ARMY and CORPS HEADQUARTERS This page contains 2nd Army Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/250/1. May 1944. 2nd Army Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/250/2. December 1944 Headquarters 2nd Army Troops. War Establishment XIV/254/1. May 1944 Headquarters of a Corps. War Establishment III/5/5. November 1943. ARMY and CORPS HEADQUARTERS. 2nd Army Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/250/1. May 1944. 2nd Army Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/250/2. December 1944 Headquarters 2nd Army Troops. War Establishment XIV/254/1. May 1944 Headquarters of a Corps. War Establishment III/5/5. November 1943. ARMY HEADQUARTERS 2nd Army Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/250/1. May 1944. 2nd Army Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/250/2. December 1944 Headquarters 2nd Army Troops. War Establishment XIV/254/1. May 1944 In common with most headquarters the Headquarters of 2nd Army consisted of a small Tactical Headquarters, a larger Main Headquarters and a larger still Rear Headquarters. Tactical Headquarters contained only those personnel which were needed for the command of the organisation. Here were General and his personal staff. Gathered around the headquarters were defence troops, Phantom (GHQ Liaison Regiment), Signals and other essentials, but none of the Staff and Headquarters personnel, who remained many miles to the rear. Main Headquarters was the home of the General Staff where detailed planning and staff work concerned with operations was carried out. The Chief of Staff commanded Main Headquarters. Rear Headquarters contained the staff of the ‘A’ and ‘Q’ branches as well as the staff of the various services and departments. The detailed work of supplying and maintaining the Army was done here. Much of the work was routine and went on regardless of operations but clearly operations depended to some extent on the work done at Rear Headquarters. Usually this headquarters was located well to the rear. There was also a separate Headquarters 2nd Army Troops and a Headquarters 2nd Army Civil Affairs. Both of these are included in the War Establishment Table. General Sir Miles Dempsey was the commander of 2nd Army. He was Montgomery’s choice as army commander. Dempsey had been a student at Staff College at Quetta when Montgomery was an instructor and Montgomery was impressed by him, probably because Dempsey agreed with much of Montgomery’s thinking. They met again in the 8th Army in N Africa where Montgomery gave Dempsey XII Corps. He was a highly competent commander and a thorough planner. Above all he understood Montgomery’s plans and carried them out effectively. He was not a self publicist and in spite of his high position he was overshadowed by Montgomery and never became a public figure. He retired in 1947. ARMY TACTICAL HEADQUARTERS. General, General Officer Commanding 2 X Captain, Aide de Camp serjeant clerk RASC Liaison Brigadier General Staff General Staff Officer 1st Grade 2 X General Staff officers 2nd Grade 4 X General Staff Officers 3rd Grade 2 X lieutenants serjeant clerk RASC clerk RASC This section also appears under Main Headquarters since it was a General Staff section. ARMY MAIN HEADQUARTERS MILITARY SECRETARYS BRANCH Assistant Military Secretary Deputy Assistant Military Secretary Staff Captain 6 X Clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class I corporal 4 X privates The function of the Military Secretary’s Branch lay outside the spheres of either of the other branches being an extension of the War Office secretariat and being particularly responsible for the records and welfare of officers. STAFF GENERAL STAFF BRANCH Brigadier General Staff Operations Colonel General Staff General Staff Officers 1st Grade 3 X General Staff Officers 2nd Grade 2 X General Staff Officers 3rd Grade Supervising Officer (Quartermaster) 16 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class I 4 X serjeant 2 X corporal 3 X lance corporal 6 X private Six clerks will be shorthand typists. One serjeant and one private will be trained in the reproduction of tactical sketches. Liaison Brigadier General Staff General Staff Officer 1st Grade 2 X General Staff officers 2nd Grade 4 X General Staff Officers 3rd Grade 2 X lieutenants serjeant clerk RASC clerk RASC Plans General Staff Officer 1st Grade General Staff Officer 2nd Grade corporal clerk RASC clerk RASC Staff Duties General Staff Officer 1st Grade 3 X General Staff Officer 2nd Grade 2 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade 11 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class II 2 X serjeant corporal 2 X lance corporal 5 X private Clerks include one shorthand typist and one shorthand writer Group B Intelligence General Staff Officer 1st Grade 2 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade Intelligence (A) Intelligence A was responsible for information on the enemy General Staff Officer 2nd Grade General Staff Officer 3rd Grade 6 X Intelligence Officers, Captain or Lieutenant Intelligence (A5) Intelligence A5 was responsible for information on air matters. 2 X Intelligence Officer, Captain or Lieutenant Intelligence (B) and Intelligence (C) Intelligence B was responsible for security. Intelligence C was responsible for censorship and publicity. General Staff Officer 2nd Grade General Staff Officer 3rd Grade 4 X Intelligence Officers, Captain or Lieutenant Intelligence (S) Intelligence S was responsible for field survey, topography, air photographs and maps. General Staff Officer 2nd Grade General Staff Officer 3rd Grade 3 X Intelligence Officers, Captain or Lieutenant 8 X clerk RASC or Intelligence Corps including staff serjeant serjeant 2 X corporal 2 X lance corporal 2 X private Army Photographic Interpretation General Staff Officer 2nd Grade 15 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class I 2 X serjeant corporal 2 X lance corporal 9 X private 3 X draughtsman (topographical )RE ATTACHED TO THE GENERAL STAFF RAC Brigadier General Staff Officer 2nd Grade General Staff Officer 3rd Grade 4 X clerk RAC including staff serjeant corporal 2 X private Artillery Brigadier RA General Staff Officer 1st Grade 3 X General Staff Officer 2nd Grade (including one for AA and one for technical equipment liaison) 2 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade 4 X clerk RA including Warrant officer Class I staff serjeant corporal lance corporal draughtsman (topographical) RE Engineers Brigadier (Chief Engineer) Lieutenant Colonel, Staff Officer RE Lieutenant Colonel, Staff Officer RE Airfields. 2 X Major, Staff Officer RE Major, Staff Officer, Intelligence RE Captain, Staff Officer RE Captain Staff Officer RE Airfields Captain Staff Officer Intelligence RE 4 X engineer clerks including Warrant Officer Class 1 2 X serjeant lance corporal 4 X clerk RE including serjeant 3 X lance corporal Clerks may include 50% engineer clerks 2 X engineering draughtsman including serjeant lance corporal Chemical Warfare Brigadier (Director of Chemical Warfare) Colonel (Assistant Director of Chemical Warfare) a physiologist to be included if required. General Staff Officer 2nd Grade Major, Technical Officer (Chemical Warfare) 2 X clerk RASC including corporal private Signals Brigadier, Chief Signals Officer Lieutenant Colonel, Staff Officer Royal Signals 3 X Major, Staff Officer Royal Signals 3 X Captain, Staff Officer Royal Signals lieutenant, Staff Officer Royal Signals 8 X clerk Royal Signals including Warrant Officer Class I serjeant corporal lance corporal 4 X private serjeant draughtsman Royal Signals draughtsman Royal Signals Cipher Major, Cipher Officer Royal Signals Lieutenant Cipher Officer Royal Signals corporal clerk Royal Signals (trained in cipher duties) Camouflage Major, Staff Officer (camouflage 2 X Captain, Staff Officer (camouflage) 2 X clerk RASC Air General Staff Officer 1st grade 2 X General Staff Officer 2nd Grade 3 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade 5 X clerk RASC including staff serjeant corporal lance corporal 2 X private ARMY REAR HEADQUARTERS BRANCH OF THE ADJUTANT AND QUARTERMASTER GENERAL Brigadier, Deputy Adjutant and Quartermaster General Colonel (A and Q) Staff Captain Corporal clerk RASC shorthand typist Plans Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General 6 X clerk RASC including 2 X serjeant corporal 4 X private Clerks include one shorthand typists and one trained in the reproduction of tactical sketches. Adjutant Generals Branch Assistant Adjutant General Deputy Assistant Adjutant General 4 X Staff Captain A 18 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class I staff serjeant 3 X serjeant corporal 2 X lance corporal 10 X private Clerks include two shorthand typists and one shorthand writer Group B Quartermaster Generals Branch Assistant Quartermaster General 3 X Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General 3 X Staff Captain Q 15 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class I staff serjeant 2 X serjeant corporal 2 X lance corporal 8 X private MISCELLANEOUS APPOINTMENTS Staff Message Control Quartermaster 10 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class II serjeant 2 X corporal 6 X private Statistics Staff Officer 2nd Grade (statistics) Staff Officer 3rd Grade (statistics) 12 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class I 2 X staff serjeant 2 X corporal 7 X private Education Staff Officer (Education) 1st Grade Staff Officer (Education) 3rd Grade 2 X clerk RASC SERVICES Chaplains Assistant Chaplain General Chaplain 3rd or 4th Class, Staff Chaplain 2 X clerk RASC including corporal 2 X private Survey Colonel, Deputy Director of Survey Assistant Director of Survey Deputy Assistant of Survey 3 X Captain RE 3 X clerk (survey) RE including staff serjeant lance corporal private 2 X draughtsman (topographical) RE 2 X surveyors (trigonometrical) 2 X map distributor including serjeant private Works Colonel, Deputy Chief Engineer, Works Lieutenant Colonel, Staff Officer RE, Works Major, Staff Officer RE, Works Captain, Staff Officer RE, Works Major, Staff Officer RE, Stores Captain, Staff Officer RE, Stores Major, Staff Officer RE, E and M) Inspector of RE Machinery 11 X engineer clerk including Warrant Officer Class II 3 X serjeant 2 X corporal 5 X lance corporal 5 X engineering draughtsman including staff serjeant corporal 3 X lance corporal Postal Assistant Director of Army Postal Services Lieutenant RE 2 X clerk RE including serjeant private Supplies and Transport Brigadier, Deputy Director of Supplies and Transport 4 X Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport 6 X Deputy Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport Staff captain 25 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class I Warrant Officer Class II Staff Serjeant 2 X serjeant 2 X corporal 3 X lance corporal 15 X private Clerks include five shorthand typist. Staff Serjeant clerk, technical (MT) RASC Catering Major, Catering Adviser Captain, Assistant Catering Adviser 2 X clerk RASC including corporal private Medical Services Brigadier, Deputy Director of Medical Services Lieutenant Colonel, Assistant Director of Medical Services Assistant Director of Hygiene Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services Staff Captain Assistant Director of Dental Services 7 X clerk RAMC for medical staff including Warrant Officer Class II serjeant corporal 3 X private serjeant clerk orderly for Army Dental Corp clerk orderly for Army Dental Corp Ordnance Brigadier, Deputy Director of Ordnance Services Assistant Director of Ordnance Services 3 X Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services 2 X Captain RAOC Subaltern RAOC for ammunition Ordnance Executive Officer 12 X clerk RAOC including Conductor RAOC staff serjeant serjeant 2 X corporal 2 X lance corporal 5 X private serjeant ammunition examiner REME Brigadier, Deputy Director of Mechanical Engineering Assistant Director of Mechanical Engineering 4 X Deputy Assistant Director of Mechanical Engineering 4 X Captain Quartermaster Assistant Inspector of Armourers 12 X clerk, technical, REME including Warrant Officer Class I 2 X staff serjeant serjeant 2 X corporal lance corporal 6 X private clerks include two shorthand typists corporal draughtsman, mechanical, REME Pay Lieutenant Colonel, Staff Paymaster 1st Class Paymaster or Assistant Paymaster 3 X clerk RAPC including staff serjeant serjeant private Labour Colonel, Deputy Director of Labour Assistant Director of Labour 2 X Deputy Assistant Director of Labour Staff Captain 4 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class II serjeant 2 X private Provost Deputy Provost Marshal Assistant Provost Marshal Deputy Assistant Provost Marshal 4 X clerk RASC including serjeant corporal 2 X private Traffic control Assistant Provost Marshal Deputy Assistant Provost Marshal 2 X clerk RASC including corporal private Salvage Assistant Director of Salvage Staff Captain clerk RASC including Graves Registration Deputy Assistant Director of Graves Registration clerk RASC including Welfare Assistant Director of Army Welfare Services Staff Captain 2 X Captain for allotment to detached formations. 4 X clerk RASC including corporal 3 X private LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS Major, Camp Commandant 2 X Captain, Assistant Camp Commandant Lieutenant, Assistant Camp Commandant 2 X Medical Officer RAMC Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant 3 X Company Quartermaster Serjeant serjeant armourer REME 84 X batman 2 X butchery dutyman 15 X clerk RASC including serjeant 4 X corporal 3 X lance corporal 6 X private corporal clerk RASC for pay duties 40 X general dutyman including serjeant 2 X corporal 3 X lance corporal 34 X private (including two men trained to the standard of shoemaker, Group C, Class II). 30 X orderlies including corporal 3 X lance corporal 26 X private 2 X medical officers orderly 2 X orderly for postal duties 6 X regimental police including serjeant 2 X corporal 3 X private 2 X plumber and pipefitter 2 X carpenter and joiner 6 X sanitary dutyman 5 X storeman 3 X water dutyman equipment repairer 2 X shoemaker RAOC Mess Staffs 16 X officers mess cook ACC 4 X serjeants mess cook ACC serjeant cook for rank and file mess ACC 2 X corporal cook for rank and file mess ACC 8 X cook for rank and file mess 3 X corporal officers mess orderly 11 X officers mess orderly 7 X serjeant officers mess steward 2 X serjeant serjeants mess caterer 7 X general dutyman Transport 30 X bicycle A Field Security Section, Intelligence Corps, War Establishment III/62R/3 will be attached. The following form part of the headquarters staff but are shown separately as they may be required to work independently. Intelligence (interrogation and captured documents) Interrogation section Major Intelligence Officer Captain or Subaltern Intelligence Officer Warrant Officer Class II 2 X clerk, special intelligence duties 2 X batman driver RASC Captured Documents Section Captain or Subaltern Intelligence Officer 4 X serjeant batman driver RASC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 The following will be attached from Movements Pool, 21 Army Group Assistant Quartermaster General (M) 2 X Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General (M) 2 X Staff Captain (M) 7 X clerk RE including serjeant corporal lance corporal 4 X clerk 2 X batman batman driver driver IC 2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 The following will be added for every 1,250 army troops. Chaplain batman driver 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 The following will be held on the strength of Army Headquarters for allotment to each corps under command on the following scale for each corps Intelligence, interrogation team 2 X Intelligence Officers, Captain or Subaltern serjeant corporal batman driver RASC 2 X motorcycle 1 X 15cwt GS Royal Artillery Major, Instructor in Gunnery batman driver RASC 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 Chemical Warfare Captain, Technical Officer (Chemical Warfare) batman driver RASC Camouflage Captain, Staff Officer, Camouflage Lieutenant, Staff Officer, Camouflage batman driver RASC corporal clerk RE draughtsman (architectural) RE serjeant (camouflage) 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 Ordnance Captain, Inspecting Ordnance Officer batman driver 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 Salvage Deputy Assistant Director of Salvage batman driver clerk RASC 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 The following personnel will be added to the establishment as required General Staff Branch 4 X General Staff Officer 2nd Grade General Staff Officer 2nd Grade (Equipment) 2 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade Lieutenant Liaison Officer corporal clerk lance corporal clerk 2 X clerk Quartermaster General Branch Assistant Quartermaster General Royal Armoured Corp General Staff Officer 2nd Grade clerk RASC Royal Engineers Captain, Staff Officer, Royal Engineers Royal Signals Major, Staff Officer, Royal Signals Survey Captain, Royal Engineers 2 X clerk, field survey Medical add clerk RAMC Local Administrative Appointments Warrant Officer Class II company quartermaster serjeant duty serjeant 4 X general dutyman 4 X storeman 3 X orderlies 2 X sanitary dutyman 4 X batman cook 2 X officers mess orderly HEADQUARTERS 2nd ARMY. War Establishment XIV/250/2. December 1944. There were 12 amendments to the previous establishment. Many of these were in fact included in the previous establishment as increments. Military Secretary’s Branch add 2 X serjeant clerk clerk General Staff Branch add 6 X General Staff Officer 2nd Grade 4 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade corporal clerk lance corporal clerk 2 X clerk Staff Duties and Training add Major , Staff Officer for Physical Training Liaison delete Brigadier General, General Staff General Staff Officer 2nd Grade General Staff Officer 3rd Grade Adjutant General and Quartermaster General Branch add Quartermaster, Chief Clerk Warrant Officer II Class Clerk lance corporal clerk 3 X clerk Royal Artillery add General Staff Officer 2nd Grade Royal Engineers add Major, Staff Officer Add Psychological Warfare General Staff Officer 2nd Grade Staff Message Control delete Quartermaster Statistics add General Staff Officer 3rd Grade Survey add Captain 2 X clerk, field survey Medical add clerk RAMC RAOC delete Captain REME add serjeant clerk 2 X clerk Graves Registration add corporal clerk Local Administrative Appointments add company quartermaster serjeant duty serjeant 4 X general dutyman 4 X storeman 3 X orderlies 2 X sanitary dutyman 4 X batman serjeants mess cook cook 2 X officers mess orderly GHQ LIAISON REGIMENT (PHANTOM) Army Squadron Operations and Intelligence troop Major, Commanding officer Major, Intelligence 2 X Captain, Intelligence 4 X Subaltern, Intelligence intelligence serjeant 5 X corporal 13 X trooper Motorcycle 1 Intelligence Subaltern Motorcycle 2 Squadron Serjeant Major Motorcycle 3 intelligence serjeant Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Car 4seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD) Major (intelligence), Intelligence Subaltern, driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2 X Intelligence Subaltern, batman driver Tows a 10cwt trailer 15cwt GS 3 X clerk, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 10cwt trailer 15cwt 4 X 4 Personnel Major, 2 X driver operator Carries a Wireless set No22 15cwt 4 X 4 Personnel Intelligence Captain, orderly, driver operator Carries a Wireless set No22 3ton 4 X 4 Troop Carrying Intelligence Captain, 4 X intelligence dutyman, orderly, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 1ton trailer Administrative troop Captain squadron quartermaster serjeant 4 X corporal 12 X trooper cook Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Captain, batman driver Tows a 10cwt trailer 15cwt GS 1 cook, orderly, driver IC Tows a 10cwt trailer 15cwt GS 2 water dutyman, sanitary dutyman, driver IC Tows a water trailer 15cwt GS 3 2 X vehicle mechanic Tows a 10cwt trailer 15cwt GS 4 technical storeman, orderly, administrative corporal, medical officers orderly Tows a 10cwt trailer 3ton 4 X 4 GS squadron quartermaster serjeant, clerk, storeman, orderly, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Signals troop Captain Subaltern company quartermaster serjeant 2 X serjeant 9 X corporal 42 X signalman and driver batman driver 2 X driver 2 X cook Motorcycle 1 Lieutenant Motorcycle 2 vehicle mechanic Motorcycle 3 Foreman of Signals Motorcycle 4 despatch rider Motorcycle 5 despatch rider Motorcycle 6 despatch rider Motorcycle 7 despatch rider Motorcycle 8 despatch rider Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Captain, batman driver 15cwt Wireless House 1 3 X operator, driver mechanic This vehicle for Rear Link to Army Group 15cwt Wireless House 2 3 X operator, driver mechanic This vehicle for Rear Link to Army Group 15cwt Wireless House 3 3 X operator, driver mechanic This vehicle for anchor to No1, No3 and No3 Patrols 15cwt Wireless House 4 3 X operator, driver mechanic This vehicle for anchor to No4, No5 and No6 Patrols 15cwt Wireless House 5 3 X operator, driver mechanic This vehicle for anchor to No7, No8 and No9 Patrols 15cwt Wireless House 6 3 X operator, driver mechanic This vehicle for anchor to J Troop 15cwt Wireless House 7 3 X operator, driver mechanic This vehicle for J stepping set at Army 15cwt Wireless House 8 3 X operator, driver mechanic This vehicle for guard set at Army 3ton 4 X 4 Wireless I 2 X serjeant, driver mechanic Carries 6 X R107 receivers 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 4 X instrument mechanics, storeman, 2 X cook, driver IC Carries a bren lmg This vehicle for Technical Workshop 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 electrician, driver mechanic Carries a 4Kw charging set ARMY HEADQUARTERS DEFENCE COMPANY War Establishment III/131/2. The Major commanding the Defence Company may also deploy headquarters personnel for defence if required. Motorcycle 1 Company Serjeant Major Motorcycle 2 transport serjeant Motorcycle 3 orderly Motorcycle 4 orderly Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Major, batman driver Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt GS 1 Captain, clerk, batman driver Carries office equipment 15cwt GS 2 storeman technical, vehicle mechanic REME, driver mechanic Carries MT stores and ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 1 corporal cook, 3 X cook, sanitary dutyman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations. Carries water in tins Tows a water trailer 3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 2 company quartermaster serjeant, storeman, driver IC Carries stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 3 corporal armourer REME, 2 X vehicle mechanic REME, driver mechanic Carries 20mm ammunition and spares 20mm AA Platoon Motorcycle 1 Subaltern Motorcycle 2 orderly Motorcycle 3 orderly 15cwt GS serjeant, batman driver Carries office equipment 15cwt AA 1 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 2 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 3 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 4 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 20mm AA Platoon Motorcycle 1 Subaltern Motorcycle 2 orderly Motorcycle 3 orderly 15cwt GS serjeant, batman driver Carries office equipment 15cwt AA 1 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 2 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 3 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 4 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition Ground Defence Platoon Motorcycle Orderly 15cwt GS Subaltern, driver IC Carries baggage and stores 3ton 4 X 4 troop carrying lorry serjeant, 3 X corporal, 21 X riflemen, driver IC Carries 3 X Bren lmg and 3 X PIAT Forms three sections, each with eight men including a corporal plus a Bren gun. PIATS are available for distribution as required. Ground Defence Platoon Motorcycle orderly 15cwt GS Subaltern, driver IC Carries baggage and stores 3ton 4 X 4 troop carrying lorry serjeant, 3 X corporal, 21 X riflemen, driver IC Carries 3 X Bren lmg and 3 X PIAT Forms three sections, each with eight men including a corporal plus a Bren gun. PIATS are available for distribution as required. Armoured Car Troop RAC Armoured Car 1 Subaltern, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator, driver mechanic Armoured Car 2 serjeant, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator, driver mechanic Armoured Car 3 corporal driver operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic HEADQUARTERS 2nd ARMY TROOPS War Establishment XIV/254/1. The Headquarters Army Troops was introduced to perform the administrative and supply duties for army troops that were performed by Corps Headquarters for other troops. This allowed Army Headquarters to concentrate on their primary tasks and gave the necessary support to troops attached directly to Army. Brigadier, Commanding officer STAFF GENERAL STAFF BRANCH General Staff Officer 2nd Grade, trained as Personal Assistant. General Staff Officer 3rd Grade Lieutenant, Staff Officer serjeant clerk RASC 2 X clerk RASC BRANCH OF THE ADJUTANT AND QUARTERMASTER GENERAL Assistant adjutant and quartermaster general Deputy assistant quartermaster general Staff Captain A Warrant Officer ClassII clerk RASC 2 X corporal clerk RASC 3 X clerk RASC SERVICES Supplies and Transport Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport Deputy Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport Staff Captain RASC 8 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class II serjeant corporal 5 X private Medical Lieutenant Colonel, Assistant Director of Medical Services Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services 4 X Clerk RAMC including staff serjeant corporal 2 X private 4 X Medical Officers 4 X medical officers orderly 4 X batman driver The four Medical Officers, each with an orderly and a batman driver form a pool for assignment as required. Ordnance Assistant Director of Ordnance Services Captain RAOC 6 X clerk RAOC including Warrant Officer Class I Warrant Officer Class II corporal 3 X private 6 X technical storeman RAOC including staff serjeant corporal 4 X private Provost Deputy Assistant Provost Marshal clerk RASC batman driver MISCELLANEOUS company quartermaster serjeant 6 X batman clerk RASC 8 X driver IC RASC 4 X general dutyman office orderly officers mess orderly 2 X other ranks mess orderly officers mess cook ACC 2 X cook sanitary dutyman water dutyman A senior chaplain to the forces 3rd Class is attached from the pool of chaplains at Headquarters 2nd Army Transport 2 X motorcycle 11 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS HEADQUARTERS of a CORPS War Establishment III/5/5. November 1943. The corps was a tactical headquarters in much the same way as a brigade was. A corps could contain any number of divisions and had a variable number of units attached to it for various operations. The units which were organic to the corps were relatively few and the trend was to reduce the number steadily throughout the war. A Corps contained the following organic units after D Day. For D Day itself corps were using assault establishments. The order of battle was Corps Headquarters Corps Headquarters Defence Company Corps Signals Corps Provost Company Corps Postal Unit Pioneer Salvage unit Field Security Section Corp Reception Camp Corps Field Cash Office Field Dressing Station Field Hygiene Section Casualty Clearing Station Armoured Car Regiment Headquarters Corps Troops Engineers Field Park Company RE 3 X Field Park Company RE Counter Bombardment Troop RA Anti Tank Regiment RA Light Anti Aircraft Regiment RA Survey Regiment RA Air Observation Post Squadron Headquarters Corps Troops RASC 2 X Corps Troops Company Corps Transport Company Motor Ambulance Convoy Corps Car Company Headquarters Corps Troops RAOC Corps Troops Ordnance Field Park Corps Mobile Laundry and Bath Unit 3 X Ordnance Ammunition Company Headquarters Corps Troops REME Corps Troops Workshop REME Light Anti Aircraft Workshop Many of the above had increments added for each division in the corps. Many other units were normally attached to the corps but not an organic part of it. This was to free the corps from the administrative duties leaving it free to concentrate on tactical planning. The most notable of these units was the Army Group Royal Artillery. These had previously been Corps Artillery but were now assigned to corps as required. A further streamlining took place in the autumn of 1944 when more units were removed from corps control but remained in the corps area performing much the same tasks. These included Casualty Clearing Stations Survey Regiment RA Light Anti Aircraft Regiment RA Light Anti Aircraft Workshop REME Corps Motor Ambulance Company There was also some reorganisation of units including - RASC which now provided Corps Carrier Company Corps GT Company Corps Heavy GT Company Corps Car Company - Royal Engineers which now provided a Corps Engineer Group to which Field Companies could be attached. PERSONNEL Lieutenant General, General Officer Commanding Captain or Subaltern, Aide de Camp MILITARY SECRETARY’S BRANCH Deputy Assistant Military Secretary Clerk RASC GENERAL STAFF BRANCH Brigadier General Staff Operations General Staff Officers 1st Grade 3 X General Staff Officers 2nd Grade 2 X General Staff Officers 3rd Grade Liaison General Staff officers 2nd Grade 3 X General Staff Officers 3rd Grade Intelligence General Staff Officer 2nd Grade 2 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade 10 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class I staff serjeant serjeant corporal 6 X private 2 X clerk RASC for photographic intelligence duties including corporal private 2 X clerk RASC trained in the reproduction of tactical sketches. serjeant map issuer 4 X orderly BRANCH OF THE ADJUTANT AND QUARTERMASTER GENERAL Brigadier, Deputy Adjutant and Quartermaster General Deputy Assistant Adjutant General Assistant Quartermaster General 2 X Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General Staff Captain A Staff captain Q 9 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer ClassII staff serjeant serjeant corporal 4 X private clerk RASC trained in the reproduction of tactical sketches. 4 X orderly ATTACHED TO THE GENERAL STAFF Artillery Brigadier RA 2 X General Staff Officer 2nd Grade (including one for AA) General Staff Officer 3rd Grade Captain REME Captain, Intelligence 5 X clerk RA including Warrant officer Class I staff serjeant serjeant corporal lance corporal 2 X orderly Engineers Brigadier (Chief Engineer) Major, Staff Officer RE Captain, Staff Officer, Intelligence RE Captain, Staff Officer RE, stores 5 X engineer clerks including Warrant Officer Class 1I corporal 3 X lance corporal 2 X engineering draughtsman including serjeant corporal Chemical Warfare Captain, Technical Officer (Chemical Warfare) Signals Brigadier, Chief Signals Officer Major, Staff Officer Royal Signals 3 X Captain, Staff Officer Royal Signals 4 X clerk Royal Signals including Warrant Officer Class II serjeant corporal lance corporal draughtsman Royal Signals Intelligence Corp 3 X Captain or lieutenant SERVICES Chaplains Deputy Assistant Chaplain General clerk RASC Postal Deputy Assistant Director of Army Postal Services Supplies and Transport Colonel, Deputy Director of Supplies and Transport Deputy Assistant Director of Supplies Deputy Assistant Director of Transport 3 X Staff captain 7 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class II serjeant corporal 4 X private Medical Services Brigadier, Deputy Director of Medical Services Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services Assistant Director of Hygiene 4 X clerk RAMC including Warrant Officer Class II corporal 2 X private Ordnance Colonel, Deputy Director of Ordnance Services Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services 6 X clerk RAOC including Warrant Officer Class I serjeant corporal 3 X private (includes one shorthand typist) REME Colonel, Deputy Director of Mechanical Engineering Deputy Assistant Director of Mechanical Engineering Captain Assistant Inspector of Armourers Warrant Office Class II Armament Artificer 5 X clerk, technical, REME including Warrant Officer Class I serjeant 3 X private (including one shorthand typist) Provost Assistant Provost Marshal Deputy Assistant Provost Marshal clerk RASC Education Staff Officer (Education) 2nd Grade Subaltern 2 X clerk RASC Administration Major, Camp Commandant Captain, Assistant Camp Commandant Company Serjeant Major Company Quartermaster Serjeant serjeant armourer REME 29 X batman 2 X butchery dutyman serjeant clerk 2 X clerk RASC corporal ration NCO 36 X general dutyman including serjeant 4 X corporal 3 X lance corporal 28 X private (including four for officers mess). 18 X orderlies (for allotment to Corps Signals) 3 X sanitary dutyman storeman 2 X water dutyman The batmen, orderlies, sanitary dutymen and water dutymen may be below medical category A. MISCELLANEOUS Medical 2 X Medical Officer (includes one psychiatrist) clerk-orderly (clinical) RAMC for psychiatrist medical officers orderly Cooks ACC 6 X cook for officers mess 13 X cook for other ranks messes including serjeant cook 4 X corporal cook 8 X cook A note to the War Establishment table states that there are six officers messes and four other ranks messes. Interrogation team 2 X Captain or Lieutenant Intelligence Officers serjeant, Intelligence Corps corporal Intelligence Corps ATTACHED Meteorological section RAF 3 X Forecasting Officers Liaison Officer 2 X Non commissioned officer 3 X leading aircraftsman# 3 X wireless operator Chaplains Pool One chaplain , one batman driver and one car 2 seater 4 X 2 will be added for every 1,250 men in corps troops. One in every ten chaplains will be a senior chaplain to the forces (chaplain 3rd class). Defence A Corps Headquarters Defence Company will be attached but in case this is not available there will be a detachment of one lance corporal, eight privates with 4 X Bren lmg. Field Security A Corps Field Security Section will be attached The following officers may be attached from GHQ Pool. General Staff Officer, 3rd Grade, Corps Camouflage Officer Staff Lieutenant, Camouflage Officer Captain, Technical Officer, Chemical Warfare Assistant Director of Labour Staff Captain, Labour Deputy Assistant Director of Welfare Services When the above officers are sent to join Corps Headquarters they will bring their own transport, driver and batman. ROYAL SIGNALS The following vehicles from Corps Signals were available for Corps Headquarters. They were fully integrated with the Corps Headquarters and many of the Staff had places in the vehicles. This are indicated where known. ‘A’ Wireless section, Corps Signals This was for the use of Corps Main Headquarters the home of the Corps Commander and the General Staff. Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP This vehicle is A2 and is for the Corps Commanders net, RT (Morse and teleprinter). Lorry Command Vehicle LP 2 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries VHF Wireless set AM 1132 and Wireless set No19 This vehicle is A3 and is Reserve and Tactical Reconnaissance (Air). Lorry Command Vehicle LP 3 corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP This vehicle is A4 and is for links to flank formations. Lorry Command Vehicle HP 1 corporal operator, operator, electrician, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus R.107 This vehicle is A1 and is for the Corps Commanders net RT (voice). This vehicle has seats for the Corps Commander and the Chief of Staff. Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2 serjeant, corporal operator, operator, electrician, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus receiver R107 This vehicle is A5 and is for the Main Army net RT (voice) Lorry Command Vehicle HP 3 section serjeant, corporal operator, operator, corporal instrument mechanic, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107 This vehicle is A6 and is for the Main Army net (Morse and teleprinter) and acts as Signal Office. Lorry Command Vehicle HP 4 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107 This vehicle is A7 and is for the Rear Corps net RT (voice) Lorry Command Vehicle HP 5 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107 This vehicle is A8 and is for communication with airfields Lorry Command Vehicle HP 6 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107 This vehicle is A9 and is for communication with the Armoured Car Regiment Lorry Command Vehicle HP 7 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107 This vehicle is A10 and is for the Rear Corps net (Morse and teleprinter) Armoured Car 1 Lance corporal operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No19 and no 19 HP Armoured Car 2 Lance corporal operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No19 and no 19 HP A Wireless set No 22, provided by A section Corps Signals was carried in the Divisional Commanders Car ‘B’ Wireless section. This was for the use of Corps Rear Headquarters, the home of the A and Q staffs. 15cwt Wireless House 1 corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 HP This vehicle is for signals pool 15cwt Wireless House 2 corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 HP This vehicle is for signals pool 15cwt Wireless House 3 corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 HP Carries a Bren lmg This vehicle is for signals pool 15cwt Wireless House 4 lance corporal, operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 22 This vehicle is for signals pool 15cwt Wireless House 5 lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 22 This vehicle is for signals pool 15cwt Wireless House 6 lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 22 Carries Bren lmg This vehicle is for signals pool 3ton lorry GS 5 X relief operator, 2 X relief driver IC, driver IC Carries stores Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1 corporal operator, operator, electrician, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP This vehicle is B4 and is for signals pool. Lorry Command Vehicle LP 2 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP This vehicle is B5 and is for signals pool. Lorry Command Vehicle HP 1 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No19 plus Receiver R 107. This vehicle is B1 and is for Main Corp and Rear Division RT (voice). Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No19 plus Receiver R 107. This vehicle is B2 and is for Rear Army net. Lorry Command Vehicle HP 3 corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No19 plus Receiver R 107. This vehicle is B3 and is for Main Corps net (Morse and teleprinter). Note: By 1945 Lorry command Vehicle B1 tows a 6Kw generator trailer. GHQ LIAISON REGIMENT (PHANTOM) A Captains patrol This was assigned to a Corp Headquarters. Its duties were much as for the Subalterns patrol but it included listening into the Phantom and J patrol rear links and deciphering the messages before passing them on to the Corp staff. One extra vehicle and four extra personnel were provided for this duty. This service meant that the Corp staff usually knew about the position of its divisions by Phantom communications before it learned of them direct from the divisional staff. Motorcycle despatch rider Motorcycle cipher corporal Jeep Subaltern, batman driver Carries wireless receiver R107 Tows a 10cwt trailer 15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck (White) 2 X operator, cipher clerk, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No22 (later Wireless set Canadian No9) and 2 X wireless receiver R107 15cwt Wireless House 2 X operator, driver IC Carries 2 X wireless receiver R107 CORPS HEADQUARTERS DEFENCE COMPANY The Major commanding the Defence Company may also deploy headquarters personnel for defence if required. Motorcycle 1 Company Serjeant Major Motorcycle 2 transport serjeant Motorcycle 3 orderly Motorcycle 4 orderly Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Major, batman driver Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt GS 1 Captain, clerk, batman driver Carries office equipment 15cwt GS 2 storeman technical, vehicle mechanic REME, driver mechanic Carries MT stores and ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 1 corporal cook, 3 X cook, sanitary dutyman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations. Carries water in tins Tows a water trailer 3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 2 company quartermaster serjeant, storeman, driver IC Carries stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 3 corporal armourer REME, 2 X vehicle mechanic REME, driver mechanic Carries 20mm ammunition and spares 20mm AA Platoon Motorcycle 1 Subaltern Motorcycle 2 orderly Motorcycle 3 orderly 15cwt GS serjeant, batman driver Carries office equipment 15cwt AA 1 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 2 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 3 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 4 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 20mm AA Platoon Motorcycle 1 Subaltern Motorcycle 2 orderly Motorcycle 3 orderly 15cwt GS serjeant, batman driver Carries office equipment 15cwt AA 1 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 2 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 3 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA 4 serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 20mm AA gun Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer containing 20mm ammunition Ground Defence Platoon Motorcycle orderly 15cwt GS Subaltern, driver IC Carries baggage and stores 3ton 4 X 4 troop carrying lorry serjeant, 3 X corporal, 21 X riflemen, driver IC Carries 3 X Bren lmg and 3 X PIAT Forms three sections, each with eight men including a corporal plus a Bren gun. PIATS are available for distribution as required. Ground Defence Platoon Motorcycle orderly 15cwt GS Subaltern, driver IC Carries baggage and stores 3ton 4 X 4 troop carrying lorry serjeant, 3 X corporal, 21 X riflemen, driver IC Carries 3 X Bren lmg and 3 X PIAT Forms three sections, each with eight men including a corporal plus a Bren gun. PIATS are available for distribution as required. Armoured Car Troop RAC Armoured Car 1 Subaltern, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator, driver mechanic Armoured Car 2 serjeant, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator, driver mechanic Armoured Car 3 corporal driver operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic CORPS RECEPTION CAMP War Establishment III/64/2 March 1944 This is designed for use with a corps of two divisions. Increments are added for each additional division in the corps. The basic camp can administer up to 1000 reinforcement personnel. Personnel Lieutenant Colonel Adjutant and Quartermaster (may be a quartermaster or, if a combatant officer, a Captain. 2 X Captain or Subaltern Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant 2 X company serjeant major provost serjeant serjeant general dutyman 3 X batman corporal clerk 2 X clerk 3 X general dutyman motorcyclist medical officers orderly officers mess corporal 3 X regimental police 3 X storeman corporal sanitary dutyman 2 X sanitary dutyman corporal water dutyman water dutyman Attached Medical Officer RAMC officers mess cook ACC serjeant cook ACC 6 X cook ACC Total 42 Transport 2 X bicycle 1 X motorcycle When an additional division is attached to the corps the following personnel will be added. Subaltern Company Serjeant Major clerk general dutyman 2 X cook ACC All personnel may be of low medical category. MARKINGS Corps vehicles carried the corps formation sign on the nearside front and rear. The Arm of Service sign was carried on the offside. All corps units had a white bar at the top of the Arm of Service sign. This might carry an abbreviation of the units name. Corps Headquarters carried the number 17 in white on a black square. Corps Defence Company carried the number 17 in white on a black square Corps Signals carried the number 41 in red on a blue and white square Corps Provost Company carried the number 83 in white on a black square Corps Postal Unit carried the number 84 in white on a black square Corps Reception Camp carried the number 88 in white on a black square Other Corps units signs are given in other booklets which give details of Corps artillery, RASC, engineers etc. Note that the Corps signals unit does not carry the number of the headquarters but has its own number the Postal Unit has a black square although it is a Royal Engineer unit the Reception Camp has a number although it has no vehicles. Numbers were also used to give directions to units Corps in 21 Army Group included I Corps VIII Corps XII Corps XXX Corps All four Corps were in Normandy by 30th June and continued in action until the end of the Campaign in May 1945. I Corps, VIII Corps and XXX Corps then became Corps Districts for the Occupation of Germany.