Deciphering Grandads records - S/54912 Jack BAYLEY, RASC

Hi

My grandfather passed away a few years ago now and my dad never knew any details of his time during the war. We have his service record and was hoping you would be able to decipher some of its contents particularly where he was stationed in egypt if possible?

Thank you!

 

Sophie,

Welcome aboard. The Service Number is very low and suggests it was issued before WW2. See: Army Number Search I see looking at his record he enlisted 7/2/1936.

Not an easy read! Will need to download and try again later.

He landed in the Middle East (Egypt most likely) 25/9/1939; WW2 started 1/19/1939, though not in the Mediterranean i.e. with Italy, but returned to the UK on 24/8/1940. Italy declared war on France and UK 10/6/1940. Not clear whether his ship journey was through the Mediterranean or the far longer journey round South Africa.

I did spot he was posted to Millbrook Port on 4/11/1946 awaiting release. Millbrook Port is on Southampton Water and is still a military port.

 

Hi Sophie, welcome to the forum.

My tuppence worth:

1st photo suggests to me that he arrived in the Middle East (ex-U.K., ie. from the UK) on 24 November 1940. It's not easy to make out, but I think he was originally posted to some form of reinforcement and training camp. Note on the right hand side it states he was in the Middle East for nearly 4 years.

I'm not sure what 'Posted to "T" SPS of 4 SPC (or SPO?)' means though; that might clear a few things up.

It looks like he then passed a Trade Test ("TT") as a clerk and was posted to the staff of the Mena Staging Camp. A quick google of "Mena Camp Egypt WW2" should show you some photos of the camp, which became increasingly permanent as the war continued. Many of the war diaries of units which served in the Western Desert contain references to short or longer stays in Mena Camp, where units rested, re-organised and re-equipped after their battles up at the front.

It looks to me as though he stayed at the camp as part of the permanent staff and became qualified as a "supply clerk" in 1942. A busy role given the activities taking place in the camp.

It also looks like he returned to the UK in late 1944 and then was posted to the Continent in February 1945 returning to the UK in that November.

I hope that helps.

Regards

Tom

 

thank you!
yes we were also wondering what "T" SPS of 4 SPC means as its repeated a couple of times but no luck at the minute
we did have a photo of him near the pyramids in his uniform so i would say that was probably taken in or near mena camp then

 

This is a useful website: WW2 Abbreviations and Acronyms | Researching the Lives and Records of WW2 Soldiers

Might get back to look later.

 

SPS = Supply Personnel Section
SPC = Supply Personnel Company​

 

Sophie,

See attached table for posting, promotions and units.