Has anyone ever come across instances or examples as the subject line suggests where personnel were temporarily lent to RAF squadrons and maintenance units to help out with aircraft repair? I am specifically seeking examples in the Middle East and Italy. I realize it's a bit of an odd question, thanks in advance for your patience. Chris.......... PS was wondering if the administrators would allow me to also post this question in the Air War section of the forums?
I wouldn't claim it's conclusive but there's no mention of the RAF in the indices of the REME staff history.
Thanks idler I don't imagine that it was REME policy. Was thinking more along the lines of an RAF unit overwhelmed with work and putting out a call to anyone who could spare some skilled labor.
Hi Chris Here's a pic of my father in 23rd Arm Bde REME Workshop at RAF Amirya, not far from Alexandria, in Nov 1944. http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=269&pictureid=2286 The rear party hung around for some weeks waiting for the 'go' to sail to Greece and all the war diaries noted was that that one team was sent to Alex to 'waterproof' the vehicles prior to their embarkation. But if you look closely there is an RAF Flight Lieutenant in the centre of the pic. Can't say for certain what they did during their wait, but this chap must have been some sort of RAF liaison officer for some reason or another. Gus
Great image Gus thank you. Did your dad ever have any interaction with Polish soldiers/mechanics from 2nd Polish Armoured Brigade in Egypt or the middle east? Chris.........
I doubt it Chris. He was in NA with 1st Arm Div from Jan 42 to just before El Alamein, then he stayed in NA with 94th HAA Regt till 1944 before going to Greece with 23rd Arm Bde. I have not come across any reference to polish troops during my research. My father passed away in 2003. So we'll never truly know. Sorry I cant be any more helpful. Gus
Dad was REME craftsman with 2laa regiment workshops in Egypt/Italy in 1944. The war diary mentions 2 polish Armoured bgde. What info are you looking for exactly?
Hey RDR thanks for the reply. Actually any reference to 2nd Polish Armoured Bgde in the war diary is of interest and helpful as it gives me better context for my research. Contact me privately if you like. Chris........ Dad was REME craftsman with 2laa regiment workshops in Egypt/Italy in 1944. The war diary mentions 2 polish Armoured bgde. What info are you looking for exactly?
Have only just got the diary and still deciphering it, the attached is a page from diary listing various units, mainly polish, will have a more detailed look over the weekend and post on here any info re: 2 Pol. Armd. Brigade.
An interesting document thank you! Enjoy the long weekend & looking forward to what ever else you find.
Ok so lots of Polish troops, some British, indian and greeks mentioned too, in a movement order regarding Operation Clandon (googled it , but no further info.) Seems to be a movement of troops from Egypt to Italy, I have copied the full movement order to keep things in context in a new thread here. The order mentions Alexandria, but Dads regiment went via Port Said on March 5th 1944 arriving Naples on the 13th.
