Royal Army Vetinerary Corps in Tunisia 1943

Hi

I am trying to understand the units in the RAVC in Tunisia in 1943 - in particular how the various units were linked together.

My interest is a casualty on a local War Memorial who died as a result of an accident on 19 Sept 1943. The Casualty List initially had him as Missing. He was buried at Thibar Military Cemetery and then concentrated to Medjez-El-Bab War cemetery, both in Tunisia. He seems to have been with 3 VES (Vetinerary Evacuation Station).

There are lots of War Diaries for the RAVC in WO169 and one for 1 VES but nothing for 3 VES. Would a VES have been part of a larger unit in the RAVC - I am hoping to find a note of his fate in the relevant War Diary.

Any other input much appreciated.

Thanks
Tony

 

The Army Veterinary and Remount Services in the 1939-45 War has 1 VES in the Sudan and 2 VES in 9 Army, all under GHQ MEF. The implication is that these units are supplying animals to the CMF. As 1 VES is listed in an 'early 1941' diagram as being in Sudan, it seems unlikely that they went Sudan-Tunisia-Sudan.

It goes on to say that:

That VES was due to arrive in May 1943 but isn't identified.

However, in Sicily, up pops:

That's a Veterinary and Remount Conducting Section. WO 169/13419 might be the first place to look.

Just to confuse the issue, Clabby's History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1919-1961 says it's No. 1 VES that turns up in North Africa in May 1943. I'm disinclined to believe that as it's clearly using the above as the source.

 

Thanks Idler. That really helps. Interesting that 3 VRCS War Diary is dated May to Dec 1943. I will start there.......

I am heading off to Kew next Saturday so looks like one to look at towards the end of the day when I can just pull a few 'extras' and root around with fingers crossed!

 

I'd be very interested to see what you find at Kew as it relates to the Vets in Tunisia pre-June 1943.