Royal Corps of Signals in Calcutta - abbreviations

Discussion in 'Royal Signals' started by AJBonny, Sep 18, 2021.

  1. AJBonny

    AJBonny Member

    Hi everyone,
    Going through my father in law's diaries from ww2, he was given a rotten job of sorting 'SO reliefs'.
    Anyone have any idea what he was talking about. I thought of 'Signal Office reliefs', I don't know if that's right, but if it is, what was he doing to these reliefs?
    So many abbreviations, most I can figure out, but I'm sure there's someone with the answer.
    Thanks in advance
     
  2. AJBonny

    AJBonny Member

    Hi everyone,
    Does anybody know what the abbreviations B.O.R.S. and I.O.S. in relation to service personnel in Calcutta (Kalkatta) during late 1943. My father in law went to the shooting range at Belghoria and people from these units were there. I guess the 'B' is British, and the 'I' is Indian. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks in advance
     
  3. Gary Kennedy

    Gary Kennedy Member

    I would have said British Other Ranks (BORs) and Indian Other Ranks (IORs) for your second query but that doesn't quite fit with the second abbreviation I know. BORs and IORs are certainly abbreviations used in contemporary documents. Re the first query, assuming SO is Signal Office then Reliefs would be personnel to relieve those on duty, which may suggest he had the joy of drawing up the rota. I do have a reprint on Signal Office working (1944) but having just had a look for it, it appears to be AWOL. Assuming I find it I'll see if the phrase appears in it.

    Gary
     
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  4. AJBonny

    AJBonny Member

    Thanks, Gary,
    When my father in law said he’d been given the rotten job of organising rotes, I can now understand why.
    BORs and IORs, thanks so much.
    AJBonny
     
  5. AJBonny

    AJBonny Member

    Hi everyone,
    More unusual abbreviations. On reading my father in law's diaries, he keeps on mentioning he was 'On P.T.' and 'On P.T. maintenance', he was a Despatch Rider Mechanic with the RSC. I kept thinking it was Physical Training, then Part Time. I have a list of abbreviations (Second World War Abbreviations and Acronyms), but P.T. isn't listed other than physical training. He has referred to P.T. twice on this page, Tues 21 Dec and Fri 24 Christmas Eve. The diary is fascinating and boring at the same time, but it was his experiences on a daily basis. We should be thankful he took the trouble to sit down each evening, to write his thoughts and fears down.
    My wife and I really appreciate, all the help you all give to us, thanks so much,
    AJBonny
    C Marsh diary.jpg
     

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