I'm looking for guidance regarding the grade structure for ROAC (pre formation of REME Oct 42) and then REME Tradesmen Oct 42 to March 46. I have come across the following classifications used in my Fathers record of service : Fitter MV class 3 Motor Mechanic Group B class 2 Vehicle Mechanic Group A class 2 Vehicle Mechanic Group A class 1 My questions are as follows are the terms Fitter, Motor Mechanic and Vehicle Mechanic interchangeable or do they represent differing trade skill requirements? What does the Class 1, 2, 3 classification mean What is the significance of the Group A and B classification If someone can provide information on the grading structure in use I'd be most grateful Thanks Pete
Rough outline, from memory and subject to correction: 3) Trades were 'Group'ed as part of the pay structure. 2) Classes are skill levels within a trade. 1) The trades are clearly broadly equivalent but were modified and rationalised over time, particularly at the formation of REME as it also affected trades in other corps.
Thank you Idler for your response that has given me some information to work with, I guess as with all things to do with the Services there must have been a definitive document produced detailing skill requirements, grading nomenclature and pay bands for each Class of fitter would anyone out there have an idea where such a document could be found ? Pete
The nearly-but-not-quite-reopened REME Museum (don't mention the logo!) would be the best place for the technical side, probably. For the pay, there is an Adjutant General's Corps Museum which ought to include information from the former Royal Army Pay Corps. You'd think pay scales were probably published somewhere, but I've no clue as to what the document might have been called.
A broad brush indication of the the three trade classes is '3' trained to be able to work under supervision, '2' able to work without supervision '1' able to supervise.
An after thought. Mechanics worked on vehicle and Fitters on armaments, in most cases. The highest level was the 'artificer' who was at least a Staff Sergeant. The most senior the ASM Artificer Sergeant Major
Thanks for that everything I was looking for has been answered by helpful members of this forum once again Pete