Non transport units rasc

NON TRANSPORT UNITS RASC


Non transport units were largely those concerned with the handling of petrol and the baking
of bread.

The RASC was also responsible for the Printing and Stationary Service and for the NAAFI,
which became the Expeditionary Forces Institute when overseas. RASC provided clerks and
typists for headquarters.



NON TRANSPORT UNITS

Air Composite Platoon. War Establishment XIV/18321. January 1945.
Mobile Petrol Filling Centre. War Establishment IV/102/2. November 1943.
Petrol Depot Type A. War Establishment IV/29F/2. October 1943.
Petrol Depot Type C. War Establishment IV/29H/2. June 1944.
Petrol Tin Factory Operating Company. War Establishment IV/243/1. April 1944.
Petrol Station Company. War Establishment XIV/1834/1. February 1945.

Port Detachment. War Establishment IV/181/1. September 1943.
Leaflet Unit. War Establishment IV/182/1. September 1943
Control Centre, Forward Maintenance Area. War Establishment III/275/1. November 1943
MT Inspection Branch. War Establishment III/35A/2. May 1944
Detail Issue Depot. War Establishment IV/106/1. January 1942.
Field Butchery and Cold Storage Depot. War Establishment IV/32/3. January 1943.

Field Bakery, Mobile. War Establishment IV33B/3. December 1943.
Station Maintenance Company. War Establishment XIV/1828/1. June 1944.

Motor Boat Company Type D. War Establishment IV/229/1. January 1944.
Motor Boat Company Type E. War Establishment IV/241/1. March 1944.
Harbour Launch Company. War Establishment IV/274/1. January 1945
Boat Stores Depot. War Establishment XIV/1829/1. June 1944

Stationary Depot PSS. War Establishment IV/67/2. December 1943.
Advanced Stationary Depot PSS. War Establishment IV/67A/2. November 1943.
Publications Depot PSS. War Establishment IV/68/2. December 1943.
No2 GHQ Printing Press PSS. War Establishment XIV/1490/1. June 1944
Mobile Printing Section. War Establishment III/61/2. February 1943.

EFI (NAAFI). War Establishment III/70/2. August 1943
EFI (NAAFI). War Establishment III/70/3. November 1944


AIR COMPOSITE PLATOON RASC
War Establishment XIV/18321. January 1945.
Consisting of a headquarters and two sections each capable of supervising air freight reception on a separate airfield.

Headquarters
Captain
staff serjeant clerk
batman driver

1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X 10cwt trailer

Attached
Subaltern RAOC
serjeant storeman technical RAOC

2 X Section
Subaltern
serjeant
corporal clerk
clerk
corporal storeman (supplies)
storeman (supplies
batman driver
2 X issuer

1 X motorcycle for Subaltern
1 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS

Attached
clerk RAOC
cook ACC




A PETROL DEPOT TYPE A RASC
War Establishment IV/29F/2 with an effective date of October 1943.

This unit may be utilised as a base petrol depot or a field petrol depot capable of holding approximately 12,500 tons in packages. This includes oils and lubricants as well as petrol. All petrol will be in cans.

Major, Officer Commanding
Captain
3 X Subaltern

staff quartermaster serjeant clerk
serjeant clerk for quartermaster duties
4 X serjeant clerk
serjeant issuer as duty NCO
serjeant coppersmith or tinsmith and whitesmith
3 X serjeant storeman (supplies) for duty as foreman

Tradesmen
corporal carpenter and joiner
2 X carpenter and joiner
4 X clerk
2 X coppersmith or tinsmith and whitesmith
2 X driver mechanic
fitter
2 X corporal storeman (supplies)
10 X storeman (supplies)

Non tradesmen
15 X driver IC for duty as driver of vehicle
3 X driver IC for duty as motorcyclist
10 X issuers
3 X issuers for duty as batman
6 X issuers for duty as general dutyman
2 X issuers for duty as orderlies
corporal issuer for duty as regimental policeman
issuer for duty as sanitary dutyman
issuer for duty as storeman

Attached
corporal cook ACC
2 X cook ACC

Transport
3 X motorcycle
1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
5 X 15cwt GS
2 X 3ton 4 X 2 petrol 800 gallons (for dealing with the contents of leaky or damaged packages)
6 X tractor 6ton 4 X 2 semi trailer
12 X 6ton GS semi trailer

3 X Bren lmg
3 X PIAT


Headquarters
Major, Officer Commanding
Captain
3 X Subaltern

staff quartermaster serjeant clerk
serjeant clerk for quartermaster duties
2 X serjeant clerk
serjeant issuer as duty NCO
serjeant coppersmith or tinsmith and whitesmith
serjeant storeman (supplies) for duty as foreman

Tradesmen
corporal carpenter and joiner
2 X clerk
2 X driver mechanic
fitter

Non tradesmen
15 X driver IC for duty as driver of vehicle
3 X driver IC for duty as motorcyclist
3 X issuers for duty as batman
6 X issuers for duty as general dutyman
2 X issuers for duty as orderlies
corporal issuer for duty as regimental policeman
issuer for duty as sanitary dutyman
issuer for duty as storeman

Attached
corporal cook ACC
2 X cook ACC


2 X Section each
serjeant clerk
serjeant storeman (supplies) for duty as foreman

Tradesmen
carpenter and joiner
clerk
coppersmith or tinsmith and whitesmith
corporal storeman (supplies)
6 X storeman (supplies)

Non tradesmen
5 X issuers

Note:
In addition labour will be provided on a scale of one man to deal with 8tons in an 8 hour day. This may be increased to one man to deal with 5 tons in an 8 hour day if mechanical handling devices are not available. Labour would normally be provided by the Pioneer Corps.

6 X private (issuer) in headquarters and 4 X private (issuer) in each section to be trained in fire fighting duties. A Fire Fighting Section WE IV/91/2 will normally be attached.

2 X clerk and 2 X issuer will be trained to operate telephone switchboards and to fit the necessary extensions for internal communications.


A PETROL DEPOT TYPE C RASC
War Establishment IV/29H/2. June 1944.

This unit can operate as a small field petrol depot or detail issue depot, capable of holding approximately 2,000 tons in packages. This includes oils and lubricants as well as petrol. All petrol will be in cans.

Captain
Subaltern

staff serjeant clerk, chief clerk and to perform QM duties, including supervision of POL accounts
serjeant storeman (supplies) for duty as foreman

Tradesmen
2 X corporal clerk
clerk
coppersmith, sheetmetal worker or tinsmith and whitesmith
2 X corporal storeman (supplies)
storeman (supplies)

Non tradesmen
batman driver
driver IC
2 X motorcyclist
6 X issuers
2 X general dutyman (one trained to operate telephone switchboard)
sanitary dutyman
cook ACC

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

Note:
In addition labour will be provided on a scale of one man to deal with 8tons in an 8 hour day. This may be increased to one man to deal with 5 tons in an 8 hour day if mechanical handling devices are not available. Labour would normally be provided by the Pioneer Corps.

A Fire Fighting Section WE IV/91/2 will normally be attached.



PETROL TIN FACTORY OPERATING COMPANY.
War Establishment IV/243/1. April 1944.

Major
Captain, Works Manager
3 X Subaltern

Mechanist Serjeant Major
Company Serjeant Major
company quartermaster serjeant
staff serjeant clerk
serjeant clerk
2 X serjeant clerk, technical MT
4 X serjeant machinist (metal) (experienced in press tool machinery)

carpenter and joiner
2 X corporal clerk
4 X clerk
2 X clerk technical MT
driver mechanic
2 X electrician
7 X fitter
6 X tinsmith and whitesmith
2 X toolmaker (experienced in press tool machinery)
turner

corporal driver
driver
2 X motorcyclist
6 X issuer
3 X batman
6 X corporal operative
70 X operative

officers mess orderly
serjeants mess orderly
mess orderly
sanitary dutyman
corporal regimental policeman
regimental policeman
officers mess cook ACC
serjeants mess cook ACC
corporal cook ACC
2 X cook ACC

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

When equipped for double line operation the following personnel will be added
Fitter
Tinsmith and whitesmith
2 X corporal operative
4 X operative

Plus to each filling subsection
Corporal operative
6 X operative

The following will be attached
For single line operation, 4 X Pioneer Corps Section
For double line operation, 6 X Pioneer Corps Section

Locally enlisted labour may replace non tradesmen apart from NCOs.



BASE PETROL FILLING CENTRE
War Establishment IV/29B/2. June 1944.
The Base Petrol Filling Centre consists of a headquarters and three sections, two for filling and one for maintenance and repair. It is designed to handle 100,000 gallons of petrol per day in 4 gallon returnable tins.

Major
Captain for pay and administration
Captain, Workshop Officer
4 X Subaltern (may be mechanists)
Quartermaster

Mechanist Serjeant Major
Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant
Company Serjeant Major

mechanist staff serjeant
company quartermaster serjeant
serjeant clerk
serjeant fitter
7 X serjeant
34 X corporal
corporal driver
188 X private
6 X cook ACC

Trades
blacksmith
butcher
3 X clerk
3 X clerk, technical MT
fitter
corporal millwright
3 X millwright
2 X corporal tinsmith and whitesmith
6 X tinsmith and whitesmith

administrative corporal
3 X batman
40 X inspection and viewing personnel
2 X corporal leader
28 X leaders
2 X officers mess orderly
2 X serjeants mess orderly
2 X sanitary dutyman
120 X washing, filling and sealing personnel
6 X driver
4 X motorcyclist
provost corporal
2 X regimental police

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

2 X Bren lmg


Headquarters
Major
Captain for pay and administration
Quartermaster

Company Serjeant Major
serjeant clerk
serjeant
3 X corporal
corporal driver
41 X private
6 X cook ACC

Trades
butcher
3 X clerk
administrative corporal
3 X batman
2 X corporal leader
28 X leaders
2 X officers mess orderly
2 X serjeants mess orderly
2 X sanitary dutyman
6 X driver
4 X motorcyclist
provost corporal
2 X regimental police


2 X Filling Section each
Headquarters
Subaltern
2 X serjeant

5 X subsection each
2 X corporal
10 X washing, filling and sealing personnel


Repair and Maintenance Section
Headquarters
Captain, Workshop Officer
Mechanist Serjeant Major
2 X serjeant

Sub Section A (Inspection and Viewing)
Subaltern
8 X corporal
32 X private

Sub Section B
Subaltern
Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant
mechanist staff serjeant
blacksmith
3 X clerk, technical MT
serjeant fitter
corporal millwright
3 X millwright
2 X corporal tinsmith and whitesmith
6 X tinsmith and whitesmith

One NCO and 3 men will be trained in anti gas duties and decontamination work
One NCO and 8 men will be trained in the use of the AA lmg

A Fire Fighting Section WE IV/91/2 will be attached.



MOBILE PETROL FILLING CENTRE RASC
War Establishment IV/102/2. November 1943.
A Mobile Filling Centre was equipped with collapsible petrol storage tanks which were replenished from petrol tanker lorries. Hoses were used to fill petrol cans. Personnel were provided for the repair of petrol cans.

Captain
2 X Subaltern
Staff Quartermaster Serjeant Clerk
Mechanist Staff Serjeant

serjeant clerk
serjeant for supervisory duties
clerk
4 X coppersmith trained in sheet metal work, including a corporal
2 X driver mechanic
2 X vehicle mechanic
3 X welder including a corporal

11 X driver including a corporal
2 X motorcyclist
2 X batman
3 X general dutyman
3 X gas freeing and testing personnel
16 X operatives and inspection personnel
3 X cook ACC

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

1 X Bren lmg

Labour for handling and stacking tins will be provided as required.
Local enlisted personnel may replace non tradesmen.
Four men will be trained as firemen

Headquarters
Captain
Subaltern
Staff Quartermaster Serjeant Clerk
serjeant clerk
serjeant for supervisory duties
clerk
driver mechanic
11 X driver including a corporal
2 X motorcyclist
batman
3 X general dutyman
15 X operatives and inspection personnel
2 X cook ACC


Maintenance and Repair Section
Subaltern
Mechanist Staff Serjeant
4 X coppersmith trained in sheet metal work, including a corporal
driver mechanic
2 X vehicle mechanic
3 X welder including a corporal
batman
3 X gas freeing and testing personnel
operative and inspection person
cook ACC



PETROL STATION COMPANY
War Establishment XIV/1834/1. February 1945.
To operate 24 petrol stations
Consisting of a headquarters, six platoons and 24 sections.

Major
6 X Captain
7 X Subaltern

staff serjeant
30 X serjeant
clerk
48 X corporal storeman (technical)
6 X fitter (petroleum)
7 X batman driver
24 X driver
motorcyclist
72 X issuer
8 X cook ACC

13 X motorcycle
6 X light utility
1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
24 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS

Company Headquarters
Major
Subaltern
staff serjeant
clerk
batman driver
motorcyclist
8 X cook ACC
1 X motorcycle
1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2

Platoon Headquarters
Captain
Subaltern
serjeant
clerk
fitter (petroleum)
batman driver
2 X motorcycle
1 X light utility

Section.
serjeant
2 X corporal storeman (technical)
driver
3 X issuer
1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS



PETROLEUM MOBILE LABORATORY
War Establishment XIV/1835/1. April 1945
Capable of exercising quality control in a bulk petrol port with a daily intake of 5,000 tons or for supervising a packed holding of 30,000tons.

Major (petroleum chemist)
serjeant (chemical laboratory assistant) (petroleum)
corporal (chemical laboratory assistant) (petroleum)
batman driver

1 X light utility
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 petroleum laboratory.
This was an Austin K6 with a house type body.


PETROL SUPPLY
Petrol was distributed to units in cans. However transporting petrol in cans is not economical in labour and shipping space. It was therefore usual to transport petrol to the theatre of operations in bulk and then transfer it to cans either at the port or at railhead. Since it would be difficult for sea going tankers to unload bulk petrol through the Mulberry harbour several alternative methods were used:
- Initially petrol was landed in cans. Unit transport carried reserves in cans and more cans were landed as cargo in follow up and reserve vehicles.
- Specially designed petrol carrying ships were used as soon as possible. These were small ships which had tanks that could double as cargo holds. At first they beached at unloaded canned petrol into trucks. Later they could carry bulk petrol and discharge into road tankers.
- The Pipeline under the Ocean (PLUTO) was laid to allow bulk petrol to be pumped direct from the United Kingdom. The first pipeline was laid under the Channel from The Isle of Wight to Cherbourg (codename Bambi with Isle of Wight being Bambi Near and Cherbourg Bambi Far). This was operating from 18th September 1944. When the Allied troops advanced further it was possible to use a more direct, and shorter, route from Dungeness to Boulogne (Dumbo, Dumbo Near and Dumbo Far. This pipeline operated from the end of October 1944 until after the end of the campaign. Some million gallons a day were delivered by this means. Construction of the pipeline was undertaken by the RE but RASC Bulk Storage Companies operated it, 7 Company at the UK end and 8 Company at the Continental end.
- PLUTO was supplemented by tankers using ports. Ostend accepted small petrol tankers from the end of September and Antwerp eventually accepted petrol tankers in December. Bulk petrol could then be forwarded by pipeline and by barge using the excellent canals of Belgium and Holland.

The Base Filling Centre consisted of
- A bulk storage area with prefabricated 4000 ton storage tanks. This area was surrounded by a moat and a firewall. A pump lifted petrol into a number of smaller elevated tanks which supplied petrol by gravity to the filling area.
- A can factory where cans were tested and inspected, washed and if necessary repaired and painted.
- A can filling area to which cans were delivered on a rollerway. A number of filling measures automatically deliver the correct amount of petrol into the cans which are then checked and sealed. Cans then go on a rollerway to a store. There may also be bulk loading areas where road tankers can be filled.
- Similar but smaller areas could fill cans with lubricants, paraffin etc.



Up to D+18 fuel was packed in UK and delivered in jerricans. From D+18 onwards packed POL would continue to be imported as the best way to deliver jerricans to the theatre but increasing quantities of bulk petrol were delivered. By D+1 there were two Petrol Depots type "C" in each of the beach sub areas to receive and issue fuel.

The small port of Port en Bessin was used for bulk petrol storage. By D+6 the construction of Tombolas, which were pipelines running some hundreds of yards from the water edge to permit deep draught tankers to discharge off-shore, was started. By the end of July:
Two ship-to-shore lines had been completed.
Six tanker berths were in operation with pipe connections laid.
Tanks, balance tank installations and pumps had been completed for MT and aviation spirit.
Three 6" pipelines were laid to Blary in No 2 Army Roadhead and one 6" aviation fuel pipeline had been completed to Coulombs.

In early July there was one petrol depot type "A", nine type "B" and nineteen type "C" working within the beach-head to issue packed fuel. Units to handle bulk fuel were also necessary and the first Mobile Petrol Filling Centre arrived on 30 June and the first Bulk Petrol Transport Company on 5 July. Pipelines were being laid in the RMA.

The original Pluto coming ashore at Cherbourg was not a great success. Work connected with it was in the hands of US Army engineers since it was in the US area. A short crossing entitled Dumbo from Dungeness to Boulogne with a pipeline to Calais was very successful. The cargo of a tanker discharging into the system at Liverpool was now pumped across England and under the Channel and finally emerged on the Continent. The following works services were completed from September:-
Eight three-inch HAIS cable petrol lines (Pluto) had been brought in through Boulogne, and connected to three 1,200-ton tanks and rail and road facilities were provided.
Three six-inch pipelines were laid from Ostend to Ghent by 1 November and 7,200 tons of tank storage were constructed with road, barge and rail distribution facilities at both places. 3,600 tons of tank storage and twelve pumps were also constructed at an intermediate station at Beernem between Ostend and Ghent.
Four 1,200-ton tanks and one 600-ton tank were erected at Calais in November and three six-inch lines with pumps were laid from Boulogne to Calais.

Jerricans were in short supply as a great many had been issued in the advance and not returned. Special arrangements were made to collect them from units and in a month more than a million were returned. Petrol stations were set up along the L of C to refuel transport columns. They were staffed with personnel from the composite platoons of the bulk transport companies and replenished from bulk petrol transport and so no cans were needed.

The pipeline was progressively extended from Calais to Ghent and thence to Antwerp, then to Eindhoven. At the end of April the pipe was extended across the Rhine to Emmerich. The filling area was at Bocholt from where it was transferred to containers and then railed to No 14 Army Roadhead.

The RAF was also supplied with 100 octane fuel through army pipelines. FIDO, dispersing fog by creating an updraught by burning petrol through burners along the whole length of the runway, was operating at Epinay and proved very effective but its consumption was in the neighbourhood of ninety thousand gallons a night. Early in January 616 Squadron operating from BRUSSELS was equipped with jet propelled aircraft which needed kerosene for fuel.

Early in 1945 the bulk transport companies were reorganised with the eight three-platoon companies forming six companies each of four platoons. The 150 vehicles held by them surplus to establishment were used to equip a further company. From the composite platoon personnel of these companies, one Petrol Station Company, consisting of six platoons each of four sections, was formed for the L of C. It was estimated that each section, with the help of Pioneers or local civilians could operate a petrol station issuing ten thousand gallons per day.

The Belgian and French canal systems were extensively utilised with ten thousand tons of bulk POL barges being available.




HEADQUARTERS PORT DETACHMENTS. RASC
War Establishment XIV/1845/1. January 1945.
To command not less than six port detachments.

Major
Subaltern
Company Serjeant Major
serjeant clerk
corporal clerk
2 X clerk
2 X batman driver
motorcyclist

2 X bicycle
1 X motorcycle
1 X light utility
1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS


PORT DETACHMENT RASC
War Establishment IV/181/1 with an effective date of September 1943.
This detachment was for RASC Movement Control at a port.

Captain
serjeant storeman (supplies)
serjeant clerk
corporal storeman (supplies)
5 X storeman supplies)
corporal clerk
3 X clerk
driver IC
cook ACC

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


LEAFLET UNIT RASC
War Establishment IV/182/1. September 1943
corporal
private
driver IC

1 X 15cwt GS


CONTROL CENTRE, FORWARD MAINTENANCE AREA
War Establishment III/275/1. November 1943
Major
Captain RASC

batman
batman driver
corporal clerk RASC
cook ACC
driver IC RASC
serjeant (for company quartermaster serjeant duties)
water dutyman
Total 9

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


MT INSPECTION BRANCH RASC
War Establishment III/35A/2. May 1944
Designed for an Army Group of two armies and consists of a headquarters and a number of inspection teams as follows
GHQ and L of C troops 2 inspection teams
Army troops each 1 inspection team
Corp troops each 1 inspection team

Headquarters
Lieutenant Colonel
2 X Major
3 X Captain
Staff Quartermaster Serjeant
mechanist serjeant major
mechanist quartermaster serjeant
4 X mechanist staff serjeant (includes two spare for relief of inspection team staff serjeants)
2 X staff serjeant clerk (technical MT)
serjeant clerk (technical MT)
5 X corporal clerk (technical MT)
6 X clerk (technical MT)
corporal draughtsman (mechanical)

5 X batman
6 X driver
2 X general dutyman
transport corporal

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

Each inspection team
Major
Captain
2 X mechanist staff serjeant
clerk
driver

1 X car 4seater 4 X 2



DETAIL ISSUE DEPOT
War Establishment IV/106/1. January 1942.
Consisting of three self contained operating sections each capable of working independently and dealing with foodstuffs, petrol and lubricants for a mixed force of 2,500 men. (A brigade group).

There were 80 Detail Issue Depots in 21 Army Group.

The three sections are almost identical except that A Section has some higher ranks and has some administrative responsibility for the other sections. Sections will normally be attached to other RASC units.

A Section
Captain
staff serjeant
corporal clerk
clerk
carpenter and joiner
butcher
batman driver
corporal issuer
3 X issuer
cook ACC
1 X 15cwt GS


B and C Section
Subaltern
serjeant
corporal clerk
clerk
carpenter and joiner
butcher
batman
corporal issuer
3 X issuer
cook ACC

Labour will be allowed on the basis of one man dealing with 3 to 5 tons per day.

When operating as a railhead detachment one corporal RE and one sapper RE will be attached for postal duties from the divisional postal unit.


FIELD BUTCHERY and COLD STORAGE DEPOT.
War Establishment IV/32/3. January 1943.
Captain
Quartermaster
Staff Quartermaster Serjeant, Butcher
Staff Quartermaster Serjeant, Chief Clerk
staff serjeant butcher
staff serjeant clerk
staff serjeant storeman, supplies, as company quartermaster serjeant
3 X serjeant butcher
5 X corporal butcher
6 X lance corporal butcher
12 X butcher
corporal clerk
3 X clerk
corporal storeman, supplies
4 X storeman, supplies
batman
16 X issuer
sanitary dutyman
serjeants mess orderly
2 X cook ACC

This establishment is based on the assumption that facilities for intake are of the most direct kind and that berthing facilities etc are adjacent to the store.

Operation and maintenance of the cold storage plant is the responsibility of the engineer works service and this will be arranged by the CRE base sub area as required.

Should it be necessary to kill and issue fresh meat there are sufficient butchers in this establishment to provide for 30,000 men. They will need to be replaced by personnel to operate the store.



FIELD BAKERY (MOBILE) RASC
War Establishment IV33B/3 with an effective date of December 1943.

This was a basic establishment which could be modified in a number of ways according to circumstances. The organisation allows for 3 shift working which enables 28,000lb of bread a day to be produced. No later establishment seems to have been issued but changes were made in 21 Army group. All the variations are listed below.

1943, MOBILE, 3 SHIFT WORKING
Headquarters
Captain
Staff Quartermaster Serjeant (baker)
2 X staff serjeant baker
serjeant clerk
driver mechanic
electrician
fitter
4 X driver of vehicle
motorcyclist
batman
9 X general dutyman
2 X cook ACC

3 X Shift each
serjeant baker
corporal baker
2 X lance corporal baker
8 X baker
corporal storeman (supplies)
2 X storeman (supplies)
4 X issuer

Transport
1 X motorcycle
1 X 15cwt GS
4 X 6ton 4 X 2 GS
1 X water trailer
2 X generating trailer, 22Kw
2 X 4 wheel 3ton baking dough trough trailer
3 X 4wheel 3ton bakery oven trailer
1 X 4wheel 3ton bakery machinery trailer

1 X Bren lmg
1 X PIAT

Notes:
One NCO and 8 men will be trained in anti gas duties and decontamination work.
Six men will be trained in the use of the Bren lmg
Two men will be trained in water duties.



1943, MOBILE, 2 SHIFT WORKING
On this establishment 21,000lb of bread per day could be produced. One shift was removed but six bakers and one issuer were retained as reliefs.
Headquarters
Captain
Staff Quartermaster Serjeant (baker)
2 X Staff Serjeant baker
serjeant clerk
driver mechanic
electrician
fitter
4 X driver of vehicle
motorcyclist
batman
9 X general dutyman
6 X baker (relief)
issuer (relief)
2 X cook ACC

2 X Shift each
serjeant baker
corporal baker
2 X lance corporal baker
8 X baker
corporal storeman (supplies)
2 X storeman (supplies)
4 X issuer

Transport
1 X motorcycle
1 X 15cwt GS
4 X 6ton 4 X 2 GS
1 X water trailer
2 X generating trailer, 22Kw
2 X 4 wheel 3ton baking dough trough trailer
3 X 4wheel 3ton bakery oven trailer
1 X 4wheel 3ton bakery machinery trailer

1 X Bren lmg
1 X PIAT


1943, IMMOBILE, 2 SHIFT WORKING
The equivalent of one shift was removed together with transport personnel. Six bakers and one issuer were retained as reliefs.
Headquarters
Captain
Staff Quartermaster Serjeant (baker)
2 X Staff Serjeant baker
serjeant clerk
electrician
fitter
driver of vehicle
batman
9 X general dutyman
6 X baker
issuer
2 X cook ACC

2 X Shift each
serjeant baker
corporal baker
2 X lance corporal baker
8 X baker
corporal storeman (supplies)
2 X storeman (supplies)
4 X issuer

Transport
1 X 15cwt GS
1 X water trailer
2 X generating trailer, 22Kw
2 X 4 wheel 3ton baking dough trough trailer
3 X 4wheel 3ton bakery oven trailer
1 X 4wheel 3ton bakery machinery trailer

1 X Bren lmg
1 X PIAT


1944, MOBILE, 3 SHIFT WORKING
It was realised that it was not practical to move the unit in three lifts on the crowded roads of NW Europe. Also this establishment did not work well in the case of a retreat. It was also realised that for a full three shift, 24 hours a day, seven days a week working for long periods required extra personnel. An extra dough trailer was also added.

The following organisation is not from an establishment table but from documents in the RASC Museum (as was).
Headquarters
Captain
Staff Quartermaster Serjeant (baker)
2 X Staff Serjeant baker
serjeant clerk
driver mechanic
electrician
fitter
10 X driver of vehicle
motorcyclist
batman
9 X general dutyman
2 X cook ACC

3 X Shift each
serjeant baker
corporal baker
2 X lance corporal baker
16 X baker
corporal storeman (supplies)
2 X storeman (supplies)
4 X issuer

Transport
1 X motorcycle
1 X 15cwt water
10 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
2 X generating trailer, 22Kw
3 X 4 wheel 3ton baking dough trough trailer
3 X 4wheel 3ton bakery oven trailer
1 X 4wheel 3ton bakery machinery trailer

1 X Bren lmg
1 X PIAT



STATION MAINTENANCE COMPANY RASC
War Establishment XIV/1828/1. June 1944.
Consists of headquarters and from 3 to 6 workshop sections.

Each section is self contained and can be detached from the company headquarters. Each is capable of maintaining 100 lorry units.

Headquarters
Major
Captain Administrative Officer
Mechanist Serjeant Major
Company Serjeant Major
company quartermaster serjeant
staff serjeant clerk, technical MT
serjeant driver IC
corporal
lance corporal
2 X private
6 X driver
cook ACC

Trades
clerk technical MT
administrative corporal
2 X batman driver
2 X motorcyclist
clerk
sanitary dutyman

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


Workshop Section each
Subaltern
mechanist staff serjeant
serjeant
2 X corporal
2 X lance corporal
15 X private
2 X driver
cook ACC

Trades
blacksmith
carpenter and joiner
2 X electrician
sheet metal worker
turner
coach painter
coach trimmer
10 X vehicle mechanic
clerk technical
storeman, technical
driver IC
batman driver

1 X motorcycle
1 X 15cwt GS
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown

The following may be added only if there are no static facilities available.

1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Workshop
1 X 3ton stores

All tradesmen and drivers may be civilian.



MOTOR BOAT COMPANY TYPE D RASC
WE. IV/229/1 effective date 7th January 1944.
(Designed to operate 25 powered military oil barges, in 1 flotilla of 5 divisions, each of 5 craft).
14 X officer
249 OR

Headquarters
Major
Captain
Subaltern

Company Serjeant Major
company quartermaster serjeant
serjeant clerk
5 X serjeant waterman,
5 X corporal
corporal, driver class
7 X lance corporal
lance corporal, driver class
18 X private
12 X driver

plus
officers mess cook
corporal cook
5 X cook

Trades
8 X barge engineer (IWT)
corporal clerk
clerk
4 X corporal waterman
7 X lance corporal waterman
9 X waterman
2 X batman
lance corporal driver of vehicle
3 X driver of vehicle
duty corporal
2 X motorcyclist
2 X general dutyman
sanitary dutyman
storeman
water dutyman


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

3 X dumb barge for water and fuel
4 X dinghy
1 X tug for salvage work
7 X launches

Notes:
Motorcycles include one for the Captain, one for the Subaltern and two for motorcyclists
Launches are pooled but include on for each division and two for headquarters.

Division (X5)
Captain
Subaltern
batman

5 X serjeant waterman
5 X corporal waterman
5 X corporal barge engineer (IWT)
5 X barge engineer (IWT)
10 X waterman

5 X military oil barges

Workshop section
Captain
2 X mechanist staff serjeant
2 X vehicle mechanic

2 X barge engineer
2 X blacksmith
corporal clerk, technical (MT)
clerk, technical MT
2 X coppersmith
electrician
rigger
corporal shipwright
2 X shipwright
2 X storeman, technical (MT)
2 X turner
corporal vehicle mechanic
lance corporal vehicle mechanic
corporal waterman
2 X waterman
batman
motorcyclist

1 X motorcycle
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery Type M
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Stores, binned
1 X tractor 6 X 4 breakdown
1 X Landing barge (engineer) (complete with workshop machinery and charging plant).

26 X twin Bren lmg. One per barge and one for headquarters.




MOTOR BOAT COMPANY TYPE E.
War Establishment IV/241/1. March 1944.
Designed to operate 28 fast motor boats in one flotilla of four divisions, each of seven craft, for the control of DUKW,s.

Headquarters
Major
Captain
Subaltern

Company Serjeant Major (waterman)
company quartermaster serjeant
3 X serjeant waterman
corporal clerk
clerk
butcher
5 X corporal waterman
10 X waterman
2 X batman
corporal driver
5 X driver
2 X general dutyman
medical officers orderly
2 X motorcyclist
sanitary dutyman
storeman
water dutyman
issuer

plus
officers mess cook
corporal cook
5 X cook

3 X motorcycle
1 X light utility
1 X Car 4 seater 4 X 2
4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

3 X dumb barge for water and fuel
5 X dinghy
3 X launch
2 X fast motor boat
1 X 61 foot motor fishing vessel

Motorcycles include one for the Captain, one for the Subaltern and two for motorcyclists

Division (X4)
Headquarters
Captain
Subaltern
staff serjeant waterman
2 X batman

7 X Fast Motor Boat each
serjeant waterman
corporal waterman
corporal barge engineer (IWT)
waterman
1 X fast motor boat
1 X dinghy

Motor Fishing Vessel
serjeant waterman
corporal waterman
corporal barge engineer (IWT)
3 X waterman
1 X motor fishing vessel
1 X dinghy

Note: 31 of the 32 craft in the four divisions each have a corporal and a lance corporal. One craft in the four divisions had no corporal but two lance corporals.

Workshop section
Captain
Mechanist Serjeant Major
2 X mechanist staff serjeant
2 X vehicle mechanic
serjeant waterman
2 X barge engineer
blacksmith
corporal clerk, technical (MT)
clerk, technical MT
2 X coppersmith
6 X electrician
rigger
6 X shipwright
4 X storeman, technical (MT)
2 X turner
10 X vehicle mechanic
2 X corporal waterman
5 X waterman
welder
batman
motorcyclist

1 X motorcycle
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery Type M
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Stores, binned
1 X tractor 6 X 4 breakdown
1 X Landing barge (engineer) (complete with workshop machinery and charging plant).
1 X motor fishing vessel



HARBOUR LAUNCH COMPANY RASC
War Establishment IV/274/1. January 1945
This company was designed to operate 40 harbour launches in one flotilla of 4 sections of 10 craft each.

Major
6 X Captain
2 X Subaltern
Mechanist Serjeant Major
Warrant Officer Navigator
company quartermaster serjeant
mechanist staff serjeant
3 X artificer serjeant
serjeant clerk
6 X serjeant navigator
53 X corporal
178 X private
12 X cook ACC

Trades
2 X clerk
2 X clerk technical MT
2 X blacksmith
2 X electrician
3 X rigger
9 X shipwright
storeman technical MT
2 X turner
8 X vehicle mechanic
44 X marine engineer including two corporal and thirteen lance corporals
47 X navigator, corporal
90 X waterman including 29 lance corporal
6 X batman
batman driver
5 X driver
2 X general dutyman
storeman, lance corporal
sanitary dutyman
water dutyman

8 X motorcycle
1 X car 4 X 2
1 X 15cwt GS
3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery X
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores, binned
2 X 3ton 6 X 4 light breakdown
1 X 6ton 6 X 4 GS
1 X water trailer
1 X generator 22 Kw trailer
1 X 5ton 4 wheeled trailer

41 X harbour launch
2 X motor fishing vessel
1 X light launch
6 X dinghy


Headquarters
Major
Captain
2 X Subaltern
Warrant Officer Navigator
company quartermaster serjeant
serjeant clerk
serjeant navigator
4 X corporal
23 X private
2 X cook ACC

Trades
2 X clerk
44 X marine engineer corporal
2 X navigator, corporal
6 X waterman
2 X batman
5 X driver
2 X general dutyman
storeman, lance corporal
sanitary dutyman
water dutyman

3 X motorcycle
1 X car 4 X 2
3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 6ton 6 X 4 GS
1 X water trailer

1 X harbour launch
1 X motor fishing vessel
1 X dinghy


4 X Section each
Headquarters
Captain
serjeant navigator
corporal marine engineer
batman
2 X cook ACC
motorcycle
dinghy

10 X boat each
corporal navigator
marine engineer
2 X waterman
1 X harbour launch


Workshop section
Captain
Mechanist Serjeant Major
mechanist staff serjeant
3 X artificer serjeant
serjeant navigator
5 X corporal
31 X private
2 X cook ACC

Trades
2 X clerk technical MT
2 X blacksmith
2 X electrician
3 X rigger
9 X shipwright
storeman technical MT
2 X turner
8 X vehicle mechanic
marine engineer
navigator, corporal
4 X waterman
batman driver

1 X motorcycle
1 X 15cwt GS
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery X
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores, binned
2 X 3ton 6 X 4 light breakdown
1 X generator 22 Kw trailer
1 X 5ton 4 wheeled trailer

1 X motor fishing vessel
1 X light launch
1 X dinghy



BOAT STORES DEPOT RASC
War Establishment XIV/1829/1. June 1944

Captain
Warrant Officer II Clerk Technical MT
serjeant clerk technical MT
corporal clerk technical MT
lance corporal clerk technical MT
3 X clerk technical MT
corporal storeman
lance corporal storeman
4 X storeman
batman driver
cook ACC

1 X 15wt GS
2 X Bren lmg



PRINTING AND STATIONARY SERVICES
This service supplied all stationary including forms, booklets and the wide range of stationary items required by any organisation. Yes, even paper clips. It also supplied and maintained typewriters and duplicators. Personnel were RASC.

A STATIONARY DEPOT, PSS
War Establishment IV/67/2. December 1943.
Captain
2 X Subaltern
Company Serjeant Major
staff serjeant clerk
serjeant clerk
5 X corporal
31 X private
2 X driver IC
2 X cook ACC

Trades
8 X clerk
4 X typewriter mechanic
2 X corporal issuer
14 X issuer
corporal packer clerk
7 X packer clerk
batman (may be of low medical category)
driver

1 X motorcycle
1 X 15cwt GS


AN ADVANCED STATIONARY DEPOT, PSS
War Establishment IV/67A/2. November 1943.
Captain
2 X Subaltern
Company Serjeant Major

Trades
corporal clerk
lance corporal clerk
6 X clerk
typewriter mechanic
corporal issuer
lance corporal issuer
6 X issuer
corporal packer clerk
lance corporal packer clerk
5 X packer clerk
batman (may be of low medical category)
driver

1 X motorcycle
1 X 15cwt GS


A PUBLICATIONS DEPOT, PSS
War Establishment IV/68/2. December 1943.
Subaltern
serjeant clerk
corporal clerk
2 X clerk
4 X issuer
2 X corporal packer clerk
8 X packer clerk
batman (may be of low medical category)


No2 GHQ PRINTING PRESS (PSS).
War Establishment XIV/1490/1. June 1944

RASC
Major
Captain
Subaltern

6 X bookbinder including
serjeant
2 X corporal
3 X private
4 X bookbinders assistant
carpenter and joiner
7 X clerk including
staff serjeant
2 X corporal
4 X private
electrician
18 X printer, compositor, hand including
Warrant Officer Class II
serjeant
5 X corporal (includes one for proof reading)
10 X private (includes three for proof reading)
6 X printer, compositor, machine (linotype operators) including
serjeant
3 X corporal
2 X private
40 X printer, machine minder including
3 X Warrant Officer Class II
2 X serjeant
4 X corporal
31 X private
6 X stereotyper including
serjeant
corporal
4 X private
corporal technical storeman
technical storeman
driver mechanic
2 X batman
batman driver
6 X issuer for duty as labourer

RE
Captain
Subaltern
2 X helioworker
2 X serjeant lithographer (draughtsman)
2 X corporal lithographer (machine minder)
8 X lithographer (machine minder)
2 X photographer (cartographic)
storeman technical

officers mess cook ACC
corporal cook ACC
3 X cook ACC

1 X motorcycle
1 X light utility
2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 heavy printing, letterpress.
1 X 22 Kw generator trailer.


MOBILE PRINTING SECTION.
War Establishment III/61/2. February 1943.
Subaltern
serjeant clerk
batman
corporal clerk
2 X lance corporal clerk
3 X clerk
2 X driver IC
electrician
cook ACC

1 X 15cwt GS
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 for generating set and duplicating plant.



The Order of Battle of Printing and Stationary Services on D-day was as follows:-
British GHQ Printing Press
Mobile Printing Section
2 X Mobile Duplicating Sections
2 X Publications Depots
Stationery Depot
2 X Advanced Stationery Depots

One mobile duplicating section was allotted to HQ 21 Army Group and one to HQ Second Army. The two British advanced stationery depots served Second Army and L of C. The remaining units worked as GHQ installations.

Demands for P & SS stores were met by express coaster consignments until the Advanced Stationery Depot for Second Army began to function on 7 July. By 16 July the depot was functioning to capacity but the unprecedented rate of consumption of certain items especially those used in the production of fire plans necessitated the shipment of a considerable quantity of stores by express coaster after that date. On 20 July the depot which was to serve L of C arrived.

The only printing unit in the theatre at this time was the mobile duplicating section attached to HQ Second Army. It arrived on 2 July when it produced the first issue of "Second Army Troops News" which was produced daily thereafter. All other printing required by the force was produced in UK and all military publications, including the weekly 21 Army Group General Routine Orders, C-in-C's messages etc., were distributed from UK.

In order to keep pace with the advance of Second Army a mobile detachment of the Advanced Stationery Depot was formed which moved forward to each of the corps areas in turn. Units could collect from the mobile detachment at an agreed point. 10 Special Heavy Mobile Printing Section and a mobile detachment of 2 GHQ Printing Press arrived in the theatre on 6 August and were set up at Rear HQ 21 Army Group. An undamaged printing works was discovered in Caen on 18 August and the main body of 2 GHQ Printing Press was brought out on 6 September to operate it.

As the army moved into Belgium the Advanced Stationery Depot serving Second Army was in Brussels, the Canadian depot was in Antwerp and the other British advanced depot was serving L of C from the Rear Maintenance Area, moving to Brussels in January.

There was a steady increase in demands for printed matter and the static plant taken over by 2 GHQ Printing Press in Brussels, plus the mobile press which worked alongside it, could not handle the volume of work. Therefore two further plants were taken over, one at the end of October and the other in December, and both were operated with civilian assistance. A considerable amount of printing work as well as repairs to office machinery and the manufacture of rubber stamps was placed with local contractors.

Throughout this phase the consumption of PSS stores generally increased, the average weekly intake of PSS stores into the theatre eventually reaching approximately two hundred tons. To cope with the additional work a new WE for a Base Stationery Depot was approved on 21 March increasing the total personnel from forty-six to sixty-eight. Additional depots were requested from Central Mediterranean Forces under Goldflake and these arrived at the end of April.






R.A.S.C./E.F.I. (NAAFI)
War Establishment III/70/2. August 1943
War Establishment III/70/3. November 1944

The Expeditionary Force Institute was a branch of the NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institute). The NAAFI was a non profit making corporation governed by representatives of the forces and a civilian Board of Management. In wartime the Treasury backs the work of the NAAFI.

In overseas theatres the NAAFI becomes an EFI. All NAAFI personnel become members of the armed forces and have army ranks. In the army the RASC was responsible for the EFI and a small number of RASC personnel were attached to it. There was an EFI Liaison Officer at GHQ.

The NAAFI/EFI purchased bulk stores and kitchen supplies and sold them to units at retail prices. Any profits were returned to the services in the form of regimental funds, entertainments, sports equipment and canteens. Canteens were set up in permanent buildings where possible but could be set up in tents. Each canteen provided beer (no wine or spirits), snacks and refreshments, a games room and a retail shop. The shop stocked items not available on issue or rations such as books, magazines, comics, sweets, medicines, stationary, toiletries, cigarettes, biscuits etc. Mobile canteens were more limited. They supplied tea, cakes, biscuits etc and some of the retail goods to be found in the canteen shops.

Overseas EFI personnel wore military uniforms and rank badges. They were not however armed or trained in the use of weapons. They were militarised partly to bring them under military control but also to safeguard them in case of capture, they would be regarded as prisoners of war rather than enemy aliens or agents.

Headquarters
Personnel
Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
Major, Second in Command
Major for discipline
Major in charge of accounts
Major in charge of transport
Major in charge of works
Captain in charge of administration
Captain in charge of inspection of accounts
Captain in charge of supplies
Warrant Officer Class I for discipline
Warrant Officer Class II, Cashier
Warrant Officer Class II, Chief Clerk

4 X batman
5 X serjeant clerk
5 X clerk
4 X driver
runner
3 X motorcyclist
officers mess cook
serjeant officers mess steward
corporal, postal duties
serjeant for quartermaster duties
3 X stenographer

Total 41

Vehicles
3 X bicycle
4 X motorcycle
4 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
Note:
All the personnel are provided by the NAAFI
The bicycles and motorcycles are provided by the NAAFI
The cars are provided by the War Department but are maintained out of NAAFI funds.

Attached to GHQ
Personnel
Major, Liaison Officer
serjeant clerk
driver

1 X car 2seater 4 X 2
Note:
The personnel are provided by the NAAFI
The car is provided by the War Department but maintained out of NAAFI funds.


A Base Canteen Depot
Personnel
Major, Officer Commanding
Captain, District Officer
Captain, Transport Officer
Subaltern, Assistant District Officer
Subaltern, Supply Officer
2 X Warrant Officer Class II, Inspectors
Warrant Officer Class II in charge of docks
Warrant Officer Class II in charge of garage

serjeant in charge of records
3 X batman
serjeant cashier
3 X clerk for accounts
6 X clerk for general duties
clerk for works
serjeant fitter
2 X motorcyclists
serjeant secretary-stenographer
2 X telephonist
typist
4 X batman
5 X serjeant clerk
5 X clerk
4 X driver
runner
3 X motorcyclist
officers mess cook
serjeant officers mess steward
corporal, postal duties
serjeant for quartermaster duties
3 X stenographer

Warehouse
staff serjeant manager
serjeant assistant manager
5 X clerk
2 X checker
12 X general hand

Equipment
serjeant manager
4 X clerk
8 X general hand

Transit camp
serjeant manager
serjeant in charge of mess
5 X assistant
4 X cook
2 X waiter/batman

Garage
8 X issuers RASC for duties as loaders
8 X drivers IC RASC
2 X driver
Total 98

Vehicles
3 X bicycle
2 X motorcycle
2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
6 X 6ton 4 X 2 GS
1 X water trailer

Note:
All the personnel except RASC are provided by the NAAFI
Eight issuers and eight drivers are provided by the War Department but are paid out of NAAFI funds.
The bicycles and motorcycles are provided by the NAAFI
The vehicles are provided by the War Department but are maintained out of NAAFI funds.

A Base Canteen Depot is established at each port used by the Army Group.


A Main Canteen
Personnel
serjeant, manager
8 X assistant
2 X beer barman
corporal chergehand
2 X cook
2 X kitchenman
recreation room attendant
serjeant retail shop manager
2 X retail shop assistant
Total 20

A Branch Canteen
Personnel
serjeant, manager
4 X assistant
2 X beer barman
corporal chergehand
2 X cook
kitchenman
recreation room attendant
corporal retail shop manager
retail shop assistant
Total 14

An Airfield Canteen
Personnel
serjeant, manager
2 X assistant
2 X beer barman
corporal chergehand
2 X cook
kitchenman
recreation room attendant
serjeant retail shop manager
retail shop assistant
Total 12

A Bulk Issue Store
Personnel
staff serjeant, manager
corporal chergehand
2 X clerk
4 X storeman
issuer RASC for duty as loader
driver IC RASC
Total 10

1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

Note:
All the personnel except RASC are provided by the NAAFI
One issuer and one driver are provided by the War Department but are paid out of NAAFI funds.
The vehicle is provided by the War Department but is maintained out of NAAFI funds.

A Bulk Issue Store normally supplies 10,000 troops.


A Mobile Canteen
Mobile canteens are supplied on a basis of one mobile canteen and a staff of two per 10,000 troops.

Mobile canteen lorries were supplied by the NAAFI. Usually they were vehicles similar to those used by the forces, partly to simplify maintenance and supply of spares and partly because that was what were available.



The first EFI personnel were landed on D+17 and on the following day they established the first Base Canteen Depot (BCD) under canvas. To supply troops who arrived up to D+30 issues of NAAFI/EFI special packs were made. These packs were designed to provide cigarettes, matches, stationery, razor blades, soap etc for thirty men for twenty-one days and were in addition to 17,500,000 cigarettes and 3,140 lbs of tobacco issued free during the early stages of the campaign. By the end of July eight Bulk Issue Stores were opened and twenty mobile canteens were on the road.

As the armies moved forward towards Belgium EFI began to feel the lack of sufficient transport for taking even the essential supplies forward. In July the first draft of ATS/EFI arrived. During September 11 HQ EFI moved to Brussels.

In October the Home Canteen Service arrived and took over the NAAFI supply work in the rear areas. Thus NAAFI supplies were provided through HCS and EPI in all areas from the base at Caen forward to the mobile canteens and advanced canteen posts operating with troops close to the borders of Holland. The mobile canteens formed an important part of the activities of EPI in the theatre. Mobile canteens were carefully routed so as to ensure a regular supply and service to as many troops as possible. Vans were posted to corps and routed by the formation to which they were attached. They drew supplies from the nearest
mobile canteen depot or bulk issue stores as it was sometimes necessary to stock for periods of up to seven days to cover long advances. The stock carried consisted of tea, milk, sugar, biscuits, cigarettes, lemonade powder, soap, tooth-paste, laces and stationery. Mobile vans were also used extensively on air strips to provide free snacks to ex PW being evacuated to UK by air.

For Christmas quantities of tinned turkey, pork, Christmas puddings and oranges were added to the normal army issue. In addition large quantities of slab cake, sweets, pears, apples, cigars and a small quantity of captured enemy wines were manufactured or procured locally in liberated territories.

While preparations for the crossing of the RHINE were carried out suitable premises for use as depots had to be found in forward areas and these were inspected and if necessary repaired by EFI workshops branch. The special NAAFI packs used for the distribution of cigarettes etc. had been improved in accordance with suggestions made by the troops, and were stored in readiness for the major advance.

An emergency call on NAAFI resources was made when liberated allied Prisoners of War began to pass through on the first stage of their journey home. Free supplies of such commodities as tooth brushes, shaving soap and tooth paste in addition to a complete range of all items on the same scale as issued to the troops, were made available for a total of up to 250,000 liberated prisoners. This demand was in addition to the supply and distribution arrangements for 180 static and 200 mobile canteens serving the troops of 21 Army Group including the Montgomery Club in Brussels, which was capable of handling ten thousand troops daily.

Splendid work was done by the WVS attached for special duty to NAAFI/EFI. These ladies undertook the supervision of the amenities in all clubs, organised sight-seeing tours, concerts, libraries, games, etc., and operated mobile canteens at airstrips serving liberated PW being evacuated to UK. By the end of the campaign 155 officers and 1,950 men were employed in the various branches of EFI in BLA and the supplementary force of ATS/EFI had grown to 13 officers and 727 ORs. In addition a total of 5,199 local civilian staff was employed in EFI establishments.