 31 July 1944 NTR – T.S.9 work continues.
1 August 1944 BAZENVILLE The Coy continues to be responsible for the operation of the Transhipment Area, Eastern Beaches, under comd CRASC 28 Tpt Coln, with vehs employed mainly on clearance of beaches and DUKWs to forward dumps. 2 August 1944 [no entry] 3 August 1944 BAZENVILLE 1 OR SOS on posting to 536 Coy RASC (GT). 4 August 1944 [no entry] 5 August 1944 BAZENVILLE Coy vehs diverted from Transhipment Area to ITEM Beach, Eastern Beaches, where dried out craft are being cleared. Offrs and NCOs of the Coy assumed responsibility of tpt control, including allocation of tpt, of loading, checking of loads, routing of vehs and compilation of statistical records. Approx average time available for work on beach is 6 – 7 hours per tide, about 700 – 800 tons being cleared per tide. 6 – 17 August 1944 [no entries] 18 August 1944 BAZENVILLE 0600 Coy lorries diverted from Beach Clearance to work ex Coasters and barges on BARGE PIER, ARROMANCHES, under control CRASC 39 Tpt Coln. 19 August 1944 BAZENVILLE 2 ORs TOS from X2 List (37 and 39 RHU). 20 August 1944 [no entry] 21 August 1944 BAZENVILLE 0100 Vehs switched to clearance of craft ex MULBERRY PIER, ARROMANCHES, the Coy responsibility including the following (a) Pier Sub Cushions (b) Loading Points (c) Supervision of Loading (d) ESO liaison (e) Allocation of tpt to loading pts. 22 August 1944 BAZENVILLE 1 OR TOS from 1651 Arty Pl RASC (Hy). 23 – 25 August 1944 [no entry] 26 August 1944 BAZENVILLE On re-allocation of duties by 39 Tpt Coln Coy vehs and personnel re-assumed former duties on BARGE PIER, MULBERRY. 27 August 1944 [no entry] 28 August 1944 BAZENVILLE 3 ORs TOS from – 146 DID, 231 Petrol Depot RASC and 710 Coy RASC (GT) respectively. 29 August 1944 BAZENVILLE 15 x 3 ton vehs detailed to convey clothing, arms and amn from 17 AOD to OMAHA Beach – consignment note to FFI. 30 August 1944 BAZENVILLE 1 OR SOS on posting to 11 L of C. 31 August 1944 BAZENVILLE 1 OR TOS from 37 RHU.
1 September 1944 BAZENVILLE The coy vehs continue to be employed on clearance of coasters and barges at Barge Pier, Arromanches. 3 ORs SOS on posting to No 2 Crane Platoon RASC. 2 September 1944 BAZENVILLE Coy relieved of beach and dock clearance ex MULBERRY and vehs held available for tpt details in the L of C. 3 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 0800 C pl detailed to report 121 (Br) Gen Hospital BAYEUX, to lift Hospital Stores and Personnel to DIEPPE. 1700 D pl detailed to report 8 (Can) Gen Hospital BAYEUX, to lift Hospital Stores and Personnel to ROUEN. 4 September 1944 BAZENVILLE Coy under comd 36 Brick. 5 September 1944 BAZENVILLE NTR. 6 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 1700 D Pl detailed to report 7 (Can) Gen Hospital, BAYEUX to lift Hospital Stores and personnel to DIEPPE. 1000 17 vehs detailed to report 94 Coy P.C. to lift Unit to LE TREPORT. 7 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 1600 33 vehs detailed to report 13 BDMS to lift unit to DIEPPE. 8 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 1700 3 vehs detailed to complete lift fwd of 121 Gen Hospital. 9 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 3 ORs SOS on posting to No 1 Crane Platoon RASC. 1700 D pl detailed to complete lift of 13 BDMS to DIEPPE. 10 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 0800 13 vehs detailed to convey 8 Port Op Gp RE to new locn at ABBEVILLE. 1000 16 vehs detailed to report Rly Constr Unit at MESNIE MADGER stn to lift 305 Coy PC to DOUAI. All task vehs of Coy having completed approx 5000 miles since landing in NORMANDY, considerable engine wear is apparent, particularly with regard to bore and piston rings with consequent heavy oil consumption and unreliability. Authority having been received, wksps officer begins task of taking on charge a fleet of Bedford OY lorries to replace Austin K 5 lorries. 11 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 0800 15 vehs reported to complete move to ABBEVILLE of 8 Port Op Gp RE. 1100 15 vehs detailed to report 266 Coy PC to lift unit to DOUAI. 12 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 0800 3 vehs detailed to report 10 Pnr Gp ASNELLES to lift unit to ANTWERP. 0800 15 vehs detailed to move 230 Coy PC from ST MARTIN LES ENTREES to ANTWERP. 1600 D pl detailed to lift 16 (Can) Gen Hospital from BAYEUX to AUDINGHEM. 13 September 1944 [no entry] 14 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 1600 Drawing of new OY-vehs from AOD completed. 3 ORs TOS from 37 RHU. 15 September 1944 BAZENVILLE 0800 8 vehs detailed to lift No 14 AOD to BRUSSELS. 0800 4 vehs detailed to lift 120 Provost Coy to BRUSSELS. 30 vehs detailed to report to 6 (Cdn) Gen Hospital to move personnel and stores to BOULOGNE. Detail received requiring 8 vehs to lift 936 PC and R Coy to ABBEVILLE. 22 vehs detailed to move 11 Port Op Gp to ABBEVILLE. 16 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0900 This Coy HQ moved to new locn at LE FRESNE CAMILY, all Coy personnel now being accommodated in requisitioned houses or barns. Appx A 1000 17 vehs detailed to move 94 Coy PC to LE TREPORT. 17 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY NTR. 18 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 1600 D pl detailed to report 6 (Cdn) Gen Hospital to lift stores and personnel to ROUEN. On arrival at ROUEN this pl is due to load No 9 (Br) Gen Hosp at 1500 hrs 25 Sep 44 and carry fwd to BRUSSELS. 19 – 21 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY NTR. 22 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0900 25 vehs detailed to move personnel & baggage of 32 BSD to OSTEND. 0900 3 vehs detailed to move personnel & baggage of 98 DID to OSTEND. 23 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY NTR 24 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0900 15 vehs C pl reported 7 CRASC PI to move unit to Prince Albert Bks BRUSSELS. Coy now under comd 35 Tpt Coln RASC. 25 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0900 10 vehs C pl reported 724 AW Coy AUDRIEU to lift unit to BRUSSELS. Coy now under Comd 38 Tpt Coln RASC. 0830 3 vehs of B pl detailed to report 4 Fd Survey Depot RE to move Stores to BRUSSELS. 26 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0800 7 vehs of B Pl detailed to lift part of 15 AOD to ANTWERP. 0800 24 vehs of B Pl detailed to lift 52 BSD to BRUSSELS. 27 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0800 25 vehs detailed to move 64 BSD to BRUSSELS. 1430 D pl reported to 13 (Can) Gen Hosp for move to ANTWERP. 28 September 1944 [no entry] 29 September 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0800 6 vehs detailed to move 2 GHQ Printing Press from CAEN to BRUSSELS. 30 September 1944 [no entry]
1 October 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 1100 Capt. C.O. Luff attends conference at 38 Tpt Coln. Staging Camp for Coy Convoys established at LANGUERUE Nr to ROUEN MR 3525. 0800 23 x 3 ton vehs transport 278 Coy PC to LE PONT ROC. 0800 4 x 3 ton vehs transport 45 Amn Coy to GROENENDAAL nr BRUSSELS. 2 October 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0800 18 x 3 ton vehs employed on Air Freight for B.6 Airstrip. 1415 OC COy holds unit conference at Coy HQ. 3 October 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0800 15 x 3 ton vehs employed on Air Freight on B.6 Airstrip. 0800 17 x 3 ton vehs transport 87 Coy PC to BRUSSELS. 4 October 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0800 2 x 3 ton vehs transport 41 POD to BRUSSELS. 0800 33 x 3 ton vehs 17 CRASC (Sups) to 81 BSD RMA WEST. 5 October 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 0800 12 x 3 ton vehs transport HQ EFI SULLY to BRUSSELS. 0800 1 x 3 ton veh transport 45 Fd Hygiene Sec to MALINES. 0800 3 x 3 ton vehs 14 STSD to ROUEN. 0800 17 x 3 ton vehs 4 Fs Survey Map Dep to BRUSSELS. 0800 16 x 3 ton vehs 47 Coy PC to BRUSSELS. 1200 6 x 3 ton vehs 150 DID to BRUSSELS. 1400 1 x 3 ton veh 128 Fd Dental Centre to CABOURG. 0800 4 x 3 ton vehs on local BSD work. 6 October 1944 LE FRESNE CAMILLY 1200 1 OR SOS on posting to X2 List. Coy HQ & Wksps Pl move to location at the CHATEAU, PIERREPOINT, MR 932789. Appx C 1900 OC Coy attends conference at 38 Tpt Coln. Received Warning Order to move to new location. 7 October 1944 0700 Coy moves location from PIERREPOINT to GRAMMONT (GEERAARDSBERGEN) Belgium MR J.2748. Appx A & B Rear HQ, OIC Capt. T. Donnithorne remains at PIERREPOINT to deal with vehs returning from details. All task vehs to move forward loaded. Coy HQ and Wksps stage night at POIX. 8 October 1944 GRAMMONT Coy HQ established at the CASTLE DE BLIECK, GRAMMONT, MR J. 2748. Coy now under Command of 31 Tpt Coln. 9 October 1944 GRAMMONT 0900 OC attends conference at 31 Tpt Coln. 10 – 11 October 1944 GRAMMONT NTR. 12 October 1944 GRAMMONT 17 x 3 ton move stores from DIEPPE to 6 ESBD. 13 October 1944 GRAMMONT NTR. 14 October 1944 GRAMMONT Capt. C.O. Luff re-visits 38 Tpt Coln regarding overdue vehs. 15 October 1944 GRAMMONT D Platoon report to new location after completing their allocation of Hospital moves. Capt. C.O. Luff returns from 38 Tpt Coln. 21 x 3 ton vehs transport stores from LA RIVIERE to MARBEUF. 16 October 1944 GRAMMONT 33 x 3 ton transport stores from DIEPPE to 6 ESBD. 17 October 1944 GRAMMONT 1600 Rear HQ at PIERREPONT closes. 0630 40 x 3 ton vehs transport stores from DIEPPE to 6 ESBD. 18 October 1944 GRAMMONT NTR. 19 October 1944 GRAMMONT 1 OR SOS on posting to X2 List. 37 x 3 ton vehs transport stores from DIEPPE to 6 ESBD. 1900 Rear Party, OIC Capt. T. Donnithorne, arrives from PIERREPONT. Coy Staging Camp at LANGUERRE closes. 20 October 1944 GRAMMONT 32 x 3 ton vehs transport stores from MARBEUF to BRUSSELS. 21 October 1944 GRAMMONT NTR. 22 October 1944 GRAMMONT 20 x 3 ton vehs lift 179 Coy PC to ELBEUF. 23 x 3 ton vehs lift 36 BRICK to BOULOGNE. 23 October 1944 GRAMMONT 12 x 3 ton transfer rfts from DIEPPE to BRUSSELS. 12 x 3 ton lift 53 RHU from DIEPPE to BRUGES. 24 October 1944 GRAMMONT 1430 MO visits unit and carries out Health Inspections. 25 October 1944 GRAMMONT 19 x 3 ton vehs transport stores from DIEPPE to 6 ESBD. 26 October 1944 GRAMMONT 20 x 3 ton vehs transport stores from DIEPPE to 6 ESBD. 27 October 1944 GRAMMONT 1430 MO visits unit and completes Health Inspections and starts inoculations. 28 October 1944 GRAMMONT 60 x 3 ton vehs transport stores from DIEPPE to 6 ESBD. 29 October 1944 GRAMMONT 25 x 3 ton vehs transport stores from DIEPPE to 6 ESBD. 30 October 1944 GRAMMONT 20 x 3 ton vehs transport stores from DIEPPE to 6 ESBD. 31 October 1944 GRAMMONT [no entry]
1 November 1944 GRAMMONT 60 x 3 ton vehs report to DIEPPE to tpt EFI Stores. 2 November 1944 GRAMMONT 37 x 3 ton vehs report to DIEPPE to tpt RAF Stores to A Gp Roadhead. 3 November 1944 GRAMMONT 20 x 3 ton vehs report to DIEPPE to tpt Stores to A Gp Roadhead. 4 November 1944 GRAMMONT N.T.R. 5 November 1944 GRAMMONT N.T.R. 6 November 1944 GRAMMONT 16 x 3 ton vehs tpt Supplies from DIEPPE to A Gp Roadhead. 30 x 3 ton vehs tpt Bridging from DIEPPE to No 6 ESBD. 15 x 3 ton vehs employed on local work in DIEPPE. 7 November 1944 GRAMMONT 10 x 3 ton tpt personnel of 83 BSD from BOULOGNE to OSTEND. These vehs on completion of detail pick up Stores at OSTEND and tpt to A Gp Roadhead. 8 November 1944 GRAMMONT 20 x 3 ton report to Adm Det C/A BRUGES to tpt Dutch evacuees. 20 x 3 ton tpt Ord Stores from 8 BSA OSTEND to MOLL. 9 November 1944 GRAMMONT 20 x 3 ton tpt Ord Stores from 8 BSA OSTEND to MOLL. 1 OR taken on strength from 120 Pro Coy CMP (Transferred to RASC as Dvr). 10 November 1944 GRAMMONT 12 x 3 ton tpt Ord Stores from 8 BSA OSTEND to MOLL. 4 ORs TOS from 51 RHU. 11 November 1944 GRAMMONT 1000 Contingent of 30 ORs attend Armistice Day Service held in GRAMMONT. 23 x 3 ton tpt Stores and Bridging from DIEPPE to ABA. 12 November 1944 GRAMMONT 40 x 3 ton tpt Hosp AF G 1098 Stores from 8 BSA to BRUSSELS. 13 November 1944 GRAMMONT 13 x 3 ton tpt bridging from DIEPPE to ABA. 14 November 1944 GRAMMONT 15 x 3 ton collect special maps from HAL and tpt to PARIS. 15 November 1944 GRAMMONT 65 x 3 ton tpt Bridging from DIEPPE to ABA. 16 November 1944 GRAMMONT 1 OR transferred to Pioneer Corps – in first place to 52 RHU. OC visits HQ 31 Tpt Coln, receives Warning Order, prepare to move. All outstanding commitments for transport details to be met. 17 November 1944 GRAMMONT 25 x 3 ton tpt Stores from DIEPPE to OSTEND. 18 November 1944 GRAMMONT N.T.R. 19 November 1944 GRAMMONT All transport details completed and personnel to be rested and refitted preparatory to moving to new area. 1 x 3 ton collects personnel from 54 RHU, BRUGES and delivers to parent units. 20 November 1944 GRAMMONT I.M.T. commences inspection of Coy vehs. 21 November 1944 GRAMMONT 30 pers attend Lecture at 13 Grn – “The Demobilisation Plan After the War”. I.M.T. continues to inspect Coy vehs. Trade Testing Board held – 3 artificers upgraded. 22 November 1944 GRAMMONT 1000 Coy inspected by D.D.S.T. M.O. carries out Health Inspection of Coy personnel. I.M.T. continues to inspect Coy vehs. Cinema Show for Coy personnel in VOLKSCINEMA, GRAMMONT, arranged by A.F.S. 23 November 1944 GRAMMONT 0830 Advance Party, OIC Capt. Luff, Capt. Donnithorne & 26 ORs leave for ANTWERP. I.M.T. continues to inspect Coy vehs. Appx D 24 November 1944 GRAMMONT I.M.T. inspection of Coy vehs completed. Report shows 79% prof. in Coy M.T. Appx J M.O. completes Health Inspections and inoculates approx 50 personnel. Trade Testing Board held – 1 artificer upgraded. 25 November 1944 GRAMMONT OC visits Comd RASC HQ 31 Tpt Coln. 26 November 1944 1000 Coy visited by Comd RASC 31 Tpt Coln. Coy HQ closes at GRAMMONT at 1000 hrs and moves to new location at EDEGEM (MR J.699893). Appx D 1330 Coy arrives at new location. Coy now under comd HQ 28 Tpt Coln. 1600 OC reports to Comd RASC 28 Tpt Coln. Rear Party consisting of OIC Capt. Meakin & 14 ORs remain at GRAMMONT. Coy move reported to HQ 7 Base Sub Area and usual distribution. Appx I 27 November 1944 EDEGEM Coy carries out first tpt details under new comd. Coy now assisting in local administrative work in the ANTWERP area. Vehs of HQ 59 Tpt Coln affiliated to this Coy for maintenance. 28 November 1944 EDEGEM Rear party leaves GRAMMONT and joins Coy at new location. 29 November 1944 EDEGEM Coy continues local adm work. 30 November 1944 EDEGEM Coy continues local adm work.
1 December 1944 EDEGEM Coy tpt including 6 Domestic Vehs continue to be used daily on Administrative work in Antwerp area. Pl Offrs and Sjts on alternative days check Transport Details for the economic use of Tpt. 2 December 1944 EDEGEM N.T.R. 3 December 1944 EDEGEM N.T.R. 4 December 1944 EDEGEM O.C., Capt. Luff, Lts A. Westwater, W.H. Whitfield & N.C. Hunter attend lecture by ADST 21 A Gp on L of C work. 5 December 1944 EDEGEM 4 x 3 ton attached to HQ 7 BSA for POL tptp. 1430 Lt Col Tyler, Comd RASC 28 Tpt Coln visits the unit. 6 December 1944 EDEGEM O.C. attends conference at HQ 28 Tpt Coln. First Battle Casualty since day of landing (D Day). 1 OR killed by the explosion of enemy mine. 1 OR TOS from 11 EFI RASC. 7 December 1944 EDEGEM Capt. C.O. Luff RASC attached to HQ 28 Tpt Coln RASC to assist in Tpt Details. 0900 OC holds unit conference for officers. 8 December 1944 EDEGEM 1 OR TOS from 51 RHU. 9 December 1944 EDEGEM 1 OR admitted to hospital and posted to X (ii) List. 10 December 1944 EDEGEM 1830 Crane Pl RASC, OC Lt. P. Field, attached to this unit for administration purposes. Strength – personnel 70, vehs 5. 11 December 1944 EDEGEM N.T.R. 12 December 1944 EDEGEM 1100 Comd RASC 28 Tpt Coln inspects 1830 Crane Pl RASC. 1430 Comd RASC 28 Tpt Coln inspects this unit. 13 December 1944 EDEGEM Stocktaking Board commences on all “Q” items. 14 December 1944 EDEGEM Vehs of HQ 28 Tpt Coln RASC attached to this unit for maintenance – 18. 1 OR admitted to hospital and posted to X(ii) List. 6 x 3 ton vehs attached to BELGIAN BARRACKS, ANTWERP for transport of rations. 15 December 1944 EDEGEM 1100 O.C. attends conference at HQ 28 Tpt Coln RASC. 1 OR killed when his vehicle was destroyed by enemy Long Range Weapon (“V.2”). 16 December 1944 EDEGEM Vehs of 1830 Crane Pl RASC affiliated to this unit for maintenance – 5. 1000 O.C. holds unit conference for officers. 17 December 1944 EDEGEM 1 OR TOS on discharge from hospital. Stocktaking Board on “Q” items completed. 18 December 1944 EDEGEM 1600 O.C. visits HQ 28 Tpt Coln RASC. Capt. W.A. Meakin RASC (212987) and Sjt. Oram. F.C. (5565780), A.C.C., awarded the Commander-in-Chief’s Certificate for Good Service. 19 December 1944 EDEGEM 4 OR TOS from 51 RHU. 20 December 1944 EDEGEM 1 OR TOS on discharge from hospital. 3 ORs SOS on admission to hospital – posted to X (ii) List. 21 December 1944 EDEGEM Warning of the dropping of German parachutists received. 1 OR SOS on admission to hospital – posted to X(ii) List. 22 December 1944 EDEGEM 1 x 15 cwt attached to 97 DID for domestic duties. 22 Tpt Coln (Adv HQ) vehs affiliated to this unit for maintenance – 3. 23 December 1944 EDEGEM 1 OR TOS on discharge from hospital. 24 December 1944 EDEGEM 30 x 3 ton vehs detailed to move Netherlands Troops to new locn in area ST NICHOLAS. Appx D 25 December 1944 EDEGEM Transport Details are cut to a minimum to permit the troops to take advantage of the Xmas Festivities arrange for them. Appx J Enemy Long Range Weapon (“V2”) landed approx 300 yds from Coy HQ, only slight damage done to premises. 26 December 1944 EDEGEM 12 OR TOS from 388 Coy RASC (Tk Tptr). 15 OR SOS and posted to X 4 List and attached to 54 RHU. 11 ORs SOS on posting to 388 Coy RASC (Tk Tptr). 27 December 1944 EDEGEM O.C. visits 28 Tpt Coln RASC. 28 December 1944 EDEGEM 1200 O.C. holds unit conference for officers. 1 OR SOS on admission to hospital – posted to X (ii) List. 1 OR killed in vehicle accident. 16 x 3 ton vehs move 762 Art Wks Coy RE from ANTWERP to BAYEUX. 29 December 1944 EDEGEM 1 OR TOS on discharge from hospital. 1 OR posted to X (ii) list on admission to hospital. 30 December 1944 EDEGEM 1 OR posted to X (ii) list on admission to hospital. 31 December 1944 EDEGEM N.T.R. Approx Mileage covered by Coy’s vehs since D – Day = 1,904,000
