Hi, I am researching my dads movements during WW2 and know from service records he was based in Egypt during 1941 to 1945. I can see from his service record that he was posted to unit 871 ME during 1943. Can anyone tell me anything about the 871 Mechanical Equipment as I can't find out anything about this unit I have come across some records whereby there was a 870 ME company which was involved in the development of the Chekka by-pass and was wondering whether the unit my dad was posted to was also involved in this thank you
There's some war diaries for this unit at The National Archives that would tell you where they were and what they were up to - Royal Engineers: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE) | The National Archives Reference: WO 169/5363 Description: Royal Engineers: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE) Date: 1942 Oct.- Dec. and Royal Engineers: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE Mech Eqpt) | The National Archives Reference: WO 169/20240 Description: Royal Engineers: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE Mech Eqpt) Date: 1945 Jan.- Dec. and Royal Engineers: Companies: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE Mech Eqpt Coy) | The National Archives Reference: WO 169/23338 Description: Royal Engineers: Companies: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE Mech Eqpt Coy) Date: 1946 Jan-1946 June
There are a few old threads on the building of the Chekka Pass in The Lebanon. One of them lists all the units involved, under New Zealand command and 870 appears.
For the record, a couple more war diary references, also Middle East theatre: Royal Engineers: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE Mech Eqpt) | The National Archives Reference: WO 169/10791 Description: Royal Engineers: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE Mech Eqpt) Date: 1943 Jan.- Dec. Royal Engineers: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE Mech Eqpt) | The National Archives Reference: WO 169/16452 Description: Royal Engineers: 871 Mechanical Equipment Company (RE Mech Eqpt) Date: 1944 Jan.- Dec.