REME - A Saddler and Harness Maker?

I would be very grateful for a clarification of the role of this man during his time with REME.

He was a trained Saddler before the War enlisting in 1942 for the duration of the War. He was 34.

Why would a Saddler be needed? I've attached his Service & Casualty Form.

Any info would be great, thank you. What he was serving as, who with, what doing and where.

 

Mules were used extensively particularly in mountainous terrain:
Mules
Mule saddle/ equipment carrier type thing?
Search Results for Query: mules | WW2Talk
10 Animals That Played an Important Role in the Second World War | History Hit
Find an object | Imperial War Museums

 

To get you started on his service he embarked for overseas on 15/7/44 and taken on strength (TOS) of the Middle East Force (MEF), I believe that his rank was CFM or craftsman, he disembarked 2/8/44.

Other abbreviations
4 B W/S = I believe (others may confirm) could be 4 Base workshop
U/L/Cpl = unpaid Lance Corporal
P/L/Cpl = paid ditto
U/A/Cpl = unpaid acting Corporal
P/A/Cpl = paid ditto
W/Cpl = War substantive Corporal

13/6/46 struck off strength (SOS) MEF and embarked for UK

 

I could imagine a range of leather items passing through EME workshops requiring an in-house saddler or specialist leather worker - despatch rider motor cycle seats, possibly panniers/weapon holstering for some bike models, car and light vehicle seats (those not designed for canvas/webbing alternatives), some weapon ancillaries such as scope and sight covers etc. Separately, in the days of ammo boots, I expect many units may have had a trained cobbler within the QM Dept, fixing footwear and small leather items such as anklet (gaiter) straps.

I see there is The WD Motorcycle forum:
https://pub37.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=3155626639&frmid=16&msgid=1375645&cmd=show
An enquiry may be able to offer some insight.

 

Thank you very much Tony and Quarterfinal - really appreciate your help. You've given me some good leads.