Can't help with the others although the AA prefix might refer to Anti-Aircraft AA might also be All Arms in the context of a [universal] course. DM = Driver Mechanic (NOT Driving & Maintenance - +1 to OP-Ack) AAC could be Army Air Corps - airborne forces - but they were not a separate regiment then as they are now. If it's ACC he could have been a unit cook transferred to the Army Catering Corps when that was formed (as happened with one of my grandfathers) - ties in with the Water Duties course. I think CCRA mentioned above should be Commander, Corps Royal Artillery, not Corps Commander, Royal Artillery. Here's another handy online source: Field Service Pocket Book 1944 One I've not seen listed anywhere is a favourite get-out of recce troops: NMS - No Movement Seen
AA might also be All Arms in the context of a [universal] course. DM = Driving & Maintenance? AAC could be Army Air Corps - airborne forces - but they were not a separate regiment then as they are now. If it's ACC he could have been a unit cook transferred to the Army Catering Corps when that was formed (as happened with one of my grandfathers) - ties in with the Water Duties course. I think CCRA mentioned above should be Commander, Corps Royal Artillery, not Corps Commander, Royal Artillery. Here's another handy online source: Field Service Pocket Book 1944 One I've not seen listed anywhere is a favourite get-out of recce troops: NMS - No Movement Seen Idler I agree CCRA is indeed Commander Corps Royal Artillery. There was also a CCMA in the early years of the war - Commander Corps Medium Artillery. Phil
Ron, Phil & Idler Thanks guys that really cleared things up for me. The AALMS was wrong Looking at it again its AALMG as suspected. DM - release book mentions my dads ability to drive most types of wheeled vehicle. AAC - Def AAC and would run inline with one of his stories about his time in the forces, in regards to him having done parachute training and breaking his collarbone. Unfortunately dad passed away in 1979, so i cannot confirm this. Looks like I will have to get his records from the disclosure department at Glasgow to confirm. Once again, many thanks.
my faves JFDI - Just fkkkin do it, which is a level above JDI NFI - Not fkkkin interested DFC - Dont fkkkin care or on a really bad day -> NFI, DFC and bar - Not fkkin interested, and dont fkkin care, twice!
Good stuff CL1 - merged into the main abbreviations thread so as to keep things concentrated. Really must get round to compiling the uber-abbreviations list from all these in word/.pdf form... one day .
Great thread - invaluable to anyone receiving service records for the first time. A couple of abreviations I think have not been included so far: CTC - Combined Training Centre and AAI - Allied Armies Italy. Can anyone translate any of the following: X(i), X(iv)a, Re X(i), PTO.X/1847/1/44, CMF XI.?? - thanks in hope. Tom. Just stumbled on this info from Kieron Hill on another thread which answers my question: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/searching-someone-military-genealogy/19949-x-lists-service-records.html I thought it might be useful to link the two threads. (Thanks Kieron!) Tom.
Does anyone know what 'M.C.U.' might mean in relation to release/de-mob?? Tom. P.S. Because it's hand written it might be 'H.C.U.'
Military Collection Unit, Movment Control Unit. Rob Thanks Rob I presume "Movement Control Unit" is the one which applies here. Kind regards, Tom.
Wow what a great and extensive list Brilliant!!! Just a quick one do you know the abbreviation "R/O" it is mentioned on my grand fathers ww2 history sheet....
Reganpatrick With ref to: Just a quick one do you know the abbreviation "R/O" it is mentioned on my grand fathers ww2 history sheet.... If poss, could you scan the actual record sheet and post it on here so that we can see in what context it is used.? These sheets are very simple to scan and post and if you look at my own Personal page, under Photo Album (you'll find it on the right of the page) you will see all of my record sheets. I've posted just one below for your inspection Regards Ron
One of the more famous abbreviations was the 8th Army's "BBR" - which stymied a lot of people who were used to seeing "BAR" which was Burn After Reading - therefore "BBR" meant Burn Before Reading ! Cheers
Good stuff CL1 - merged into the main abbreviations thread so as to keep things concentrated. Really must get round to compiling the uber-abbreviations list from all these in word/.pdf form... one day . Von Poop Advice from someone who has done it (and only for one Regiment, even if it is the BEST Corps!!). Think long and hard about starting a major list. I started with a short list to help me understand the Regimental magazine. 5 years later, many re-writes and a published book on the subject and I'm STILL finding them!! My working document is 100 pages longer than the published book, OK it isn't all abbreviations, but it does take over your life. Having said all that, I wouldn't have missed doing it for the world. Phil
A quick one on an abbreviation that flummoxed me. I found a gazette entry for a man who served in Burma "The undermentioned are granted Immediate Emergency Commns. from the ranks in the rank of 2nd Lt.: — Pte". Edward Cavendish BUBB, A.R.I.B.A. (282307)." Anyone hazard a guess at the meaning of A.R.I.B.A?
Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects ? Well....He was a Sapper so you could be right!
