N102403 Lt William WAITE

Discussion in 'Australia & New Zealand' started by tankengine888, Nov 14, 2022.

  1. tankengine888

    tankengine888 Active Member

    Hello!

    Acting Lieutenant William Waite was a member of DAAG[PS] Echelon.. any idea what this is? I am also trying to piece together his service in the Second World War as it is severely lacking. Below is his service record.
    Digital Item Page Gallery
    He served with valour at Peronne on September 1st, 1918 whilst commanding 'D' Company, 53rd Battalion. I wrote up a blog on him, shown below.
    W. Waite, MC and Bar
    I would love to figure out his service in the Second World War,
    Cheers for anything!
    Zidane.
     
  2. Waddell

    Waddell Well-Known Member

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  3. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    This is the best site I've seen for military abbreviations in WW2, even if it does not allow cut & paste: Second World War Abbreviations and Acronyms - Researching WW2

    DAAG there is: Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General

    Alas PS is not listed; so, could it be Private Secretary, Permanent Staff and Personnel Services? I'd opt for the later.
     
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  4. tankengine888

    tankengine888 Active Member

    Hello Lads,
    8th Garrison Battalion is blank for his period of service there [Dec-Jan 1941-42]
    I did think Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General but I heavily doubt it.
    Permanent staff is a good possibility.
    Ziadne
     
  5. Richard Lewis

    Richard Lewis Member

    David is right.

    I would day that DAAG(PS)EC translates as “Deputy Assistant Adjutant General (Personal Services) Eastern Command”. This is the organization from whom the report of promotion to Acting Lieutenant in January 1942 was received, not the unit that Lt Waite served with. He was still with 8 Garrison Battalion when it was disbanded in October 1942, see the Return of Officers for that month where he is listed as a Platoon Commander.

    8798487.JPG
     
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  6. tankengine888

    tankengine888 Active Member

    Since last posts, I've found more information - by strolling through 300 pages of pensions.
    He was a member of 'C' Company, 8th Garrison Battalion for his entire service with that formation. I thought he was discharged with the disbandment of the 8th Garrison Battalion, however there's more to the story.

    21st August 1943 '..my husband who is now serving with the home forces. His address was formerly N102403 Lieut W.Waite C Coy 8th Garrison Battalion, later W.D.R.T.D Plumpton, NSW. Last month, he was drafted to a Northern Base.."
    18th October 1943 '..regimental particulars are - 102403 (?N) Lieutenant W.D.R.T.D

    Could someone assist me in finding possible documents [war diary?] for W.D.R.T.D Plumpton, or atleast elaborate on what the aforementioned place was? I also enquire into what WDRTD stands for..

    Thanks in advance,
    Zidane.
     
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  7. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    If Australia used 'War Department' then could RTD be: Regional Training Depot or Regional Transport Depot?

    Google does not help specifically for Plumpton. NSW.
     
  8. Richard Lewis

    Richard Lewis Member

    W.D.R.T.D = War Dog Reception and Training Depot.

    From The Sydney Morning Herald 15th November 1945
    Had a quick look for a war diary, but no luck.
    Edit: Not sure if it is a "War Diary", have a look at :
    Dog ledger, War Dogs Reception and Training Depot. 1943

    Richard
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2023
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  9. tankengine888

    tankengine888 Active Member

    War Dog Reception and Training Depot.. interesting. I wonder how he ended up there - his record ended in Jan 1942 with the promotion to Acting Lieutenant.
    Well, I expect that's all that we'll be able to find on him after 1942. The 'Northern Base' is very bland.

    Zidane.
     
  10. tankengine888

    tankengine888 Active Member

    Okay, I've been carefully reviewing Waite's pension file recently and found the following

    Lt Waite was taken onto strength of the 31st Garrison Battalion in either Nov 1942 or in 1943.
    He is listed in the 31st Btn W/D as 'Det[ached] to WDR & Training Coy 8/11/1942'
    What is WDR & Training Company?
     

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