CHIEF ENGINEERS (WORKS) and MISCELLANEOUS ENGINEER UNITS

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  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    CHIEF ENGINEERS (WORKS) and MISCELLANEOUS ENGINEER UNITS

    Chief Engineers were responsible for planning and executing major works. Works
    covered a large number of engineering activities but road construction, improvement and
    maintenance were a major task. The Royal Engineers involvement in airfield construction
    concentrated on roads, with the RAF building runways.


    CHIEF ENGINEERS


    Chief Engineer (Works). War Establishment IV/5/3. November 1943
    Chief Engineer (Works). War Establishment III/6A/2. November 1943
    Chief Engineer (Works). War Establishment IV/6A/3. September 1943
    Chief Engineer (Works) 11 LoC Area. War Establishment XIV/218/1. December 1944
    Chief Engineer (Works) Headquarters LoC. War Establishment XIV/961/1. February 1945.
    Commander RE (Works). War Establishment IV/6A/3. September 1943.
    Commander RE, Permanent Bridges. War Establishment XIV/956/1. February 1945.
    Commander RE (Power). War Establishment XIV/952/1. September 1944
    Chief Engineer (Works) Netherlands District. War Establishment XIV/960/3. May 1945.
    This was similar to other Chief Engineer (Works) War Establishments but contained a Major for Waterways. It was not effective before the end of the campaign.

    Road Construction Company. War Establishment IV/12/4. October 1943
    Headquarters Airfield Construction Group. War Establishment IV/120/2. October 1943.
    Quarrying Company. War Establishment IV/12B/5. November 1943
    Boring Section. War Establishment IV/8/3. February 1942.

    Headquarters Electrical and Mechanical Units. War Establishment XIV/905/1. March 1945.
    Headquarters Electrical and Mechanical Units. War Establishment IV/7C/2. August 1943
    Electrical and Mechanical Sections. War Establishment IV/7D/2. August 1943.
    Headquarters Mechanical Equipment Units Type A. War Establishment XIV/950/1. June 1944.
    Headquarters Mechanical Equipment Units Type B. War Establishment IV/244/1. April 1944.
    Headquarters Mechanical Equipment Company. War Establishment IV/22C/4. September 1943.
    Mechanical Equipment Sections. War Establishment IV22D/3. September 1943.
    Mechanical Equipment Park Company. War Establishment IV/22E/2. September 1943.
    Mechanical Equipment Spare Parts Section. War Establishment IV/206/1. November 1943.

    Engineer Base Workshop. War Establishment IV/9/2. September 1943.
    Workshop and Park Company. War Establishment IV/11/3. September 1943
    Headquarters Machinery Spare Parts Company. War Establishment XIV1004/1. March 1945.
    Machinery Spare Parts (Base) Section. War Establishment IV/211/1. November 1943.
    Headquarters Engineer Stores Group. War Establishment XIV/962/1. April 1945.
    Stores Section. War Establishment IV/115/1. July 1942.
    Engineer Local Purchase Section. War Establishment XIV/1003/1. November 1944.

    Headquarters Bomb Disposal Company. War Establishment III/20C/3. August 1942.
    Bomb Disposal Section. War Establishment III/20B/3. August 1942.

    Army Group Field Survey Depot. War Establishment XIV/902/1. November 1944
    Army Field Survey Depot. War Establishment IV/203/1. November 1943.
    Heavy Mobile Printing Section. War Establishment XIV/1491/1. May 1944
    Map Reproduction Section. War Establishment III/203/2. November 1943.
    Training School RE. War Establishment XIV/1000/1. September 1944.

    Armoured Division Postal Unit. War Establishment II/207/2.
    Infantry Division Postal Unit. War Establishment II/207/2.
    Corps Postal Unit. War Establishment III/59/4. January 1944
    Army Postal Unit. War Establishment III/59/4. January 1944
    Line of Communication Postal Unit. War Establishment IV/64/4. June 1944.
    No8 Base Post Office. War Establishment XIV/953/1. September 1944
    Forward Group Air Formation Signals Postal Unit. War Establishment XIV/954/1. December 1944.



    ROYAL ENGINEER WORKS.

    RE Works in the Beachhead
    All Works Services were placed directly under Chief Engineer, Second Army until 14 July when HQ L of C took over. Engineer stores dumps were established at Tailleville (No 1 Army Roadhead), Bayeux (No 2 Army Roadhead), Ver-Sur-Mer and Luc-Sur-Mer, while the Engineer Base Workshop were sited at Le Bergerie. The Engineer Stores Base Depots were located one each at Tailleville and Bayeaux. It had been expected that the major demands for RE stores would be for purposes of road making and repair, constructing airfields, building bridges and erecting bulk petroleum installations. For these purposes some 42,000 tons of engineer stores and nine thousand personnel were available.

    Bulk petrol installations and pipelines were constructed. (see RASC/Petrol Supply)

    Roads soon began to break up badly under the continuous traffic in the beach head so early tasks were patching, widening and the filling of potholes. Since villages were only suitable for one way traffic the construction of round-abouts and by-passes was another early task. Many miles of track reserved entirely for tracked vehicles were constructed parallel to the main routes to preserve the actual roads and duplicate bridges were constructed to relieve bottle-necks. Airfield construction troops were diverted to work on the roads since there was not yet room to build all the planned airfields.

    Available for the construction of forward airfields were initially five Airfield Construction Groups RE and one Airfield Construction Wing RAF. By the end of June, excluding the emergency landing strip, ten airfields had actually been constructed in the beach-head area. This number rose to seventeen by the end of July.

    About fifty water points were established supplied from rivers, streams or wells.

    RE Works in the Advance Base.
    In view of the many projects for the development of the advance base the general policy was to place orders with civilian firms for the supply of huts, works services, etc. 176 Workshop and Park Company took over the transit depot at Dieppe. No 6 and No 7 Engineer Stores Base Depot were established in Brussels. Port sections were established at Boulogne and Ostend and Dieppe.

    Four RAF airfield construction wings were fully employed on the winter programme for the maintenance of airfields which included repairs to concrete runways, hangars and all types of accommodation as well as preparing 100,000 sq. yards of hard standing for unloading stores from transport planes to lorries.

    Electrical pumping apparatus which had been tested and forwarded from UK was received at the end of the year for draining the large flooded areas in Holland.

    The power station at Caen was put into operation and base hospitals were equipped with lighting. Power stations in the Antwerp area were repaired were operating by the end of October. A power line was installed to Holland which was without electricity owing to the complete destruction of the Geertruidenberg power plant. In addition, two floating power stations of 28,000 kw capacity were despatched from USA. Temporary lighting was supplied to all quays in the Antwerp dock area in December.

    Hutting for winter quarters was required for approximately 200,000 personnel altogether and 1,500,000 sq ft of covered accommodation was required for other purposes in the forward areas and base
    installations. Work continued on hospitals, depots and installations whilst large camps were also under construction for refugees and PW, amounting to approximately 100,000 personnel.

    A transit camp was built at Dieppe for 2,600 with feeding facilities for 3,000.

    Owing to the very large AA deployment in the area of ANTWERP, over 1,000 camps, varying from fully hutted mixed AA batteries down to single isolated searchlight sites, were constructed.

    An immense amount of clearance of debris, repairs and alterations to buildings in addition to road repairs and hard standings were carried out. Arrangements were made for the production by civilian contractors of approximately 1,000 Nissen huts in November and 5,000 per month afterwards.

    Twelve forestry companies, including ten Canadian, were fully employed as timber was urgently required for bridging, hutting and construction of "corduroy" roads. Supplies of pitwood were also needed for the mines of Belgium.

    The greatly extended lines of communication meant a very heavy road stone commitment for the Quarrying Group RE whose output increased in January to 170,000 tons.

    With the occupation of northern France, Belgium, and Holland, it became important to open the canals which were normally the most important means of transport. All floating bridges on the Seine with the exception of one each at Vernon and Elbeuf were removed in order that barge traffic could be resumed. Military convoys were diverted via Rouen or Paris.

    During January In addition to the normal maintenance new work was being carried out on fifteen airfields.

    It was decided to build several high level semi-permanent bridges on the waterways to the west of the Rhine, and eventually over the Rhine. A specially designed Bailey cantilever rig for driving long timber piles was produced. During the last week of the month vast quantities of bridging stores were moved forward including an estimated requirement of three thousand sixty-foot piles, and as no suitable road transport was available, a design was prepared for a special vehicle, twenty-five of which were produced in army base workshops.

    A number of Port Construction and Repair units were taken off port repair work and used to assist in the construction of the bridges across the Rhine. For the crossing of these rivers, a total length, including bridge approaches, of some 16,000 feet of class 40 and class 70 semi-permanent bridging was put over. In addition to these bridges, a total of sixteen class 9, 12, 15 and 40 floating bridges with an aggregate length of 19,000 feet, were built.

    During the month of January de-watering of selected areas in NW Holland was undertaken. This urgent relief task required pumping plant with an estimated capacity of four million tons per day, the priority area to be cleared of water being about sixty square miles.



    CHIEF ENGINEER (WORKS)
    War Establishment IV/5/3. November 1943.
    There is also War Establishment III/6A/2 of the same date which is identical in every respect.

    This headquarters would be capable of planning and executing major works, usually road construction. Other units would be added to it as necessary including survey units, road construction companies, plant companies, pioneer units, RASC tipper units and local labour.

    Brigadier, Chief Engineer
    Lieutenant Colonel, Staff Officer RE
    Major, Staff Officer RE (Works)
    Captain, Staff Officer RE (Works)
    Major, Staff Officer RE (for stores)
    Major, Staff Officer RE (for oil)
    Major, Staff Officer RE (for electrical and mechanical duties)
    Major, Deputy Senior Surveyor of Works
    Inspector of RE Machinery

    Warrant Officer Class I, Engineer Clerk
    Warrant Officer Class I, Surveyors Clerk
    Warrant Officer Class I, Engineer Draughtsman

    staff serjeant engineer clerk
    2 X serjeant engineer clerk
    serjeant engineer draughtsman
    serjeant surveyors clerk

    Tradesmen
    2 X corporal engineer clerk
    5 X lance corporal engineer clerk
    corporal engineer draughtsman
    2 X lance corporal draughtsman
    driver mechanic
    2 X pioneer RE

    Non tradesmen
    4 X batman
    4 X driver of vehicle

    Attached
    cook ACC for officers mess
    cook ACC for other ranks mess

    Transport
    2 X bicycle
    2 X car 2seater 4 X 2
    2 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4



    COMMANDER ROYAL ENGINEERS (WORKS).
    War Establishment IV/6A/3. September 1943.
    May be attached to Sub Areas or other formations as required.

    Lieutenant Colonel, Commander RE
    Major Assistant Commander RE
    2 X Captain for electrical and mechanical duties
    Captain, Surveyor of Works
    Quartermaster

    Warrant Officer, Engineer Clerk
    staff serjeant engineer clerk
    corporal engineer clerk
    2 X lance corporal engineer clerk
    staff serjeant engineer draughtsman
    corporal engineer draughtsman
    corporal surveyors clerk
    staff serjeant military mechanist, electrical
    staff serjeant military mechanist, mechanical
    2 X batman
    3 X batman driver

    Attached
    cook ACC for officers mess
    cook ACC for other ranks mess

    Transport
    1 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2



    CHIEF ENGINEER (WORKS) 11 LINE of COMMUNICATION AREA.
    War Establishment XIV/218/1. December 1944

    Colonel, Chief Engineer
    Colonel, Deputy Chief Engineer
    Lieutenant Colonel, Staff Officer RE
    2 X Major, Staff Officer RE (Works)
    Major, Staff Officer RE (Works) for AA Defence Works
    Major, Staff Officer RE (for oil)
    Major, Staff Officer RE (for electrical and mechanical duties)
    Major, Deputy Senior Surveyor of Works
    Inspector of RE Machinery
    Captain, Staff Officer RE (Works)
    Captain, Staff Officer RE (for stores)
    Captain, Staff Officer RE (Intelligence)

    Warrant Officer Class I, Engineer Clerk
    Warrant Officer Class I, Surveyors Clerk
    Warrant Officer Class I, Engineer Draughtsman

    2 X staff serjeant engineer clerk
    2 X serjeant engineer clerk
    staff serjeant engineer draughtsman
    staff serjeant surveyors clerk
    staff serjeant military mechanist, electrical
    staff serjeant military mechanist, machinery

    Tradesmen
    3 X corporal engineer clerk
    6 X lance corporal engineer clerk
    2 X corporal engineer draughtsman
    3 X lance corporal draughtsman
    driver mechanic
    4 X pioneer RE

    Non tradesmen
    6 X batman
    7 X driver of vehicle

    Attached
    cook ACC for officers mess
    2 X cook ACC for other ranks mess

    Transport
    2 X bicycle
    3 X motorcycle
    4 X car 2seater 4 X 2
    3 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4

    The Chief Engineer may be a Brigadier if the Commander Lines of Communication Area is a Major General.



    CHIEF ENGINEER (WORKS) HEADQUARTERS LINES of COMMUNICATION.
    War Establishment XIV/961/1. February 1945.

    Brigadier, Chief Engineer
    Lieutenant Colonel, Staff Officer RE
    2 X Major, Staff Officer RE (Works)
    Major, Staff Officer RE (Stores)
    Major, Staff Officer RE (for oil)
    Major, Staff Officer RE (for electrical and mechanical duties)
    Major, Staff Officer RE (for Intelligence)
    Major, Deputy Senior Surveyor of Works
    Inspector of RE Machinery
    2 X Captain, Staff Officer RE (Works)
    Captain, Staff Officer RE (for Personnel)
    Captain, Staff Officer RE (Intelligence)

    Warrant Officer Class I, Engineer Clerk
    Warrant Officer Class II, Engineer Draughtsman
    2 X staff serjeant engineer clerk
    2 X serjeant engineer clerk
    staff serjeant engineer draughtsman
    staff serjeant surveyors clerk

    Tradesmen
    3 X corporal engineer clerk
    9 X lance corporal engineer clerk
    2 X corporal engineer draughtsman
    3 X lance corporal draughtsman
    driver mechanic

    Non tradesmen
    2 X general dutyman
    2 X motorcyclist
    orderly
    6 X batman
    batman driver
    6 X driver of vehicle
    officers mess orderly

    Attached
    cook ACC for officers mess
    2 X cook ACC for other ranks mess

    Transport
    2 X bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    3 X car 2seater 4 X 2
    3 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS



    COMMANDER ROYAL ENGINEERS, PERMANENT BRIDGES.
    War Establishment XIV/956/1. February 1945.
    Lieutenant Colonel CRE
    Major, Electrical and Mechanical
    Major, Technical
    Captain, Stores

    staff serjeant engineer clerk
    2 X lance corporal engineer clerk
    serjeant engineer draughtsman
    corporal engineer draughtsman
    lance corporal engineer draughtsman
    2 X draughtsman mechanical
    corporal surveyor (engineering)
    3 X surveyor (engineering)
    2 X motorcyclist
    2 X batman
    2 X batman driver
    driver
    sanitary dutyman
    officers mess cook ACC
    cook ACC

    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 saloon
    1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS




    COMMANDER RE (POWER). 21 ARMY GROUP
    War Establishment XIV/952/1. September 1944

    Lieutenant Colonel, CRE
    2 X Major
    2 X Captain, Station Engineer
    Warrant Officer Class II, Military Mechanist, Electrical
    staff serjeant, military mechanist, electrical
    staff serjeant, military mechanist, mechanical
    staff serjeant, engineer clerk
    corporal, engineer clerk
    2 X lance corporal, engineer clerk
    corporal draughtsman, mechanical
    corporal storeman, technical
    general dutyman
    batman
    3 X batman driver
    driver
    2 X mess orderly
    sanitary dutyman
    2 X cook ACC

    1 X bicycle
    3 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS



    A ROAD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY RE
    War Establishment IV/12/4. October 1943.
    Major, Officer Commanding
    3 X Captain
    4 X Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    staff serjeant military mechanist (mechanical)
    4 X serjeant
    transport serjeant

    Tradesmen
    3 X blacksmith
    2 X bricklayer
    4 X carpenter and joiner
    4 X clerk
    4 X concretor
    draughtsman, architectural
    5 X driver mechanic
    6 X driver, road roller
    5 X engine fitter (internal combustion and pumps)
    4 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    10 X engine hand
    2 X mason
    36 X excavator operator
    2 X painter and decorator
    2 X plumber and pipefitter
    11 X pioneer as general dutyman
    3 X pioneer as motorcycle orderlies
    2 X quarryman
    sheet metal worker
    storeman, technical
    2 X surveyor (engineering)
    2 X vehicle mechanic
    welder

    Non tradesmen
    4 X batman
    4 X batman driver
    66 X driver of vehicle
    sanitary dutyman
    3 X transport NCO
    water dutyman

    Attached
    officers mess cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    4 X cook ACC

    Transport
    6 X motorcycle
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
    5 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt Office
    1 X 15cwt water
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    12 X 3ton 4 X 4 tipping
    1 X 6 X 4 machinery RE 24 KW
    10 X 4 X 4 Medium tractor
    2 X water trailer
    10 X 18ton Carrimore trailers

    Note: A later establishment has a welding trailer and a servicing trailer added.

    Headquarters
    Major, Officer Commanding
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    staff serjeant military mechanist (mechanical)
    serjeant
    transport serjeant

    Tradesmen
    blacksmith
    clerk
    draughtsman, architectural
    driver mechanic
    engine fitter (internal combustion and pumps)
    4 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    pioneer as general dutyman
    pioneer as motorcycle orderlies
    sheet metal worker
    storeman, technical
    2 X vehicle mechanic
    welder

    Non tradesmen
    2 X batman driver
    4 X driver of vehicle
    3 X transport NCO
    water dutyman

    Attached
    officers mess cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    4 X cook ACC

    Transport
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt Office
    1 X 15cwt water
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 6 X 4 machinery RE 24 KW


    2 X Section each
    Captain
    Subaltern
    serjeant

    Tradesmen
    blacksmith
    bricklayer
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    2 X concretor
    driver mechanic
    3 X driver, road roller
    5 X engine hand
    mason
    painter and decorator
    plumber and pipefitter
    5 X pioneer as general dutyman
    pioneer as motorcycle orderlies
    quarryman
    surveyor (engineering)

    Non tradesmen
    batman
    batman driver
    13 X driver of vehicle
    3 X transport NCO

    Transport
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    6 X 3ton 4 X 4 tipping
    1 X water trailer


    Plant section
    Captain
    Subaltern
    serjeant

    Tradesmen
    clerk
    5 X driver mechanic
    3 X engine fitter (internal combustion and pumps)
    4 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    10 X engine hand
    36 X excavator operator

    Non tradesmen
    2 X batman
    36 X driver of vehicle
    3 X transport NCO

    Transport
    2 X motorcycle
    2 X 15cwt GS
    10 X 4 X 4 Medium tractor
    10 X 18ton Carrimore trailers

    Note:
    The plant held by the plant section does not appear on the War Establishment table but is listed on the AF. G1098. This is the list of stores and equipment which a unit may hold.

    8 X crawler tractor
    4 X 8 cu yd scraper
    2 X motor grader
    2 X towed grader
    3 X 6ton roller
    3 X sheepsfoot roller
    4 X RB excavator
    8 X dumper
    2 X ditcher
    2 X rooter
    2 X mole plough
    1 X water cart
    2 X road sprayer, bitumen
    2 X road sprayer, emulsion
    1 X concrete mixer
    1 X compressor trailer

    The total of drivers includes
    Two drivers per tipping lorry
    Two drivers per medium tractor
    Drivers for eight dumpers



    HEADQUARTERS AIRFIELD CONSTRUCTION GROUP RE
    War Establishment IV/120/2. October 1943.

    An Airfield Construction Group was responsible for building roads to and on airfields. RAF construction units were responsible for constructing the runways.

    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major, Field Engineer
    Captain, Field Engineer
    Subaltern, Field Engineer
    Major, Pioneer Corps
    Adjutant, Captain
    Medical officer RAMC
    Quartermaster, Pioneer Corps
    Regimental Serjeant Major

    serjeant clerk
    2 X corporal
    9 X sapper
    28 X driver
    4 X private , Pioneer Corps

    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    Trades
    2 X clerk
    2 X clerk Pioneer Corps
    draughtsman (topographical)
    10 X driver operator
    driver mechanic
    medical officers orderly
    4 X motorcycle orderly
    2 X storeman
    vehicle mechanic

    2 X batman Pioneer Corp
    4 X batman
    2 X batman driver
    8 X driver
    duty NCO
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    5 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seat 4 X 4
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    2 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt Office
    5 X 15cwt Wireless
    5 X 3ton
    1 X 1 ton trailer
    3 X water trailer


    The headquarters administered two road construction companies as described above. Two pioneer companies were also included.

    A pioneer company was intended to supply labour. Each company had the following transport
    2 X jeep
    2 X trailer


    QUARRYING COMPANY RE.
    War Establishment IV/12B/5. November 1943
    Consisting of a Headquarters and four sections.

    There were five Quarrying Companies deployed to 21 Army Group. Until the end of August lack of equipment seriously hampered the work but by September an average of 7,000 cubic yards per day of road material was being produced. Quarries were being operated at Le Tronguay, Caen, Falaise and Louviers. All quarry operations came under direct control of the Director of Works. In Belgium much quarrying work was carried out by civilians.

    Quarrying was as per civilian operations. Once a suitable site with suitable stone had been located the top soil was removed. Then holes were drilled, explosives placed and fired, and then the loose stone collected. It was then taken to a plant where it was crushed, washed and sorted.

    Headquarters
    Major
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern
    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    staff serjeant military mechanist, mechanical
    officers mess cook
    corporal cook
    blacksmith
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    4 X clerk
    8 X driver mechanic
    electrician, maintenance
    engine fitter, IC and pumps
    engine fitter, mechanical equipment
    2 X engine hand
    2 X mason
    4 X quarryman
    sheetmetal worker
    vehicle mechanic
    welder acetylene
    3 X batman
    batman driver
    34 X driver
    2 X transport NCO
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    2 X motorcycle (including one for staff serjeant)
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    2 X 15cwt GS
    20 X 3ton 4 X 2 tipping
    1 X 180 gallon water trailer

    4 X Section each
    serjeant
    blacksmith
    2 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    4 X engine hand
    2 X operator, excavator
    13 X quarryman
    1 X motorcycle



    BORING SECTION RE
    War Establishment IV/8/3. February 1942.
    There were two Boring Sections in 21 Army Group, Nos 6 and 8. They were intended for boring wells to provide fresh water. In NW Europe this was not generally difficult to find. There were generally municipal water supplies as well as streams etc. This is the latest War Establishment found for this unit.

    Consisting of a Headquarters and 4 boring crews.
    Headquarters
    Captain
    2 Subaltern
    Company Serjeant Major

    corporal clerk
    clerk
    draughtsman, mechanical
    2 X driver mechanic
    corporal fitter
    4 X fitter
    motor mechanic
    pioneer
    transport corporal
    5 X driver
    batman driver
    2 X batman
    officers mess cook
    3 X cook

    4 X Section each
    corporal well borer
    3 X well borer
    2 X blacksmith
    3 X fitter
    5 X pioneer
    2 X driver

    Total vehicles
    4 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater
    1 X 15cwt GS
    5 X 3ton GS
    4 X Tractor, Heavy

    4 X boring rings.

    5 X pistols
    90 X rifle
    1 X Bren lmg




    HEADQUARTERS ELECTRICAL and MECHANICAL UNITS
    War Establishment XIV/905/1. March 1945.

    Lieutenant Colonel, Commander RE
    Captain, Adjutant
    Captain

    Serjeant
    3 X clerk
    motorcyclist
    2 X driver of vehicle
    batman
    batman driver
    cook

    Rank and file include one corporal

    1 X motorcycle
    1 X light utility
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 saloon
    1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS

    2 X lmg.




    HEADQUARTERS of an ELECTRICAL and MECHANICAL COMPANY.
    War Establishment IV/7C/1. June 1943.
    To administer not less than four Electrical and Mechanical Sections.
    Major
    Captain
    Subaltern

    Warrant Officer Class I Military Mechanist
    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    serjeant
    2 X corporal
    3 X lance corporal
    10 X sapper
    7 X driver

    officers mess cook ACC
    cook ACC

    Trades.
    2 X boilermaker
    2 X clerk
    draughtsman mechanical
    driver mechanic
    engine fitter (IC and pumps)
    2 X general dutyman
    3 X motorcycle orderly
    storeman
    storeman technical

    3 X batman
    2 X driver
    sanitary dutyman
    transport NCO
    water dutyman

    2 X bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt air compressor

    3 X pistol
    19 X rifle
    8 X machine carbine
    1 X Bren gun
    4 X twin AA Bren gun
    1 X AT rifle.



    ELECTRICAL and MECHANICAL SECTIONS.
    War Establishment IV/7D/2. August 1943.
    War Establishment IV7D/1 was issued in June 1943 together with War Establishment IV/7C/1 above. It was almost immediately replaced by IV/7D/2.
    There were three different types of section which could be allotted to a company in various numbers and proportions.
    Type A - General Purpose
    Type B - Oil or Water
    Type C - Power Station and Transmission

    Type A – General Purpose
    Subaltern
    Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Mechanical
    staff serjeant military mechanist, electrician
    2 X serjeant
    2 X blacksmith
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    concretor
    driver mechanic
    3 X electrician, maintenance
    2 X electrician, power station
    2 X electrician, wireman
    4 X engine fitter (IC and pumps)
    engine fitter (steam and reciprocating)
    6 X engine hands
    2 X fitter
    3 X lineman, (power)
    motor mechanic
    painter and decorator
    2 X cook

    Type B – Oil and Water
    This section had a headquarters and four sub sections.
    Headquarters
    Captain
    staff serjeant military mechanist, mechanical
    serjeant
    blacksmith
    bricklayer
    clerk
    Four sub sections each
    3 X engine fitter (IC and pumps)
    3 X engine hand
    cook

    Type C – Power Station and Transmission
    Subaltern
    Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Electrical
    staff serjeant military mechanist, mechanical
    serjeant
    blacksmith
    boilermaker
    carpenter and joiner
    draughtsman, mechanical
    3 X electrician, maintenance
    6 X electrician, power station
    3 X electrician, wireman
    engine fitter (IC and pumps)
    3 X engine fitter (steam and reciprocating)
    3 X engine hand
    fitter
    9 X linesman (power)
    cook




    HEADQUARTERS MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT UNITS TYPE A.
    War Establishment XIV/950/1. June 1944.

    Lieutenant Colonel, Commander RE
    Major,
    Captain
    staff serjeant clerk RE
    clerk RE
    staff serjeant military mechanist
    2 X engineer clerk RE
    draughtsman (railway construction)
    driver mechanic
    3 X motorcyclist
    2 X driver
    2 X batman

    4 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 GS


    HEADQUARTERS MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT UNITS TYPE B.
    War Establishment IV/244/1. April 1944.

    Lieutenant Colonel, Commander RE
    Major,
    Captain, Adjutant
    2 X Captain
    Subaltern
    Inspector of RE Machinery

    Warrant Officer Class I Military Mechanist (Mechanical Equipment)
    staff serjeant military mechanist (mechanical equipment)
    Warrant Officer Class II Clerk
    2 X serjeant clerk RE
    lance serjeant clerk RE
    3 X corporal clerk
    2 X lance corporal clerk
    7 X clerk
    draughtsman (mechanical)
    4 X motorcyclist
    4 X driver IC
    3 X batman
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman
    officers mess cook
    2 X cook

    6 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 4cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    The following may be added to headquarters having mechanical equipment under the control of this headquarters.
    Headquarters of an Army or Headquarters Line of Communication
    Major
    2 X clerk
    batman driver
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4

    Headquarters of a Corps or Headquarters of a Line of Communication Area
    Captain
    staff serjeant military mechanist (mechanical equipment)
    clerk
    batman driver
    driver IC
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS


    HEADQUARTERS MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY.
    War Establishment IV/22C/4. September 1943.
    To administer four sections.
    The headquarters includes a workshop.

    Major,
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    staff serjeant military mechanist (mechanical equipment)
    serjeant clerk RE for pay duties
    transport serjeant
    lance serjeant
    3 X corporal
    7 X lance corporal
    23 X sapper
    28 X driver

    blacksmith
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    4 X clerk
    12 X driver mechanic
    electrician (maintenance)
    7 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    7 X general dutyman
    3 X motorcycle orderly
    2 X storeman, technical
    turner
    welder, acetylene
    welder, electric
    4 X batman driver
    15 X driver IC
    transport NCO

    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    2 X bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    3 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt air compressor
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 tipping
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 machinery RE 7.5 KW
    2 X 10ton 6 X 4 GS
    4 X tractor 4 X 4 Medium
    3 X tractor 6 X 4 Heavy
    1 X 180 gallon water trailer
    2 X 18ton trailer (Carrimore)
    2 X 18 ton RB trailer
    3 X 20 ton trailer (Multiwheeler)
    1 X 26” circular saw trailer

    4 X Bren lmg
    1 X PIAT


    Headquarters
    Major,
    Captain
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    serjeant clerk RE for pay duties
    transport serjeant
    lance serjeant
    2 X corporal
    4 X lance corporal
    8 X sapper
    27 X driver

    4 X clerk
    12 X driver mechanic
    2 X general dutyman
    3 X motorcycle orderly
    storeman, technical

    3 X batman driver
    15 X driver IC
    transport NCO

    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC


    Workshop
    Subaltern
    staff serjeant military mechanist (mechanical equipment)
    lance serjeant
    corporal
    3 X lance corporal
    15 X sapper
    driver

    blacksmith
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    electrician (maintenance)
    7 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    5 X general dutyman
    storeman, technical
    turner
    welder, acetylene
    welder, electric
    batman driver

    Notes:
    One driver IC will be trained in water duties
    When the company is employed on transportation duties
    Add 1 X draughtsman (railway construction) if required.
    Delete 1 X circular saw trailer.
    When the company is operating in the forward area
    Add 2 X tractor 4 X 4 Medium
    Add 2 X 18ton trailer (Carrimore)



    MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SECTIONS.
    War Establishment IV22D/3. September 1943.
    There were three different establishments:
    Type A which was the normal organisation.
    Type B which was for sections in forward areas.
    Type C which was for an independent section, not attached to a company.

    Type A
    Captain
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    2 X lance serjeant
    4 X corporal
    7 X lance corporal
    43 X sapper
    9 X driver

    carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    2 X driver mechanic
    2 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    45 X excavator operator
    4 X pioneer
    storeman, technical
    welder, acetylene
    2 X batman driver
    6 X driver
    2 X cook ACC

    2 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 tipping
    1 X tractor 4 X 4 medium
    1 X 180 gallon water trailer
    1 X 18 ton trailer (Carrimore)

    Type B
    Captain
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    2 X lance serjeant
    5 X corporal
    7 X lance corporal
    43 X sapper
    14 X driver

    carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    3 X driver mechanic
    2 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    45 X excavator operator
    4 X pioneer
    storeman, technical
    welder, acetylene
    2 X batman driver
    10 X driver
    transport NCO
    2 X cook ACC

    3 X bicycle
    3 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 tipping
    2 X tractor 4 X 4 medium
    2 X transporter 20 ton 6 X 4 – 4 semi trailer
    1 X 180 gallon water trailer
    2 X 18 ton trailer (Carrimore)

    Note: when allotted to beach groups the tractors, trailers and transporters will be replaced by
    4 X tractor 6 X 4 Heavy
    4 X 20 ton low loading trailer (Multiwheeler)

    Type C
    Captain
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    2 X lance serjeant
    5 X corporal
    7 X lance corporal
    48 X sapper
    23 X driver

    carpenter and joiner
    2 X clerk
    7 X driver mechanic
    4 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    44 X excavator operator
    4 X pioneer
    storeman, technical
    welder, acetylene
    2 X batman driver
    16 X driver
    transport NCO
    corporal cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    4 X bicycle
    3 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 tipping
    1 X 10 ton 6 X 4 GS
    6 X tractor 4 X 4 medium
    1 X 180 gallon water trailer
    6 X 18 ton trailer (Carrimore)

    Notes:
    One driver IC will be trained in water duties.
    One driver IC will be trained in sanitary duties.
    When a section is employed on transportation duties one surveyor (engineering) will be added.



    MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT PARK COMPANY.
    War Establishment IV/22E/2. September 1943.
    Consisting of a headquarters, a plant assembling section and a park section.

    Captain
    3 X Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    quartermaster serjeant military mechanist
    2 X staff serjeant military mechanist
    company quartermaster serjeant
    serjeant
    transport serjeant
    2 X lance serjeant
    4 X corporal
    8 X lance corporal
    36 X sapper
    55 X driver

    2 X blacksmith
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    5 X clerk
    8 X driver mechanic
    24 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    4 X excavator operator
    3 X pioneer
    2 X turner
    welder, acetylene
    welder, electric
    2 X batman
    3 X batman driver
    46 X driver IC
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman
    officers mess cook ACC
    3 X cook ACC

    2 X bicycle
    3 X motorcycle
    3 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 machinery RE 7.5 KW
    4 X 10ton 6 X 4 tipping
    16 X tractor 4 X 4 Medium
    6 X tractor 6 X 4 Heavy
    10 X 18ton trailer (Carrimore)
    6 X 18 ton RB trailer
    6 X 20 ton trailer (Multiwheeler)

    11 X Bren lmg
    1 X PIAT


    Headquarters
    Captain
    Subaltern
    Company Serjeant Major
    Company quartermaster serjeant
    lance serjeant
    corporal
    lance corporal
    2 X sapper
    5 X driver

    2 X clerk
    3 X pioneer
    batman
    batman driver
    driver IC
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman
    officers mess cook ACC
    3 X cook ACC

    2 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS

    Plant assembling section.
    Subaltern
    quartermaster serjeant military mechanist
    2 X staff serjeant military mechanist
    serjeant
    lance serjeant
    corporal
    3 X lance corporal
    33 X sapper
    2 X driver

    2 X blacksmith
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    2 X clerk
    24 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
    4 X excavator operator
    2 X turner
    welder, acetylene
    welder, electric
    batman
    batman driver

    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 machinery RE 7.5 KW

    Park Section
    Sublatern
    transport serjeant
    2 X corporal
    4 X lance corporal
    sapper
    48 X driver

    clerk
    8 X driver mechanic
    batman driver
    45 X driver IC

    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    4 X 10ton 6 X 4 tipping
    16 X tractor 4 X 4 Medium
    6 X tractor 6 X 4 Heavy
    10 X 18ton trailer (Carrimore)
    6 X 18 ton RB trailer
    6 X 20 ton trailer (Multiwheeler)


    Note:
    The plant held by the plant section does not appear on the War Establishment table but is listed on the AF. G1098. This is the list of stores and equipment which a unit may hold.



    MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SPARE PARTS SECTION
    War Establishment IV/206/1. November 1943.
    Designed as an increment to an engineer stores base depot or a mechanical equipment park company by which it will be administered.

    Subaltern
    staff serjeant engineer clerk
    serjeant engineer clerk
    2 X corporal engineer clerk
    lance corporal engineer clerk
    engineer clerk
    batman
    driver
    4 X pioneer

    1 X motorcycle
    1 X 15cwt GS

    Note: Unlikely as it sounds a book of reminiscences has been written by a soldier who served in this section.



    ENGINEER BASE WORKSHOP.
    War Establishment IV/9/2. September 1943.

    Major
    2 X Captain
    3 X Subaltern
    Quartermaster
    Inspector of RE Machinery.

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    10 X serjeant
    9 X lance serjeant
    10 X corporal
    9 X lance corporal
    124 X sapper
    10 X driver

    From establishment for engineer services
    5 X Warrant Officer Class II Engineer Clerk
    Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Electrical
    Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Mechanical
    8 X staff serjeant engineer clerk
    staff serjeant engineer draughtsman

    officers mess cook ACC
    5 X cook ACC

    10 X blacksmith
    6 X blacksmiths striker or hammerman
    boilermaker
    bricklayer
    53 X carpenter and joiner
    3 X clerk
    2 X draughtsman, architectural
    2 X draughtsman, mechanical
    driver mechanic
    2 X electrician, maintenance
    2 X electrician, wireman
    5 X engine fitter
    7 X engine hand
    2 X millwright
    moulder
    painter and decorator
    4 X plumber and pipefitter
    12 X pioneer
    pioneer as motorcycle orderlies
    4 X saw doctors
    20 X sawyer
    2 X stoker, steam engine
    5 X tinsmith and whitesmith
    turner
    wagon erector
    welder, acetylene
    welder, electric
    2 X woodturners and machinists

    4 X batman
    2 X driver IC
    2 X sanitary dutyman
    2 X water dutyman

    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    A fire fighting sub section Type A is attached.

    Headquarters
    Major
    Captain
    Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    serjeant
    2 X corporal
    2 X lance corporal
    6 X sapper
    8 X driver

    5 X Warrant Officer Class II Engineer Clerk
    8 X staff serjeant engineer clerk
    staff serjeant engineer draughtsman

    officers mess cook ACC
    5 X cook ACC

    3 X clerk
    2 X draughtsman, architectural
    2 X draughtsman, mechanical
    driver mechanic
    2 X pioneer
    2 X batman
    2 X driver IC
    2 X sanitary dutyman
    2 X water dutyman

    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Workshop
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern
    Quartermaster
    9 X serjeant
    9 X lance serjeant
    18 X corporal
    7 X lance corporal
    118 X sapper
    2 X driver

    Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Electrical
    Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Mechanical

    10 X blacksmith
    6 X blacksmiths striker or hammerman
    boilermaker
    bricklayer
    53 X carpenter and joiner
    2 X electrician, maintenance
    2 X electrician, wireman
    5 X engine fitter
    7 X engine hand
    2 X millwright
    moulder
    painter and decorator
    4 X plumber and pipefitter
    10 X pioneer
    pioneer as motorcycle orderlies
    4 X saw doctors
    20 X sawyer
    2 X stoker, steam engine
    5 X tinsmith and whitesmith
    turner
    wagon erector
    welder, acetylene
    welder, electric
    2 X woodturners and machinists
    2 X batman


    WORKSHOP and PARK COMPANY.
    War Establishment IV/11/3. September 1943

    Major
    2 X Captain
    6 X Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    4 X serjeant
    4 X lance serjeant
    7 X corporal
    21 X lance corporal
    109 X sapper
    33 X driver

    From establishment for engineer services
    4 X Warrant Officer Class II Engineer Clerk
    5 X staff serjeant engineer clerk
    5 X serjeant engineer clerk
    12 X lance corporal clerk
    mechanist quartermaster serjeant
    mechanist staff serjeant

    officers mess cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    4 X cook ACC

    8 X blacksmith
    2 X bricklayers
    18 X carpenter and joiner
    10 X clerk
    3 X concreters
    draughtsman, mechanical
    4 X crane driver
    2 X driver mechanic
    2 X electrician, maintenance
    4 X engine fitter
    2 X engine hand
    motor mechanic
    3 X painter and decorator
    63 X pioneer
    riveter
    saw doctor
    9 X sawyer
    stoker, steam engine
    2 X tinsmith and whitesmith
    welder, acetylene
    welder, electric

    8 X batman
    batman driver
    22 X driver IC
    sanitary dutyman
    2 X transport NCO
    water dutyman

    3 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    4 X 15cwt GS
    13 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Two fire fighting sub sections type A will be attached.

    Headquarters
    Major
    2 X Captain

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    2 X serjeant
    2 X lance serjeant
    corporal
    6 X lance corporal
    15 X sapper
    7 X driver

    From establishment for engineer services
    staff serjeant engineer clerk
    serjeant engineer clerk
    mechanist quartermaster serjeant
    mechanist staff serjeant

    officers mess cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    4 X cook ACC

    2 X blacksmith
    4 X carpenter and joiner
    4 X clerk
    concreters
    draughtsman, mechanical
    motor mechanic
    painter and decorator
    3 X pioneer
    riveter
    saw doctor
    sawyer
    stoker, steam engine
    2 X tinsmith and whitesmith
    welder, acetylene
    welder, electric

    2 X batman
    batman driver
    2 X driver IC
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS


    Two workshop sections each
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    lance serjeant
    3 X corporal
    5 X lance corporal
    17 X sapper
    9 X driver

    3 X blacksmith
    bricklayer
    7 X carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    concreter
    driver mechanic
    electrician, maintenance
    2 X engine fitter
    engine hand
    painter and decorator
    2 X pioneer
    4 X sawyer

    batman
    8 X driver IC
    transport NCO

    1 X motorcycle
    6 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS


    Four Advanced Park Sections each
    Subaltern
    lance corporal
    15 X sapper
    2 X driver
    Warrant Officer Class II Engineer Clerk
    staff serjeant engineer clerk
    serjeant engineer clerk
    3 X lance corporal clerk
    clerk
    crane driver
    14 X pioneer
    batman
    driver IC

    1 X 15cwt GS




    HEADQUARTERS MACHINERY SPARE PARTS COMPANY.
    War Establishment XIV1004/1. March 1945.

    Headquarters
    Major
    Captain
    Company Serjeant Major
    staff serjeant clerk
    serjeant clerk
    duty serjeant
    corporal clerk
    3 X lance corporal clerk
    driver mechanic
    corporal engineer clerk
    2 X lance corporal engineer clerk
    motorcyclist
    2 X general dutyman
    batman
    batman driver
    3 X driver
    sanitary dutyman
    officers mess cook
    corporal cook
    2 X cook

    1 X motorcycle
    1 X light utility
    2 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    Recognition Section
    Subaltern
    staff serjeant military mechanist (mechanical)
    2 X corporal clerk
    8 X lance corporal clerk
    2 X corporal engineer clerk
    6 X lance corporal engineer clerk
    6 X pioneer





    MACHINERY SPARE PARTS (BASE SECTION)
    War Establishment IV/211/1. November 1943.
    Designed for attachment to an engineer stores base depot by which it will be administered.

    Captain
    Subaltern
    4 X corporal clerk RE
    2 X lance corporal clerk RE
    batman
    2 X driver
    staff serjeant engineer clerk
    serjeant engineer clerk
    2 X corporal engineer clerk
    lance corporal engineer clerk
    14 X pioneer

    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS




    HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER STORES GROUP
    War Establishment XIV/962/1. April 1945.
    To administer four engineer stores park companies.

    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major
    Captain, Adjutant
    2 X Captain
    Quartermaster

    Warrant Officer Class II, Engineer Clerk
    serjeant engineer clerk
    corporal engineer clerk
    4 X lance corporal engineer clerk
    serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    lance corporal clerk
    2 X clerk

    From any arm
    batman
    3 X batman driver
    general dutyman
    2 X motorcyclist

    Normally the headquarters will be attached to another unit for messing. If it is operating independently a cook ACC will be provided.

    Transport
    3 X motorcycle
    2 X light utility
    2 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 saloon
    1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS




    STORES SECTION RE
    War Establishment IV/115/1. July 1942.

    Subaltern
    serjeant
    corporal clerk
    3 X storeman, technical and departmental
    8 X pioneer as storeman
    1 motorcyclist
    1 batman
    1 driver

    1 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X 15cwt GS




    ENGINEER LOCAL PURCHASE SECTION
    War Establishment XIV/1003/1. November 1944

    Major
    2 X Captain
    staff serjeant engineer clerk
    corporal engineer clerk
    3 X lance corporal engineer clerk
    batman
    batman driver
    driver
    cook ACC

    motorcycle
    2 X car light utility



    HEADQUARTERS BOMB DISPOSAL COMPANY
    War Establishment III/20C/3. August 1942.

    Major
    3 X Subaltern including one for E and M.

    company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    mechanist staff serjeant
    transport serjeant

    5 X corporal
    11 X sapper
    13 X driver

    Trades include
    4 X clerk
    2 X bricklayer
    2 X carpenter and joiner
    4 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    2 X electrician
    orderly
    storeman
    2 X batman
    11 X driver IC

    1 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater
    3 X Car 5cet 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    6 X pistol
    29 X rifle
    4 X machine carbine for drivers



    BOMB DISPOSAL SECTION
    War Establishment III/20B/3. August 1942.

    Subaltern
    serjeant
    lance serjeant
    3 X corporal
    5 X lance corporal
    14 X sapper
    6 X driver IC
    cook ACC

    Trades include
    driver mechanic
    fitter
    4 X timberman, public works
    engine hand IC
    16 X pioneer including one for sanitary duties
    batman
    5 X driver IC

    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater
    1 X 15cwt GS
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    2 X pistol
    28 X rifle
    2 X machine carbine

    Bomb
    Bomb disposal in forward areas was usually carried out by field engineer personnel. Wherever possible they simply blew them up as they would any obstacle, booby trap etc. In other areas more sophisticated methods were needed to avoid damage to installations and injury to personnel.

    Bomb Disposal Companies provided administrative support but platoons and sections normally operated at some distance from the Company Headquarters and were attached to other engineer units. Each division had a Bomb Disposal Platoon of two sections under the orders of the CRE. Works and Airfield Construction Groups had sections attached also.

    A section had:
    2 X car cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 10cwt trailer
    1 X 3 ton tipper
    1 X water trailer.

    Ideally Bomb Disposal personnel defused the bomb and removed it to a safe place in the tipper loaded with sand.




    TRAINING SCHOOL RE.
    War Establishment XIV/1000/1. September 1944.

    Major, Instructor
    Captain, Instructor
    Quartermaster
    10 X Subaltern

    Quartermaster Serjeant Instructor
    Company quartermaster serjeant
    33 X serjeant instructor
    2 X mess serjeant
    Note: Two officers and twelve serjeant instructors required for the infantry and other arms mines courses may be from other arms of service than RE.

    4 X carpenter and joiner
    5 X clerk, including one corporal
    engine fitter (IC and pumps)
    4 X painter and decorator
    3 X corporal storeman
    motorcyclist
    5 X general dutyman
    shipwright
    4 X batman
    5 X driver
    5 X officers mess orderly
    5 X serjeants mess orderly

    10 X cooks ACC including
    3 X officers mess cook, including one corporal
    3 X serjeants mess cook, including one corporal
    4 X rank and file mess, including one corporal
    Note that the seemingly large number of cooks is for the personnel attending the training courses.


    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS




    SURVEY AND PRINTING

    ARMY GROUP FIELD SURVEY DEPOT
    War Establishment XIV/902/1. November 1944

    Captain
    Subaltern
    Subaltern for Administrative Duties

    Warrant Officer Class I (Survey)
    Company quartermaster serjeant
    6 X clerk (field survey) including
    serjeant
    lance corporal
    4 X sapper
    54 X storeman (survey) including
    4 X serjeant
    3 X corporal
    9 X lance corporal
    38 X sapper
    corporal vehicle mechanic
    carpenter and joiner
    transport serjeant
    batman driver
    16 X driver. Includes two drivers per 10ton lorry.
    2 X cook ACC

    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car light utility
    3 X 15cwt
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    5 X 10ton 6 X 4 GS



    ARMY FIELD SURVEY DEPOT RE
    War Establishment IV/203/1. November 1943.
    Consisting of a Main Depot, Base Depot, one sub section per corps and one sub section per division.

    Main Depot
    Captain
    Subaltern
    Warrant Officer Class I
    2 X serjeant
    corporal
    2 X lance corporal
    10 X sapper
    7 X driver
    cook ACC

    Trades
    2 X clerk
    10 X storeman, survey
    batman driver
    6 X driver IC
    driver mechanic

    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS
    6 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS


    Base Depot
    Subaltern
    Warrant Officer Class II
    serjeant
    2 X corporal
    3 X lance corporal
    12 X sapper
    5 X driver
    cook ACC

    Trades
    2 X clerk
    carpenter and joiner
    14 X storeman, survey
    5 X driver

    2 X 15cwt GS
    3 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Each Corps Sub Section
    corporal storeman
    driver
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    Each Division Sub Section
    storeman
    driver
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS


    HEAVY MOBILE PRINTING SECTION
    War Establishment XIV/1491/1. May 1944

    Subaltern
    staff serjeant (survey)
    lithographer (draughtsman)
    4 X lithographer (machine minder) including a corporal
    3 X printer (compositor) including a lance corporal
    helio worker
    photographer (cartographer)
    storeman (survey)
    corporal driver mechanic
    electrician, maintenance

    batman driver
    3 X driver
    cook ACC

    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt printing
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X 3ton 6 X 4 heavy prnting
    1 X trailer 2ton 2 wheel 22KW generator




    MAP REPRODUCTION SECTION, ROYAL ENGINEERS
    War Establishment III/203/2. November 1943.
    This applied to Nos 13, 14, 15, 16 and 19 Map Reproduction Sections. This number might suggest one per corp.

    Headquarters
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major (Technical)
    serjeant
    serjeant storeman

    Survey personnel
    3 X clerk (field survey)
    3 X storeman (survey) including a corporal and a lance corporal
    4 X sapper

    Non survey personnel
    carpenter and joiner
    driver mechanic
    2 X electrician (maintenance)
    2 X fitter (trained in erection of printing machines)
    4 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist
    batmen
    6 X driver of vehicles
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    Transport
    All transport is at headquarters.
    2 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X 10 ton 6 X 4 GS
    5 X trailer, generating set 22 kw.

    1 X LMG.


    Photographic section
    serjeant
    Survey personnel
    5 X photographer (cartographic)
    6 X photowriter including a corporal and a lance corporal
    9 X sapper


    Proving section
    serjeant
    Survey personnel
    4 X helioworkers
    5 X provers
    3 X storeman (survey) including a corporal and a lance corporal
    10 X sapper


    Printing section 1
    serjeant
    Survey personnel
    4 X lithographer, draughtsman
    4 X lithographer, machine minders including a corporal sand a lance corporal
    6 X sapper


    Printing section 2
    serjeant
    Survey personnel
    4 X lithographer, draughtsman
    4 X lithographer, machine minders including a corporal and a lance corporal
    6 X sapper




    POSTAL UNITS
    Postal Units were traditionally a Royal Engineer responsibility but in practice they operated independently and had no engineering skills. The duties were simply sorting and forwarding post. Outgoing letters, and sometimes parcels, were received from units and passed up to Corps. Incoming letters and parcels were received from Corps and distributed to units. The actual transport of the mail to and from units was the task of the RASC.

    DIVISIONAL POSTAL UNIT.
    War Establishment II/207/2.

    Armoured Division Postal Unit
    There were slight differences between the unit in an armoured division and that of an infantry division due to differences in the number of personnel in the divisions.
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant
    4 X corporal
    3 X lance corporal postal worker
    12 X sapper postal worker
    Total 25

    Note:
    One lance corporal to act as transport NCO
    One sapper to be trained to drive and maintain vehicles,
    One sapper will be batman driver for the subaltern
    One lance corporal or sapper to be trained as a vehicle mechanic

    3 X 15cwt GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Note:
    Two of the 15cwt GS will be equipped with penthouse equipment
    One 3ton 4 X 2 GS will be equipped with side shelters


    Infantry Divisional Postal Unit RE
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant
    5 X corporal
    3 X lance corporal postal worker
    14 X sapper postal worker
    Total 25

    Note:
    One lance corporal to act as transport NCO
    2 X sapper to be trained to drive and maintain vehicles,
    One sapper will be batman driver for the subaltern
    One lance corporal or sapper to be trained as a vehicle mechanic

    3 X bicycle
    4 X 15cwt GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Note:
    Three of the 15cwt GS will be equipped with penthouse equipment
    One 3ton 4 X 2 GS will be equipped with side shelters



    CORPS POSTAL UNIT. RE
    War Establishment III/59/4. January 1944

    Personnel
    Company Serjeant Major
    2 X serjeant
    6 X corporal
    2 X lance corporal
    12 X sapper
    Total 23

    Note that
    One lance corporal is to act as transport NCO
    Four sappers are to be capable of driving vehicles and carrying out minor repairs.

    Transport
    1 X motorcycle (for Company Serjeant Major)
    2 X 15cwt GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Note
    The 15cwt GS trucks are fitted with penthouse equipment
    The 3ton GS lorries are fitted with Wardian shelters.



    ARMY POSTAL UNIT. RE
    War Establishment III/59/4. January 1944

    Personnel
    Company Serjeant Major
    2 X serjeant
    6 X corporal
    2 X lance corporal
    12 X sapper
    Total 23

    Note that
    One lance corporal is to act as transport NCO
    Four sappers are to be capable of driving vehicles and carrying out minor repairs.


    Transport
    1 X motorcycle (for Company Serjeant Major)
    2 X 15cwt GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Note
    The 15cwt GS trucks are fitted with penthouse equipment
    The 3ton GS lorries are fitted with Wardian shelters.



    LINE of COMMUNICATION POSTAL UNIT.
    War Establishment IV/64/4. June 1944.

    Captain
    Subaltern
    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    4 X serjeant
    2 X lance serjeant postal worker
    4 X corporal postal worker
    3 X lance corporal postal worker
    23 X sapper postal worker

    Note that:
    One lance corporal is to act as transport NCO
    Four sappers are to be capable of driving vehicles and carrying out minor repairs.

    2 X cook ACC

    Personnel from any arm and may be unfit for general service with fighting units.
    batman
    4 X orderly
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    2 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Notes:
    This establishment is intended for a unit working on a short line of communication served by a single port. Where the line of communication is broken and more than one port is used for the maintenance of the force additional line of communication postal units may be allocated as required.

    Postal personnel may be distributed as shown below, subject to adjustment from time to time.
    Headquarters Line of Communication Area
    Officer
    Warrant Officer
    staff serjeant or serjeant
    6 X sapper

    Headquarters Line of Communication Sub Area (each)
    Officer
    staff serjeant or serjeant
    6 X sapper

    Headquarters Line of Communication Infantry Brigade
    4 X sapper

    Line of Communication Infantry Brigade RASC Company
    serjeant
    4 X sapper

    Port (other than the port where the Base Post Office is located)
    serjeant
    6 X sapper

    Regulating area and Railheads.
    Remaining personnel.



    No8 BASE POST OFFICE
    War Establishment XIV/953/1. September 1944

    Personnel
    Major
    Subaltern
    Subaltern for Administrative Duties

    Quartermaster Serjeant
    Company Serjeant Major
    8 X serjeant
    lance serjeant postal worker
    6 X corporal postal worker
    4 X lance corporal postal worker
    61 X sapper postal worker
    The total for lance corporals and sappers includes seven drivers.
    The total personnel includes a subsidiary office in the base sub area.

    Attached Pool
    25 X sapper for postal duties. To be allotted as required.

    officers mess cook ACC
    3 X cook ACC

    2 X batman
    5 X orderly
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    3 X bicycle
    1 X car light utility
    2 X 15cwt GS

    Three men will be trained in the use of AA lmg.
    Three men will be trained in gas duties and decontamination work.



    FORWARD GROUP AIR FORMATION SIGNALS POSTAL UNIT
    War Establishment XIV/954/1. December 1944.
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant
    3 X corporal postal worker
    2 X lance corporal postal worker
    13 X postal worker

    2 X bicycle
    1 X light utility
    1 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    One corporal will be in charge of transport
    Six postal workers will be capable of driving and maintaining vehicles, including one to act as batman driver.


    The first postal personnel to land in the theatre were those of 6 Airborne Division who landed by parachute and glider well before H-hour. The postal personnel of 1 and 4 Special Service Brigades followed about an hour after the sea assault began, just prior to the arrival of the beach group detachments personnel. The next to arrive were the personnel of 50 Division, 1 and 30 Corps postal units, who established their "D" (divisional) and "HT" (corps) offices and future "S" (static) offices. Second Army Postal Unit followed and established an "S" office which also acted as a cross post centre for the formations ashore.

    Delivery of mail to assault units commenced on D+2 with mail to the UK commencing the next day. On 6 July a two way airlift of first class letter mail only, was established between the theatre and UK, leaving parcel mail to be convoyed as before by surface routes.

    An officer was given the full time job of patrolling the anchorages in an amphibious jeep to locate the mail ships, and thus hasten unloading which was normally carried out with DUKWs.

    The rapid lengthening of the L of C created problems. Divisional and Corp postal units moved forward every one or two days disrupting sorting and delivery. A postal service for units grounded at various points on the L of C and machinery for the disposal of mails of disbanded units and formations had also to be provided. This led to a serious shortage of postal personnel, alleviated to some extent by the employment of civilian labour.

    In late September 8 Base Army Post Office moved to Antwerp, leaving a rear element to provide a base postal installation for the Rear Maintenance Area.

    In early 1945 a temporary telegraph service was inaugurated and operated via Army Post Office channels to enable personnel proceeding on leave to advise their families at short notice of their impending arrival.





    ROAD CONSTRUCTION
    From Military Engineering Vol V. (My copy is dated 1935 but contains the amendments, only three, issued up to 1943).

    The army requires that its engineers should be capable of making good roads and of maintaining the existing roads under all conditions of traffic and weather.

    Accurate information regarding the existing roads is important and must be borne in mind when compiling intelligence reports.

    Good roads contribute largely to the success of operations. The breakdown of communications may render initial success of no avail.

    The main essential of every road is that the foundation must be strong enough to bear the traffic brought on it. Without this no road, however good the surface, will last. The best available material should be used and the construction should follow the lines of modern practice. The military situation may change so that a road constructed for one class of road may be required to carry heavier loads.

    The engineer commander is responsible for all road work in his area that has not been assumed by a higher formation. As technical adviser to the formation commander he should at all times possess information as to the capacity and condition of the roads in his area and the availability of plant, material, transportation and labour. He should make frequent personal reconnaissance and make use of further reconnaissance by his staff and subordinates.

    Alternative routes should be provided wherever possible in case of damage by enemy action.

    The rate of movement of an army is limited by the rate at which it can receive supplies. The road system should have the capacity to carry all supplies from rail head to troops and if possible should also be capable of supplementing the rail system when necessary.

    The traffic capacity of a road depends on the physical characteristics of the road (width, surface, gradient, bottlenecks etc), the number of intersections and the nature and extent of the traffic. A single line road should be able to carry 10,000 tons a day under ideal conditions but 3,000 tons is a safer estimate.

    The maximum distance up to which troops can be supplied by road is generally 60 to 70 miles.

    The capacity of a road is not increased by speeds over 15 miles an hour owing to the necessary increase in the vehicle interval for safety. High speed combined with heavy axle load is the greatest enemy of the road so that from this point of view 15 miles an hour is the maximum speed that should be allowed for vehicle of 3ton capacity or greater.

    Efficient traffic control is of great importance for the maintenance of roads as well as the movement of troops and transport. Engineers should signpost roads but the tactical signing and traffic control is the responsibility of Military Police.

    Macadam Roads.
    A Macadam road would be the ideal. This type of road has a bed which has been prepared and graded before a 12” foundation layer of large, hard stones up to 10” in size is laid by hand. A second layer of stones about 2” in size is then laid on the foundation layer, filling gaps and raising the level by another 3” or 4”. A final layer of stone dust or small pieces left from the screening process is used to fill any gaps and then heavily rolled. A top layer of chippings can be added.

    The road can be made more durable by using tar or bitumen to bind the surface. Ideally the top layer of stones would be coated in bitumen or tar before being laid but this technique requires greater skill, special plant and more transport. For practical reasons a bituminous emulsion, which can be used cold, is most often used. This can be sprayed onto a finished surface when it will seep in and bind stones together. A layer of chippings can be added and rolled.

    Most often in 21 Army Group engineers would be required to repair or improve existing roads. At first a route which could move supplies forward would be required. This might involve clearing routes through damaged towns and villages, or providing by passes. A retreating enemy would probably blow culverts and lay mines to crater the road surface. Repairing this damage would be the task of the field engineers.

    Soon divisions would require roads capable of carrying vehicles up to 40 tons. This was the weight of a Churchill tank. Corps would require at least one road capable of carrying 80 tons which was the weight of a Churchill tank on a tank transporter.


    For tactical use there were two main types of road. Army track was easy to transport and quick to lay. It did however need considerable maintenance. The corduroy road was useful where there was plenty of suitable timber, evergreen trees being ideal. Such roads took longer to lay but where more durable.

    Army Track.
    Army Track was used widely and could be laid rapidly using unskilled labour. Diamond mesh woven netting with a 3” mesh was supplied in rolls 12 foot wide and 25 yards long and weighing 5cwt. This was sufficiently flexible to be laid round curves. It was fastened down with angle iron pickets. Four pickets were spaced along the end of a roll and then every five yards along the track. Rolls could be joined together with wire or overlapped and picketed. The track was covered with 2 to 3 inches of earth or shingle and the edges marked.

    Corduroy Road.
    These were constructed using tree trunks and were fairly durable. Tank tracks, especially when skid turning, were their greatest concern. A series of transverse bearers consisting of whole tree trunks were placed three foot apart. Ideally there would be two trunks to each bearer and arranged so that they sloped towards each side of the road to allow drainage. Four stringers, again consisting of tree trunks, were spiked to each section of the bearers. The two stringers in the centre were spiked together for stability. The gaps between bearers and between the stringers were filled with earth. A roadway was made from tree trunks. These trunks touched each other and were spiked to the bearers. The surface was levelled with earth and ribands fitted to each side of the roadway.
     
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