This is from War Diary WO169/12401. The diary runs from January - December 1943. Thanks to Lee (PsyWar.org) I have the entire diary. If anybody is interested in any further information not included here let me know and I'll take a look. Most of this diary's entries are along the lines of "collected machines screwdriver" or "Test Bench, Fuel Pump OMC No 5466" which I can't see as being very interesting?? So, I'll just transcribe sections of it that might be of more general interest/use. At the beginning of 1943 No 1 Advanced Base Workshop was in Iraq and at the beginning of June 1943 was based in Egypt, Tel-el-Kebir. On August 26th 1943 the unit was on the move again to Tripoli. The main body was to go by road and a rear party was to follow by sea. The rear party was to accompany a balance of 70 tons of unit stores and equipment which could not be lifted in unit transport. Following is from movement order sent August 24th 1943. ORDERS FOR CONVOY COMD (a) Dispersal will be maintained at all times when halted. (b) Move will comply with G.O. 121 of Sep 42 as amended by G.O.108 of 22 Jan 43. (c) Naked lights and fires are forbidden during hours of darkness. (d) Owing to the dryness of the undergrowth great care will be taken especially in the area DERNA/BARCE not to cause bush fires. If a fire is accidentally caused the first duty of Convoy Camp is to arrange for it to [be] put out. Lighted matches and cigarette ends will not be thrown out of vehicles. (e) Care will be taken when vehicles pull off the road to avoid damage to telegraph poles and cables and standing crops. Firing at telegraph insulators is strictly forbidden. (f) All clocks will be put back ONE HOUR at MARBLE ARCH. (g) Vehicles will not leave the road between MARSA-BREGA and AGHEILA owing to the danger of scattered mines. (h) Rep will report ahead to Sub Area Reps at each staging point to be allotted bivouac sites also to refuelling points to co-ordinate refuelling and to MOV BENGASI and MOV TRIPOLI(L) for instructions regarding staging and destination. Signed R.M Douglas Capt. Major RE. D.A.Q.M.G.(M) September 1943 8th - Main body of convoy reached TRIPOLI and staged night in Olivetti Area owing to lack of suitable staging for heavy transporters nearer TRIPOLI. 9th - OLIVETTI AREA - Vehicles dispersed; camp site laid out; stores, mess tents and offices set up; detailed maintenance on unit vehicles commenced. Instructions received that the overall heights of vehicles, when loaded, are not to exceed 11ft for next movement and arrangements made to alter loads accordingly.
OCTOBER 1943 1st - OLIVETTI AREA - 1000 HRS - Route March for the whole of unit Other Rank personnel. 1300 HRS - A conducting party visited Roman Ruins at Sabratha. 1600 HRS - MOST SECRET "Officer Only" letter, 2067.G. dated 30 Sep 43, from H.Q. Tripolitania District, received, warning the unit to be ready to move in the near future to join 5TH ARMY. 2nd - Do. - 1300 HRS - Further conducted party visited Roman Ruins at Sabratha. Camp site cleaned, tents struck, messes and Q.M. closed down, loads on vehicles lashed down. Vehicles checked and filled up with fuel and oil. DA.D.A.P.S. H.Q. Tripoiltania Area, M.E.F., H.Q. 83 Area, M.E.F., and Signalmaster Tripoli Signal Office, informed of the unit's impending departure for C.M.F. Arrangements made with Officer Commanding (Major Richardson), 7 Workshop Company, 3 A.B.W. (which Company will ultimately follow this H.Q. to C.M.F.) to ensure that any of the personnel of the H.Q. that are at present in hospital (1 Officer & 3 O.Rs) are attached to 7 Workshop Company on discharge from hospital and proceed to C.M.F. with that Company. The rear party of this H.Q. is expected to arrive at Tripoli from the Delta on or about 4-10-43. Major Richardson has been requested to watch for the arrival of this party. 3rd - Final arrangements made for quitting present site. Company Office closed etc. 1200 HRS - Orders received from H.Q. Tripolitania District that this unit is to proceed to Tripoli Docks this afternoon for embarkation to C.M.F. 1630 HRS - First party leaves Camp Area for Tripoli Docks. 1730 HRS - Second party leaves Camp Area for Tripoli Docks. TRIPOLI - 1820 HRS - First party arrive at Docks. 1915 HRS - Second party arrive at Docks. 2130 HRS - Loading of vehicles into L.S.Ts commenced. Owing to the construction of these craft, and the nature of certain of the unit vehicles, e.g. Albion Articulated Transporters, local pattern 3-ton Machinery Trailers (which had to be man handled within the L.S.Ts). The loading took some time and was completed at 0450 hrs 4-10-43. Vehicles lashed down and batteries disconnected. Completed A.Fs W.5169 handed to B.S.O. Tripoli. 4th - DO. - 1800 HRS - L.S.Ts quit Tripoli Harbour and form up in stream outside. 2000 HRS (Approx) - Convoy departed for C.M.F. 5th & 6th - AT SEA. 7th - SALERNO HARBOUR - 1340 HRS - Convoy anchored in Salerno Bay. 1900 HRS - Vehicles unshackled, batteries connected, second party commenced disembarkation. All vehicles off-loaded by 2100 HRS, and this unit proceeded to promenade, staging night there. 8th - Lt.-Col. D.B.A. Moore and Lieut. J.R. Robins (Regimental officer) proceeded to NAPLES by road to contact ADME 57 Area (Lt.-Col. Clendinning) but was unable to do so until the 9th, when arrangements were made for this H.Q. to move to NAPLES the following day (10-10-43). Vehicles moved off promenade to outskirts of town and dispersed in area near location of 15 Workshop Company. 2230 HRS - Second commenced off-loading from L.S.T. (This transport had been delayed by mechanical trouble and arrived a day after the main convoy). Off-loading completed in good order soon after midnight, vehicles moving to promenade and staging night there. 9th - DO. - Major W.A. Johnson admitted hospital. Second party moved from promenade and joined first party on outskirts of the town. 10th - DO. - 0730 HRS - Complete H.Q. of this unit left by road for NAPLES, arriving at midday. Moved into Artillery Barracks and staged there. Necessary guards and picquets mounted, deep trench latrines, cookhouse set up and troops billeted in the Barracks.
What do you mean, not interesting. I collect 1940s screwdrivers and tools. Each to their own - I did include the reference on the next post about Albion Articulated Transporters and local pattern 3-ton Machinery Trailers just in case!
I wonder who knows more about Local pattern machinery trailers ? A photo would be interesting ! I'm not really a collector, by the way, but I can't resist a nice 'Perfect' pattern screwdriver if the price is right...or Shelley spanners...or Abingdon King Dick spanners...B)
October 1943 11th - Naples - Improvements made in billeting, accommodation, latrines etc., offices set up. Lt. -Col. D.B.A. Moore and other E.M.Es of this unit commenced reconnaissance of area for suitable workshop sites. 12th - DO. - Lt. -Col. D.B.A. Moore, A.D.M.E. 57 Area and E.M.Es of this unit continued search for suitable workshop site. 13th - DO. - Search for workshop site continued. Middle East Imprest Account (No.4527/REME) closed. 14th - DO. - Major W.A. Johnson discharged hospital and returned to unit. Application made to A.P.O. No.10, C.M.F. for new Imprest Number. 15th - TRIPOLITANIA - Lieut. E.S.H. Pope (R.E.M.E. Inspectorate) left Tripolitania, with 2 O.Rs (R.E.M.E. Inspectorate) to rejoin this unit, arriving at NAPLES on 21-10-43. NAPLES - Search for workshop site continued. 16th - DO. - Battle Dress taken into use owing to inclement weather. All suitable sites for this workshop which have so far been discovered have already been taken over by other arms of the services. 17th - DO. - Lt. -Col. D.B.A. Moore and other Officers continue reconnaissance of area for suitable workshop site. 18th, 19th & 20th - DO. - Further search made to find suitable accommodation for this workshop. 21st - DO. 1 Officer (Lieut. Gibson) and 29 O.Rs attached to this H.Q. from No.15 Workshop Coy. O.C. No. 6 Port Workshop has not yet joined this unit, which is being temporarily administered by this H.Q. As No.6 Port Workshop have a rush programme of assembling crated Motor Cycles ex U.K., Lieut. Gibson and 14 O.Rs of 15 Workshop Coy proceeded on detached duty to that unit to assist in the assembly. An appreciation of the situation regarding this unit was forwarded to A.D.M.E. 57 Area. 1830 HRS to 1950 HRS Enemy air activity over NAPLES. No damage or injuries to unit equipment or personnel.
The following is the appreciation mentioned in the post above. Workshop Accommodation. SECRET To:- A.D.M.E., 57 Area, CMF. H.Q., No. 1 Advanced Base Workshop, REME, CMF. AWN.3. 21 October 43. 1. The Headquarters of No.1 Advanced Base Workshop arrived in this country on 7-10-43, and in view of the difficulties which have been encountered since that date in obtaining a suitable site for the workshop to operate, it is felt that an appreciation of the situation should now be submitted. 2. On arrival of the Headquarters at Salerno on 7-10-43 it was found that No.15 Workshop Company had been in that area since 26-9-43. 3. On 8-10-43 I reported to H.Q., 57 Area but was unable to report to the A.D.M.E. until the following day. Arrangements were then made for the Headquarters of this unit to move up to Naples and occupy a portion of the Artillery Barracks on the morning of 10-10-43 and the A.D.M.E. was informed that the buildings allotted to R.E.M.E were inadequate and not very suitable for our requirements. Certain more useful buildings for workshop purposes and all the billeting accommodation within the barracks had already been allotted to other units. 4. Since the arrival of the Headquarters of this unit in Naples I have, together with the A.D.M.E. H.Q., 57 Area carried out a search for suitable workshop accommodation daily and the whole of the British area has been thoroughly combed. The district around Naples for a distance of approximately 20 miles has also been searched. Suitable premises were found in Castellammare in the damaged aircraft factory and railway workshops, and other premises have been found in the U.S. Army Area and the Royal Navy Area in Naples itself suitable for sub-workshops, but all of these and the aircraft factory at Castellammare have already been reserved for the U.S. Army the R.A.F. or the Royal Navy. 5. A further search in the district around Naples has revealed excellent premises in the town of Caserta where there is approximately 150,000 sq.ft. of very suitable accommodation, and it is considered that every endeavour should be made to obtain this site for the main shops of the Advanced Base Workshops although this town is at present in an operational area and is some 15 miles to 20 miles distant from Naples. 6. The Headquarters of the workshops has now been in this country for 14 days and No.15 Workshop Company has been here for approximately one month, and there are still no definite prospects of the Workshops being able to function in the immediate future. 7. It appears that until the arrival of the Headquarters of this unit, the area required for an Advanced Base W/Shop was not fully realised, and that closer co-operation prior to the unit's arrival could possibly have averted the difficulty of having the A.O.D. divorced from the Advanced Base Workshop by a number of miles which now appears to be inevitable. 8. The most suitable premises that have been found in the whole area are those at Caserta and it will be appreciated if all possible pressure may be brought to bear with a view to obtaining this site as early as possible for the Advanced Base Workshop. 9. No.6 PORT WORKSHOP One officer and 23 O.Rs. from No.15 Workshop Company will arrive in Naples today to be attached to No.6 Port Workshops temporarily. The officer - Lieut Gibson, will be in command of the Port Workshop until such time as the officer posted to that unit arrives with their rear party. 10. Arrangements are also being made for a further 20 fitters M.V. from No.15 Workshop Company to work in the "Market" at Naples under the Officer i/c No.6 Port Workshop, but unfortunately they are unable to do any work until such time as their tool kits have been off-loaded from ship which is now lying in Castellammare harbour, and they are, therefore, not being called forward to Naples until the kits are available. 11. May this office please be informed whether it is the intention that No.6 Port Workshop will be administered by the Headquarters of No.1 Advanced Base Workshop either as a temporary or permanent measure. Lt.-Col. C.E.M.E. H.Q., No.1 Advd. Base Workshop. D.B.A. Moore.
October 1943 22nd - NAPLES - Further reconnaissances made in an effort to find a suitable workshop site. 23rd - Lt.-Col. D.B.A. Moore discussed the question of requisitioned plant with Group Captain Knight, R.A.F. as the two services have been at cross-purposes over this question, resulting in duplicate requisitions for the same items. Agreement was reached on future policy. In view of the urgent necessity of commencing work with as little further delay as possible, Lt.-Col. D.B.A. Moore visited AF. H.Q. Adv. Admin. Echelon before it was due to function for initial interview with D.D.M.E. (Brigadier Broadhurst), explaining the difficulties which had been encountered in finding a suitable site, and outlining the position generally. 1840 HRS to 1950 HRS Enemy air activity over NAPLES, no damage or injuries to either unit equipment or personnel. 24th - DO. - Further reconnaissance in and around Naples area for suitable workshop site. Certain of the crated Motor Cycles which are being assembled by 6 Port Workshop have deficiencies, which could not be met by 511 A.O.D. which is not yet functioning as far as M.T. spares are concerned. 25th - DO. - MOST SECRET, Officer Only, letter, 2057/G dated 2-10-43, from H.Q. Tripolitania District, enclosing copy of Unit Preparatory Order SD1a/BM/319x of 24 May, 1943, received - that is, eighteen days after the unit had completed the move to C.M.F. This most important document was therefore not of the slightest use to this unit, and it is suggested that arrangements be made to ensure that units moving from one Command to another receive documents of this nature before they actually move, otherwise the whole purpose of such instructions is futile. Lt.-Col. D.B.A. Moore had an interview with D.D.M.E., A.F. H.Q. (Brig. Broadhurst) in connection with a site at CASTELLAMMARE, and the port and shipping facilities there. These premises are eminently suitable for workshop purposes but are already reserved by the R.A.F. NAPLES - A Further party of 29 O.Rs from 15 Workshop Company joined this H.Q. for duty. Of the 29, 20 proceeded on detached duty to 6 Port Workshop and 7 (Armourers) were attached to 511 A.O.D. 26th - DO. - Major W.A. Johnson engaged on reconnaissance for D.D.M.E. A.F.H.Q. The main trunk road, NAPLES - FOGGIA, is to be surveyed. Information is also to be obtained on the present position of R.E.M.E. Services in South Western Italy - No. 12 Advanced Base Workshop (Adv. party) and 2 Group Non-Div. Workshop Section. Further search for suitable workshop accommodation. 27th - DO. Signal 3ABW/560, dated 25-10-43, received advising the departure by sea of 7 Workshop Company to C.M.F., on 24-10-43. This Signal was the first intimation received that this Company was en route to this location. It had previously been impressed on A.D.M.E. 57 Area that neither 7 Workshop Coy nor 20 Workshop Coy should be called forward until they could be utilised and arrangements made for their reception. The position will not be helped by the premature arrival of 7 Workshop Company. 28th - DO. - Another party of 11 O.Rs from 15 Workshop Coy attached to this unit for duty. Major W.A. Johnson returned from surveying main trunk road, NAPLES - FOGGIA. Lt.-Col. D.B.A. Moore paid a further visit to A.F.H.Q. to enquire if there had been any further developments in the matter of a suitable site for these workshops. He was informed that as yet there was no change in the position. D.D.M.E. A.F.H.Q. (Brigadier Broadhurst) visited this unit in the afternoon and largely discussed procedure to be adopted by R.E.M.E. Inspectorate with Lieut. E.S.H. Pope (Inspector, REME Inspectorate, attached to this unit) who were returned to A.F.H.Q. with the D.D.M.E. for further discussion in the evening. 29th - NAPLES - 1 O.R. proceeded on temporary duty to A.F.H.Q. 30th - DO. - Search for suitable workshop site carried on. 1 Officer (Lieut. Gibson) and 43 O.Rs of 15 Workshop Coy returned from temporary duty at 6 Port Workshops. C.O. of that unit has now arrived, and the unit is to be self administered. A.D.M.E. 57 Area (Lt.-Col. Glendinning) and Lt.-Col. Norris visited this unit in connection with the manufacturing and fitting of Adaptors for 2-in Smoke Bomb Mortar for 60 Shermans and for a further 60 Shermans on completion of the first batch. Innoculation state for this unit rendered to Officer i/c Central M.I. Room, Naples. 31st - Further searches for suitable accommodation have still met with no success. 11th to 31st - DO. - Since the arrival of this unit at Naples it has not been possible for it to function as no site has to date been found that is suitable for a Formation of this size. The bulk of the workshop machinery and plant has not been off-loaded from the vehicles, but "Get You Home" repairs have been done to any and all M.T. possible, using the machinery lorries, and welding apparatus. During the search for workshop sites certain stores which will be of great use to the unit when functioning have been seen. These have been requisitioned through A.D.O.S, 57 Area, C.M.F. With the exception of those days on which Lt.-Col. D.B.A Moore has been at either 57 Area or A.F.H.Q. for interviews, every day has been spent in scouting Naples and District for a suitable site for this workshop. The E.M.Es of the unit have split into two parties and systematically "worked" the district to a depth of 20 miles. Suitable premises have been found but they are either in the areas allotted to the U.S. Army or the Royal Navy, or had been reserved for the U.S Army, The R.A.F. or the Royal Navy. NAPLES - A suitable site has also been located at CASERTA, but this town is at present in an operational area and is some 15 to 20 miles from NAPLES (the location of the A.O.D). During the period this unit has been in ITALY, it has become apparent the size and ramification of an Advanced Base Workshop were neither realised nor appreciated. The scope of work which has to be undertaken by this unit and the area needed was not realised, nor apparently was the fact that the Advanced Base Workshop and its linked Advanced Ordnance Depot should be sited as close together as possible. It is thought that if there had been closer cooperation and a better understanding of our requirements prior to the units arrival, suitable accomodation could have been earmarked for a workshop site, and the difficulty of being separated from the Advanced Ordnance Depot avoided. As it is, the unit has now been in NAPLES, 3 weeks, and it has not yet been possible to even commence setting up machinery and plant.
At the beginning of November the ADME 57 Area requested the unit manufactured large quantities of tent poles, but as the unit was unable to function it was not possible to carry out this work. The search for a site continued through November and this excerpt from a letter to D.D.M.E, A.F.H.Q. Adv. Admin. Ech. C.M.F. dated 9 December 1943 explained their "position to date" The general outlook and prospects for the future have greatly improved during the past ten days, additional accommodation within the Artillery Barracks having been surrendered to this unit by D.D.W. AFHQ and an allotment of certain buildings in the Cotton Mills (Southern Area) for which negotiations for requisitioning are, it is understood, at present in hand. In addition to these, agreement has been reached with the British Naval authorities for the occupation of practically the whole of the Ansaldo Works Pozzuoli, when desirable or necessary. it appears that the Headquarters of the American P.B.S have relinquished all claim to these workshops and that they are now requistioned by the Royal Navy. These premises, it is considered, offer excellent prospects for future development. (a) ARTILLERY BARRACKS. The repair of roofs by R.Es. is progressing satisfactorily. Installation of power, lighting and water has not yet been commenced but lighting is urgently required as delay is caused both in the early morning and late afternoon owing to the lack of daylight in shops. The installation of machinery and plant and the distribution of equipment throughout shops is well in hand and it is anticipated that all shops with the exception of those still occupied by R.E or other units will be in operation within the next five days. A Mechanical Equipment Coy is still in occupation of some of the shops allocated for tank repair but all available space is being utilised immediately it is vacated. Sixteen M4A [2 - I think it says] tanks are now actually in hand. Re-roofing of the gunshot is now practically completed and 14 x 25-pdr equipments are at present in hand, having already completed the overhaul of 8 x 7.2" howitzers. (b) COTTON MILLS. R.E. works in the Cotton Mills (Southern Area) are progressing satisfactorily. A portion of the roofing of Shop No. 79 will be completed on 12 Dec 43 and will permit work being commenced on 'B' vehicle repair. Gradual development will then be possible as shops Nos. 80 to 86 are completed by the R.Es. Lt. Col. C.E.M.E. H.Q., No 1 Adv. Base Workshop REME D.B.A. Moore.
No 1 Advanced Base Workshop REME War Diary - 1943 Hi, Interesting information my grandfather was with the workshop for a while I have lots of pics when he was in Italy. He was injured in Sicily and did not join the unit until January 1944 would you have any war diaries from that date Regards, Peter.
Hi, I have a box of my late Fathers things and came across a handkerchief with lots of signatures. My Father was James Holbrook a d his Father was of the same name. The handkerchief is printed 1 Base Wksp. Tripol, Till We Meet Again. Would this be relevant to the diaries noted above do you think?
