MISCELLANEOUS HEADQUARTERS Headquarters, headquarters units and pools of specialists were formed to support the work of 21 Army Group. These were many, varied and difficult to classify. MISCELLANEOUS HEADQUARTERS. Headquarters GHQ Troops. War Establishment XIV/152/May 1944 Claims Commission. War Establishment XIV/53/1. November 1944 Claims Commission. War Establishment VIII/717/1. Hirings Directorate. War Establishment XIV/54/1. November 1944 Hirings Directorate. War Establishment VIII/718/1. Interpreter Pool 21 Army Group. War Establishment XIV/100/1. May 1944. Interpreter Pool for an Army. War Establishment XIV/251/. May 1944. Army Education Corps Pool. War Establishment XIV/101/1. May 1944 Catering Pool. War Establishment XIV/102/1. May 1944. Camouflage Pool. War Establishment XIV/103/1. May 1944. Staff Pool. War Establishment XIV/104/1. May 1944. Mobile Labour Groups, Pool of Supervisory Personnel. War Establishment XIV/106/1. June 1944. Welfare Pool. War Establishment XIV/112/1. December 1945. Intelligence Pool. War Establishment XIV/113/1. January 1945. Transportation Pool. War Establishment XIV/110/1. October 1944 Pool of Labour Staff Officers. War Establishment XIV/111/1. October 1944 No1 Pool (Civil Labour). War Establishment XIV/106/2. October 1944 Works Pool RE. War Establishment XIV/109/1. July 1944 Judge Advocates Generals Staff Pool. War Establishment XIV/107/1. June 1944. Passive Air Defence Pool. War Establishment XIV/108/1. June 1944. Physical Training Instructors Pool. War Establishment XIV/1895/1. September 1944 Local Resources Section. War Establishment XIV/52/1. May 1944 Army Refugee Interrogation Team. War Establishment XIV/1152/1. January 1945. Allied Missions Camp, British Administrative Increment. War Establishment XIV/640/1. June 1944 Disbandment Control Unit. War Establishment XIV/2030/1. February 1945. Headquarters War Material Reconnaissance Team. War Establishment XIV/2029/1. January 1945. CIVIL AFFAIRS Headquarters 21 Army Group Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/50/1. May 1944. Headquarters 2 Army Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/252/1. May 1944 Corps Headquarters Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/270/1. May 1944. Headquarters Line of Communications Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/210/1. June 1944. Headquarters LoC Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/209/1. June 1944. Headquarters LoC Sub Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/211/1. June 1944 Headquarters LoC Base Sub Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/213/1. June 1944 Headquarters of a Garrison Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/212/1. June 1944 Civil Affairs Base Port Depot. War Establishment IV/264/1. May 1944. Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type A. War Establishment IV/265/1. May 1944. Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type B. War Establishment IV/266/1. May 1944. Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type C. War Establishment IV/267/1. May 1944. HEADQUARTERS GHQ TROOPS War Establishment XIV/152/1. May 1944 Supersedes War Establishment VIII/560/1. Colonel Brigade Major Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General Staff Captain Lieutenant Staff Officer RS Intelligence Officer, Captain or Lieutenant 3 X Medical Officer (Pool) Subaltern company quartermaster serjeant 6 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class II serjeant corporal 3 X private 2 X driver IC driver mechanic 2 X motorcycle 3 X medical officer orderly 3 X batman 4 X batman driver 4 X orderly officers mess cook ACC 2 X cook ACC 2 X bicycle 4 X motorcycle 4 X car 2 seat 4 X 2 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS 1 X water trailer CLAIMS and HIRINGS The Directorate of Claims and Hirings was responsible for the disposal of all claims other than those arising out of war damage and for the requisitioning and or hiring of land and buildings within 21 Army Group area. Detachments were attached to armies and to the various corps HQ. The presence of these officers with army and corps HQ proved to be of considerable assistance in regard to quartering and to dispose of certain claims which might have caused some ill-feeling if they remained outstanding. During June and July a total of 1,185 claims were received and 1,291 requisitions of real estate were recorded. District offices were established later at major centres. The speed of the advance and the large number of troops located in Belgium caused an acute shortage of accommodation and Claims and Hirings officers in static offices assisted the "Q" staff in finding accommodation for the troops. An agreement was made whereby accommodation previously occupied by the Germans was frozen for British use. During the months of August and September 6,721 requisitions of real estate were recorded and 5,875 claims received. When Brussels became a leave centre a number of hostels and clubs were opened and billeting was undertaken on a large scale. In many cases the maintenance repair and cleaning of buildings were carried out through local authorities and paid for by the Belgian government. The rapid advance of our forces into Germany, coupled with the complete breakdown of the German administrative services made it impossible to handle claims since wholesale looting which was being carried out by freed slave labour, displaced persons, German civilians and allied troops. During the campaign some 50,000 requisitions of real estate were recorded and approximately the same number of claims was disposed of. CLAIMS COMMISSION, 21 ARMY GROUP War Establishment XIV/53/1. November 1944 This War Establishment supersedes WE VIII/717/1 Personnel are distributed amongst all major headquarters as follows. 21 Army Group HQ President of the Claims Commission (this position filled by the President of the Claims Commission at the War Office in London) Vice President of the Claims Commission, Brigadier (also acts as Director of Hirings) Assistant Director of Claims 2 X Deputy Director of Claims 2 X Staff Captain 2 X Captain, Claims Officer Warrant Officer Class I Clerk serjeant clerk 2 X corporal clerk 2 X clerk 2 X shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 3 X batman 3 X driver RASC 1 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seat light utility 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 Note: two clerks may be ATS Army HQ Assistant Director of Claims Captain, Claims Officer Warrant Officer Class II Clerk serjeant clerk clerk shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 2 X batman 2 X driver RASC 1 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seat light utility Corps HQ each Deputy Director of Claims Captain, Claims Officer Warrant Officer Class I Clerk staff serjeant clerk corporal clerk clerk shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) batman 2 X driver RASC 2 X car 2 seat light utility HQ Line of Communication 2 X Deputy Director of Claims Staff Captain Captain, Claims Officer 2 X Staff Lieutenant staff serjeant clerk corporal clerk clerk shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 2 X batman 2 X driver RASC 1 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seat light utility HQ Line of Communication Area each Captain, Claims Officer Lieutenant, Assistant Claims Officer serjeant clerk clerk shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 2 X batman driver 2 X car 2 seat light utility HQ Base and Line of Communication Sub Area each Captain, Claims Officer Lieutenant, Assistant Claims Officer serjeant clerk clerk shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 2 X batman driver 2 X car 2 seat light utility HIRINGS DIRECTORATE, 21 ARMY GROUP War Establishment XIV/54/1. November 1944 This War Establishment supersedes WE VIII/718/1 Personnel are distributed amongst all major headquarters as follows. 21 Army Group HQ Director of Hirings (this position filled by the Director of Hirings) Assistant Director of Hirings Deputy Director of Hirings Staff Captain Captain, Hirings Officer Warrant Officer Class II Clerk 2 X serjeant clerk corporal clerk 4 X clerk 3 X shorthand typist 2 X corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 2 X batman 3 X driver RASC 1 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seat light utility 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 Army HQ Assistant Director of Hirings 2 X Captain, Hirings Officer Warrant Officer Class II Clerk serjeant clerk lance corporal clerk 2 X clerk shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 2 X batman 2 X driver RASC 1 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seat light utility Corps HQ each Deputy Assistant Director of Claims Captain, Hirings Officer staff serjeant clerk corporal clerk clerk shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) batman 2 X driver RASC 2 X car 2 seat light utility HQ Line of Communication Deputy Director of Hirings Deputy Assistant Director of Hirings Staff Captain Captain, Hirings Officer 2 X Staff Lieutenant Warrant Officer Class I Clerk 2 X Warrant Officer Class II, Clerk 2 X serjeant clerk 2 X corporal clerk 4 X clerk 4 X shorthand typist 2 X corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 3 X batman 3 X driver RASC 1 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seat light utility 1 X car 4 seat 4 X 2 HQ Line of Communication Area each Captain, Hirings Officer Lieutenant, Assistant Hirings Officer serjeant clerk clerk shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 2 X batman driver 2 X car 2 seat light utility HQ Base and Line of Communication Sub Area each Captain, Hirings Officer Lieutenant, Assistant Hirings Officer serjeant clerk clerk shorthand typist corporal interpreter (may be civilian) 2 X batman driver 2 X car 2 seat light utility LOCAL RESOURCES SECTION. War Establishment XIV/52/1. May 1944. Assistant Quartermaster General Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General Staff Captain 5 X clerk RASC including staff serjeant serjeant 3 X private batman batman driver driver IC sanitary dutyman general dutyman cook ACC 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 1 X 15cwt GS LIAISON OFFICERS War Establishment XIV/1230/1. May 1944. Supersedes VIII/733/1. Headquarters Line of Communication General Staff Officer 1st Grade (Liaison) batman driver 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 Each Corps General Staff Officer 1st Grade (Liaison) batman Each Division General Staff Officer 1st Grade (Liaison) batman driver 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 INTERPRETER POOL 21 ARMY GROUP. War Establishment XIV/100/1. May 1944. Supersedes War Establishment VIII/734/1 2 X Captain Liaison Officer (Linguists) 3 X Subaltern 6 X serjeant 6 X corporal driver mechanic 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 INTERPRETER POOL for an ARMY War Establishment XIV/251/1. May 1944. Supersedes War Establishment VIII/735/1. 2 X Captain (Liaison Officer) (Linguist) 3 X Lieutenant 9 X serjeant 21 X corporal batman driver driver mechanic 45 X civilian (may be Allied Liaison Officer or Allied other ranks) Any other rank position may be filled by civilians. 15 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 ARMY EDUCATION CORPS POOL War Establishment XIV/101/1. May 1944 Supersedes War Establishment VIII/672/1 War Establishment XIV/101/2. For Headquarters Line of Communication Staff Officer (Education) 2nd Grade Subaltern clerk batman driver 1 X 15cwt GS For each Headquarters Line of Communication Area Staff Officer (Education) 3rd Grade 2 X clerk batman driver 1 X 15cwt GS For each Headquarters Line of Communication Sub Area Subaltern clerk batman driver 1 X motorcycle For each Headquarters Base Sub Area Staff Officer 3rd Grade 2 X clerk batman driver War Establishment XIV/101/2 deletes all the above since these now appear on the headquarters war establishments. For each Convalescent Depot of 1000 men 2 X serjeant instructor For each Convalescent Depot of 2000 men 5 X serjeant instructor For each General Hospital of 600 beds serjeant instructor For each General Hospital of 1200 beds 2 X serjeant instructor For each military prison 3 X serjeant instructor For each reinforcement group 3 X serjeant instructor For each Garrison serjeant instructor Instructors hold rank in the proportions Warrant Officer Class I: 2 X Warrant Officer Class II: 4 X serjeant. The main function of the Education Service during the early stages of the operation was to stimulate and maintain morale by the early dissemination of news. Each formation issued a daily broadsheet based on the BBC broadcasts. At least two Study Centres were established. A small supply of French and German "From Scratch" books became available from War Office, together with a limited number of French and German dictionaries. Early in September, Education published a guide sheet to Brussels which had a very wide distribution. In conjunction with the provost staff, an information room was set up near the Gare du Nord, Brussels. A warrant 0fficer, AEC was in charge and answered enquiries in connection with visits to places of cultural and general interest. The static conditions in the L of C areas made it possible to establish elaborate study centres. Handicraft classes and classes in modern languages, book-keeping and mathematics were popular. At certain formation training schools AEC personnel were attached to the school staff and a special allotment of time was made in the syllabus for educational subjects. AEC personnel also gave individual instruction and help to patients in hospitals and convalescent depots. At Reinforcement Holding Units, military prisons and field punishment camps it was found that organised education had a good effect on morale. During the winter the Education Service sponsored a considerable number of lecturers who spoke on the life and culture of Europe and on subjects of sociological and economic interest. Special arrangements were made for talks to former prisoners of war to bring them up-to-date on war news and home affairs. CATERING POOL War Establishment XIV/102/1. May 1944 Supersedes War Establishment VIII/713/1 For Headquarters Line of Communication Captain Catering Officer batman driver 1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2 For each Headquarters Line of Communication Area Major Catering Officer Captain Catering Officer corporal clerk 2 X clerk batman driver 1 X Car 4 seater 4 X 2 For each Headquarters Line of Communication Sub Area Captain Catering Officer clerk batman driver 1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2 For each Headquarters Base Sub Area Captain Catering Officer 4 X Lieutenant Catering Officer 3 X batman driver 3 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 For each Headquarters Army Troops 2 X Captain Catering Officer 2 X batman driver 2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 For each Headquarters Corps Troops Major Catering Officer Captain Catering Officer clerk 2 X batman driver 1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2 1 X Car 4 seater 4 X 2 For each Division Headquarters Captain Catering Officer batman driver 1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2 For each General Hospital of 1200 beds Captain Messing Officer For each Convalescent Depot Lieutenant Messing Officer For each training unit or base installation with more than 1000 men Lieutenant Messing Officer Pool of Supervisory Travelling Instructors 3 X Warrant Officer Class I 30 X Warrant Officer Class II CAMOUFLAGE POOL War Establishment XIV/103/1. May 1944 Supersedes War Establishment VIII/747/1 Major, Camouflage Officer 10 X Captain, Camouflage Officer 11 X serjeant for camouflage duties corporal clerk RASC 3 X clerk RASC corporal draughtsman, architectural RE 3 X draughtsman, architectural RE corporal draughtsman, mechanical RE 2 X draughtsman, mechanical RE photographic developer RE 11 X batman driver 11 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 11 X 10cwt trailer STAFF POOL War Establishment XIV/104/1. May 1944 15 X Lieutenant Colonel, Major or Captain No more than 3 may be lieutenant colonels MOBILE LABOUR GROUPS, POOL OF SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL. War Establishment XIV/106/1. June 1944 To supervise 25 mobile labour groups of varying strengths composed of foreign civilian labour. 5 X Major 10 X Captain 50 X Subaltern 25 X serjeant 25 X clerk 25 X storeman 5 X batman driver 25 X driver 5 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 25 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS (may be 3ton 4 X 2 GS in groups of over 150) Officers will be assigned on the following scale Under 75 Subaltern 75 to 150 2 X Subaltern 150 to 250 Captain and Subaltern over 250 Major and two Subaltern WELFARE POOL. War Establishment XIV/112/1. December 1945. Type A Increment for Headquarters 2nd Army and Headquarters Line of Communication Assistant Director of Army Welfare Services Deputy Assistant Director of Army Welfare Services. 2 X Staff Captain 7 X clerk RASC including serjeant corporal 2 X lance corporal 3 X private 2 X batman driver 1 X light utility 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 Type B Increment for Corps Headquarters, Headquarters Line of Communication Area and GHQ AA Troops. Deputy Assistant Director of Army Welfare Services. Staff Captain 3 X clerk RASC including corporal 2 X private batman driver 1 X light utility Type C Increment for each division, Line of Communication Sub Area, Base Sub Area and Garrison. Staff Captain 2 X clerk RASC including lance corporal private batman driver 1 X light utility Type D Increment for British Troops with 1st Canadian Army. Deputy Assistant Director of Army Welfare Services. Staff Captain 3 X clerk RASC including corporal 2 X private batman driver 1 X light utility Pool of Legal Aid Officers 4 X Legal Aid Officer 12 X clerk RASC including 4 X serjeant 4 X corporal 4 X private INTELLIGENCE POOL War Establishment XIV/113/1. January 1945. 6 X General Staff Officer 1st Grade 25 X General Staff Officers 2nd Grade 34 X General Staff Officers 3rd Grade 61 X Intelligence Officer, Captain or Lieutenant (8 may be ATS) 103 X clerk RASC including 5 X Warrant Officer Class II 8 X staff serjeant 5 X corporal 30 X lance corporal 55 X private 50 clerks may be ATS 22 X clerk, intelligence corps including Warrant Officer Class II 13 X serjeant 8 X corporal All clerks, intelligence corps will be German speaking. 46 X linguist including 21 X serjeant 14 X corporal 11 X lance corporal All linguists will be German speaking 11 X draughtsman, topographical RE including 2 X serjeant 3 X corporal lance corporal 5 X private 2 X clerk for administrative duties including serjeant lance corporal 2 X corporal as duty NCO 34 X batman (may be Allied military personnel) 24 X batman driver (may be Allied military personnel) general dutyman 2 X sanitary dutyman 14 X light utility 10 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS TRANSPORTATION POOL War Establishment XIV/110/1. October 1944 Deputy Director of Transportation, Colonel Colonel, Transportation 9 X Assistant Director of Transportation 10 X Deputy Assistant Director of Transportation 11 X Captain, Transportation 4 X Quartermaster Serjeant, Technical Warrant Officer Class II, Clerk 2 X serjeant clerk 57 X clerk including 2 X lance serjeant 16 X corporal 9 X lance corporal 21 X driver 6 X bicycle 4 X motorcycle 6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 20 X car 4 seater 4 X 4 Personnel will be administered by the various transportation units to which they are attached. POOL of LABOUR STAFF OFFICERS War Establishment XIV/111/1. October 1944 3 X Deputy Director of Labour, Colonel 5 X Assistant Director of Labour 3 X Deputy Assistant Director of Labour 8 X Staff Captain 3 X serjeant clerk 5 X corporal clerk 11 X clerk 8 X batman 8 X batman driver 3 X car 2 seater light utility 5 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 No1 POOL (CIVIL LABOUR) War Establishment XIV/106/2. October 1944 Designed to supervise four mobile labour groups of 280 foreign civil labourers. 4 X Major 8 X Subaltern 4 X staff serjeant 4 X clerk 4 X driver 4 X storeman 4 X car 4 X 2 light utility (with civilian drivers) 4 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS WORKS POOL RE War Establishment XIV/109/1. July 1944 2 X Lieutenant Colonel 4 X Major 8 X Captain 4 X Inspector of RE Machinery 3 X Quartermaster 4 X Subaltern Warrant Officer Class I Military Mechanist, Electrical Warrant Officer Class I Clerk of Works Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Electrical Warrant Officer Class II Military Mechanist, Machinery 2 X Warrant Officer Class II Clerk of Works staff serjeant military mechanist, electrical 2 X staff serjeant military mechanist, machinery 3 X staff serjeant foreman of works serjeant engineer clerk serjeant engineer draughtsman corporal engineer clerk 4 X engineer clerk corporal engineer draughtsman 4 X engineer draughtsman For Regimental Duties 2 X staff serjeant serjeant 4 X corporal 9 X lance corporal 10 X sapper JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERALS STAFF POOL War Establishment XIV/107/1. June 1944. Supersedes War Establishment VIII/643/1. This establishment provides legal sections for all headquarters down to Corps level. Headquarters 21 Army Group 3 X Major, Deputy Judge Advocate 3 X batman driver 5 X clerk (verbatim, shorthand) RASC for Courts Martial including Warrant Officer Class II 2 X staff serjeant 2 X serjeant 3 X car 2 seater Headquarters Airborne Troops 21 Army Group Major (legal) batman driver 3 X clerk RASC including Staff Serjeant corporal private orderly 1 X car 2 seater Each Army Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel Assistant Deputy Judge Advocate General Captain (legal) batman batman driver 4 X clerk RASC including Staff Serjeant 2 X corporal lance corporal orderly 1 X car 4 seater Each Corps Headquarters Major, Deputy Judge Advocate Major (legal) 3 X clerk RASC incuding Staff Serjeant corporal private 2 X car 2 seater Headquarters Line of Communication Lieutenant Colonel, Assistant Deputy Judge Advocate General 2 X Major, Deputy Judge Advocate Major (legal) 2 X Captain (legal) batman 4 X batman driver 7 X clerk RASC including Warrant Officer Class II Staff Serjeant serjeant 3 X corporal private orderly 3 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater Each Line of Communication Area Major (legal) Captain (legal) batman batman driver 4 X clerk RASC including Staff Serjeant serjeant corporal private orderly 1 X car 2 seater Each Line of Communication Base Sub Area Captain (legal) Batman 3 X clerk including serjeant corporal private 1 X car 2 seater PASSIVE AIR DEFENCE POOL War Establishment XIV/108/1. June 1944. Passive Air Defence includes all means of combating the danger of enemy air power without actively attacking aircraft. It includes camouflage, dispersal, deception and protective structures. 4 X Major, Staff Officer PAD 6 X Captain, Staff Officer PAD 10 X clerk RASC 10 X batman driver 10 X car 5cwt 4 X 4. PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTORS POOL War Establishment XIV/1895/1. September 1944 Captain, Staff Officer Physical Training 3 X Captain, Supervising Officer Physical Training 94 X Instructors APTC. Ranks allotted by officer in charge of APTC records. corporal clerk RASC clerk, shorthand typist RASC ARMY REFUGEE INTERROGATION TEAM War Establishment XIV/1152/1. January 1945. This consisted on a headquarters located near army headquarters and one section for each corp. Headquarters Major, Intelligence Officer Captain or Lieutenant, Intelligence Officer serjeant (linguist) clerk batman driver 2 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS Each section Captain or Lieutenant Intelligence Officer serjeant linguist batman driver 1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS ALLIED MISSIONS CAMP. BRITISH ADMINISTRATIVE INCREMENT War Establishment XIV/640/1. June 1944 Quartermaster serjeant officers mess steward clerk RASC driver IC for Chief of French Mission 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 for Chief of French Mission DISBANDMENT CONTROL UNIT. War Establishment XIV/2030/1. February 1945. To be attached to a brigade headquarters for administration. Intended to supervise and control the disbandment of formed enemy units which surrendered. Major 3 X Captain 5 X clerk including staff serjeant corporal lance corporal 2 X private 3 X batman driver 3 X light utility HEADQUARTERS WAR MATERIAL RECONNAISSANCE TEAM. War Establishment XIV/2029/1. January 1945. To administer up to 20 officers, 20 other ranks and 20 vehicles. These teams were intended to follow the advancing troops and take possession of any documents, artefacts and sites that were of interest. The RAF and RN had similar teams. Lieutenant Colonel 5 X Captain Warrant Officer Class II Clerk Clerk Corporal vehicle mechanic 6 X batman driver driver IC general dutyman motorcyclist 2 X officers mess cook 2 X cook 2 X motorcycle 6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS 2 X 10cwt trailer CIVIL AFFAIRS Headquarters 21 Army Group Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/50/1. May 1944. Headquarters 2 Army Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/252/1. May 1944 Corps Headquarters Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/270/1. May 1944. Headquarters Line of Communications Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/210/1. June 1944. Headquarters LoC Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/209/1. June 1944. Headquarters LoC Sub Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/211/1. June 1944 Headquarters LoC Base Sub Area Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/213/1. June 1944 Headquarters of a Garrison Civil Affairs Staff. War Establishment XIV/212/1. June 1944 Civil Affairs Base Port Depot. War Establishment IV/264/1. May 1944. Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type A. War Establishment IV/265/1. May 1944. Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type B. War Establishment IV/266/1. May 1944. Civil Affairs Inland Depot Type C. War Establishment IV/267/1. May 1944. When towns and large territories were being liberated very rapidly, Civil Affairs proved of the greatest assistance to the fighting formations. Their detachments were always well forward and by maintaining contact with the local authorities on matters concerning curfew, blackout, restriction of movements and finance they relieved the staffs of those formations of much anxiety. By the end of September Civil Affairs detachments were in Brussels working with the civil government and there were now two Base Port Depots, eight Inland Depots and four Civil Affairs Groups. During "Market Garden" three Civil Affairs detachments were included with the forward troops, to be located at Nijmegen, Arnhem and Apeldoorn in the event of these places being occupied. To bring immediate relief to liberated towns of northern Holland CA detachments advanced with the forward troops and distributed medical supplies, clothing and fuel from stocks which had been previously accumulated for this purpose. In addition to thirty-six CA detachments which were employed there, the rehabilitation of the country was begun under the direction of officers who were specialists in transport, public utilities, food supplies, finance and agriculture. Also under CA arrangements the British Red Cross and other relief societies operated hospitals, laboratories, laundries and bath units. In other liberated countries CA continued to advise and help local authorities in the distribution of food and fuel, and at the same time kept HQ 21 Army Group informed of the political and economic situation. In Germany Military Government detachments took over the control of provinces and towns as soon as they were captured. The control of the feeding, housing and registration of Displaced Persons was a Military Government responsibility. For this purpose Displaced Persons camps were set up in the territory occupied by 21 Army Group. The medical facilities which these camps provided for bathing and dusting with de-lousing powder, played an important part in preventing the spread of disease throughout Europe. HEADQUARTERS, 21 ARMY GROUP CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF War Establishment XIV/50/1. May 1944. Brigadier, Deputy Chief Civil Affairs Officer Lieutenant, Staff Secretary corporal clerk RASC Headquarters staff Colonel, Director Warrant Officer Class I clerk clerk RASC Executive sub section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs 2 X Staff Officer III Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 4 X clerk RASC Liaison sub section 3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs 5 X clerk RASC Administrative sub section Staff officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs Staff Officer III Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 5 X clerk RASC 34 X batman Finance Section Brigadier, Director Lieutenant, Staff Secretary staff serjeant clerk RASC 6 X clerk RASC Accounts Sub Section Colonel Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 2 X clerk RASC Banking Sub Section Colonel Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC clerk RASC Currency Sub Section Staff Officer II Civil Affairs 2 X clerk RASC Administrative Finance sub section Colonel Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 3 X clerk RASC Legal Section Colonel, Director Warrant Officer clerk RASC 5 X clerk RASC Courts sub section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs Staff Officer III Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 2 X clerk RASC Counsel Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs Staff Officer III Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC clerk RASC Public Safety Section Colonel, Director Warrant Officer clerk RASC 5 X clerk RASC Police sub section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 4 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 4 X clerk RASC Civil Defence Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC clerk RASC Economics Section Brigadier, Director Lieutenant, Staff Secretary Staff Serjeant clerk RASC 4 X clerk RASC Supply sub section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 5 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 7 X clerk RASC Food Production and Processing Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs 3 X clerk RASC Marketing and Rationing sub section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs 3 X clerk RASC Labour Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs clerk RASC Public Health and Welfare sub section Colonel Warrant Officer clerk RASC 6 X clerk RASC - Medical Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 3 X clerk RASC - Food and Clothing Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 2 X clerk RASC - Emergency Shelter Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs 3 X clerk RASC Technical Section Colonel, Director Warrant Officer clerk RASC Staff Serjeant clerk RASC 6 X clerk RASC Engineer Service sub section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs 3 X clerk RASC Communications Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 2 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs 3 X clerk RASC Movements and Transportation sub section 2 X Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs 3 X clerk RASC Road Transport Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 3 X clerk RASC Local Administrative Appointments Company Serjeant Major company quartermaster serjeant corporal, duty NCO corporal clerk RASC 2 X clerk RASC storeman sanitary dutyman water dutyman 3 X general dutyman 12 X driver IC 3 X driver mechanic corporal vehicle mechanic. Notes: Of the total clerks fourteen will be shorthand typists. Batmen are provided on the following scale One each for Brigadier One between two for Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels One between three for Major and below. Transport is a less than generous 8 X car 2seater 4 X 2 (Utility) 7 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 However the number of cars 4 seater is arrived at it comes to one per Director of a section plus one for the Deputy Chief Civil Affairs Officer, or one per Brigadier and Colonel. Total personnel 80 X Officer 6 X Warrant Officer 5 X staff serjeant 12 X serjeant 23 X corporal 3 X lance corporal 133 X private HEADQUARTERS 2nd ARMY CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF War Establishment XIV/252/1. Brigadier, Deputy Chief Civil Affairs Officer Lieutenant, Staff Secretary clerk RASC Finance Section Colonel Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs Staff serjeant clerk RASC corporal clerk RASC 2 X clerk RASC Executive Section Colonel, Director Warrant Officer I clerk RASC corporal clerk 5 X clerk RASC Public Safety Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 3 X clerk RASC Legal sub section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs corporal clerk RASC clerk RASC Executive Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs Staff Officer III Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 3 X clerk RASC Administrative Section Colonel, Staff Serjeant clerk RASC Administrative Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs Staff Officer II Civil Affairs Staff Officer III Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 2 X clerk RASC Supply and Resources Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 2 X clerk RASC Relief Sub Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 2 X clerk RASC Technical Section Staff Officer I Civil Affairs 3 X Staff Officer II Civil Affairs Staff Officer III Civil Affairs serjeant clerk RASC 3 X corporal clerk RASC 5 X clerk RASC Local Administrative Appointments Subaltern, Camp Commandant Company Quartermaster Serjeant serjeant officers mess steward corporal, duty NCO clerk RASC 3 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman water dutyman general dutyman 10 X driver IC 2 X driver mechanic corporal vehicle mechanic. 2 X cook ACC for officers mess cook ACC for serjeants mess 3 X cook ACC for other ranks mess 2 X officers mess orderly serjeants mess orderly Of the clerks eight will be shorthand typists. Batmen are provided on the following scale One each for Brigadier One between two for Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels One between three for Major and below. Transport 6 X car 2seater 4 X 2 (Utility) 3 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 6 X motorcycle 5 X bicycle 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS 2 X 3ton 4 X 2 Office 1 X water trailer CORPS HEADQUARTERS CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF. War Establishment XIV/270/1. May 1944. Colonel, Senior Civil Affairs Officer 6 X clerks RASC including Warrant Officer Class II corporal 4 X private Executive Section Staff Officer I (Civil Affairs) 2 X Staff Officer II (Civil Affairs) Staff Officer III (Civil Affairs) 3 X clerk RASC including serjeant 2 X private Administrative Section Staff Officer I (Civil Affairs) 2 X Staff Officer II (Civil Affairs) Staff Officer III (Civil Affairs) 3 X clerk RASC including serjeant 2 X private 4 X batman Local Administrative Appointments duty serjeant general dutyman motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman driver mechanic 3 X driver IC officers mess cook ACC 2 X cook ACC officers mess orderly 1 X bicycle 1 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 Office HEADQUARTERS LINE of COMMUNICATION CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF War Establishment XIV/210/1. June 1944 Supersedes War Establishment IV/126/1. And HEADQUARTERS LINE of COMMUNICATION AREA CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF War Establishment XIV/209/1. June 1944 Supersedes War Establishment IV/125/1. These two establishments are identical. Senior Civil Affairs Officer (Colonel) 2 X Staff Officer 1st Grade (Civil Affairs) 4 X Staff Officer 2nd Grade (Civil Affairs) 2 X Staff Officer 3rd Grade (Civil Affairs) 12 X clerks RASC including Warrant Officer Class II 2 X serjeant corporal 8 X private duty serjeant 4 X batman officers mess cook 2 X cook driver mechanic 2 X driver IC general dutyman officers mess orderly sanitary dutyman 1 X bicycle 2 X car 2 seater 1 X car 4 seater HEADQUARTERS LINE of COMMUNICATION SUB AREA CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF War Establishment XIV/211/1. June 1944 Supersedes War Establishment IV/257/1. HEADQUARTERS LINE of COMMUNICATION BASE SUB AREA CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF War Establishment XIV/213/1. June 1944 Supersedes War Establishment IV/258/1. And HEADQUARTERS of a GARRISON CIVIL AFFAIRS STAFF War Establishment XIV/212/1. June 1944 Supersedes War Establishment IV/259/1. These three establishments are identical. Senior Civil Affairs Officer, Staff Officer 1st Grade (Civil Affairs) 2 X Staff Officer 2nd Grade (Civil Affairs) 2 X Staff Officer 3rd Grade (Civil Affairs) 5 X clerks RASC including serjeant lance corporal 3 X private 2 X batman cook driver IC general dutyman orderly 1 X bicycle 1 X motorcycle 2 X car 2 seater CIVIL AFFAIRS BASE PORT DEPOT. War Establishment IV/264/1. May 1944. Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel RASC Major RASC Chief Stores Officer Captain RAOC Administrative Officer Warrant Officer Chief Clerk staff serjeant clerk RASC, accounting serjeant clerk RASC, accounting corporal clerk RASC, accounting 4 X clerk RASC, accounting serjeant clerk RAOC, accounting corporal clerk RAOC, accounting 4 X clerk RAOC, accounting staff serjeant clerk RAOC, central registry, filing and indent checking corporal clerk RAOC, central registry, filing and indent checking clerk RAOC, central registry, filing and indent checking 4 X cook ACC 2 X sanitary and general dutyman Stores Section Subaltern RASC, Food Store Officer Subaltern RAOC, General and Clothing Store Officer Subaltern RAOC, Industrial Store Officer Warrant Officer pharmacist or dispenser RAMC Warrant Officer Storeman, Technical RAOC, General and Clothing Store Warrant Officer Storeman, Technical RAOC, Industrial Store Warrant Officer Storeman, Supplies RASC, Food Store serjeant storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing store serjeant storeman, technical RAOC, industrial store serjeant clerk RASC, transport and despatch clerk RASC, transport and despatch corporal issuer RASC, food store 2 X issuer RASC, food store 2 X issuer RASC, transport and despatch corporal nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman 2 X nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman 2 X corporal storeman, technical, RAOC, general and clothing store 5 X storeman, technical, RAOC, general and clothing store corporal storeman, technical, RAOC, industrial store 4 X storeman, technical, RAOC, industrial store corporal storeman, supplies RASC, food store 3 X storeman, supplies RASC, food store 8 X bicycle 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 Labour will be obtained as required from civilian sources. CIVIL AFFAIRS INLAND DEPOT TYPE A. War Establishment IV/265/1. May 1944. Headquarters Captain RASC Subaltern RAOC, Administrative Officer staff serjeant chief clerk serjeant clerk RASC, accounting serjeant clerk RAOC, accounting corporal clerk RASC, central registry, filing and indent checking clerk RAOC, accounting clerk RASC, accounting 3 X cook ACC 2 X driver IC sanitary and general dutyman Stores Section Subaltern RASC, Food Store Officer Subaltern RAOC, General and Clothing Store Officer staff serjeant pharmacist or dispenser RAMC serjeant storeman supplies RASC serjeant clerk RASC, transport and despatch clerk RASC, transport and despatch issuer RASC, food store corporal nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman 2 X nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman storeman, supplies RASC, food store corporal storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing 2 X bicycle 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 Labour will be obtained as required from civilian sources. CIVIL AFFAIRS INLAND DEPOT TYPE B. War Establishment IV/266/1. May 1944. Headquarters Major RASC Subaltern RAOC, Administrative Officer staff serjeant clerk RASC, accounting staff serjeant clerk RAOC, accounting corporal clerk RASC, central registry, filing and indent checking 2 X clerk RAOC, accounting clerk RASC, accounting 3 X cook ACC 2 X batman driver sanitary and general dutyman Stores Section Subaltern RASC, Food Store Officer Subaltern RAOC, General and Clothing Store Officer staff serjeant pharmacist or dispenser RAMC serjeant storeman supplies RASC serjeant clerk RASC, transport and despatch clerk RASC, transport and despatch issuer RASC, food store corporal nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman 2 X nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman storeman, supplies RASC, food store corporal storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing 2 X storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing 3 X bicycle 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 Labour will be obtained as required from civilian sources. CIVIL AFFAIRS INLAND DEPOT TYPE C. War Establishment IV/267/1. May 1944. Headquarters Major RASC Captain or Subaltern RAOC, Administrative Officer Subaltern RASC, Accounts Officer Warrant Officer Chief Clerk staff serjeant clerk RASC, accounting staff serjeant clerk RAOC, accounting corporal clerk RASC, central registry, filing and indent checking clerk RASC, central registry, filing and indent checking corporal clerk RASC, accounting 2 X clerk RASC, accounting corporal clerk RAOC, accounting 2 X clerk RAOC, accounting clerk RASC, accounting 4 X cook ACC 2 X batman driver sanitary and general dutyman Stores Section Subaltern RASC, Food Store Officer Subaltern RAOC, General and Clothing Store Officer Warrant Officer Dispenser RAMC serjeant dispenser RAMC serjeant clerk RASC, transport and despatch staff serjeant storeaman RAOC serjeant storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing serjeant storeman RASC, food supplies corporal clerk RASC, transport and despatch clerk RASC, transport and despatch 5 X issuer RASC, food store 2 X nursing orderly RAMC for duty as packer and storeman corporal storeman, supplies RASC, food store corporal storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing 4 X storeman, technical RAOC, general and clothing 3 X bicycle 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 Labour will be obtained as required from civilian sources. FRIENDS AMBULANCE UNIT Although the Friends Ambulance Unit worked in hospitals in the UK and drove ambulances in all theatres, in NW Europe their main work was in civilian relief under the control of Civil Affairs. There were no fixed establishments but sections of twelve to fifteen persons were formed and deployed as required. On 6 September two sections (Nos 1 and 2) landed at Arromanches with a total of 23 men and eight vehicles, the men all being ambulance drivers with a knowledge of French. Together with 12 Field Surgical Unit, staffed by the Red Cross, they were to provide civilian relief in Normandy. No 1 Section remained at Bayeaux distributing relief to French civilians using one ambulance and three 15cwt trucks. In mid October the section moved up to Belgium to join 12 Corps Civil Affairs Refugee Detachment. No 2 Section moved to Belgium in mid September to work with refugees and Displaced Persons. These were mainly Russians forced to work in the Belgian mines by the Germans. Members organised a transit camp with - a reception point to which army vehicles delivered refugees - a registration room in which personal details were recorded - a disinfesting room - a departure enclosure from which the army collected refugees for transfer to camps further in the rear. This was to be the pattern for such camps in the future. In late September No 2 Section moved up to Nijmegen with 30 Corps, first to provide relief for Dutch civilians and then to assist with the evacuation of civilians from flooded areas. As a result of the good work done by the first two sections Civil Affairs requested a further five sections in order to provide one to work with each Corps. These were to be general purpose sections, able to be used flexibly. They were sent to Ostend via Tilbury in late December. Three sections then went to Antwerp to provide an ambulance service while the remaining two were sent to join Corps Civil Affairs Refugee Detachments. The fighting moved into Germany in order to clear the approaches to the Rhine and the Corps sections of the FAU moved right up to the front line in order to enter captured towns and villages to help civilians stranded there. On occasion members of the sections found themselves in advance of the army and in no man’s land, or even enemy territory. One two man team was captured. In February a Refugee Centre was set up at Bedburg and a FAU section remained there until the end of April. Another camp for German refugees was established at Kevelaer and eventually four sections worked there. Once the Rhine was crossed all but one section moved into Germany, one remained in Holland. The main task now was to work with the huge numbers of Displaced Persons. Transit camps moved well forward with each corps while camps further back carried out medical and security examinations before refugees could be repatriated. In June, after the fighting had ceased, more sections arrived, including some women. There were now eleven sections, all in Germany and involved with Displaced Persons until UNRRA could take over. Many camps were set up and one in particular was established to supervise the return of Russian Displaced Persons. This was in the Volkswagen factory at Hesslingen which had existing accommodation and medical facilities. Finally with most refugees and Displaced Persons gone, and the UNRRA in charge, the FAU concentrated on helping German civilians, including German refugees expelled from Poland. Two sections worked in camps near the border of the Russian zone and the remaining sections went to Berlin, Hanover, Aachen and the Ruhr. In mid 1946 the FAU was withdrawn but four sections of the Friends Relief Service arrived and continued the work. In France the FAU operated without military control and supervision. In January a section of ten men delivered six kitchen vehicles and three other vehicles to Paris. Once there the FAU members looked for further employment. Three men took two of the kitchens to Mulhouse to feed returning civilians. The greatest task however was found in transporting and distributing food, clothing and transport on behalf of American Relief for France, which channelled voluntary aid to France but no personnel to handle it. The FAU deployed thirty men who distributed aid to areas of France which had suffered particularly in the fighting, mainly in Normandy and the Channel ports, and on the Franco German border. Later the FAU established a ferry service which delivered vehicles bought in Britain by Entr’Aide Francaise to Paris. Vehicles. The sections working with Civil Affairs used military type vehicles. These included Austin K2 ambulances and Fordson WOT2 15cwt trucks. They also drove other vehicles belonging to civil and military authorities. FAU vehicles were painted in khaki drab with a full set of Red Cross markings and Allied stars. They did not carry Army serial numbers but had markings of their own. The FAU had their own vehicle badge which was used in other theatres but here they seem to have simply painted ‘FAU’ on the front offside wing. Personnel. Most of the personnel were young, intelligent and well educated. They were encouraged to use initiative and were regarded as officers, taking supervisory roles normally undertaken by junior Civil Affairs officers. In NW Europe they wore standard army battle dress with beret, but wore a collar and tie which was normally restricted to officers. The only distinguishing mark was the ‘FAU’ title on the shoulder strap. There were also FAU sections with the French Army. These were ambulance drivers and medical orderlies.
I took these two weeks ago along the Bayswater road,Hyde park, London. Not the easiest thing to do as there's no-where to park, and you're not supposed to stop !