My father's war records show him to have held the rank of 'corporal in charge'. He was a driver with The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers and was part of the 101st Field Company that went to France and Belgium with the BEF in 1939. I have no idea as to how Royal Engineers would have been organised. In particular, I am none to clear as to what he would have been 'in charge' of. Possibly a squad of men in his lorry, or the contents of the lorry? Perhaps some of you chaps, who know about these things, could enlighten me please? Thanks, Gordon
Well it seems that 101 Field Coy was an Army level unit in the BEF. Outline organisation for a Field Coy at this time was; Coy HQ - 2 officers, 46 other ranks Three Sections, each - 1 officer, 64 other ranks Total Field Coy - 5 officers, 238 other ranks. Note that the Section was effectively a large Platoon, and the term was changed to Platoon later on in the war. Coy HQ included three Cpls, one for pay, one with a 30-cwt lorry that included an AA LMG (plus two men), and seemingly one Cpl cook. Each Section included two Lance-serjeants, three Cpls and one Transport Cpl. Section HQ included one L-sjt, and each Section included four 30-cwt lorries, each with a L-sjt or Cpl and 11 sappers plus a driver. The particular term 'in charge' doesn't appear in relation to any ranks; it may refer to an appointment. Don't know if that's any help. Gary
