This has some good info, The Army Medical Services Vol 1 Campaigns. by F.A.E Crew. Printed 1956 HMSO. The little red books are, War Office series , Second World War 1939-1945 Keith
I am amazed at the detail that has been reproduced here. After Dunkirk in 1940 a number of British former civilian buses were captured by the Germans and photos of them are elsewhere on this site - including one vehicle which ended up with the Luftwaffe in Germany. I am assuming that these vehicles were requistioned before the introduction of the Impressment scheme which selected civilian vehicles for military use by the Motor Coach Companies of the RASC. Is there any information on these vehicles, and their careers? (The MCC vehicles of the RASC were eventually replaced by 4x4 trucks which were then converted to Troop Carrying Companies who then had an off-road capability which coaches could not offer. These coaches were then sold off or returned.) From photographic evidence there were coaches from the BEF abandoned. I have to say that the RASC's Vehicle Census Branch was supposed to have collated excellent records which linked the former civilian identities of vehicles to their military identities which were recorded on Army Form W4003. Sadly to date I have been unable to locate any of these records.
The vehicle in the ditch is an ex Maidstone & District vehicle - I can tell by the destination screen layout....the other I am not so sure...
BEF MAINTENANCE FORWARD of RAILHEAD. Much of the following is written in the present tense. Of course the ‘present’ was September 1939 to June 1940. Forward of the Railhead movement and maintenance is the responsibility of GHQ, Corps and Divisions. It was planned that there would also be an Army level but this had not been achieved by the time the BEF withdrew. The forward movement of stores and supplies is simple in essence but very complicated in detail. The pack trains described earlier, and the occasional bulk train, arrive at the regulating station and are divided into smaller trains destined for various railheads serving GHQ and the Corps. In general each Corps is served by separate railheads and there are separate Corps railheads for supplies and stores, ammunition and petrol. The Regulating Station is a shunting yard where the pack trains from base depots are sorted into separate trains for the various formations. As each rail wagon is loaded at the base depot it has a label attached to show, in code, its destination. Each destination is assigned a separate spur in the sidings and shunting locomotives then shunt the wagons into the correct siding to form trains. The trains will then proceed to the appropriate railhead. Railhead itself need not be elaborate. The basic requirement is a siding where the train can be unloaded. There will be detachment from a RASC supply company to act as a Detail Issue Depot, checking, issuing and recording. There will also be labour to unload trains and load lorries. Usually a small amount of ammunition, petrol and supplies is held at railhead in order to balance out variations in supply, holding back any surplus to be issued in case of shortfall. Small amounts will also be held back to supply personnel at railhead. There will also be small detachments from RAOC to check, examine and if necessary repair ammunition and RAOC stores and equipment. It would be unwise to keep the stores and supplies at the railhead since this would be an obvious target for air attacks. Each corps will arrange for stores and supplies to be collected from the railhead and taken to an Ammunition Park, Petrol Park of Supply Column as appropriate. It was intended that the stores and supplies would be held on wheels (loaded on lorries) at the park location so as to be ready to move forward with their formation if required. In fact most formations off loaded the stores and supplies and kept them on the ground, though generally stacked in 3 ton lorry loads to allow for rapid loading. Originally this system was introduced as a temporary measure because of a shortage of transport throughout the BEF (See below). RASC. Within the GHQ area the RASC is responsible for: The supply of food, petrol, forage, fuel for heating, lighting and cooking, and non specialist medical supplies. The issue, inspection and operation of all RASC vehicles, and for the provision of spare parts for RASC vehicles. MT stores and materials, equipment and tools required in the operation and maintenance of the vehicles. The operation of RASC vehicles includes the major task of delivering all the stores and supplies to units. RASC officers are interchangeable and trained in all branches of RASC duties. The personnel are divided into supply personnel and transport personnel: Supply personnel are organised by trades including butchers, bakers, issuers and clerks. Clerks are provided not only for the RASC but for commanders and staffs at headquarters also. Transport personnel are drivers, tradesmen trained in the maintenance and repair of MT, MT storekeepers and Technical Mechanical Transport clerks. Supply personnel are organised into supply companies. These are disposed in small detachments according to the operational requirements of GHQ and Corps. They are attached to the most convenient RASC transport unit and the commander of the transport unit is responsible for the command and training of the attached supply personnel. Supply personnel are responsible for the issue of supplies and clerical duties connected with supply accounts. This includes the Detail Issue Depots at railhead which are responsible for issuing the correct quantities of supplies to fill the ration requirements of units. The transport company consists of a variable number of sections according to the company’s role. Sections have a headquarters and a variable number of sub sections which have five vehicles under an NCO. The various sections and the vehicles within them are assigned specific roles and loads in the War Establishment tables and these tables are very long and complex. It was acknowledged however that once in action the detailed assignments could be altered and the vehicles used more flexibly. The supply chain consists of three ‘lines’. First line transport is operated by battalion sized units own transport rather than by the RASC. The unit transport is divided into two echelons, ‘A’ and ‘B’. Initially it was planned that the two echelons should be identical and would each run between the Delivery Point and units on alternate days. This was well suited to static warfare but for mobile operations it was changed so that ‘A’ echelon moves with the unit and carries one days supplies. ‘B’ echelon moves with the brigade transport trains and carries a second days supplies to replenish ‘A’ echelon. Second line transport is operated by the RASC and runs between the Refilling Point arranged by Division and Delivery Points nominated by the unit commander. The transport operates in two echelons, each delivering on alternate days. Third line transport operates between the Corps Railheads and the Refilling Points. The system is therefor: Railhead. The formal limit of the Line of Communication. Third line transport collects and delivers to: Refilling Points which refill transport delivering to; Delivery Points where: Unit transport collects and delivers to the unit. Second line transport is an integral part of the division and is commanded by the CRASC (Commander Royal Army Service Corps). A Division has a headquarters and three companies, a Supply Column, an Ammunition Company and a Petrol Company. Third line transport draws ammunition, petrol and supplies from railhead in sufficient quantities to refill the second line transport. The amount of supplies will be fairly constant while ammunition and petrol will vary. The three categories will be kept separate. Petrol in particular must not be carried with rations to avoid contamination and not with ammunition to avoid fire and explosions. The principles of supply. There should be a regular daily delivery of the required supplies to the units. Delivery should be at a time and place convenient to the units. Units should not have to go back for supplies. All personnel will carry one days emergency ration. All units will have two days supplies with them, the current days ration on ‘A’ echelon vehicles and the second on the vehicles of ‘B’ Echelon. Each day ‘B’ echelon will refill ‘A’ echelon and be refilled at Refill Point. 3 days supply should be at Railhead ready to be transported to Refill Point. Rations are supplied on the basis of unit returns of personnel on strength. Variations are compensated for in later deliveries. Ammunition is supplied automatically on the basis of expenditure returns. A shortage of transport units, vehicles and drivers. A combination of factors led to shortages of transport in the Line of Communication areas. This in turn led to problems in the fighting formations in the GHQ area. It was found that in many cases the transport establishments for base and Line of Communication areas were inadequate, and that even that establishment could not be met. Added to that there were unexpected demands for transport including: An unanticipated need for supply services in the Assembly Areas. Units were spending more time than planned in those areas and were often arriving without rations. In order to reduce the distance from base areas to the forward areas new bases were developed around Rouen. These needed vehicles to build base installations and to serve them when complete. An unanticipated demand for new airfields in northern France. It had been hoped that civilian vehicles could be hired locally but the French Army had already requisitioned them. Some units were sent to France in advance of the planned schedule and without an increase in supply vehicles. There was a shortage of vehicles and drivers in the UK. Drivers needed extensive training in driving and maintenance and there was in those days a very small pool of such skills in civilian life. The shortages of transport in the Line of Communication areas led to decisions to redeploy some of the units and vehicles with fighting formations: 230 vehicles from formations, corps and divisions, were used in the Line of Communication to carry low grade construction material. It was intended that the vehicles should be returned if hostilities commenced but when returned the vehicles were generally in poor condition due to overuse and under maintenance. The BEF cut off from its bases. On 21 May the Line of Communication was cut by German forces and from that time the BEF north of the River Somme could not receive anything more from the bases and depots. At that time each corps held the following on wheels: Ammunition for two days. Petrol for one day. Supplies for four days. Plus en route to the corps: Petrol for two days. Supplies for one day. Attempts were made to supply the BEF by sea from the UK using the ports of Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk. Calais and Boulogne were soon captured by the enemy and Dunkirk was being used by the French. The only means of supply then was by sending transport to collect what they could from abandoned dumps and by foraging for food and petrol in the farms and villages. The BEF was evacuated via Dunkirk and the nearby beaches. RAOC. The RAOC has always been different. Although the corps itself is relatively junior the Board of Ordnance and the Master General of the Ordnance have their origins in Tudor times when they were responsible for supplying all firearms, artillery and ammunition. Most other supplies were regimental matters. The procurement, storage, issue, maintenance and repair of ordnance stores is the responsibility of the RAOC but the transport of ordnance stores is the responsibility of the RASC. Ordnance stores include armaments, ammunition, vehicles except those of the RASC, radio, electrical and optical equipment, clothing and a vast range of general stores. The organisation of the base depots and dumps presented few problems since they were run on lines similar to the big UK Ordnance Depots. The organisation of the RAOC in the GHQ area were untried and untested since there had not been any exercises or manoeuvres held which involved them. Indeed the units did not exist in peacetime and were formed on mobilisation from a few Regulars, a few Reservists (Regulars who had served their period with the colours), Special Reservists (volunteer specialists) and Militia (conscripts). Initially it was planned that each level, GHQ, Corps and Division, would have two ordnance officers, one for operations and one for engineering, each with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. This often led to a lack of coordination in the supply of spare parts to workshops. In a later organisation a more senior administrative officer was introduced to coordinate activities and the RAOC in forward areas was represented by: At GHQ. Director of Ordnance Services. At Corps Headquarters. Deputy Director of Ordnance Services, Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (Administration), Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (Engineering) and Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (Operations). At Divisional Headquarters. Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (Administration), Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (Administration) and Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (Engineering). At Division level Assistant Director of Ordnance Services is located at division headquarters with a small staff to deal with the requisitions submitted by units for ordnance stores. The Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services is based at the workshop and is responsible for the maintenance and repair of equipment and for evacuating larger repair tasks to base workshops. Each brigade has a Warrant Officer RAOC to assist units in the preparation of their requisitions. A wise precaution since the catalogue of store items is large and complex. There are RAOC detachments with an Ordnance Officer at the corps supply and ammunition railheads. The RAOC has a repair organisation which repairs and replaces ordnance stores. Light Aid Detachments (LAD) RAOC are provided to units to assist in maintenance and recovery and thus keep units in operation. The LAD does not handle tasks requiring extensive repair or take more than four hours. Within a Division LADs are attached to each: Infantry Brigade. Artillery Regiment. Engineer Field Park Company. Division Signals. Reconnaissance Regiment. Machine gun Battalion. Light Anti Aircraft Regiment. Each LAD has 13 tradesmen with a breakdown lorry, hand tools, lightweight welding equipment and one or two stores lorries with spare parts for the unit vehicles and armament. A LAD is commanded by an Ordnance Mechanical Engineer (OME) officer or a technical warrant officer. The Army Field Workshop is provided on the basis of one per division. Work beyond the limited facilities and time allowance of the LAD was passed to the Army Field Workshop under divisional control. The appropriate Recovery Section evacuated vehicles. The Army Field Workshop assessed the work, and therefor the time, required and decided whether the work should be done in the Army Field Workshop are sent back to a Base Workshop. Normally Army Field Workshops would not undertake a task likely to need more than 48 hours work. It is important not to have too much work waiting at the Army Field Workshop since it is a mobile unit and should be able to move forward with the formation that it serves. The Army Field Workshop is accompanied by an Ordnance Field Park which carries and supplies stores and spare parts plus some replacement vehicles. Although nominally mobile the Field Park cannot usually move all its spare parts and assemblies in one lift. There is also a GHQ Troops Workshop. This undertakes much the same work as the Army Field Workshop but serves the units which are under GHQ and Corps. The system is sufficiently flexible to allow the relevant senior ordnance officers to authorise work being done outside the above guidelines. For example if forward repair units are under used and those to the rear are over extended then more work can be undertaken by forward units. Mike
DIVISIONAL RASC. (I like lots of small scale detail but even I find the RASC establishments excessive in this respect. Each and every vehicle has its precise function and load defined.) Headquarters Divisional RASC. War Establishment II/1931/5/2 Divisional Supply Column. War Establishment II/1931/15/3 Divisional Ammunition Company. War Establishment II/1931/13/3 Divisional Petrol Company. War Establishment II/1931/13A/2 HEADQUARTERS DIVISIONAL RASC War Establishment II/1931/5/2 Lieutenant Colonel Major, Senior Supply Officer Captain, Adjutant Captain, Ammunition Duties Captain, Requisitioning Duties Captain, Divisional Troops Supply Officer staff serjeant clerk serjeant clerk 3 X corporal clerk 2 X clerk corporal driver lance corporal driver 3 X driver 7 X batman driver 2 X cook 2 X orderly 3 X motorcyclist 1 X bicycle 3 X motorcycle 1 X car 6 seater 3 X car 4 seater 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 30cwt lorry for baggage and equipment 1 X 30cwt lorry for personnel and cooks 1 X 12cwt van for medical equipment DIVISIONAL SUPPLY COLUMN RASC War Establishment II/1931/15/3 The Divisional Supply Column consists of: Column Headquarters. Two identical Supply Echelons delivering to units on alternate days. A Workshop Section. Column Headquarters Major, Senior Supply Officer Captain Regimental Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant 2 X serjeant clerk 3 X corporal 33 X driver IC Trades etc 8 X driver IC for vehicles 4 X motorcyclist batman batman driver 3 X clerk 2 X cook 6 X lmg detachment orderly 3 X police 4 X sanitary duties storeman water dutyman 7 X motorcycle 1 X 2 seater car 1 X 4 seater car 2 X 1ton lorry (for lmg detachments). 3 X 30cwt lorry 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown 1 X 15cwt water trailer Headquarters Supply Detail serjeant butcher corporal 6 X butcher 4 X storeman RAOC I Echelon Headquarters Captain Company Serjeant Major serjeant 3 X corporal 56 X driver Trades etc clerk 8 X driver IC for vehicles 2 X motorcyclist batman batman driver 4 X cook 40 X loader officers mess cook water dutyman 12 X issuer Echelon Supply Detail Captain staff serjeant clerk 4 X serjeant clerk 5 X corporal 8 X private 3 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 1 X 12cwt van, spare 1 X 30cwt for cooks and baggage 1 X 30cwt, spare 1 X 3ton lorry for petrol 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer A Section Headquarters Subaltern serjeant batman driver 3 X lmg detachment 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachment). 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare No1 Sub Section corporal 13 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 30cwt lorry for Divisional Signals LAD 1 X 30cwt lorry for Divisional Ammunition Company 1 X 30cwt lorry for Divisional Petrol Company 1 X 30cwt lorry for Divisional Supply Column 1 X 3ton lorry for Divisional HQ, HQ RA, HQ RE and HQ RASC 1 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores 1 X 3ton lorry for RE stores No2 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for Field Park Company LAD 1 X 12cwt van for Provost Company 1 X 12cwt van for Field Hygiene Section 1 X 3ton lorry for Divisional Cavalry Regiment 1 X 3ton lorry for AT Regiment B Section Subaltern serjeant batman driver 3 X lmg detachment 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry (for lmg detachment). No3 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for infantry brigade LAD 3 X 3ton lorry for infantry brigade No4 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for Field Ambulance 1 X 12cwt van for Field Company 1 X 3ton lorry for Field Regiment 1 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores C Section Subaltern serjeant batman driver 3 X lmg detachment 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachment). No5 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for infantry brigade LAD 3 X 3ton lorry for infantry battalions No6 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for Field Ambulance 1 X 12cwt van for Field Company 1 X 3ton lorry for Field Regiment 1 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores D Section Subaltern serjeant batman driver 3 X lmg detachment 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry (for lmg detachment.) No7 Sub Section corpora 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for infantry brigade LAD 3 X 3ton lorry for infantry battalions No8 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for Field Ambulance 1 X 12cwt van for Field Company 1 X 3ton lorry for Field Regiment Signal Sections 1 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores II Echelon Headquarters Captain Company Serjeant Major serjeant 3 X corporal 56 X driver Trades etc clerk 8 X driver IC for vehicles 2 X motorcyclist batman batman driver 4 X cook 40 X loader officers mess cook water dutyman 12 X issuer Echelon Supply Detail Captain staff serjeant clerk 4 X serjeant clerk 5 X corporal 8 X private 3 X motorcycl 1 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 1 X 12cwt van, spare 1 X 30cwt for cooks and baggage 1 X 30cwt, spare 1 X 3ton lorry for petrol 2 X 3ton lorry,spare 1 X water trailer E Section Headquarters Subaltern serjeant batman driver 3 X lmg detachment 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachment). 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare No9 Sub Section corporal 13 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 30cwt lorry for Divisional Signals LAD 1 X 30cwt lorry for Divisional Ammunition Company 1 X 30cwt lorry for Divisional Petrol Company 1 X 30cwt lorry for Divisional Supply Column 1 X 3ton lorry for Divisional HQ, HQ RA, HQ RE and HQ RASC 1 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores 1 X 3ton lorry for RE stores No10 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for Field Park Company LAD 1 X 12cwt van for Provost Company 1 X 12cwt van for Field Hygiene Section 1 X 3ton lorry for Divisional Cavalry Regiment 1 X 3ton lorry for AT Regiment F Section Subaltern serjeant batman driver 3 X lmg detachment 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachment). No11 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for infantry brigade LAD 3 X 3ton lorry for infantry battalions No12 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for Field Ambulance 1 X 12cwt van for Field Company 1 X 3ton lorry for Field Regiment 1 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores G Section Subaltern serjean batman driver 3 X lmg detachment 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachment). No13 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcyc 1 X 12cwt van for infantry brigade LAD 3 X 3ton lorry for infantry battalions No14 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for Field Ambulance 1 X 12cwt van for Field Company 1 X 3ton lorry for Field Regiment 1 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores H Section Subaltern serjeant batman driver 3 X lmg detachment 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachment.) No15 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for infantry brigade LAD 3 X 3ton lorry for infantry battalions No16 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for Field Ambulance 1 X 12cwt van for Field Company 1 X 3ton lorry for Field Regiment 1 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores J Section Headquarters Subaltern Mechanist Serjeant Major mechanist staff serjeant corporal corporal clerk technical MT batman driver clerk, technical artificer 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater No17 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles blacksmith carpenter and joiner coppersmith 4 X electrician 9 X fitter turner clerk, technical MT 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No18 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles blacksmith carpenter and joiner coppersmith 3 X electrician 9 X fitter turner clerk, technical MT 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry Weapons Officers, Warrant Officers and motorcyclists carried pistols. All others carried rifles. Company HQ and each section HQ had one Bren lmg and one AT rifle. Mike.
DIVISIONAL AMMUNITION COMPANY RASC War Establishment II/1931/13/3 The Divisional Ammunition Company consists of: Company Headquarters. Three sections each carrying ammunition for an infantry brigade plus one third of divisional troops. Workshop Section. Company Headquarters Major Captain Subaltern, for superintending loading duties at ammunition refilling point Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant 3 X serjeant 4 X corporal 59 X driver Trades etc assistant for officer at ammunition refilling point administrative duties 9 X drivers of vehicles 26 X motorcyclist 2 X batman batman driver 3 X clerk 3 X cook 6 X lmg detachment orderly 3 X police 4 X sanitary duties storeman water dutyman Captain or Subaltern RA batman RA 29 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 2 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachments) 2 X 30cwt lorry 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown lorry 1 X 3ton lorry 1 X 15cwt water trailer A Section Headquarters Captain Subaltern 3 X serjeant corporal 3 X driver for vehicles 34 X driver 2 X motorcyclist 2 X batman 3 X lmg detachment 25 X loader water dutyman 3 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachment.) 1 X 30cwt lorry cooks and baggage 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No1 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunition 1 X 30cwt 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunition No2 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr and 25pdr ammunition No3 Sub Section corporal 11 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for AT rifle ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for small arms ammunition No4 Sub Section corporal 13 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 3ton lorry for 3” mortar ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for 2” ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for fireworks and explosives 2 X 3ton lorry for AT mines 1 X 30cwt lorry for grenades B Section Headquarters Captain Subaltern 3 X serjeant corporal 5 X driver for vehicles 31 X driver 2 X motorcyclist 2 X batman 3 X lmg detachment 22 X loader water dutyman 3 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachment) 1 X 30cwt lorry cooks and baggage 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No5 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunition 1 X 30cwt 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunition No6 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicle driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr and 25pdr ammunition No7 Sub Section corporal 11 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for AT rifle ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for small arms ammunition No8 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 3ton lorry for 3” mortar ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for 2” ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for fireworks and explosives 1 X 30cwt lorry for grenades C Section Headquarters Captain Subaltern 3 X serjeant corporal 5 X driver for vehicles 31 X driver 2 X motorcyclist 2 X batman 3 X lmg detachmen 22 X loader water dutyman 3 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachment). 1 X 30cwt lorry cooks and baggag 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No9 Sub Sectio corporal 9 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunitio 1 X 30cwt 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunition No10 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr and 25pdr ammunition No11 Sub Section corpora 11 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for AT rifle ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for small arms ammunition No12 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 3ton lorry for 3” mortar ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for 2” ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for fireworks and explosives 1 X 30cwt lorry for grenades D Section Headquarters Subaltern Mechanist Serjeant Major mechanist staff serjeant corporal corporal technical clerk driver technical clerk artificer 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater No13 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 14 X artificer blacksmith carpenter and joiner coppersmith 3 X electrician 8 X fitter turner clerk, technical MT 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No14 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 14 X artificer blacksmith carpenter and joiner coppersmith 3 X electrician 7 X fitter turner clerk, technical MT 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry Weapons Officers, Warrant Officers and motorcyclists carried pistols. All others carried rifles. Company HQ and each section HQ had one Bren lmg and one AT rifle. Total ammunition carried 25pdr HE 3,816 rounds 25pdr Smoke 1,224 rounds 25pdr AP 360 or 18pdr HE 384 rounds per regiment 18pdr Shrapnel 312 rounds per regiment 18pdr Smoke 48 rounds per regimen 4.5” HE 756 rounds per regiment 4.5” Smoke 252 rounds per regiment 2pdr AT 2304 rounds AT rifle 18,000 rounds .303” rifle 320,000 rounds .303” lmg AA 114,000 rounds .303” lmg 276,000 rounds .38” pistol 8,400 rounds 3” mortar HE 756 rounds 3” mortar smoke 540 rounds 2” mortar HE 1,298 rounds 2” mortar Smoke 3,888 rounds Grenades 1,620 rounds Signal pistol 1,800 rounds AT mines 2,000 mines Explosives 5 tons Mike.
DIVISIONAL PETROL COMPANY War Establishment II/1931/13A/2 The Divisional Petrol Company consists of Headquarters. Two identical petrol sections each carrying petrol for 25 miles for all the units of the division, and being capable of distributing direct to units or forming petrol points, from which units can collect petrol. One section carrying blankets for units of the division, except cavalry, artillery and engineer units, plus a reserve of clothing and equipment to be exchanged for gas contaminated items. (The possibility of gas being used as a weapon was taken very seriously). A workshop section which includes facilities for the repair and maintenance of RASC vehicles of divisional units not otherwise provided for. Headquarters Major Subaltern Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant 2 X serjeant clerk serjeant clerk 5 X corporal 37 X driver IC 4 X supply clerk administrative corporal 9 X driver of vehicles 2 X motorcyclist 3 X batman butcher 3 X clerk 7 X cook 6 X lmg detachment officers mess orderly orderly 3 X police 3 X sanitary duties storeman water dutyman Supply Detail Captain, Divisional Petrol Officer serjeant 3 X corporal tradesman 5 X motorcycle 2 X 4 seater car 2 X 1ton lorry. (for lmg detachments). 3 X 30cwt lorry 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown 1 X 15cwt water trailer A Section (Petrol). Headquarters Subaltern serjeant corporal 18 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No1 Sub Section corporal 11 X driver driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry with petrol 3 X 30cwt lorry with petrol No2 Sub Section corporal 11 X driver driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry with petrol 3 X 30cwt lorry with petrol No3 Sub Section corporal 11 X drive driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry with petrol 3 X 30cwt lorry with petrol B Section. (Petrol) Headquarters Subaltern serjeant corporal 18 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No4 Sub Section corporal 11 X driver driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry with petrol 3 X 30cwt lorry with petrol No5 Sub Section corporal 11 X driver driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry with petrol 3 X 30cwt lorry with petrol No6 Sub Section corporal 11 X driver driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry with petrol 3 X 30cwt lorry with petrol C Section. (Blankets). Headquarters Subaltern serjeant corporal 18 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No7 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with blankets 1 X 3ton lorry, spare No8 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with blankets 1 X 3ton lorry, spare No9 Sub Section corporal 15 X driver driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry with reserve clothing 5 X 3ton lorry with reserve anti gas capes and equipment 1 X 3ton lorry, spare D Section. (Vehicle repair and maintenance). Headquarters Captain Mechanist Serjeant Major 2 X mechanist staff serjeant corporal corporal technical clerk driver technical clerk artificer 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater No10 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles 21 X tradesman Trades include: 2 X blacksmith 2 X carpenter and joiner 2 X coppersmith 4 X electrician 9 X fitter 2 X turner 2 X clerk, technical MT 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No11 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles 18 X tradesman Trades include 2 X blacksmith 2 X carpenter and joiner coppersmith 4 X electrician 9 X fitte turner clerk, technical MT 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No12 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles 13 X tradesman Trades include blacksmith carpenter and joiner coppersmith 3 X electrician 7 X fitter turner clerk, technical MT 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry Weapons Officers, Warrant Officers and motorcyclists carried pistols. All others carried rifles. Company HQ and each section HQ had one Bren lmg and one AT rifle. Mike
CORPS TROOPS RASC UNITS Corps Troops Supply Column. War Establishment III/1931/42/3 Corps Troops Ammunition Company. War Establishment III/1931/40/3 Corps Troops Ammunition Park. War Establishment III/1931/37A/2 Corps Troops Petrol Park. War Establishment III/1931/36A/2 CORPS TROOPS SUPPLY COLUMN RASC WE III/1931/42/3 The Corps Troops Supply Column collects supplies from the Corps supply railhead and transports them to the Delivery Point. It consists of: Column Headquarters. Echelon Headquarters controlling two identical echelons, each of two sections delivering supplies to corps troops on alternate days. A section carrying barbed wire and wiring stores. A workshop section. Note that the Column Headquarters has: A Captain for Supply Duties with the RAF. The BEF was responsible for providing supplies for the RAF. The RAF will supply the transport. A Captain for Requisitioning Duties. When possible supplies were obtained locally. These were usually fresh vegetables, milk and other items with a short shelf life. Note also the considerable amount of barbed wire and accessories that was carried. This indicates the kind of war that was planned for. A static one. Column Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel Major, Senior Supply Officer Captain, Adjutant Captain, Supply Duties with Corps Units Captain, Supply Duties with RAF Captain, Requisitioning Duties Regimental Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant staff serjeant clerk serjeant clerk serjeant butcher serjeant cook 2 X serjeant artificer 3 X corporal 3 X corporal supply clerk corporal cook corporal butcher 15 X driver IC for vehicles 28 X driver IC including 4 X batman 3 X batman driver 3 X clerk 6 X lmg numbers orderly 2 X officers mess orderly medical orderly 3 X police 4 X sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman 3 X cook supply clerk 4 X butcher Medical Officer 4 X motorcycle 2 X 2seater car 3 X 4 seater car 2 X 1ton lorry (for lmg teams) 4 X 30cwt lorry 1 X 3ton lorry 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown 1 X 15cwt water trailer 8 X pistol 19 X rifle 1 X Bren lmg 1 X AT rifle Echelon Headquarters Controls the two identical echelons, I and II. 2 X Captain Subaltern Company Serjeant Major staff serjeant clerk 2 X serjeant clerk serjeant artificer 4 X corporal corporal clerk 9 X driver IC for vehicles batman batman driver 2 X clerk water dutyman 4 X cook 8 X issuer 40 X loader 3 X motorcyclist 2 X storeman RAOC 4 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 2 X car 4 seater 3 X 30cwt lorry 1 X 3ton lorry 1 X water trailer I Echelon A Section Headquarters Subaltern Serjeant artificer 2 X driver for vehicles motorcyclist batman driver 3 X lmg numbers 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare No1 Sub Section corporal 7 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for HQ Corps Medium Artillery and Signal Section 1 X 12cwt van for a Provost Company 1 X 3ton lorry for Corps HQ 1 X 3ton lorry for Corps Signals No2 Sub Section corporal 12 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for two field regiments 2 X 3ton lorry for two medium regiments 1 X 3ton lorry for light anti aircraft regiment No3 Sub Section corporal 12 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 30cwt lorry for three army field companies 1 X 30cwt lorry for field park company 1 X 30cwt for field survey company 1 X 3ton for engineer stores No4 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12 cwt for field hygiene section 1 X 30cwt lorry for field ambulance 1 X 30cwt lorry for motor ambulance convoy 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry for survey regiment 2 X 3ton lorry for machine gun battalions B Section No5 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for ordnance field park 1 X 3ton for army field workshop 2 X 3ton for RAOC stores No6 Sub Section corporal 12 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 6 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores No7 Sub Section corporal 12 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 30cwt lorry for corps troops supply column 1 X 30cwt lorry for corps troops ammunition company 1 X 30cwt lorry for corps petrol park 2 X 30cwt lorry for divisional ammunition sub parks 1 X 30cwt lorry for corps troops ammunition sub park II Echelon C Section Headquarters Subaltern Serjeant artificer 2 X driver for vehicles motorcyclist batman driver 3 X lmg numbers 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare No8 Sub Section corporal 7 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12cwt van for HQ Corps Medium Artillery and Signal Section 1 X 12cwt van for a Provost Company 1 X 3ton lorry for Corps HQ 1 X 3ton lorry for Corps Signals No9 Sub Section corporal 12 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for two field regiments 2 X 3ton lorry for two medium regiments 1 X 3ton lorry for light anti aircraft regiment No10 Sub Section corporal 12 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 3 X 30cwt lorry for three army field companies 1 X 30cwt lorry for field park company 1 X 30cwt for field survey company 1 X 3ton for engineer stores No11 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 12 cwt for field hygiene section 1 X 30cwt lorry for field ambulance 1 X 30cwt lorry for motor ambulance convoy 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry for survey regiment 2 X 3ton lorry for machine gun battalions D Section No12 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for ordnance field park 1 X 3ton for army field workshop 2 X 3ton for RAOC stores No13 Sub Section corporal 12 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 6 X 3ton lorry for RAOC stores No14 Sub Section corporal 12 X driver IC for vehicles driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X 30cwt lorry for corps troops supply column 1 X 30cwt lorry for corps troops ammunition company 1 X 30cwt lorry for corps petrol park 2 X 30cwt lorry for divisional ammunition sub parks 1 X 30cwt lorry for corps troops ammunition sub park E Section (Wiring) Headquarters Subaltern serjeant artificer 7 X driver for vehicles motorcyclist batman driver 2 X cook 3 X lmg numbers water dutyman 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 2 X 30cwt lorry, spare 3 X 3ton lorry, spare No15 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for barbed wire and wiring stores No16 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for barbed wire and wiring stores No17 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for barbed wire and wiring stores No18 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for barbed wire and wiring stores E Section No19 Sub Section. corporal 10 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X spare 3ton lorry 5X 3ton lorry for barbed wire and wiring stores. No20 Sub Section. corporal 10 X driver IC driver mechanic 1 X spare 3ton lorry. 5 X 3ton lorry for barbed wire and wiring stores. F Section (Vehicle repair and maintenance). Headquarters Captain Mechanist Serjeant Major 2 X mechanist staff serjeant corporal corporal clerk technical MT driver IC clerk, technical artificer 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater No21 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technica 13 X artificer 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No22 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 13 X artificer 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No23 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 13 X artificer 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry For a corps of three divisions the following are added. Echelon Headquarters 3 X driver IC A Section No4 Sub Section 2 X driver IC 1 X 3ton lorry for a machine gun battalion No5 Sub Section 2 X driver IC 1 X 3ton lorry for a field workshop No7 Sub Section 1 X driver IC 1 X 30cwt lorry for a divisional ammunition sub park C Section No11 Sub Section 2 X driver IC I X 3ton lorry for a machine gun battalion No12 Sub Section 2 X driver IC 1 X 3ton lorry for a field workshop No14 Sub Section 1 X driver IC 1 X 30cwt lorry for a divisional ammunition sub park Mike
CORPS TROOPS AMMUNITION COMPANY RASC WE III/1931/40/3 The basic establishment is for a corps of two divisions. An increment is added for a third division. The company consists of: Headquarters. A Section carrying ammunition for two army field regiments RA. 18pdr or 25pdr guns. B Section carrying ammunition for a medium regiment RA. 60pdr or 4.5inch guns. C Section carrying ammunition for a medium regiment RA. 6inch howitzers. D Section carrying ammunition for miscellaneous corps troops. E Section. Workshop. Note. A possible cause of confusion. The basic rank, the equivalent of private, in the RASC is driver. Not all drivers can drive. Those who are qualified to drive vehicles with internal combustion engines are driver IC. Although very rare in the BEF there were also drivers HT (horse transport) Company Headquarters Major Captain Subaltern Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant 3 X serjeant 4 X corporal 10 X driver IC for vehicles 15 X driver Medical Officer Captain or Subaltern RA batman RA 8 X motorcycle 3 X 2seater car 2 X 1ton lorry for lmg detachments. 1 X 30cwt lorry for company anti gas reserves. 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and cooking gear. 1 X 30cwt lorry for baggage. 1 X 30cwt lorry for medical equipment. 1 X 3ton lorry for unit petrol distribution. 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown lorry 1 X 15cwt water trailer A Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 3 X driver for vehicles 34 X driver 8 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No1 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunition 2 X 3ton 4 X 2 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunition No2 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton 4 X 2 lorry for 18pdr and 25pdr ammunition 1 X 30cwt 4 X 2 lorry for 18pdr and 25pdr ammunition No3 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunition 2 X 3ton 4 X 2 lorry for 18pdr or 25pdr ammunition No4 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton 4 X 2 lorry for 18pdr and 25pdr ammunition 1 X 30cwt 4 X 2 lorry for 18pdr and 25pdr ammunition B Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 2 X driver for vehicles 23 X driver 5 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No5 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 60pdr or 4.5” ammunition No6 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton lorry for 60pdr or 4.5” ammunition No7 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 60pdr or 4.5” ammunition C Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 3 X driver for vehicles 26 X driver 5 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No9 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 6” Howitzer ammunition No10 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 6” Howitzer ammunition D Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 3 X driver for vehicles 31 X driver 6 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No11 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for small arms ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for grenades No12 Sub Section corporal 14 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 2pdr ammunition 5 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr ammunition No13 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for anti tank mines 3 X 3ton lorry for explosives No14 Sub Section corporal 4 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 1 X 30cwt lorry for anti tank rifle ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for fireworks E Section Headquarters Subaltern Mechanist Serjeant Majo mechanist staff serjeant corporal corporal technical clerk driver technical clerk artificer 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater No15 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 13 X artificer 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical store 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No16 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artifice 3 X driver IC for vehicle clerk, technical 13 X artificer 1 X 3ton lorry for RASC technical store 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry For a corps of three divisions the following are added. D Section Headquarters. 2 X driver No14 Sub Section 4 X driver for vehicle 1 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for small arms ammunition. Note: When corps troops include two 6” howitzer medium regiments the following additions are authorised 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 lorry 4 X driver IC for vehicles 2 X driver IC Total ammunition carried 25pdr. 2,554 rounds HE. 816 rounds smoke 6” howitzer. 880 rounds .303” for lmg. 64,800 rounds .303” for mmg. 144,000 rounds .303” for rifles. 125,960 rounds .38” for pistols. 6,120 rounds .55 At rifle. 6,350 rounds. Mines. 1,232 Plus increment for third division .303” for lmg. 7,800 rounds .303” for mmg. 72,000 rounds .303” for rifles. 20.720 rounds .38” for pistols. 990 rounds .55 At rifle. 900 rounds. Mike
CORPS TROOPS AMMUNITION PARK RASC WE III/1931/37A/2 The Corps Ammunition Park is a RASC unit. Although ammunition is an Ordnance responsibility its supply and transport in the GHQ zone is a RASC responsibility. The basic organisation of the Corps Ammunition Park is: Headquarters. One Corps Troops Sub Park. Two Division Sub Parks. When a Corps has three divisions the following are added. One Corps Troops Sub Park. One Division Sub Park. The Ammunition Park is situated fairly close to the Ammunition Railhead. Ammunition is carried to the Ammunition Park by Reserve Companies assigned by GHQ. The Ammunition Park is organised and equipped to hold a reserve of ammunition on wheels, ready to move forward when the parent formations move forward. It will be replenished by vehicles assigned by GHQ. The quantities of each type of ammunition are based on standard daily consumption tables but after the initial phases of active fighting the quantities can be revised to reflect actual consumption. Park Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel Major 3 X Captain Regimental Serjeant Major serjeant clerk serjeant 2 X corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 27 X driver Medical Officer 5 X motorcycle 2 X 2seater car 1 X 4 seater car 2 X 30cwt lorry No1 Divisional Sub Park Headquarters Major 2 X Subaltern Company Serjeant Major serjeant 2 X corporal 7 X driver IC for vehicles 21 X driver 8 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 2 X 1ton lorry. lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks 1 X 30cwt lorry for baggage. 1 X 30cwt lorry for anti gas reserves. 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown 1 X water trailer A Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles 29 X driver 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X 3ton 6 X 4, spare 1 X water trailer No1 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 25pdr ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for Corps Signals No2 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 25pdr ammunition No3 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 3” mortar ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for 2” mortar ammunition No4 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for explosives 1 X 3ton lorry for fireworks 1 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr AT ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for AT rifle ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for AT mines B Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 4 X driver IC for vehicles 29 X driver 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No5 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunition No6 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunitio No7 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 3” mortar ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for 2” mortar ammunition No8 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 2 X 3ton lorry for explosives 1 X 3ton lorry for AT rifle ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr AT ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for AT mines C Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 3 X driver IC for vehicles 29 X driver 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No9 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunition No10 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunition No11 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 3” mortar ammunition No12 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for 2” mortar ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr AT ammunition D Section Headquarters Subaltern Mechanist Serjeant Major mechanist staff serjeant corporal corporal clerk, technical MT driver for vehicle clerk, technical artificer No13 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 12 X artificer No14 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 12 X artificer No2 Divisional Sub Park Headquarters Major 2 X Subaltern Company Serjeant Major serjeant 2 X corporal 7 X driver IC for vehicles 21 X driver 8 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 2 X 1ton lorry 3 X 30cwt lorry 1 X 3ton lorry 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown 1 X water trailer A Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles 29 X driver 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X 3ton 6 X 4, spare 1 X water trailer No1 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 25pdr ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for Corps Signals No2 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicle 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 25pdr ammunition No3 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 3” mortar ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for 2” mortar ammunition No4 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for explosives 1 X 3ton lorry for fireworks 1 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr AT ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for AT rifle ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for AT mines B Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 4 X driver IC for vehicles 29 X driver 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No5 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunitio No6 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunitio No7 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 3” mortar ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for 2” mortar ammunition No8 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 2 X 3ton lorry for explosives 1 X 3ton lorry for AT rifle ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr AT ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for AT mines C Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 3 X driver IC for vehicles 29 X driver 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No9 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunition No10 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunition No11 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 3” mortar ammunition No12 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for 2” mortar ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for 2pdr AT ammunition D Section Headquarters Subaltern Mechanist Serjeant Major mechanist staff serjean corporal corporal clerk, technical MT driver for vehicle clerk, technical artificer No13 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 12 X artificer 1 X 3ton lorry for technical stores and equipment 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No14 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 12 X artificer 1 X 3ton lorry for technical stores and equipment 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No3 Corps Troops Sub Park Headquarters Major 2 X Subaltern Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant serjeant 2 X corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 21 X driver 8 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 2 X 1ton lorry. lmg detachments. 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks. 1 X 30cwt lorry for baggage. 1 X 30cwt lorry for anti gas reserves. 1 X 3ton lorry for unit petrol. 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown 1 X water trailer A Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 4 X driver IC for vehicles 27 X driver 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 1 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X 3ton 6 X 4, spare 1 X water trailer No1 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 25pdr ammunition No2 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 25pdr ammunition 4 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunition No3 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicle 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunition No4 Sub Section corporal 9 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton lorry for 25pdr ammunition B Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 3 X driver IC for vehicles 20 X driver 2 X motorcycl 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 2 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No5 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 60pdr ammunition No6 Sub Section corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton lorry for 60pdr ammunition No7 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicle 1 X motorcycl 5 X 3ton lorry for 60pdr ammunition C Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 4 X driver IC for vehicles 23 X driver 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 1 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No8 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for 6” howitzer ammunition No9 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 6” howitzer ammunition No10 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry for 6” howitzer ammunition D Section Headquarters Subaltern 2 X serjeant corporal 4 X driver IC for vehicles 27 X driver 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1ton lorry, lmg detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks and baggage 1 X 30cwt lorry, spare 1 X 3ton lorry, spare 1 X water trailer No11 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver I 1 X motorcycle 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry for small arms ammunition 2 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 30cwt lorry for grenades No12 Sub Section corporal 8 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 3 X 3ton lorry for explosives 2 X 3ton lorry for AT mines No13 Sub Section corporal 10 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton for 40mm AA ammunition No14 Sub Section corporal 3 X driver IC for vehicles 1 X motorcycle 2 X 30cwt lorry for fireworks and AT rifle ammunition For a third division the following are added 1 X 30cwt lorry for small arms ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry for small arms ammunition E Section. Workshop. Headquarters Subaltern Mechanist Serjeant Major mechanist staff serjeant corporal corporal clerk, technical MT driver for vehicle clerk, technica artificer No15 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 13 X artificer 1 X 3ton lorry for technical stores and equipment 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorr 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry No16 Sub Section serjeant artificer corporal artificer 3 X driver IC for vehicles clerk, technical 13 X artificer 1 X 3ton lorry for technical stores and equipment 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 workshop lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry Mike
CORPS TROOPS PETROL PARK War Establishment III/1931/36A/2 The Petrol Park is organised to hold a reserve of petrol on wheels, sufficient to supply a corps with petrol for eighty miles of road travel. The Petrol Park is organised as follows: Headquarters. No 1 Petrol Sub Park which provides second line transport of petrol for non divisional units. Divisions have their own organic second line transport. Second line transport carries petrol from the Division Refilling Point to units Delivery Points. No 2 Petrol Sub Park which provides third line transport for divisional units and non divisional units. Third line transport carries petrol from Railhead to Refilling Points. Headquarters Major Captain Captain Adjutant Subaltern Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant 2 X serjeant clerk serjeant clerk 3 X corporal corporal supply clerk 10 X driver IC for vehicles 29 X driver IC 2 X supply cler 4 X motorcycle 1 X 2seater car 2 X 4 seater car 2 X 1ton lorry 4 X 30cwt lorry 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown 1 X 15cwt water trailer No1 Petrol Sub Park No1 Sub Park is 2nd line transport carrying: Petrol and lubricants for fifty miles for the vehicles of non divisional units Anti gas reserves for the personnel of non divisional units Headquarters Captain Subaltern serjeant corporal 6 X driver IC for vehicles 9 X driver I 3 X motorcycle 1 X 2seater car 1 X 4 seater car 3 X 30cwt lorry 1 X 15cwt water trailer A Section Headquarters. Subaltern serjeant 5 X corporal 43 X driver IC for vehicles 15 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No1 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton lorry with petrol for medium regiments RA No2 Sub Sectio 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton lorry with petrol for field regiments RA No3 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 1 X 30cwt lorry with petrol for LAA regiment 2 X 3ton lorry with petrol for LAA regiment 2 X 3ton lorry with petrol for machine gun battalions No4 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 2 X 30cwt lorry with petrol for field workshops 2 X 3ton lorry with petrol for field workshops 2 X 3ton lorry with petrol for corps signals B Section Headquarters. Subaltern serjeant 4 X corporal 34 X driver IC for vehicles 13 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No5 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol for other corps troops No6 Sub Sectio 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol for other corps troops No7 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 6 X 3ton lorry with petrol for other corps troops C Section Headquarters. Subaltern serjeant 3 X corporal 17 X driver IC for vehicles 9 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No8 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton lorry with anti gas reserves No9 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton lorry with anti gas reserves No2 Petrol Sub Park No2 Sub Park is 3rd line transport for carrying Petrol and lubricants for twenty five miles for the vehicles of divisional and non divisional units of a corps Anti gas reserves for the personnel of divisional and non divisional units in a corps. Headquarters Captain Subaltern serjeant corporal 7 X driver IC for vehicle 10 X driver IC 3 X motorcycle 1 X 2seater car 1 X 4 seater car 3 X 30cwt lorry 1 X 15cwt water trailer D Section Subaltern serjeant 5 X corporal 36 X driver IC for vehicles 16 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No10 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol No11 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol No12 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol for LAA regiment No13 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 6 X 3ton lorry with petrol for field workshops E Section Subaltern serjeant 5 X corporal 36 X driver IC for vehicles 16 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No14 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol No15 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol No16 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol for LAA regiment No17 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 6 X 3ton lorry with petrol for field workshops F Section with 18 and 19 sub sections only exists in a corps of three divisions. See Below. G Section Subaltern serjeant 3 X corporal 19 X driver IC for vehicles 11 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No21 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 6 X 3ton lorry with anti gas reserves No22 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 6 X 3ton lorry with anti gas reserves H Section Subaltern serjeant 3 X corporal 19 X driver IC for vehicles 11 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry No24 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 6 X 3ton lorry with anti gas reserves No25 Sub Section 1 X motorcycle 6 X 3ton lorry with anti gas reserves In a Corps of three divisions the following additions are made: No3 Sub Section. 1 X 30cwt lorry with petrol for a machine battalion No4 Sub Section. 1 X 30cwt lorry for a field workshop 1 X 3ton lorry for a field workshop No5 Sub Section. 1 X 3ton lorry for petrol No6 Sub Section. 1 X 3ton lorry for petrol No8 Sub Section. 1 X 3ton lorry with anti gas reserves F Section No18 Sub Section. 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol No19 Sub Section. 5 X 3ton lorry with petrol No20 Sub Section. 4 X 3ton lorry with petrol G Section. No23 Sub Section. 4 X 3ton lorry with anti gas reserves H Section. No26 Sub Section. 4 X 3ton lorry with anti gas reserves Workshop Section The workshop section is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all the vehicles of the Petrol Park plus the vehicles of Corps Headquarters Corps Employment Platoon Field Hygiene Section Field Ambulance Field Cash Office Air Intelligence Liaison Section Captain Mechanist Serjeant Major 2 X mechanist staff serjeants 4 X serjeant artificer corporal 4 X corporal artificer corporal clerk 12 X driver IC for vehicles driver IC 5 X clerk 65 X artificer 1 X motorcycle 4 X 3ton lorry 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown lorry 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry For a corps of three divisions the following additions are made 2 X clerk 11 X artificers Mike
GHQ TROOPS COMPANY WE III/1931/36/2 The GHQ Troops Company was responsible for the supply of ammunition, petrol and supplies to those units attached directly to GHQ and not assigned to Corps or Divisions. GHQ Artillery was not included since these regiments had their own dedicated RASC units. The organisation is complex since the Company contains headquarters plus an increment for each unit attached to GHQ. The vehicles to be provided are listed in the RASC Transport Allocation Tables. Transport is divided into an Ammunition and Petrol Wing and a Supply Wing. Company Headquarters Major Captain 2 X serjeant 2 X corporal driver mechanic 27 X driver IC 3 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 1 X 1 ton lorry for AA detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for cooks 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for baggage 1 X 3ton lorry GS for anti gas reserves 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown lorry 1 X 15cwt water trailer 5 X pistol 29 X rifle 1 X Bren lmg 1 X AT rifle Headquarters Ammunition and Petrol Wing This wing is for the 2nd and 3rd line transport of ammunition and petrol to units assigned to GHQ. A number of sections will be formed depending on the numbers of working vehicles assigned to the wing at any given time. The number of working vehicles is worked out according to the RASC Transport Allocation Table which details the vehicles to be provided for each unit. Captain Subaltern Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant 2 X serjeant 3 X corporal 1 X driver mechanic 44 X driver IC 2 X tradesman 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 5 X 1 ton lorry for AA detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for supply equipment 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for cooks 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for baggage 1 X 3ton lorry GS for anti gas reserves 1 X 3ton lorry GS for unit petrol 2 X 3ton lorry GS for AT mines 1 X 15cwt water trailer 4 X pistol 52 X rifle 5 X Bren lmg 5 X AT rifle Headquarters Supplies Wing The supplies wing operates on the double echelon system and operates separately from the ammunition and petrol wing. A number of sections are formed depending on the number of vehicles assigned according to the RASCTransport Allocation Table. 2 X Captain Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant staff serjeant clerk serjeant 6 X corporal driver mechanic 33 X driver 4 X tradesman 7 X private 2 X storeman RAOC 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 3 X 1 ton lorry for AA detachment 1 X 30cwt lorry for supply equipment 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for cooks 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for baggage 2 X 3ton lorry GS for RE stores 2 X 3ton lorry GS for RAOC stores 6 X 3ton lorry GS for reserve clothing 1 X 3ton lorry for unit petrol 1 X 15cwt water trailer 4 X pistol 55 X rifle 3 X Bren lmg 3 X AT rifle RASC Transport Allocation Table The following personnel and vehicles are provided for each unit attached to GHQ (except artillery) GHQ 1st Echelon 11 X drivers for vehicles 6 X drivers for loading 1 X 3ton lorry GS for petrol 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for petrol 4 X 3ton lorry GS for Supplies HQ GHQ Troops 7 X drivers for vehicles 4 X drivers for loading 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for petrol 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Supplies GHQ Signals 7 X drivers for vehicles 4 X drivers for loading 1 X 3ton lorry GS for petrol 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for petrol 2 X 3ton lorry GS for Supplies Military Prison 4 X drivers for vehicles 2 X drivers for loading 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Supplies Cavalry Armoured Car Regiment 14 X drivers for vehicles 7 X drivers for loading 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry GS for Ammunition 1 X 3ton lorry GS for Ammunition 3 X 3ton lorry GS for petrol 2 X 3ton lorry GS for Supplie 2 X motorcycle Each Army Field Survey Company RE 7 X drivers for vehicles 4 X drivers for loading 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for petrol 1 X 3ton lorry GS for petrol 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Supplies Each Field Company RE 11 X drivers for vehicles 6 X drivers for loading 2 X 3ton lorry GS for Ammunition 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for petrol 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Supplies Each Chemical Warfare Company RE 22 X drivers for vehicles 12 X drivers for loading 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry GS for Ammunition 7 X 3ton lorry GS for Ammunition 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for petrol 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Supplies Each Army Tank Battalion 29 X drivers for vehicles 13 X drivers for loading 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry GS for Ammunition 5 X 3ton lorry GS for Ammunition 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Ammunition 4 X 3ton lorry GS for petrol 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for petrol 2 X 3ton lorry GS for Supplies 2 X motorcycle Each Light Tank Regiment 25 X drivers for vehicles 13 X drivers for loading 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 lorry GS for Ammunition 5 X 3ton lorry GS for Ammunition 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Ammunition 3 X 3ton lorry GS for petrol 2 X 3ton lorry GS for Supplies 2 X motorcycle Each Reserve MT Company RASC 13 X drivers for vehicles 7 X drivers for loading 4 X 3ton lorry GS for petrol 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for petrol 2 X 3ton lorry GS for Supplies Each Bridge Company RASC 10 X drivers for vehicles 5 X drivers for loading 3 X 3ton lorry GS for petro 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Supplies Each Motor Ambulance Company 7 X drivers for vehicles 4 X drivers for loadin 1 X 3ton lorry GS for petrol 1 X 30cwt lorry GS for petrol 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Supplies Each Casualty Clearing Station 4 X drivers for vehicles 2 X drivers for loading 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Supplies Each Advanced Depot Medical Stores 4 X drivers for vehicles 2 X drivers for loading 2 X 30cwt lorry GS for Supplies Each GHQ Troops Workshop RAOC 7 X drivers for vehicles 4 X drivers for loading 1 X 3ton lorry GS for Petrol 1 X 30cwt lorry for Petrol 2 X 3ton lorry GS for Supplies Each Reception Camp 4 X drivers for vehicles 2 X drivers for loading 2 X 3ton lorry GS for Supplies Notes: Each transport section formed will have a headquarters consisting of Subaltern serjeant 2 X driver 2 X motorcycles 1 X car 2 seater Notes. One ammunition transport section will be commanded by a Captain Each subsection will have a corporal in charge One cook will be provided for each 50 personnel Spare vehicles will be allowed on a scale of 10% of the total unit vehicles One spare driver will be provided for each 10% of spare vehicles One driver mechanic will be provided for each nine drivers Where no specific transport is provided for a unit supplies, petrol and ammunition will be obtained from existing resources or the formation to which the unit is attached. Mike
LINE of COMMUNICATION RAILHEAD COMPANY. War Establishment WE IV/1931/34B/1. The Line of Communication Railhead Company was introduced as a precaution in case of the interruption of normal operation of the pack train to railhead. The company carried a reserve of one days supplies, including petrol, for issue to formations should the routine daily delivery to railhead not be possible. The company also carried a reserve of anti gas clothing, replacement issue uniforms and other anti gas stores. The company consisted of: Headquarters. Five identical operating sections. A Workshop section. The operating sections were identical and could be located separately. 10 ton lorries are listed as the task vehicles but these were not available and 6 ton lorries were used instead. At the time the most numerous 6ton lorry was the Foden but there were very similar vehicles available from Dennis, ERFand Maudsley. All were forward control with standard wooden GS body. The 15cwt van was in fact a 15cwt platoon truck with canvas tilt. In all RASC units Reserve Vehicles were provided to replace task vehicles undergoing routine servicing or repair. They were not to be used to augment the task vehicles. Headquarters. 3 Officers. Warrant Officer. 3 serjeants. 3 corporals. 60 other ranks. 3 motorcycles. 2 car, 4 seater. 15cwt van for cooks. 30cwt lorry for baggage. 2 X 6 wheel Breakdown Tractor. A Railhead Section. Officer. Sergeant. 5 Corporal 52 other ranks. 1 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 2 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 3 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 4 Subsection. Motorcycle. 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. 5 Subsection. Motorcycle. 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. B Railhead Section. Officer. Sergeant. 5 Corporal 52 other ranks. 6 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 7 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 8 Subsection Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 9 Subsection. Motorcycle 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. 10 Subsection. Motorcycle 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. C Railhead Section. Officer. Sergeant. 5 Corporal 52 other ranks. 11 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 12 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 13 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 14 Subsection. Motorcycle. 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. 15 Subsection. Motorcycle. 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. D Railhead Section. Officer. Sergeant. 5 Corporal 52 other ranks. 16 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 17 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 18 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve 19 Subsection. Motorcycle. 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. 20 Subsection. Motorcycle. 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. D Railhead Section. Officer. Sergeant 5 Corporal 52 other ranks. 21 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 22 Subsection. Motorcycle 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 23 Subsection. Motorcycle. 5 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 10 ton lorry, reserve. 24 Subsection. Motorcycle. 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. 25 Subsection. Motorcycle. 4 X 10 ton lorry for supplies. 2 X 10 ton lorry for gas reserves. F Section. Workshop. Officer. Warrant Officer. 3 serjeant 4 corporal 37 other ranks. Headquarters. Motorcycle. 2 seater car. 26 Subsection. 3ton 6 X 4 lorry, technical stores. 3ton 6 X 4 lorry, workshop. 3ton 6 X 4 lorry, stores. 27 Subsection. 3ton 6 X 4 lorry, technical stores. 3ton 6 X 4 lorry, workshop. 3ton 6 X 4 lorry, stores. Mike
ANIMAL TRANSPORT UNITS. Although the BEF was fully mechanised it was decided that some animal transport companies would be useful in areas where the terrain or shelling made it difficult for mechanical transport to operate. One Pack Transport Company was sent from the UK and four Animal Transport Companies from the Indian Army’s RIASC. Beware: Animal Transport units use the abbreviation AT, as opposed to A/Tk for anti tank units. PACK TRANSPORT COMPANY. War Establishment WE III/1931/45/2. This consisted of: Headquarters. Three Sections each of 90 pack mules, each section consisting of 9 subsections. Headquarters. Major. Captain. Staff Serjeant Major. Company Serjeant Major. Company Quartermaster Serjeant. Serjeant. Corporal. Wheeler. 15 Driver HT (horse transport) for spare mules. 2 spare drivers. Batman/groom Cook 4 General dutyman. Serjeant RAVC. 6 Riding horses 30 pack mules 2 carts for antigas reserves. 2 carts for company baggage. 4 carts for supplies. A Section. Headquarters. Subaltern. Serjeant. Serjeant farrier. Serjeant saddler Corporal Farrier Saddler Batman/groom Cook 2 general duties 2 riding horses. Cart for baggage 2 carts for supplies. 1 to 9 sub sections each: Corporal 5 pack mule driver Spare driver 10 pack mules. B Section Headquarters. Subaltern. Serjeant. Serjeant farrier. Serjeant saddler Corporal Farrier Saddler Batman/groom Cook 2 general duties 2 riding horses. Cart for baggage 2 carts for supplies. 10 to 18 sub sections each: Corporal 5 pack mule driver Spare driver 10 pack mules. C Section. Headquarters. Subaltern. Serjeant. Serjeant farrier. Serjeant saddler Corporal Farrier Saddler Batman/groom Cook 2 general duties 2 riding horses. Cart for baggage 2 carts for supplies. 19 to 27 sub sections each: Corporal 5 pack mule driver Spare driver 10 pack mules. Officer, Warrant Officer and serjeants armed with pistols, the remainder are unarmed. INDIAN ARMY FORCE K6. Force K6 travelled by sea from India, through the Suez Canal, across the Mediterranean and landed at Marseilles which had a BEF Line of Communication Sub Area to handle such movements. Force K6 consisted of: Headquarters, Reinforcement Unit. 47 Supply Depot Section. Advance Remount Depot. Section, Indian General Hospital. Some of the organisational details and ranks of the Indian Army dated back to the days of the Honourable East India Company, the wealthy and powerful British trading company which controlled much of India before the Indian Mutiny. Many British organisational details were introduced when Queen Victoria became Empress of India and her representative, the Viceroy of India ruled the sub continent. There were now British Officers, Kings Commissioned Officers, and Indian Officers, Viceroys Commissioned Officers. The old ranks and titles were retained. The following are only those listed in the War Establishments below. Subedar = Captain. Risaldar = Captain in cavalry or other units using horses (or mules). Jemadar = Lieutenant. Duffadar (or Daffadar) = serjeant in cavalry or other units using horses (or mules). Naik = corporal. Bhisti = water carrier. Dhobi = laundry man. Syce = groom. Duffadar or Daffadar? When transcribing Indian words from Hindi, Gurmurkhi or Urdu languages much depended on the accent of the transcriber. A well educated upper class officer or official might write the word as Duffadar while the honest and upright Yorkshireman might write the same word as Daffadar. Punjab or Panjab? Another hangover from the old system was It was the number of non combatants who were on the official establishment to carry out non combative duties such as clerks, cooks, orderlies, general dutymen, mess servants etc. In the old Honourable East India Company’s army the fighting men could be of high caste and be well paid. They travelled with their families and servants, and all manner of camp followers. The sepoy was not expected to perform menial tasks. Indian Animal Transport Company. Headquarters. British personnel Major Warrant Officer, Sub Conductor. Indian personnel. Risaldar, Adjutant. Subadar, assistant surgeon Daffadar, quartermaster. Naik, nursing orderl Naik 5 X orderly Ward servant. 41 X follower including Religious advisor Clerk. 8 X saddler 3 X blacksmith 3 X hammerman 4 X bellowsboy 9 X farrier. 2 X carpenter Tailor. 2 X bootmaker. 2 X barber. Washerman. Officers Mess servant. 3 X syces. Riding horse. 2 X riding pony. 1 Sub Division. British Officer, Major or Captain. Jemadar, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon. Veterinary Sowar. Syce Orderly Riding Horse. 2 X riding pony. 2 Sub Division. British Officer, Major or Captain. Jemadar, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon. Veterinary Sowar. Syce Orderly Riding Horse 2 X riding pony. No1, Animal Transport Draft Troop. Jemadar Daffadar 3 X naik 53 other ranks. 4 X follower including, Cook Sweeper Bhisti Syce. 2 X riding horses. 88 X mule 44 X 2 wheel cart. 8 X spare mule. No2, Animal Transport Draft Troop. Jemadar Daffadar 3 X naik 53 other ranks. 4 X follower including, Cook Sweeper Bhisti Syce. 2 X riding horses. 88 X mule. 44 X 2 wheel cart. 8 X spare mule. No3, Animal Transport Draft Troop. Jemadar Daffadar 3 X naik 53 other ranks. 4 X follower including, Cook Sweeper Bhisti Syce. 2 X riding horses. 88 X mule. 44 X 2 wheel cart. 8 X spare mule. No4, Animal Transport Pack Troop. Jemadar Daffadar 3 X naik 53 other ranks. 4 X follower including, Cook Sweeper Bhisti Syce. 2 X riding pony. 88 X pack mule. 8 X spare mule. Arrangements were made for the Animal Transport Companies to draw the following from RASC Vehicle Reserve Depots. Motorcycle. 3 X 30cwt 4 X 2 lorries. 4 X 3ton 4 X 2 lorries. Special arrangements were made for the following rations to be provided. Live sheep. Muslim custom required freshly slaughtered meat. Rice imported from India. Spices imported from India. Mule drawn carts of the RIASC in France. Pack saddle. Details of Cypriot units are not known to me. If anyone has details please feel free to post them. This concludes the section on the RASC involvement in the movement of supplies forward of the railhead. Complicated or what? There will be a short break before posting the RAOCs role in the GHQ area. Mike.
SHHH! Mike made an error when describing the organisation of the RAOC in Post 65. The Army Field Workshop was confused with that of a later organisation. This has been corrected. Dont tell anyone. Mike.
RAOC. GHQ TROOPS WORKSHOP War Establishment III/1931/52/3 In some cases the establishments are wishful thinking (forward planning). It is doubtful if the establishment of heavy tractors was achieved and the establishment of 10 wheeled heavy recovery transporters was certainly not achieved. The GHQ Troops Workshop consists of: A Main Workshop. A Recovery Section for GHQ artillery units. Six Line of Communication Recovery Sections. A Light Aid Detachment for each GHQ artillery regiment. The Line of Communication recovery sections are based on the workshop and are responsible for recovering vehicles to GHQ Troops Workshop, Army Field Workshops or railheads. In the BEF they spent most of their time keeping clear the long routes from ports of disembarkation to the GHQ zone. Most of this road traffic consisted of the road parties of recently landed units on their way to Assembly Areas and Concentration Areas. The artillery recovery section may be augmented from the main workshop as necessary. Light Aid Detachments are permanently attached to GHQ artillery regiments and come under the command of those regiments. Main Workshop 4 X Officer 3 X Warrant Officer 14 X serjeants and staff serjeants 84 X rank and file 7 X attached (batmen and cooks) 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 x car 4 seater 1 X 28 seater bus 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks 7 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery 3 X 3ton lorry for spare parts 1 X 3ton lorry for tools and equipment 1 X 3ton lorry for shelter 1 X 15cwt water trailer. 8 X pistol 97 X rifle 2 X Bren lmg 2 X AT rifle Recovery Section for GHQ artillery regiments. 2 X Officer 2 X Warrant Officer 6 X serjeants and staff serjeants 59 X rank and file 4 X attached (batmen and cooks) 2 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater 1 X 15cwt truck for cooks 1 X 30cwt for shelter 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery 3 X 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown 1 X Heavy Recovery Tractor 2 X 3ton lorry for spare parts 3 X four wheeled recovery trailer 1 X 15cwt water trailer. 4 X pistol 65 X rifle 1 X Bren lmg 1 X AT rifle 6 X LoC Recovery Section each Officer Warrant Officer 4 X serjeants and staff serjeants 23 X rank and file 2 X attached (batmen and cooks) 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 15cwt truck for cooks 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown 1 X Heavy Breakdown Tractor 1 X Heavy Transporter trailer 10 wheel 2 X four wheeled recovery trailer. 3 X pistol 26 X rifle 1 X Bren lmg 1 X AT rifle Mike.
ARMY FIELD WORKSHOP War Establishment III/1931/53/3 One of the many units with misleading names. The Army Field Workshop is really a divisional unit. However it is attached to a division and not an organic part of it. One Army Field Workshop is provided for each division sent to join the BEF. The Army Field Workshop consists of: A Main Workshop. A Recovery Section for divisional artillery units. A Recovery Section for the remaining divisional units. A Recovery Section for corps troops. There are also fifteen Light Aid Detachments for permanent attachment to the following: Divisional Cavalry Regiment Each Artillery Regiment Each Infantry Brigade Each Machine Gun Battalion Each Field Park Company Divisional Signals Main Workshop Lieutenant Colonel, OME 1st Class Major, OME 2nd Class 3 X Subaltern OME 3rd or 4th Class OEO 2nd or 3rd Class 2 X Warrant Officer Class I Armament Artificer 3 X Warrant Officer Class II Armament Artificer 14 X staff serjeant armament artificer staff serjeant armourer 3 X Warrant Officer Artizan 13 X serjeant and staff serjeant artizan 11 X corporal artisan 140 X artizan serjeant clerk 5 X clerk serjeant storeman 2 X corporal storeman 7 X storeman 40 X non tradesman Trades etc Warrant Officer Class I Armament Artificer for instrument work 2 X staff serjeant armament artificer for wireless and signal stores repair 16 X armament artificer, fitter armourer 10 X blacksmith 9 X coppersmith 12 X electrician 44 X fitter 45 X fitter MT 5 X hammerman 3 X instrument mechanic 2 X riveter 6 X textile re fitter 6 X turner 3 X vulcaniser 5 X welder 12 X wheeler 5 X wireless mechanic 6 X cler 10 X storeman 2 X batman driver 36 X driver IC 2 X motorcyclist Attached (may be personnel unfit for general service with fighting units) serjeant cook 3 X batman officers mess cook officers mess servant 5 X cook 2 X sanitary dutyman water dutyman 2 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 3 X 28 seater bus 1 X 30cwt lorry for cooks 18 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery 6 X 3ton lorry for spare parts 3 X 3ton lorry for tools and equipment 1 X 3ton lorry for shelter 1 X 15cwt water trailer. 11 X pistol 251 X rifle 2 X Bren lmg 2 X AT rifle 15 X Light Aid Detachment each: Subaltern Warrant Officer Artificer driver mechanic electrician 4 X fitter batman driver 2 X driver IC motorcyclist 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown lorr 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores lorry 2 X pistol 11 X rifle 3 X Recovery Section each: 2 X Captain or Subaltern 2 X Warrant Officer Armament Artificer 3 X serjeant and staff serjeant armament artificer 2 X serjeant artisan 2 X corporal artisan 35 X artisan serjeant clerk 2 X clerk 5 X storeman 15 X non tradesman Trades etc Warrant Officer Class I Armament Artificer for instrument work 5 X armament artificer, fitter 2 X blacksmith 2 X coppersmith 5 X driver mechanic 3 X electrician 11 X fitter 11 X fitter MT hammerman 2 X turner welder wheeler 3 X clerk 5 X storeman 2 X batman driver 11 X driver IC 2 X motorcyclist Attached (may be personnel unfit for general service with fighting units) 2 X cook sanitary dutyman water dutyman 2 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater 1 X 30cwt for shelter 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery 3 X 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown 2 X 3ton lorry for spare parts 1 X Breakdown Tractor or Artillery Tractor 1 X 15cwt for cooks 3 X recovery trailer 1 X 15cwt water trailer. 4 X pistol 69 X rifle 1 X Bren lmg 1 X AT rifle Mike
ORDNANCE FIELD PARK War Establishment III/1931/54/3 The Ordnance Field Park consists of: Headquarters A Reserve Vehicle Section Two Corps Sections Two Divisional Sections In a corps of three divisions one extra Corps Section and one Divisional Section are added. The Reserve Section and the Corps Sections are not fully mobile since they do not have sufficient transport to move all the boxed stores and assemblies in one lift. Total Personnel. Lieutenant Colonel 2 X Major 6 X Captain 5 X Subaltern Company Serjeant Major Clerk staff serjeant armament artificer 2 X serjeant tradesman 6 X serjeant clerk 12 X clerk 6 X serjeant storeman 45 X storeman 6 X serjeant 221 X non tradesman Trades etc Armament Artificer coppersmith 16 X driver mechanic electrician 5 X fitter 19 X clerk 51 X storeman 5 X batman driver 191 X driver IC 11 X motorcyclist Attached (may be personnel unfit for general service with fighting units) 5 X batman driver 6 X batman 8 X cook 2 X sanitary dutyman 3 X water dutyman Total vehicles. 11 X motorcycle 5 X car 2 seater 4 X car 4 seater 8 X 15cwt GS 2 X 3ton 6 X 4 Derrick 34 X 3ton 6 X 4 Stores 3 X 3ton 6 X 4 Batteries 3 X 3ton 6 X 4 Battery Charging 8 X 3ton lorry for boxed stores 10 X 3ton lorry for assemblies 1 X airline pole trailer 1 X 15cwt water trailer. 26 X pistol 309 X rifle 8 X Bren lmg 8 X AT rifle Headquarters Ordnance Field Park. Lieutenant Colonel serjeant clerk clerk driver IC motorcyclist batman 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 4 seater 2 X pistol 4 X rifle Reserve Vehicle Section The Reserve Vehicle Section consists of: Headquarters with two officers and forty eight other ranks Three replacement vehicle convoys each of one officer and forty two other ranks The Reserve Vehicle Section holds a part of the base stock of replacement vehicles for emergency issue to units on the basis of: 2.5% of vehicles in corps and corps troops 1.25% of attached GHQ troops 2 X Captain 3 X Subaltern Company Serjeant Major Clerk staff serjeant armament artificer serjeant clerk 3 X clerk 4 X serjeant storeman 9 X storeman 4 X serjean 142 X non tradesman Trades etc Armament Artificer coppersmith 6 X driver mechanic electrician fitter 5 X clerk 13 X storeman 3 X batman driver 130 X driver IC 4 X motorcyclist batman 6 X cook sanitary dutyman water dutyman 4 X motorcycle 3 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 2 X 15cwt GS 6 X 3ton 6 X 4 Stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Batteries 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Battery Charging 2 X 3ton lorry for boxed stores 2 X 3ton lorry for assemblies 1 X airline pole trailer 1 X 15cwt water trailer. 10 X pistol 169 X rifle 2 X Bren lmg 2 X AT rifle 2 X Corps Section Major Captain Subaltern serjeant tradesman serjeant clerk 3 X clerk serjeant storeman 14 X storeman serjeant 31 X non tradesman Trades etc 4 X driver mechanic 2 X fitter 4 X clerk 15 X storeman batman driver 25 X driver IC 2 X motorcyclist batman cook sanitary dutyman water dutyman 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater 2 X 15cwt GS 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Derrick 11 X 3ton 6 X 4 Stores 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Batteries 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Battery Charging 2 X 3ton lorry for boxed stores 4 X 3ton lorry for assemblies 1 X 15cwt water trailer. 5 X pistol 55 X rifle 2 X Bren lmg 2 X AT rifle 2 X Divisional Section Captain serjeant clerk clerk 4 X storeman 7 X non tradesman Trades etc driver mechanic 2 X clerk 4 X storeman 5 X driver IC motorcyclist batman 1 X motorcycle 1 X 15cwt GS 3 X 3ton 6 X 4 Stores 1 X 3ton lorry for boxed stores 2 X pistol 13 X rifle 1 X Bren lmg 1 X AT rifle Mike
By way of illustration, an early Phoney-War image of a Crossley IGL gantry lorry from IWM. Based on the early date, presumably from 1 Army Field Workshop. It seems to be displaying the arm of service sign with corps bar, but no corps or divisional formation sign. The movement serial 2106 has not yet been overpainted, but I don't have it in my lists. THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (BEF) IN FRANCE 1939-1940