Airborne services

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  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    AIRBORNE SERVICES

    The Airborne Division had a full complement of services, although smaller than in normal
    divisions and relying heavily on the jeep for transport. This page includes the airborne units
    of Royal Signals, Royal Army Service Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Electrical and
    Mechanical Engineers and Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

    Some smaller units are included with Airborne Division Headquarters.


    AIRBORNE DIVISION SIGNALS


    War Establishment I/211/3 with an effective date of April 1944. War Establishment I/211/4 with an effective date of March 1945 is almost identical.
    M section gained a generator trailer
    No 2 company changed all but 10 of its folding motorcycles for lightweight motorcycles
    No1 company changed all of its lightweight motorcycles for ordinary motorcycles.

    Headquarters
    Lieutenant Colonel – Officer Commanding
    Captain – Adjutant
    Captain – Security Officer

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    orderly room serjeant

    signal draughtsman
    3 X clerk
    driver
    2 X batman driver
    2 X batman

    Note.
    The War Establishment table is unclear with regard to the roles of majors. There are three majors listed. Two majors command the two companies while the notes say that one major will be in charge of base signals and one will be second in command. The logical conclusions would be that
    - the major in charge of base signals and the second in command are one and the same person
    - or there are majors in command of each company and one in charge of base signals and that the senior of the three is also second in command.
    There are precedents for both of these.

    Transport included
    2 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X lightweight trailer.
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4.

    There is scope for confusion with ranks, class and trade designations.
    - All privates in the Royal Signals are signalman. This should not be confused with the trade of signaller found in other types of unit. Not all signalmen are concerned with signals as such. Many have other trades.
    - All lance serjeants, corporals, lance corporals and signalmen are divided into either signalman class or driver class. Not all driver class are drivers since they include butchery dutyman and sanitary dutyman.
    - Some trained personnel are designated as tradesmen and are paid more.
    - The ranks are not attached to a particular class or trade but may be awarded to any of the personnel in the sub unit

    All personnel in the unit may be parachute trained. If they are trained and qualified they may draw parachute pay.


    Headquarters Company

    Headquarters
    Captain
    signalman clerk
    batman driver

    Transport included
    1 X car two seater
    This was a light utility which could carry three men plus office equipment.


    Q section
    Quartermaster
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    corporal driver
    3 X signalman including
    clerk
    driver mechanic
    storeman
    9 X driver trained as
    butchery dutyman
    2 X general dutyman
    2 X sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman
    batman driver
    2 X driver

    Transport included
    2 X bicycle
    1 X car two seater
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton GS
    1 X water trailer


    M section
    Technical Maintenance Officer
    Company Quartermaster Serjeant as foreman of signals
    3 X serjeant

    2 X carpenter and joiner
    driver mechanic
    3 X signal electrician
    6 X signals instrument mechanic
    5 X operator.
    The above included a lance serjeant, a corporal, two lance corporal and thirteen signalman.

    batman driver

    Transport included
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 machinery (less machine tools and power take off).
    1 X lightweight trailer GS
    1 X lightweight trailer binned.

    Note. The 6 X 4 machinery lorry is specified as 6 X 4 although 4 X 4 were available for all machinery roles. Presumably the 6 X 4 was lower and had a canvas cab allowing it to fit into a glider. It is also specified that the machine tools and power take off be removed which suggests that it was to be equipped for signal repair and maintenance.
    .

    No1 Company.

    Headquarters
    Major
    Captain
    Company Serjeant Major
    WOII cipher operator
    company quartermaster serjeant
    5 X serjeant for cipher duties.

    Signalman class
    clerk
    signals electrician
    signals instrument mechanic
    2 X operator
    storeman
    The above includes a corporal a lance corporal and four signalman.

    Driver class
    2 X driver
    batman driver
    batman


    A (Advanced) section.
    This was landed with the airborne portion of the division.

    Headquarters
    Captain
    batman
    corporal cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    5 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle


    Signal Office detachment.
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    6 X orderly from units within the division.
    Signalman class
    9 X dispatch rider
    17 X linesman
    8 X operator
    The above to include 3 lance serjeants, six corporal, four lance corporal and twenty one signalman.
    Driver class
    driver mechanic
    driver
    batman.

    Transport
    6 X bicycle
    26 X folding bicycle
    12 X motorcycle
    12 X folding motorcycle
    4 X car 5cwt 4 x 4
    1 X 15cwt G
    4 X trailer GS



    Wireless detachment
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    Signalman class
    2 X electrician
    instrument mechanic
    42 X operator
    The above to include two lance serjeants, four corporal, nine lance corporal and thirty signalman.
    Driver class
    3 X driver mechanic
    batman.

    Transport
    30 X folding bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    2 X lightweight motorcycle
    10 X car 5cwt 4 x 4
    10 X trailer GS
    6 X handcart


    B (Base) section.
    This remained at base and acted as the communications section for Rear Headquarters.

    Headquarters
    Captain
    batman driver

    Subaltern – Pigeon Officer
    corporal loftman
    3 X loftman
    driver of vehicle
    2 X cook ACC

    6 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle


    Signal Office detachment.
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    6 X orderly from units within the division.
    Signalman class
    8 X dispatch rider
    2 X linesman
    5 X operator
    The above to include a lance serjeant, six lance corporal and eight signalman.
    Driver class
    driver of vehicle
    batman


    Transport
    6 X bicycle
    12 X motorcycle
    1 X 15cwt GS


    Wireless detachment
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    Signalman class
    2 X electrician
    instrument mechanic
    15 X operator
    The above to include two corporal, four lance corporal and twelve signalman.
    Driver class
    3 X driver mechanic
    2 X driver of vehicle
    batman.

    Transport
    motorcycle
    5 X 3ton 4 X 4 wireless.


    E Section
    This was the headquarters line section.

    serjeant
    Signalman class
    2 X dispatch rider
    electrician
    5 X lineman
    9 X operator
    To include two corporal, three lance corporal and twelve signalman


    Transport
    4 X motorcycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    4 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    4 X lightweight trailer
    3 X handcart


    F Section
    This was the headquarters wireless section.

    Subaltern
    serjeant
    Signalman class
    electrician
    15 X operator
    To include corporal, four lance corporal and eleven signalman
    batman

    Transport
    1 X motorcycle
    2 X lightweight motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    5 X lightweight trailer
    5 X handcart


    P Section
    This was a section of GHQ Liaison Regiment (Phantom). This listened into wireless communications within the division and reported to divisional headquarters, to Airborne Army Headquarters and GHQ.

    Subaltern
    serjeant
    Signalman class
    electrician
    instrument mechanic
    6 X operator
    To include two lance corporal and six signalman
    batman

    Transport
    2 X motorcycle


    Phantom in Airborne Operations

    For airborne operations Phantom provided a small and compact squadron. This reported to 1st Airborne Army which at the time it was formed consisted of
    - 1 Airborne Division
    - 82 US Airborne Division
    - 101 US Airborne Division
    - 52 Division which was air transportable. It was intended that it would be flown into a captured
    airfield by Dakota transport aircraft.

    Squadron Headquarters.
    This was very small and existed to receive wireless communications from the patrols with airborne divisions. It did not land with the airborne troops.

    Major – Commanding Officer
    Captain – Signals Officer
    2 X operator
    2 X driver coder
    2 X signalman despatch rider.


    Patrol
    Each division had a patrol which was limited to the following vehicles
    Airborne signals jeep
    Lightweight trailer
    Lightweight motorcycle.

    The jeep was an airborne jeep with all the modifications usual for the signal role. The Wireless set no22 was carried in the trailer.
    And the following personnel
    Subaltern
    cipher corporal
    despatch rider
    2 X operator
    batman driver

    Airborne forces were not very mobile. Having being dropped by parachute, landed by glider or flown into an airfield in Dakotas they had little transport



    No2 Company

    Headquarters

    Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    Signalman class
    clerk
    Driver class
    2 X driver of vehicle
    batman driver

    Transport
    1 X car 2 seater
    1 X 15cwt GS


    J section
    This provides signals communication within a parachute brigade.

    Captain
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant
    corporal cook
    2 X cook
    6 X orderly from units.
    Signalman class
    6 X dispatch rider
    2 X electrician
    instrument mechanic
    5 X lineman
    54 X operator
    storeman
    3 X cipher operator
    Includes two lance serjeant, eight corporal, sixteen lance corporal and forty six signalman.
    Driver class
    4 X driver mechanic
    driver of vehicle
    2 X batman.

    Transport
    4 X bicycle
    10 X folding bicycle
    8 X motorcycle
    7 X folding motorcycle
    1 X car 2seater
    4 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4
    4 X lightweight trailer


    K section
    This provides signals communications within a parachute brigade.
    Captain
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant
    corporal cook
    2 X cook
    6 X orderly from units.
    Signalman class
    6 X dispatch rider
    2 X electrician
    instrument mechanic
    5 X lineman
    54 X operator
    storeman
    3 X cipher operator
    Includes two lance serjeant, eight corporal, sixteen lance corporal and forty six signalman.
    Driver class
    4 X driver mechanic
    driver of vehicle
    2 X batman.

    Transport
    4 X bicycle
    10 X folding bicycle
    8 X motorcycle
    7 X folding motorcycle
    1 X car 2seater
    4 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4
    4 X lightweight trailer


    L section
    This provides signals communications within the airlanding brigade.
    Captain
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant
    corporal cook
    2 X cook
    6 X orderly from units.
    Signalman class
    6 X dispatch rider
    2 X electrician
    instrument mechanic
    7 X lineman
    48 X operator
    storeman
    3 X cipher operator
    Includes two lance serjeant, five corporal, seventeen lance corporal and forty four signalman.
    Driver class
    3 X driver mechanic
    3 X driver of vehicle
    2 X batman driver.
    batman


    Transport
    4 X bicycle
    20 X folding bicycle
    7 X motorcycle
    3 X lightweight motorcycle
    1 X car 2seater
    14 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X 15cwt GS
    14 X lightweight trailer
    10 X handcart.


    By March 1945 there were only four amendments
    The folding motorcycles were replaced by lightweight motorcycles.
    One lightweight generator trailer was added
    A note was added that when J or K section was employed with an independent parachute brigade the officer commanding would be a Major, the second in command would be a Captain and one clerk Royal Signals would be added.



    HEADQUARTERS AIRBORNE TROOPS SIGNAL SECTION
    War Establishment 1/212/1 with an effective date of April 1944.

    This unit was for employment at base headquarters only.

    Captain
    Subaltern

    2 X serjeant cipher operator
    serjeant

    lance serjeant
    7 X corporal
    5 X lance corporal
    34 X signalman
    3 X driver
    2 X cook ACC

    Trades included
    clerk
    16 X despatch rider
    driver mechanic (driver class)
    instrument mechanic
    linesman
    9 X operator, keyboard and line
    12 X operator, switchboard (telephone)
    3 X operator, wireless and line
    4 X cipher operator
    batman
    batman driver

    Transport
    16 X motocycle
    1 X car 2 seat 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS




    AIRBORNE RASC

    Headquarters Commander RASC. War Establishment I/287/1. April 1943.
    Headquarters Commander RASC. War Establishment I/287/2. April 1945.
    Airborne Light Company. War Establishment I/286/3. April 1944.
    Airborne Light Composite Company. War Establishment I/286/2. April 1943.


    HEADQUARTERS COMMANDER RASC
    War Establishment I/287/1 with an effective date of April 1943. By April 1945 when War Establishment I/287/2 was issued there had been three amendments as follows
    1 X Instructor APTC was added
    1 X Light Utility was deleted
    1 X Car 4 seater 4 X 2 was added

    Personnel
    Lieutenant Colonel
    2 X Major
    One major for ammunition, petrol and supplies
    One major for co ordination of repair and maintenance of all RASC driven vehicles in the formation to which the headquarters is allotted.
    The senior major will be second in command.
    Captain, Adjutant.
    3 X Captain for ammunition, petrol and supplies.

    Warrant Officer I clerk
    Staff serjeant clerk
    Serjeant clerk
    6 X corporal clerk including
    one for ammunition
    one for supplies

    Drivers IC for duties as
    2 X batman
    3 X batman driver
    4 X drivers of vehicles (including one corporal
    6 X motorcyclist
    office orderly
    Note that driver is the basic rank in the RASC and while most drivers IC actually drive vehicles the title also applies to all those RASC personnel who are the equivalent of private, except those who are classed as clerk.

    Attached
    Medical Officer RAMC
    3 X cook ACC
    Note:
    Instructor APTC added by April 1945

    Transport
    1 X folding bicycle
    6 X motorcycle
    2 X car two seat
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) including one for the Medical Officer which is equipped to carry two stretchers.
    1 X 15cwt
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2
    1 X airborne trailer
    Note:
    1 X car two seat (light utility) replaced by 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 by April 1945.


    AIRBORNE LIGHT COMPANY RASC
    War Establishment I/286/3 with an effective date of April 1944.
    Headquarters
    Major
    Captain – Adjutant
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant

    administrative corporal
    corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    2 X driver mechanic
    lance corporal storeman
    storeman
    3 X sanitary dutyman
    3 X water dutyman
    2 X batman driver
    batman
    2 X lance corporal driver
    15 X driver
    2 X duty corporal
    2 X mess orderly
    orderly
    corporal regimental policeman
    regimental policeman
    2 X motorcyclist

    Note.
    The three sanitary dutyman and three water dutyman include one corporal and one lance corporal. In addition two drivers will be trained in sanitary duty and two in water duty. Of these four additional personnel one will be a corporal and one will be a lance corporal.

    Attached.
    nursing orderly corporal RAMC
    ammunition orderly corporal RAOC
    armourer serjeant REME
    instructor APTC
    serjeant cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    4 X cook ACC


    Transport included
    5 X motorcycle
    9 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    4 X lightweight trailer.
    2 X 15cwt water
    12 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS


    Parachute platoon.
    There were three identical parachute platoons.
    Headquarters
    Captain
    Subaltern

    2 X batman driver
    2 X driver parachutist.

    Section 1
    serjeant
    2 X corporal storeman (supplies)
    2 X lance corporal driver parachutist
    9 X driver
    vehicle mechanic.

    Section 2
    serjeant
    2 X corporal storeman (supplies)
    2 X lance corporal driver parachutist
    9 X driver
    vehicle mechanic.

    Note.
    Driver is the basic rank in the RASC so that whereas in most units the presence of a driver would suggest the existence of a vehicle this is not the case here. The parachute platoons had no transport in the operational area until vehicles could be brought in by land. Their function was to store and issue supplies dropped by parachute.


    Transport platoon.
    There were three identical transport platoons.
    Headquarters
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant
    2 X cook ACC
    vehicle mechanic
    batman driver
    2 X duty corporal
    lance corporal driver
    19 X driver

    Transport
    2 X motorcycle
    4 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X lightweight trailer

    Note.
    If normal RASC practice was followed then at least one, and probably two, of the jeeps were reserve vehicles for the sections.

    section 1
    corporal
    lance corporal
    4 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    6 X lightweight trailer


    section 2
    corporal
    lance corporal
    4 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    6 X lightweight trailer

    section 3
    corporal
    lance corporal
    4 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    6 X lightweight trailer

    section 4
    corporal
    lance corporal
    4 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    6 X lightweight trailer

    section 5
    corporal
    lance corporal
    4 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    6 X lightweight trailer

    section 6
    corporal
    lance corporal
    4 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    6 X lightweight trailer

    section 7
    corporal
    lance corporal
    4 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    6 X lightweight trailer


    Workshop platoon
    Headquarters
    Captain
    Mechanist Serjeant Major
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    administrative corporal
    batman driver
    driver of vehicle
    motorcyclist.


    Workshop section
    Mechanist staff serjeant
    Artificer
    2 X blacksmith
    carpenter and joiner
    coachpainter
    coachtrimmer
    coppersmith and sheet metal worker
    4 X electrician
    corporal storeman (supplies)
    technical storeman
    turner
    15 X vehicle mechanic
    The above to include two corporals, two lance corporals, twenty two privates and three drivers.

    Transport
    2 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4
    5 X lightweight trailer


    Relief Drivers Increment
    The War Establishment also lists a relief driver increment. This was intended to provide relief drivers for all three transport platoons if necessary. They were held centrally. When not driving the extra personnel were available for loading. Personnel consisted of

    serjeant
    lance corporal
    29 X driver



    AIRBORNE LIGHT COMPOSITE COMPANY RASC
    War Establishment I/286/2 with an effective date of April 1943.
    Headquarters
    Major
    3 X Captain
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    2 X serjeant (one for defence section)

    administrative corporal
    corporal clerk
    3 X clerk
    lance corporal storeman
    storeman
    3 X water dutyman
    2 X batman driver (trained to operate Wireless set No18)
    2 X batman (trained to operate Wireless set No18)
    lance corporal driver
    5 X driver
    mess orderly
    corporal regimental policeman
    regimental policeman
    2 X motorcyclist
    2 X storeman

    Defence section
    corporal
    2 X lance corporal
    6 X driver

    Attached.
    serjeant cook ACC
    2 x cook ACC

    Transport included
    5 X motorcycle
    2 X motorcycle with sidecar
    9 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    9 X lightweight trailer.

    Note:
    The motorcycles are for
    Company Serjeant Major
    serjeant
    corporal
    2 X motorcyclist
    The motorcycles with side car are for the Captains
    Jeeps are provided for
    Major
    Captain, Adjutant

    By 1944 the motorcycles with sidecar were no longer used and were replaced by either jeeps or motorcycles.

    Weapons
    16 X pistol
    24 X rifle
    10 X sten smg
    4 X Bren lmg
    3 X 20mm


    Transport platoon.
    There were four identical transport platoons.
    Headquarters
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant (one for defence)
    2 X cook ACC
    batman driver
    fitter
    clerk
    5 X driver of vehicle

    Defence section
    2 X corporal
    lance corporal
    13 X driver

    Transport
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X motorcycle with sidecar
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    4 X lightweight trailer

    Note.
    The motorcycles were for the serjeants
    The motorcycle with sidecar was for the subaltern

    Weapons
    3 X pistol
    23 X rifle
    3 X Sten smg
    4 X Bren lmg
    2 X 20mm

    There were 7 X transport sections
    section 1
    corporal
    lance corporal
    3 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    10 X lightweight trailer

    section 2
    corporal
    lance corporal
    3 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    10 X lightweight trailer

    section 3
    corporal
    lance corporal
    3 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    10 X lightweight trailer

    section 4
    corporal
    lance corporal
    3 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    10 X lightweight trailer

    section 5
    corporal
    lance corporal
    3 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    10 X lightweight trailer

    section 6
    corporal
    lance corporal
    3 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    10 X lightweight trailer

    section 7
    corporal
    lance corporal
    3 X driver
    driver mechanic

    1 X motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    10 X lightweight trailer

    Weapons for each section
    1 X pistol
    3 X rifle
    2 X Sten smg


    Composite platoon
    Subaltern
    2 X staff serjeant clerk
    serjeant
    corporal butcher
    butcher
    3 X supply clerk

    batman
    2 X lance corporal driver of vehicle
    3 X motorcyclist

    corporal storeman ammunition RAOC
    cook ACC

    Transport
    3 X motorcycle
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    4 X lightweight trailer

    Weapons
    4 X pistol
    12 X rifle
    6 X Sten smg


    2 X Relief Driver Increment each
    These were intended to provide relief drivers for all four transport platoons if necessary. They were held centrally. When not driving the extra personnel were available for loading.
    serjeant
    lance corporal driver
    29 X driver
    cook ACC

    3 X folding bicycle

    Weapons
    14 X rifle
    17 X Sten smg


    Workshop platoon
    Headquarters
    Captain
    Mechanist Serjeant Major
    corporal clerk technical MT
    clerk technical MT
    administrative corporal
    batman driver
    driver of vehicle
    motorcyclist.

    Weapons
    3 X pistol
    7 X rifle


    Workshop section
    Mechanist staff serjeant
    Artificer serjeant
    2 X blacksmith
    carpenter and joiner
    coachpainter
    coppersmith and sheet metal worker
    4 X electrician
    11 X fitter
    technical storeman MT
    turner
    4 X motor mechanic
    3 X driver of vehicle

    Transport
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 Stores
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 Breakdown
    2 X lightweight trailer
    2 X stores trailer
    1 X machinery trailer
    1 X generator trailer
    1 X electrical repair trailer

    Weapons
    31 X rifle




    AIRBORNE DIVISION MEDICAL UNITS

    Parachute Field Ambulance RAMC 1943
    Parachute Field Ambulance RAMC 1945
    Air Landing Field Ambulance RAMC 1943
    Air Landing Field Ambulance RAMC 1945


    PARACHUTE FIELD AMBULANCE 1943
    War Establishment I/312/1 with an effective date of March 1943. War Establishment I/312/2 is sufficiently different to require a separate entry below.

    Headquarters

    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major second in command
    2 X specialist or graded surgeons who may be Major, Captain or Lieutenant.
    The headquarters is both the administrative headquarters and the operating room.
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant

    serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    masseur
    serjeant medical orderly
    6 X medical orderly
    3 X lance corporal operating room assistant
    3 X operating room assistant.
    serjeant sanitary assistant

    Nursing orderlies for duty as
    barber
    3 X batman
    corporal pack storeman
    corporal stewards storeman
    stewards storeman
    water dutyman
    lance corporal dutyman
    5 X stretcher bearer including one trained in boot repairing duties up to the standard of a shoemaker Group C Class III who will be eligible to draw rates of pay of a tradesman Group C ClassIII only on those days when he is working on boot repairs.

    Attached
    carpenter and joiner RE
    Captain or Lieutenant Army Dental Corp
    dental clerk/orderly ADC
    Subaltern RASC
    2 X serjeant RASC
    2 X corporal driver RASC
    17 X driver IC RASC (includes two driver mechanic)
    3 X fitter RASC
    officers cook ACC
    3 X cook ACC
    instructor APTC

    Transport
    4 X folding bicycle
    3 X folding motorcycle
    1 X jeep

    Base only
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car two seater
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2
    8 X ambulance 4 stretcher

    Section
    There were four sections

    Major, captain or lieutenant
    Clerk
    lance corporal nursing orderly
    2 X nursing orderly

    nursing orderlies for duty as
    staff serjeant, regimental NCO
    corporal stretcher bearer
    lance corporal stretcher bearer
    11 x stretcher bearer
    general dutyman

    Attached
    3 X driver IC RASC including one motorcyclist.

    2 X folding bicycle
    2 X folding motorcycle
    1 X motorcycle

    Base only
    1 X car two seater
    1 X 15cwt.


    PARACHUTE FIELD AMBULANCE 1945
    War Establishment I/312/2 with an effective date of May 1945.
    Headquarters
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major second in command
    2 X specialist or graded surgeons who may be Major, Captain or Lieutenant.
    Graded anaesthetist who may be Captain or Lieutenant
    The headquarters is both the administrative headquarters and the operating room.
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant

    serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    masseur
    serjeant medical orderly
    6 X medical orderly
    3 X lance corporal operating room assistant
    3 X operating room assistant.
    serjeant sanitary assistant

    Nursing orderlies for duty as
    barber
    3 X batman
    corporal pack storeman
    corporal stewards storeman
    stewards storeman
    water dutyman
    lance corporal dutyman
    5 X stretcher bearer including one trained in boot repairing duties up to the standard of a shoemaker Group C Class III who will be eligible to draw rates of pay of a tradesman Group C ClassIII only on those days when he is working on boot repairs.
    6 X operating room assistants

    Attached
    carpenter and joiner RE
    Captain or Lieutenant Army Dental Corp
    dental clerk/orderly ADC
    Captain RASC
    Company Serjeant Major RASC
    serjeant RASC
    2 X corporal driver RASC
    17 X driver IC RASC
    4 X driver mechanic
    5 X vehicle mechanic
    clerk RASC
    officers cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    3 X cook ACC
    instructor APTC

    Transport
    4 X folding bicycle
    3 X folding motorcycle
    4 X motorcycle
    4 X jeep
    2 X 15cwt G1 X 15cwt water
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X 2stretcher 4 X 4 ambulance
    8 X 4 stretcher ambulance
    2 X lightweight trailer
    2 X lightweight water trailer

    Note that none of the vehicles are noted as being for base use only. Non airlanding vehicles would join overland.

    Section
    There were four sections each

    Major, captain or lieutenant
    clerk
    lance corporal nursing orderly
    2 X nursing orderly

    Nursing orderlies for duty as
    staff serjeant, regimental NCO
    corporal stretcher bearer
    lance corporal stretcher bearer
    11 x stretcher bearer
    general dutyman

    Attached
    4 X driver IC RASC including one motorcyclist.

    2 X folding bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X lightweight trailer


    AIR LANDING FIELD AMBULANCE 1943
    War Establishment I/313/1 with an effective date of March 1943. War Establishment I/313/2 contained so many amendments, mainly to transport, that it is given in full below.
    Headquarters
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major second in command

    2 X specialist or graded surgeons who may be major, captain or lieutenant.

    The headquarters is both the administrative headquarters and the operating room.

    Quartermaster
    Regimental Serjeant major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant

    serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    clerk

    masseur
    serjeant medical orderly
    6 X medical orderly
    3 X lance corporal operating room assistant
    3 X operating room assistant.
    serjeant sanitary assistant

    Nursing orderlies for duty as
    barber
    3 X batman
    corporal pack storeman
    corporal stewards storeman
    stewards storeman
    water dutyman
    lance corporal dutyman
    5 X stretcher bearer including one trained in boot repairing duties up to the standard of a shoemaker Group C Class III who will be eligible to draw rates of pay of a tradesman Group C ClassIII only on those days when he is working on boot repairs.

    Attached
    carpenter and joiner RE
    Captain or Lieutenant Army Dental Corp
    dental clerk/orderly ADC
    Captain RASC
    Company Serjeant Major RASC
    serjeant RASC
    2 X corporal driver RASC
    19 X driver IC RASC (includes two driver mechanic)
    3 X fitter RASC
    electrician
    officers mess cook ACC
    4 X cook ACC
    instructor APTC

    Transport
    50 X folding bicycle
    1 X folding motorcycle
    1 X motorcycle
    2 X jeep
    2 X medical trailer
    1 X airborne water trailer

    Base only
    1 X car four seater
    1 X 15cwt
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2
    8 X ambulance 4 stretcher

    Section
    There were five sections

    Major, captain or lieutenant
    clerk
    lance corporal nursing orderly
    3 X nursing orderly

    nursing orderlies for duty as
    staff serjeant, regimental NCO
    corporal stretcher bearer
    lance corporal stretcher bearer
    11 x stretcher bearer
    general dutyman

    Attached
    3 X driver IC RASC including one motorcyclist.

    16 X folding bicycle
    1 X folding motorcycle
    1 X motorcycle
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    2 X medical trailer, fitted to carry two stretchers
    1 X airborne trailer

    Base only
    1 X car two seater
    1 X 15cwt.

    First reinforcements
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    7 X nursing orderly



    AIR LANDING FIELD AMBULANCE 1945
    War Establishment I/313/2 with an effective date of May 1945.
    Headquarters
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major second in command
    2 X specialist or graded surgeons who may be major, captain or lieutenant
    1 X specialist or graded anaesthetist who may be a major, captain or lieutenant
    Quartermaster
    Regimental Serjeant major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant

    serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    masseur
    serjeant medical orderly
    6 X medical orderly
    3 X lance corporal operating room assistant
    3 X operating room assistant.
    serjeant sanitary assistant

    Nursing orderlies for duty as
    barber
    3 X batman
    corporal pack storeman
    corporal stewards storeman
    stewards storeman
    water dutyman
    lance corporal dutyman
    5 X stretcher bearer including one trained in boot repairing duties up to the standard of a shoemaker Group C Class III who will be eligible to draw rates of pay of a tradesman Group C ClassIII only on those days when he is working on boot repairs.

    Attached
    carpenter and joiner RE
    Captain or Lieutenant Army Dental Corp
    dental clerk/orderly ADC
    Captain RASC
    Company Serjeant Major RASC
    serjeant RASC
    2 X corporal driver RASC
    19 X driver IC RASC (includes four driver mechanic)
    5 X vehicle mechanic RASC
    electrician
    officers mess cook ACC
    4 X cook ACC
    instructor APTC

    Transport
    3 X folding motorcycle
    4 X motorcycle
    2 X jeep
    2 X medical trailer
    2 X airborne water trailer

    Base only
    2 X car four seater 4 X 4
    3 X 15cwt
    1 X 15cwt water
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2
    8 X ambulance 4 stretcher

    Section
    There were five sections

    Major, captain or lieutenant
    clerk
    lance corporal nursing orderly
    3 X nursing orderly

    Nursing orderlies for duty as
    staff serjeant, regimental NCO
    corporal stretcher bearer
    lance corporal stretcher bearer
    11 x stretcher bearer
    general dutyman

    Attached
    6 X driver IC RASC including motorcyclists.

    5 X folding bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    3 X medical trailer, fitted to carry two stretchers
    2 X airborne trailer

    Base only
    1 X 15cwt.

    First reinforcements
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    19 X nursing orderly







    AIRBORNE DIVISION REME UNITS
    Including
    HQ Commander REME
    Light Aid Detachments REME
    Airborne Division Workshop REME
    Air Landing Light AA Battery Workshop REME
    Ordnance Field Park RAOC



    HEADQUARTERS COMMANDER REME, AIRBORNE
    War Establishment I/118/1 with an effective date of April 1943

    Lieutenant Colonel (EME 1st class)
    Captain (EME 3rd Class)
    Captain (EME 3rd Class) wireless specialist

    Warrant Officer II clerk
    serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    3 X batman driver
    2 X motorcyclist


    Transport
    2 X folding bicycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    3 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    2 X airborne office trailer.

    Weapons
    3 X pistols, .45automatic
    4 X rifle .303”
    5 X Sten gun




    LIGHT AID DETACHMENT REME.
    War Establishment I/338/2 with an effective date of December 1944


    Light Aid Detachment Type A
    Warrant Officer Class I, Armament Artificer
    serjeant vehicle mechanic
    2 X driver mechanic (recovery)
    1 X electrician, vehicle and plant
    1 X fitter
    5 X vehicle mechanic
    acetylene welder, (trained in simple sheet metal work, coppersmithing and tinsmithing)
    lance corporal storeman
    cook ACC

    Total 14 all ranks

    Transport
    4 X folding bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    2 X 3ton stores lorry
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown gantry
    4 X truck, special airborne
    1 X lightweight trailer, store
    1 X trailer lightweight

    If the LAD Type A is formed as LAD Type A (armoured) the following will be added
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X trailer lightweight



    Light Aid Detachment Type B

    Warrant Officer Class I, Armament Artificer
    serjeant vehicle mechanic
    2 X driver mechanic (recovery)
    1 X electrician, vehicle and plant
    1 X fitter
    3 X vehicle mechanic
    acetylene welder, (trained in simple sheet metal work, coppersmithing and tinsmithing)
    lance corporal storeman
    cook ACC

    Total 12 all ranks

    Transport
    4 X folding bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    2 X 3ton stores lorry
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown gantry
    2 X truck, special airborne
    1 X lightweight trailer, store
    1 X trailer lightweight




    Light Aid Detachment Type C
    The Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment had a LAD Type C.

    Captain
    Warrant Officer Class II, Armament Artificer
    2 X Staff Serjeant, Armament Artificer
    1 X sejeant vehicle mechanic (AFV)
    3 X driver mechanic (recovery)
    2 X driver operator
    1 X electrician, vehicle and plant (AFV)
    1 X fitter
    6 X vehicle mechanic (AFV)
    1 X electric welder (trained in simple sheet metal work, coppersmithing and tinsmithing)
    1 X lance corporal storeman
    1 X clerk, technical
    1 X batman driver
    1 X driver IC
    1 X general dutyman

    Total 25 all ranks

    2 X motorcycle
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    2 X 3ton stores lorry
    2 X 6 X 4 heavy breakdown tractor
    1 X armoured recovery vehicle
    1 X lightweight trailer, store
    1 X lightweight trailer, welding
    1 X trailer lightweight
    1 X 7 ½ ton light recovery trailer




    AIRBORNE DIVISIONAL WORKSHOP

    Headquarters
    Major
    4 X Captain or Subaltern( including one for regimental duties)

    Warrant Officer Class I Armament Artificer
    Warrant Officer Class I Armourer
    Warrant Officer Class II Armament Artificer
    Warrant Officer Class II Clerk
    Company Serjeant Major

    2 X staff serjeant armament artificer
    serjeant artisan
    serjeant clerk
    serjeant storeman
    serjeant for regimental duties
    corporal armourer
    2 X corporal artisan
    corporal storeman
    corporal non tradesman
    7 X lance corporal (including one for postman and one for medical orderly)
    27 X craftsman, driver and private
    5 X cook ACC

    Trades included
    armament artificer, field
    armament artificer instruments
    armament artificer vehicle
    armament artificer wireless
    2 X armourer
    fitter
    instrument mechanic
    4 X turner
    9 X vehicle mechanic
    welder
    8 X telecommunication mechanic (including one serjeant)
    5 X clerk
    4 X storeman
    8 X driver IC
    3 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist

    The following personnel on the above list are for base only
    serjeant for regimental duties
    serjeant storeman
    corporal clerk
    storeman
    clerk
    3 X general dutymen (batman, water dutyman and sanitary dutyman)
    2 X cook ACC

    Transport
    30 X folding bicycle
    6 X motorcycle (unusually specified as 350cc Matchless)
    24 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (2 for officers and 22 for towing trailers)
    4 X lightweight trailer (machinery)
    6 X lightweight trailer, generator
    2 X lightweight trailer, wireless
    2 X lightweight trailer, welding, electric
    1 X lightweight trailer, electricians
    8 X lightweight trailer
    1 X lightweight trailer, water
    3 X handcart

    Note:
    Although 22 jeeps are noted as being for towing trailers in fact all jeeps tow a trailer. Presumably the two officer’s jeeps tow standard lightweight trailers.

    Base transport
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS
    2 X 3ton 4 x 4 GS

    Armament section
    Warrant Officer Class I Armament Artificer
    2 X staff serjeant armament artificer
    serjeant artisan
    corporal artisan
    2 X lance corporal
    29 X craftsman

    Trades include
    2 X armament artificer, field
    armament artificer, instruments
    2 X blacksmith
    carpenter and joiner
    coach trimmer
    driver mechanic
    electrician
    5 X fitter
    3 X instrument technician
    2 X sheet metal worker
    clerk
    storeman
    3 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist

    The following personnel on the above list are for base only
    clerk
    lance corporal
    3 X general dutyman

    Transport
    3 X motorcycle (350cc Matchless)
    4 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    lightweight trailer, stores
    lightweight trailer
    2 X handcart


    Small arms section
    Warrant Officer Class II Armourer
    Staff serjeant armourer
    Serjeant armourer
    Corporal armourer
    Corporal non tradesman
    3 X lance corporal
    12 X craftsman

    Trades included
    10 X armourer
    5 X fitter
    clerk
    storeman
    driver IC
    2 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist

    The following personnel on the above list are for base only
    clerk
    lance corporal
    general dutyman

    Transport
    3 X motorcycle (350cc Matchless)
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    3 X lightweight trailer
    2 X handcart

    A and B vehicles section
    WOII armament artificer
    2 X staff serjeant armament artificer
    2 X staff serjeant artisan
    serjeant artisan
    3 X corporal artisan
    corporal clerk
    corporal storeman
    corporal non tradesman
    3 X corporal
    5 X lance corporal
    32 X craftsman

    Trades include
    3 X armament artificer
    2 X blacksmith
    3 X carpenter and joiner
    2 X coachtrimmer
    5 X driver mechanic
    6 X electrician
    2 X sheet metal worker
    18 X vehicle mechanic
    welder
    2 X clerk
    2 X storeman
    3 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist

    The following personnel on the above list are for base only
    clerk
    lance corporal
    general dutyman

    Transport
    6 X motorcycle (350cc Matchless)
    9 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    6 X lightweight trailer, stores
    3 X lightweight trailer
    3 X handcart


    Recovery section
    2 X staff serjeant artisan
    2 X corporal artisan
    I X corporal non tradesman
    6 X lance corporal
    22 X craftsman

    Trades include
    17 X driver mechanic
    9 X vehicle mechanic
    driver IC
    4 X general dutyman
    motorcyclist

    The following personnel on the above list are for base only
    staff serjeant artisan
    corporal artisan
    6 X lance corporal artisan
    16 X artisan
    6 X general dutyman

    Base Transport
    6 X motorcycle
    3 X 6 X 4 3ton breakdown gantry
    1 X 6 X 4 Heavy Recovery Tractor
    1 X 7 ½ ton recovery trailer




    AIRLANDING LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY WORKSHOP
    War Establishment I/350/1 with an effective date of March 1944. There was only one amendment in WE I/350/2 with an effective date of March 1945. This removed the note that 25% of personnel could be parachute trained.

    staff serjeant armament artificer
    serjeant armourer
    armourer
    driver mechanic
    electrician
    fitter
    2 X vehicle mechanic

    Transport
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 x 4
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 store
    1 X lightweight trailer

    Note: of the total personnel 25% could be parachute trained.



    AIRBORNE DIVISION ORDNANCE FIELD PARK
    War Establishment 1/337/3 with an effective date of March 1944

    Headquarters
    Ordnance Officer 3rd Class (Major)
    2 X Ordnance Officer 4th Class (Captain or Subaltern)

    Warrant Officer Class I Clerk (RAOC duties)
    serjeant, duty NCO

    batman driver
    corporal clerk
    driver IC
    driver mechanic
    4 X general dutyman
    corporal storeman
    storeman
    water dutyman

    Attached
    vehicle mechanic REME
    2 X cook ACC

    Transport
    1 X folding bicycle
    1 X motor cycle
    1 X car 2 seat 4 X 2
    2 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 Office

    No1 Section (MT Stores)
    Staff serjeant clerk
    Serjeant storeman (MT)
    4 X clerk, RAOC duties (including one corporal)
    driver IC
    driver mechanic
    motorcyclist
    20 X storeman (MT) (including 3 X corporal)
    vehicle mechanic REME

    Transport
    1 X folding bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    14 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    4 X 3ton 4 X 2 Stores
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 battery storage
    7 X 3ton 4 x 4 store, binned
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery I30
    8 X lightweight trailer
    6 X lightweight trailer, stores, binned

    No2 Section (general stores)
    Serjeant clerk
    Staff serjeant storeman
    2 X clerk (RAOC duties)
    driver IC
    driver mechanic
    motorcyclist
    5 X storeman
    storeman, technical, armament
    storeman, technical, small arms

    Transport
    1 X folding bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 Store
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 store, binned
    2 X lightweight trailer
    3 X lightweight trailer, stores, binned
     
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