MOTOR TRANSPORT UNITS RASC By 1944 Mechanical Transport Companies were organised on a brick system and consisted of a variable number and types of platoon which were interchangeable between companies. The companies themselves could be readily converted to other roles. MECHANICAL TRANSPORT UNITS Headquarters CRASC. War Establishment II/261/3. April 1945 Headquarters CRASC. War Establishment IV/92/3. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company. War Establishment II/262/3. March 1945 Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company. War Establishment IV/93/3. Transport Platoon. War Establishment II/263/3. March 1945 Transport Platoon. War Establishment IV/94/3. Composite Platoon. War Establishment II/266/3. March 1945 Composite Platoon. War Establishment IV/97/3. General Duties Platoon. War Establishment II/264. March 1945 Supply Platoon. War Establishment II/265/3. March 1945 Supply Platoon. War Establishment IV/96/3 Relief Driver Increment. War Establishment II/267/1. March 1945 Relief Driver Increment. War Establishment IV/98/3 Workshop Platoon. War Establishment II/268/3. March 1945 Workshop Platoon. War Establishment IV/99/4 Most of the above War Establishments remained unchanged throughout the campaign. The March/April 1945 tables replaced earlier tables which were identical except for 15cwt trucks being listed as 4 X 4 instead of 4 X 2, car 2 seater being now listed as light utility and changes in description of some personnel. RASC Platoon for a Super Heavy Regiment RA. War Establishment XIV/1847/1. March 1945. HQ Mechanical Transport (Mixed) Company. War Establishment XIV/1833/1. December 1944. Transport Platoon ATS. War Establishment XIV/606/1. December 1944. Relief Driver Increment ATS. War Establishment XIV/605/1. December 1944. Relief Driver Increment Type A. War Establishment XIV/1831/1. December 1944 See also Bridge Company RASC. War Establishment III/225/1 Headquarters Army Car Company RASC. War Establishment XIV/1826/1 Headquarters Corps Car Company RASC. War Establishment III/284/1 HEADQUARTERS CRASC. War Establishment II/261/3. April 1945. This establishment table contains only five minor amendments from the previous war establishment II/261/2 This headquarters was designed to command and administer two to five transport companies. The companies were of a wide variety of types and could be used in a large number of roles. Personnel Lieutenant Colonel, CRASC Major, ammunition, petrol and supplies, Major, repair and maintenance Captain, Adjutant 3 X Captain Whichever Major is senior will also be second in command Regimental Serjeant Major staff serjeant clerk serjeant clerk 3 X corporal clerk, including one for ammunition and one for supply duties 3 X private 7 X driver of vehicle 2 X batman 4 X batman driver office orderly medical officers orderly 6 X motorcyclist Total 37 Plus attached Medical Officer RAMC 3 X cook ACC Note: 2 X Captain and 2 X clerk may be used to form the nucleus of a new company for detached duty if necessary. Such a company would draw on the existing resources. When the Headquarters CRASC is serving an armoured division an ammunition adviser RAC is attached. When the Headquarters CRASC is serving an infantry division an ammunition storeman is authorised. Transport 1 X bicycle 6 X motorcycle 4 X light utility, including one modified to carry two stretchers for the medical officer. 3 X car 4 seater 1 X truck 15cwt 4 X 4 GS, for medical officer. 2 X 3ton 4 X 2 lorry 1 X water trailer, 180 gallon Weapons 1 X twin Bren lmg 1 X PIAT Note: no extra personnel are allotted to man these weapons. Organisation 1 X bicycle Motorcycle 1 motorcyclist Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Motorcycle 6 motorcyclist Car light utility 1 Captain, batman driver Car light utility 2 Captain, batman driver Car light utility 3 Captain, batman driver Car light utility 4 Medical Officer, driver IC Fitted with stretcher carrying equipment. Car 4 seater 4 X 2 1 Lieutenant Colonel, adjutant, batman, driver IC Car 4 seater 4 X 2 2 Major, driver IC Car 4 seater 4 X 2 3 Major, driver IC 15cwt GS medical officers orderly, driver IC For medical equipment lorry 3ton 4 X 2 1 driver IC For office equipment lorry 3ton 4 X 2 2 driver IC For cooking sets, rations and baggage. Tows water trailer NOTE: When this headquarters is employed as a Headquarters Line of Communication Transport Column the following will be deleted Major Captain batman driver driver light utility car 4 seater MECHANICAL TRANSPORT COMPANIES. In contrast to the highly detailed individual war establishment tables for RASC units early in the war there was now a single standard war establishment and a list of variations for the different types of company. The transport platoon and section were also standardised so that companies could readily re equip for a different role. HEADQUARTERS OF A MECHANICAL TRANSPORT COMPANY RASC War Establishment II/262/3. March 1945 Designed to command and administer two to five transport platoons RASC. One or more relief driver increments will be added to provide additional drivers and/or loaders. Commodity platoons will be provided according to the role allotted to the unit. This was a standard headquarters which could, with modifications where necessary, command any MT Company. The composition of the various types of company is shown below. Major 2 X Captain Subaltern Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant serjeant serjeant clerk, technical MT 4 X corporal 3 X lance corporal 25 X driver IC Total 40 Plus attached serjeant cook ACC cook ACC Total 42 Rank and file include administrative corporal batman 2 X batman driver butchery dutyman corporal clerk 3 X clerk lance corporal driver of vehicle 4 X driver of vehicle corporal, lmg detachment lance corporal, lmg detachment 4 X private, lmg detachment lance corporal motorcyclist 3 X motorcyclist officers mess orderly orderly corporal regimental policeman regimental policeman 2 X sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman First reinforcement 2 X rank and file. Notes: Captains are for allotment to duties with transport platoons as required. For every two transport platoons in excess of one, one captain and one batman will be added to this establishment, except when this headquarters forms part of an artillery company RASC. One cook will be added for every two relief driver increments added. Two officers and four men will be trained in bomb reconnaissance duties. One NCO and two men will be trained in anti gas duties. One additional man will be trained in water duties. Two men will be trained in boot repair. Transport 6 X motorcycle 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 4 X 15cwt GS 4 X 3ton 4 X 2 lorry 1 X water trailer, 180 gallon Weapons 2 X Bren lmg 2 X PIAT Weapons are not issued when this headquarters forms part of a motor ambulance convoy or ambulance car company RASC. Note: When the headquarters forms part of An armoured divisional troops company or An infantry divisional troops company or A divisional troops company The following will be added Captain RA batman driver RA 1 X car 4 X 2 light utility Motorcycle 1 Subaltern Motorcycle 2 serjeant Motorcycle 3 lance corporal motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Motorcycle 6 motorcyclist Car 4 seater 4 X 2 Major, batman, driver IC 15cwt truck GS 1 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS 2 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS 3 corporal, lmg number, driver IC Carries a Bren gun on a Motley mount at the rear plus a PIAT 15cwt truck GS 4 lance corporal, lmg number, driver IC Carries a Bren gun on a Motley mount at the rear plus a PIAT 3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1 4 X cook, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Tows water trailer 3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2 driver IC Carries baggage 3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3 driver IC Carries anti gas reserves 3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3 driver IC Carries and distributes petrol. Note: The water trailer may be replaced by a 15cwt water truck and an additional driver IC. Mechanical Transport Companies included: Armoured Brigade Company. Infantry Brigade Company in an Armoured Division Armoured Division Troops Company Infantry Brigade Company in an Infantry Division Infantry Division Troops Company Company for Division on Lower Establishment Company for Reserve Division Headquarters Artillery Company Artillery Platoon (Field) Artillery Platoon (Heavy) Artillery Platoon (Medium) Headquarters AA Artillery Company Artillery Platoon (Heavy AA) Artillery Platoon (Light AA) Corps Troops Composite Company Corps Transport Company Army Transport Company (Division) Army Transport Company (Corps) Armoured Division Transport Company Army Troops Composite Company Tank Brigade Company Independent Armoured Brigade Company Independent Infantry Brigade Company Line of Communication Infantry Brigade Company Motor Ambulance Company Ambulance Car Company Bulk Petrol Transport Company General Transport Company. Tipper Company Tank Transporter Company. Water Tank Company General Transport Company (Troop Carrying Vehicles) GHQ Car Company General Transport Company (Amphibious) IN AN ARMOURED DIVISION Armoured Brigade Company. Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on single echelon on unit basis for units of an armoured brigade. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 4 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries (4 X 4) 1 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 6ton lorries (4 X 4 – 2 semi trailers) 1 X Composite Platoon with A, B, C and D increments 3 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 5 On account of its size this company headquarters varies from the basic organisation in having the following additions 2 X Captain 2 X batman 2 X cook A serjeant ammunition adviser RAC attached. Infantry Brigade Company in an Armoured Division Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on single echelon on unit basis for units of an infantry brigade, and transport for the carriage of blankets for the marching personnel of an infantry brigade. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 3 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries (4 X 4) 1 X Composite Platoon with A, B, C and D increments 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon This company headquarters varies from the basic organisation in having the following additions 1 X Captain 1 X batman 1 X cook Armoured Division Troops Company Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on single echelon on unit basis for units of armoured divisional troops, and transport for the carriage of the marching personnel of three infantry battalions of the infantry brigade. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 2 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries (4 X 4) 2 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton troop carrying lorries (4 X 4 QLT) 1 X Composite Platoon with only A, B increments 1 X General Duties Platoon 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon This company has a Captain and a batman RA attached to advice on ammunition. An extra jeep is provided. IN AN INFANTRY DIVISION Infantry Brigade Company in an Infantry Division Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on single echelon on unit basis for units of an infantry brigade, and transport for the carriage of blankets for the marching personnel of an infantry brigade. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 2 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries (4 X 4) 1 X Composite Platoon with A, B, C and D increments 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon Infantry Division Troops Company Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on single echelon on unit basis for units of infantry divisional troops. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 2 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries (4 X 4) 1 X Composite Platoon with A and B increments 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon This Company has a Captain and a batman RA attached to advise on ammunition. An extra jeep is provided. IN DIVISIONS ON LOWER ESTABLISHMENT or RESERVE DIVISIONS. These are listed with Field Force units RASC but probably did not serve in 21 Army Group. Division on Lower Establishment Transport for general purposes and for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and supplies for all units of an infantry division on lower establishment. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company 4 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Composite Platoon with A, B, C and D increments 3 X Relief Driver Increments 1 X Workshop An ammunition storeman RAOC is attached. Reserve Division Transport for general purposes and for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and supplies for all units of the reserve division. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company 4 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries 1 X General Duties Platoon 1 X Composite Platoon with A, B, C and D increments 3 X Relief Driver Increments 1 X Workshop An ammunition storeman RAOC is attached. NON DIVISIONAL UNITS (ARTILLERY) Headquarters Artillery Company. Headquarters and workshops for the administration and maintenance of up to five RASC platoons of non divisional artillery regiments RA. This company may contain any artillery platoons listed below. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC Workshop Platoon Artillery Platoon (Field) Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on double echelon for a non divisional field regiment RA. Transport is also available for the commodity lift from the Line of Communication terminal to the regiment. 1 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries. 1 X Composite Platoon with A section 1 X Relief Driver Platoon Artillery Platoon (Heavy) Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on double echelon for a heavy regiment RA. 1 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries. 1 X Composite Platoon with A section 1 X Relief Driver Platoon Artillery Platoon (Medium) Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on double echelon for a medium regiment RA. Transport is also available for the commodity lift from the Line of Communication terminal to the regiment. 1 X Transport Platoon with two sections of 6 ton lorries and three sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Composite Platoon with A section 1 X Relief Driver Platoon Headquarters AA Artillery Company. Headquarters and workshops for the administration and maintenance of up to five artillery platoons RASC, or sections RASC, for non divisional anti aircraft and/or searchlight regiments RA. This company may contain any artillery platoons listed below. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC Workshop Platoon Artillery Platoon (Heavy AA) Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on double echelon for a heavy anti aircraft regiment RA. Transport is also available for the commodity lift from the Line of Communication terminal to the regiment. 1 X Transport Platoon with two sections of 6ton lorries and three sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Composite Platoon with A section 1 X Relief Driver Platoon Artillery Platoon (LAA) Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on double echelon for a light anti aircraft regiment or searchlight regiment RA. Transport is also available for the commodity lift from the Line of Communication terminal to the regiment. 1 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries. 1 X Composite Platoon with A section 1 X Relief Driver Platoon NON DIVISIONAL UNITS (CORPS) Corps Troops Composite Company. This company provided transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and antigas reserves, and of supplies on a single echelon on unit basis for units of corps troops. Transport is also provided for the carriage of 30 tons of wiring stores and for the carriage of RE stores. Two Corps Composite Companies were provided per corps. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company. The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC 2 X Transport Platoons each with five sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Transport Platoon with two sections of 3ton lorries and three sections of tippers. 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Composite Platoon sections A, B, C and D. 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 3 Corps Transport Company. This company operated a pool of transport in the corps area. Specialist transport is included for the carriage of MT Stores, including heavy assemblies for REME workshops. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company. The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC 2 X Transport Platoons each with five sections of 3ton lorries 2 X Transport Platoons each with three sections of 3ton lorries and two sections of 6ton lorries. 1 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X General Duties Platoon 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 3. This workshop had at least one 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown Lorry replaced by a Heavy Breakdown Tractor to recover 6ton lorries. NON DIVISIONAL UNITS (ARMY) Army Transport Company. This company operated a pool of transport in the army area. One was provided for each infantry division in the army. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company. The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC 2 X Transport Platoons each with five sections of 3ton lorries 2 X Transport Platoons each with five sections of 6ton lorries. 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X General Duties Platoon 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 3. This workshop had at least one 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown Lorry replaced by a Heavy Breakdown Tractor to recover 6ton lorries. Army Transport Company. This company operated a pool of transport in the army area. One was provided for each corps in the army. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company. The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman ammunition storeman cook ACC 3 X Transport Platoons each with five sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X General Duties Platoon. This Platoon had an additional ammunition storeman. 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 2 Armoured Division Transport Company. This company operated a pool of transport in the army area. One was provided for each armoured division. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company. The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman ammunition storeman cook ACC 1 X Transport Platoons with five sections of 3ton lorries 2 X Transport Platoon each with five sections of 6ton lorries 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X General Duties Platoon. This Platoon had an additional ammunition storeman. 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 2 Army Troops Composite Company. This company provided transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and antigas reserves, and of supplies on a single echelon on unit basis for units of army troops. Army troops were those not forming part of a corps or division. A reserve of tipper lorries is available for allocation as required. Two Army Composite Companies were provided per army. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company. The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC 2 X Transport Platoons each with five sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Transport Platoon with five sections of tippers. 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Composite Platoon sections A, B, C and D. 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 3 NON DIVISIONAL UNITS (BRIGADE) Tank Brigade Company Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on single echelon on unit basis for units of a tank brigade. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 4 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 6ton lorries 1 X Composite Platoon with A, B, C and D increments 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 5 On account of its size this company headquarters varies from the basic organisation in having the following additions 2 X Captain 2 X batman 2 X cook It also has a serjeant ammunition adviser RAC attached. Armoured Brigade Company (Independent) Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on single echelon on unit basis for units of an armoured brigade. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 4 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 6ton lorries 1 X Composite Platoon with A, B, C and D increments 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 5 On account of its size this company headquarters varies from the basic organisation in having the following additions 2 X Captain 2 X batman 2 X cook It also has a serjeant ammunition adviser RAC attached. Independent Infantry Brigade Company Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies on single echelon on unit basis for units of an independent brigade group, and transport for the carriage of blankets for the marching personnel of an independent brigade group. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 4 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Composite Platoon with A, B, C and D increments 3 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon An ammunition storeman RAOC is attached. Line of Communication Infantry Brigade Company Transport for the carriage of 2nd line scales of ammunition, petrol and anti gas reserves, and of supplies for units of a line of communication infantry brigade. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC With one additional cook ACC 2 X Transport Platoon with five sections of 3ton lorries 1 X Composite Platoon with A and B increments 1 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon NON DIVISIONAL UNITS (MEDICAL) Motor Ambulance Convoy The Motor Ambulance Convoy was a Corps unit used for evacuating casualties to Casualty Clearing Stations. These were originally Corps units but were removed to Army control later. Motor Ambulance Convoys were driven and maintained by the RASC but were operated under the control of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC 2 X Transport Platoons each with five sections of ambulances. 1 X Transport Platoon with four sections of ambulances and one section of troop carrying lorries for walking wounded. 2 X Relief Driver Increments 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 3. A Medical Platoon RAMC, War Establishment III/178/1, was attached. Note: Lmg section weapons, personnel and vehicles were deleted from company and platoon headquarters in a Motor Ambulance Convoy Company. Ambulance Car Company (Lines of Communication) This provided transport for casualties on the Lines of Communication. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC 4 X Transport Platoon each with five sections, four sections operated four berth ambulance cars while the fifth section operated 3ton troop carrying lorries. 2 X Relief Driver Increments 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 3. A Medical Platoon RAMC War Establishment IV/119/1 could be attached. Note: Lmg section weapons, personnel and vehicles were deleted from company and platoon headquarters in an Ambulance Car Company. Each platoon had five sections, each of six task vehicles. Four sections operated four berth ambulance cars while the fifth section operated 3ton troop carrying lorries. NON DIVISIONAL UNITS (SPECIALISED) Bulk Petrol Transport Company This provided transport for bulk petrol, usually on the Lines of Communication. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC In accordance with note 2 the Headquarters of a petrol tanker platoon has the following additions 10 ton 6 X 4 GS driver IC 3 X Transport Platoons. The vehicles could be 1,750 gallon 4 X 4 -2 (6ton semi trailers) tankers, 800 gallon 4 X 4 tankers or 800 gallon 4 X 2 tankers. Some companies operated a mixture of types. 2 X Relief Driver Increments Composite Platoon. This composite platoon only handles petrol and so the ammunition and butchery personnel are deleted serjeant butcher corporal butcher 2 X butcher corporal storeman (ammunition) RAOC 2 X storeman RAOC 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 2. If the Company operated 1,750 gallon tankers then at least one 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown Lorry is replaced by a Heavy Recovery Tractor. General Transport Company. Transport for general purposes (personnel, stores or water) and for the carriage of a reserve of ammunition, petrol, supplies etc. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 4 X Transport Platoon with five sections of vehicles. May be equipped with special vehicles. 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon Tipper Company This company provided tippers to work in support of the Royal Engineers. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC 4 X Transport Platoons with five sections of tippers 2 X Relief Driver Increments 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 3. Tank Transporter Company. Transport for armoured fighting vehicles or other tracked vehicles. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC The headquarters will have the following additions 2 X Captain 2 X batman 2 X cook 3 X Transport Platoon with five sections of tank transporters. Each platoon had the following amendments 28 X driver mechanic replaced 28 X driver IC so that every tank transporter had a driver mechanic. 1 X 10 ton 6 X 4 GS and one driver IC was added. 1 X General Duties Platoon 3 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon with the following additions 2 X blacksmiths 1 X lorry 3ton 4 X 2 slave battery 1 X driver mechanic Breakdown tractors will be issued in lieu of 3ton breakdown lorries. Note: Three tank transporter companies normally formed a tank transporter convoy. This had a Headquarters CRASC with the following deletions Major for ammunition and supplies Captain driver batman driver 1 X light utility 1 X car 4 seater The Tank Transporter Platoon could carry 30 tanks or other tracked armoured fighting vehicles. A Company could carry 90 such vehicles and a column could carry 270. General Transport Company (Troop Carrying) RASC Transport for troops (carrying the marching personnel of one infantry brigade including bicycles), and for the carriage of 270 tons of stores when not employed on troop carrying. Headquarters of a Motor Transport Company The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC 3 X Transport Platoon with five sections of troop carrying vehicles (3ton 4 X 4 QLT) 2 X Relief Driver Increments 1 X workshop serial 2 GHQ Car Company. Transport for passenger and local transport duties within GHQ. Normally two per Army Group. The precise vehicle establishment varied according to the requirements of the headquarters and included both cars and load carrying vehicles. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC The headquarters will have the following additions Captain batman cook ACC 3 X Transport Platoon with five sections of assorted vehicles. 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 2 This establishment was superseded by Army Group Headquarters Car Companies. Water Tank Company This provided transport for bulk water. The provision of drinking water was a Royal Engineer responsibility but the transport of drinking water was the responsibility of the RASC. This establishment is only for European theatres. Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport Company 2 X Transport Platoons. Headquarters of a water tanker platoon has the following additions 10 ton 6 X 4 GS driver IC 1 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon, Serial 1. General Transport Company operating Amphibious Vehicles. Headquarters Mechanical Transport Company RASC 4 X Transport Platoon with five sections of vehicles. 2 X Relief Driver Increment 1 X Workshop Platoon with the following additions 2 X coach painter 2 X electrician 2 X sheet metal worker 6 X vehicle mechanic welder (gas) Note: In practice Section 5 was held as a reserve to allow for the heavy load of maintenance required. For a time DUKW units in Normandy were working 24 hours a day and the working environment of salt water and sand were probably the worst conditions imaginable for mechanical equipment of any kind. See also A Crane Transport Platoon. 21 Army Group. War Establishment XIV/1830/1. September 1944. Motor Boat Company Type E. War Establishment IV/241/1. March 1944. A Crane Transport Platoon. 21 Army Group. War Establishment XIV/1830/1. September 1944. This platoon was to form part of a General Transport Company (Amphibious) for the operation of cranes in the transhipment area. The establishment table is a 21 Army Group document and the title makes it clear that it applied only to that formation. The platoon was self administering but was affiliated to a nearby workshop for workshop maintenance. Personnel Subaltern serjeant lance serjeant 5 X corporal 25 X lance corporal 41 X private and driver Total 74 Plus attached 2 X cook ACC Trades 5 X driver mechanic vehicle mechanic administrative lance serjeant 5 X corporal in charge of sections batman driver clerk 25 X lance corporal driver 32 X driver water dutyman Transport 3 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 X water trailer 30 X crane (task vehicles) Headquarters Subaltern serjeant administrative lance serjeant vehicle mechanic batman driver clerk 2 X driver water dutyman 2 X cook ACC Motorcycle 1 serjeant Motorcycle 2 vehicle mechanic Car 2 seater 4 X 2 Subaltern, batman driver 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 2 X cook, water dutyman, driver Tows water trailer Carries cooking sets and rations 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 lance serjeant, clerk, driver Carries office equipment and baggage Section 1 to 4 Motorcycle corporal Crane, road mobile slewing, 5ton 1 driver mechanic, driver Crane, road mobile slewing, 5ton 2 lance corporal driver, driver Crane, road mobile slewing, 5ton 3 lance corporal driver, driver Crane, road mobile slewing, 5ton 4 lance corporal driver, driver Crane, road mobile slewing, 5ton 5 lance corporal driver, driver Crane, road mobile slewing, 5ton 6 lance corporal driver, driver Section 5 Motorcycle corporal Lorry 3ton 6 X 4 Coles Crane MkVI 1 driver mechanic, driver Lorry 3ton 6 X 4 Coles Crane MkVI 2 lance corporal driver, driver Lorry 3ton 6 X 4 Coles Crane MkVI 3 lance corporal driver, driver Lorry 3ton 6 X 4 Coles Crane MkVI 4 lance corporal driver, driver Lorry 3ton 6 X 4 Coles Crane MkVI 5 lance corporal driver, driver Lorry 3ton 6 X 4 Coles Crane MkVI 6 lance corporal driver, driver PLATOONS Transport Platoon. War Establishment II/263/3 Composite Platoon. War Establishment II/266/3 General Duties Platoon. War Establishment II/264/3 Supply Platoon. War Establishment II/265/3 Relief Driver Increment. War Establishment II/267/1 Workshop Platoon. War Establishment II/268/3 Transport Platoon RASC War Establishment II/263/3 This platoon is domestically self contained and will generally form part of a mechanical transport company RASC. It is designed to operate 30 task vehicles, which may be of any type and capacity to suit the role allotted to the company concerned. The normal equipment of the transport platoon will be the lorry, 3ton 4 X 4 GS, on which basis the transport platoon can lift the marching personnel of one infantry battalion or 90 tons of general stores. Personnel Subaltern serjeant 6 X corporal 7 X lance corporal 41 X driver IC private Total 59 Plus attached 2 X cook ACC Trade fitter 5 X driver mechanic administrative corporal 5 X corporal in charge of sections batman driver clerk 29 X driver of vehicle 3 X lmg gunner 2 X motorcyclist 8 X spare driver water dutyman One NCO and two men will be trained in anti gas duties and decontamination work. One additional man will be trained in water duties. Transport 8 X motorcycle 2 X 15cwt GS 34 X 3ton 4 X 4 lorry 1 X water trailer 180 gallon Note: Relief vehicles represent 10% of the task vehicles in the platoon. They are provided to replace task vehicles undergoing service and maintenance in order to maintain the desired load carrying capacity of the platoon. Relief vehicles will not to be regarded as reserves for the permanent replacement of casualties and will not be used to provide additional capacity, except in operational emergency. Weapons 7 X Bren lmg 2 X PIAT Notes: One truck 15cwt, water and one driver IC may be substituted for the trailer water 180 gallons. When the transport platoon forms part of a bulk petrol transport company, a tank transporter company or a water tanker company one lorry 10ton 6 X 4 GS and one driver IC will be added. When the transport platoon forms part of a tank transporter company, 28 driver mechanics will be added in lieu of 28 drivers IC in order to provide one driver mechanic for each tank transporter. Organisation Headquarters Motorcycle 1 serjeant Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist 15cwt GS 1 Subaltern, administrative corporal, clerk, batman driver 15cwt GS 2 lance corporal, lmg gunner, driver IC Carries Bren gun and PIAT Fitted with a Motley mount at the rear 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 driver IC Relief vehicle 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 driver IC Relief vehicle 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 driver IC Relief vehicle 3ton 4 X 4 GS 14 2 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC Tows water trailer Section 1 to 5 each Motorcycle corporal 3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1 driver mechanic 3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2 driver IC 3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3 driver IC 3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4 driver IC 3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5 driver IC 3 ton 4 X 4 GS 6 driver IC Composite Platoon RASC War Establishment II/266/3 This platoon comprises personnel for ammunition, petrol or supply duties. One or more sections are allocated to a mechanical transport company allotted to the carriage of these three commodities. Each section is designed to provide the necessary personnel for the accounting and issuing of petrol and supplies and for the keeping of ammunition records. Loaders will be provided from relief driver increments within the company. A Section Provides supply, petrol and ammunition services for an independent unit of the nature and size of an AA Regiment AA. Captain corporal clerk clerk butcher lance corporal storeman batman driver driver IC 3 X motorcyclist 2 X issuer 3 X motorcycle 1 X 15cwt GS 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS Note: The butcher will be deleted when the section is provided for petrol duties only. B Section Increases the capacity of A section to meet the requirements of a force of approx. 200 or the nature of a tank battalion. staff serjeant clerk serjeant clerk corporal clerk serjeant butcher lance corporal storeman 2 X issuer corporal storeman (ammunition) RAOC 2 X storeman RAOC Note: When the platoon forms part of a tank brigade company, an armoured brigade company or an armoured divisional troops company, an RAC serjeant ammunition advisor will be attached in lieu of a corporal storeman (ammunition) RAOC. C Section Increases the capacity of A and B sections to meet the requirements of a force of approx. 3000. serjeant storeman clerk corporal butcher lance corporal storeman 3 X motorcyclist issuer 3 X motorcycle Note: The corporal butcher will be deleted when the section is provided for petrol duties only. D Section Brings the capacity of the platoon up to the requirements of an infantry brigade group or equivalent. Captain serjeant for ammunition states 2 X clerk butcher lance corporal storeman batman driver driver IC 2 X issuer cook ACC 1 X 15cwt GS 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS When the platoon forms part of a bulk petrol transport company RASC the following are deleted serjeant butcher corporal butcher 2 X butcher corporal storeman (ammunition) RAOC 2 X storeman RAOC General Duties platoon This platoon may form part of a mechanical transport company RASC. It is designed to provide personnel for ammunition duties and includes personnel for loading and motorcyclists for intercommunication and liaison. Subaltern serjeant for ammunition states batman driver 9 X motorcyclist corporal loader 3 X lance corporal loader 17 X loader plus attached cook ACC Note: One storeman (ammunition) RAOC may be attached. Transport 10 X motorcycle 1 X 15cwt truck GS Supply Platoon RASC War Establishment II/265/3 This platoon will form part of a mechanical transport company allotted for the carriage and distribution of supplies. It is designed to provide the necessary supply personnel for one echelon of a formation supply company RASC, or to operate a field supply depot, or to carry out similar duties. Captain Subaltern staff serjeant clerk serjeant storeman, supplies serjeant butcher 5 X corporal 4 X lance corporal 28 X driver 7 X private Attached 2 X storeman RAOC 2 X cook ACC Tradesmen corporal clerk, supply 2 X clerk, supply corporal butcher butcher corporal storeman 4 X storeman Non tradesman batman batman driver driver of vehicle 2 X corporal loader 4 X lance corporal loader 25 X loader Transport 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 4 X 2 Light Utility 1 X 3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS Note: when two supply platoons form part of a company one of the storeman will be a corporal. Relief Driver Increment RASC War Establishment II/267/1 serjeant lance corporal driver IC 29 X drivers IC Workshop Platoon RASC War Establishment II/268/3 This platoon forms part of a mechanical transport company RASC and is provided for the maintenance and repair of the unit vehicles and any other vehicles as are affiliated to it for maintenance purposes. It is organised into A platoon headquarters for control and administration One or two sections dependent upon the maintenance responsibility of the platoon Artificers of various trades are provided on a sliding scale to meet the total maintenance commitment of the platoon. The normal allotment of workshop serials for divisional and corps troops 2nd line companies include allowance for the maintenance of affiliated RASC driven vehicles in divisional and corps troops. When for any reason the maintenance load on any particular unit exceeds that provided for by its standard workshop serial it may be varied to meet the additional load. The platoon is domestically self contained and is capable of providing its own defence. Workshop Platoon – Serial 5 Attached to Armoured Brigade Company Divisional Composite Company Headquarters Captain Mechanist Serjeant Major administrative corporal corporal clerk, technical MT clerk, technical MT driver of vehicle batman driver motorcyclist attached 2 X cook ACC Transport 2 X motorcycle 1 X 15cwt truck GS 1 X 3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1 X trailer, 15cwt workshop servicing 1 X water trailer 180 galon 2 X Workshop Section with a total of 2 X mechanist staff serjeant 2 X blacksmith 2 X carpenter and joiner coachpainter 2 X coppersmith or sheet metal worker 2 X coachtrimmer 2 X storeman MT 2 X turner 6 X driver IC 6 X electrician 16 X fitter 5 X motor mechanic Note: personnel includes four serjeant artificer, four corporals and two lance corporals. Transport 4 X 15cwt truck GS 2 X 3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2 X 3ton 4 X 2 breakdown or 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown or breakdown tractor 2 X 3ton lorry 6 X 4 workshop 2 X 3ton lorry 4 X 2 or 6 X 4 store Organisation Headquarters Motorcycle 1 mechanist serjeant Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Truck 15cwt GS Captain, administrative corporal, 2 X clerk, batman driver Tows a trailer,15cwt, workshop servicing. 3ton 4 X 2 GS 2 X cook, driver IC Carries cooking equipment and baggage. Tows a water trailer Sections 15cwt truck GS driven by artificer personnel For maintenance duties 15cwt truck GS driven by artificer personnel For maintenance duties 15cwt truck GS driven by artificer personnel For maintenance duties 15cwt truck GS driven by artificer personnel For maintenance duties 3ton 4 X 2 GS driver IC Carries technical stores and equipment 3ton 4 X 2 GS driver IC Carries technical stores and equipment 3ton 6 X 4 lorry Breakdown fitter, driver IC 3ton 6 X 4 lorry Breakdown fitter, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 or 6 X 4 Workshop driven by artificer personnel 3ton 4 X 4 or 6 X 4 Workshop driven by artificer personnel 3ton 4 X 4 or 6 X 4 Stores driven by artificer personnel 3ton 4 X 4 or 6 X 4 Stores driven by artificer personnel Vehicles which are normally fairly static such as workshops are not provided with drivers. The unit should train sufficient mechanist personnel to drive these vehicles. It is anyway a requirement that all other rank mechanists should be able to drive B vehicles in order to move them around the workshop area. Workshop Platoon – Serial 4 Attached to Independent Armoured Brigade Company Armoured Division Troops Company General Transport Company with five platoons Independent Brigade Group Company Tank Transporter Company Tank Brigade Company As serial 5 but delete 1 X electrician 2 X fitter 1 X 15cwt truck GS Note: personnel includes three serjeant artificer, two corporals and two lance corporals Workshop Platoon - Serial 3 Attached to Ambulance Car Company Artillery Company Army Troops Composite Company Army Transport Company with four platoons Corps Troops Composite Company General Transport Company with four platoons Infantry Brigade Company Infantry Divisional Troops Company Tipper Company As serial 5 but delete 2 X electrician 5 X fitter 1 X motor mechanic 2 X 15cwt truck GS Note: personnel includes two serjeant artificer, two corporals and two lance corporals Workshop Platoon – Serial 2 Attached to Army Transport Company with three platoons Armoured Divisional Transport Company Bulk Petrol Transport Company Corps Transport Company General Transport Company with three platoons GHQ Car Company Motor Ambulance Convoy Company As serial 5 but delete 3 X electrician 8 X fitter 2 X motor mechanic Note: personnel includes two serjeant artificers, two corporals and two lance corporals Workshop Platoon – Serial 1 Attached to Line of Communication Infantry Brigade Company Water Tank Company General Transport Company with two platoons. Headquarters Subaltern Mechanist Serjeant Major administrative corporal corporal clerk, technical MT clerk, technical MT driver of vehicle batman driver motorcyclist attached 2 X cook ACC Transport 2 X motorcycle 1 X 15cwt truck GS 1 X 3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1 X trailer, 15cwt workshop servicing 1 X water trailer 180 galon Workshop Section mechanist staff serjeant blacksmith carpenter and joiner coachpainter coppersmith or sheet metal worker coachtrimmer storeman MT turner 2 X driver IC 2 X electrician 5 X fitter 2 X motor mechanic Transport 1 X 15cwt truck GS 1 X 3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 breakdown or 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown 1 X 3ton lorry 6 X 4 workshop 1 X 3ton lorry 4 X 2 or 6 X 4 store Note: personnel includes one serjeant artificer, one corporal and one lance corporal Notes: In all cases the water trailer may be replaced by a 15cwt water tanker and a driver IC. When the workshop platoon forms part of a tank transporter company two additional blacksmiths will be allowed. When the company of which the workshop platoon is a part is equipped with tank transporters, 10 ton lorries, 6 ton lorries or CI engined ( compression ignition/diesel) one lorry 3ton 4 X 2 slave battery and one driver mechanic will be added. When the workshop platoon forms part of a company equipped with tank transporters, 10ton lorries or 6ton lorries, breakdown tractors will be issued in lieu of breakdown lorries. When the workshop platoon forms part of a General Transport Company operating special vehicles such as amphibious or snow mobile vehicles the following additional personnel are authorised 2 X coach painter 2 X electrician 2 X sheet metal worker 6 X vehicle mechanic welder (gas) RASC PLATOON for SUPER HEAVY REGIMENT RA. War Establishment XIV/1847/1. March 1945. This platoon has a separate establishment but an increase in the number of relief drivers is the only obvious difference. Probably the heavier shells required an increase in personnel for loading and unloading. Headquarters Subaltern serjeant driver clerk, for supplies storeman (supplies) corporal vehicle mechanic 2 X vehicle mechanic administrative corporal batman driver clerk 2 X driver of vehicle motorcyclist 15 X relief driver 3 X lmg detachment water dutyman sanitary dutyman 2 X cook 2 X motorcycle 2 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS (one for lmg detachment) 1 X 15cwt water 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for cooks and baggage 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS (relief) 5 X section each corporal driver mechanic 5 X driver of vehicle 1 X moorcycle 6 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS MECHANICAL TRANSPORT (MIXED) COMPANY Serial A Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/1833/1. 4 X Transport Platoon ATS. War Establishment XIV/606/1 4 X Relief Driver Increment ATS. War Establishment XIV/605/1 Workshop Platoon Serial 3 RASC. War Establishment IV/99/3 Serial B Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/1833/1. Transport Platoon RASC. War Establishment IV/94/2 Relief Driver Increment Type A RASC. War Establishment XIV/1831/1 3 X Transport Platoon ATS. War Establishment XIV/606/1 3 X Relief Driver Increment ATS. War Establishment XIV/605/1 Workshop Platoon Serial 3 RASC. War Establishment IV/99/3 Serial C Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/1833/1. 2 X Transport Platoon RASC. War Establishment IV/94/2 Relief Driver Increment Type A RASC. War Establishment XIV/1831/1 2 X Transport Platoon ATS. War Establishment XIV/606/1 2 X Relief Driver Increment ATS. War Establishment XIV/605/1 Workshop Platoon Serial 3 RASC. War Establishment IV/99/3 Serial D Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/1833/1. 3 X Transport Platoon RASC. War Establishment IV/94/2 Relief Driver Increment Type A RASC. War Establishment XIV/1831/1 Transport Platoon ATS. War Establishment XIV/606/1 Relief Driver Increment ATS. War Establishment XIV/605/1 Workshop Platoon Serial 3 RASC. War Establishment IV/99/3 A Medical Platoon RAMC, War Establishment IV/119/1, will be included in an ambulance car company. HEADQUARTERS MECHANICAL TRANSPORT (MIXED) COMPANY War Establishment XIV/1833/1. December 1944. RASC Major 3 X Captain Subaltern Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant serjeant clerk, technical, MT serjeant administrative corporal 2 X batman 2 X batman driver butchery dutyman corporal clerk clerk 3 X driver 3 X motorcyclist regimental police corporal regimental policeman 2 X sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman serjeant cook ACC cook ACC ATS Junior Commander for ATS administration Subaltern or second subaltern staff serjeant serjeant for administrative duties corporal clerk corporal cook cook hairdresser 4 X driver motorcyclist medical orderly house orderly 2 X mess orderly 2 X office orderly 2 X storewoman 6 X motorcycle 3 X light utility 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 1 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 3 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS TRANSPORT PLATOON ATS War Establishment XIV/606/1. December 1944. This platoon is domestically self contained and will generally form part of a mechanical transport (mixed) company RASC. Personnel Subaltern serjeant Plus attached 3 X cook clerk vehicle mechanic 5 X driver mechanic administrative lance serjeant 5 X corporal in charge of sections 30 X driver motorcyclist 8 X relief driver 3 X mess orderly house orderly general dutywoman One NCO and two women will be trained in anti gas duties and decontamination work. One additional woman will be trained in water duties. Transport 8 X motorcycle 1 X light utility 34 X 3ton 4 X 2 lorry 1 X water trailer 180 gallon Note: Relief vehicles represent 10% of the task vehicles in the platoon. They are provided to replace task vehicles undergoing service and maintenance in order to maintain the desired load carrying capacity of the platoon. Relief vehicles will not to be regarded as reserves for the permanent replacement of casualties and will not be used to provide additional capacity, except in operational emergency. Note: ATS Transport Platoons differed from RASC Transport Platoons in the following They had ATS cooks and orderlies. They did not have weapons. ATS drivers were originally only authorised to drive light vehicles, trucks and lorries up to 3ton 4 X 2. They were not authorised to drive 3ton 4 X 4 lorries, heavier vehicles or any vehicle towing a trailer. In addition the 3ton lorries could only be driven by women over the age of nineteen. RELIEF DRIVER INCREMENT ATS. War Establishment XIV/605/1. December 1944. To be added as necessary to the Headquarters of a Mechanical Transport (Mixed) Company. serjeant 30 X driver cook mess orderly RELIEF DRIVER INCREMENT TYPE A. War Establishment XIV/1831/1. December 1944 To be attached as necessary to the headquarters of a mechanical transport company RASC War Establishment II/262/2, III/116/2 and IV/93/2. serjeant lance corporal driver 14 X driver When provided for an independent platoon a cook ACC will be added. NOTE: The following Mechanical Transport Units are not included in the above and have a separate establishment. RASC Platoon for an Anti Tank Regiment RA. War Establishment III/41B/2. RASC Section for a Heavy AA Regiment RA (3.7” gun) (base defence). War Establishment III/42J/1 RASC Section for a Light AA Regiment RA (semi mobile). War Establishment III/43M/1 RASC Section for a Searchlight Regiment RA (base defence). War Establishment III/43N/1