Bridge company rasc

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  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    BRIDGE COMPANY RASC

    Bridge Companies carried bridging and water assault equipment for engineers or infantry to
    use. Pontoons and folding boats needed special vehicles but increasingly bridging
    equipment was carried in 3ton GS lorries.


    RASC BRIDGE COMPANY

    HQ of a Bridge Company. War Establishment III/225/1
    Heavy Bridging Equipment Platoon. War Establishment III/226/1
    Assault Equipment Platoon. War Establishment III/227/1
    FBE Platoon. War Establishment III/228/1
    Raft Equipment Platoon Type B. War Establishment III/229/2
    Pontoon Equipment Platoon. War Establishment III/230/1
    Bailey Bridge Platoon. War Establishment III/231/1
    Bailey Bridge Platoon. War Establishment III/231/2
    Bridge Co Workshop Platoon. War Establishment III/232/1


    Company Headquarters
    This was a standard company headquarters organisation. There was no fixed composition for a bridging company. It could contain any number of the platoons and section listed below according to need and to the size of the corps which it served. However a typical organisation was

    Headquarters
    3 X Bailey Bridge Platoon
    Heavy Bailey Bridge Section
    2 X Pontoon Platoon
    Assault Equipment platoon
    2 X Folding Boat Equipment Platoon
    Suppport Raft Section
    Class 50/60 Platoon
    RE Platoon
    Workshop Platoon

    Headquarters
    Personnel
    Major
    2 X Captain
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    serjeant
    serjeant clerk, technical MT

    administrative corporal
    batman
    3 X batman driver
    butchery dutyman
    corporal clerk
    3 X clerk
    4 X driver of vehicle
    corporal, lmg detachment
    lance corporal, lmg detachment
    4 X private, lmg detachment
    lance corporal motorcyclist
    3 X motorcyclist
    officers mess orderly
    orderly
    corporal regimental policeman
    regimental policeman
    2 X sanitary dutyman
    storeman
    water dutyman

    Plus attached
    2 X Cook ACC


    This organisation assumes a total of eight platoons. For every two extra platoons one extra Captain, one extra batman driver will be added.
    Two officers and four men will be trained in bomb reconnaissance duties.
    One NCO and two men will be trained in anti gas duties.
    One additional man will be trained in water duties.
    Two men will be trained in boot repair.


    The War Establishment does not give the usual organisation table but does assign the vehicle roles.

    Motorcycle 1
    Subaltern
    Motorcycle 2
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 3
    lance corporal motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 4
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 5
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 6
    motorcyclist

    Car 4 seater 4 X 2
    Major, Captain, batman driver
    15cwt truck GS 3
    corporal, lmg number, driver IC
    Carries a Bren gun on a Motley mount at the rear plus a PIAT
    15cwt truck GS 4
    lance corporal, lmg number, driver IC
    Carries a Bren gun on a Motley mount at the rear plus a PIAT

    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1
    4 X cook, batman driver
    Carries cooking sets and rations
    Tows water trailer
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2
    batman driver
    Carries baggage
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries anti gas reserves
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries and distributes petrol.
    Note:
    The water trailer may be replaced by a 15cwt water truck and an additional driver IC.
    Other personnel are distributed amongst the headquarters transport.
    For every two extra platoons one car 2 seater 4 X 2 (or jeep) will be added

    Car 2seater 4 X 2
    Captain, batman driver

    RE Platoon for a Bridge Company RASC
    Captain
    Subaltern
    serjeant fitter, IC and pumps
    serjeant
    2 X blacksmith
    3 X carpenter and joiner
    clerk
    4 X engine hands
    equipment repairer (for kapok equipment)

    driver mechanic RASC
    transport corporal RASC
    4 X driver of vehicles RASC
    2 X batman driver RASC
    cook ACC

    2 X Motorcycle
    1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for RE personnel and stores
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS Carrying pile driver
    1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Coles Crane

    NOTE:
    In addition for every pontoon platoon on the company there will be one 3ton 6 X 4 Coles Crane and one driver IC. These lorries may be detached for use with the pontoon platoons.


    Workshop Platoon RASC
    This could vary slightly according to the number of platoons assigned to the company. Below is the basic establishment.

    Headquarters
    This remained constant
    Captain
    Mechanist Serjeant Major
    corporal clerk, technical MT
    clerk technical MT
    administrative corporal
    driver of vehicle
    batman driver
    motorcyclist
    2 X cook ACC

    Motorcycle 1
    Mechanist serjeant major
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Truck 15cwt GS
    Captain, administrative corporal, 2 X clerk, batman driver
    Tows a trailer,15cwt, workshop servicing.
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X cook, driver IC
    Carries cooking equipment and baggage.
    Tows a water trailer

    Section
    mechanist staff serjeant
    blacksmith
    carpenter and joiner
    coppersmith or sheet metal worker
    coachtrimmer
    storeman, technical MT
    turner
    2 X driver IC
    2 electrician
    painter and decorator
    6 X fitter MV
    2 X motor mechanic

    15cwt truck GS
    driver IC
    For maintenance duties
    3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown
    driven by artificer personnel
    3ton 4 X 4 or 6 X 4 Workshop
    driven by artificer personnel
    3ton 4 X 4 Stores
    driven by artificer personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    driver IC

    Section
    mechanist staff serjeant
    blacksmith
    carpenter and joiner
    coppersmith or sheet metal worker
    coachtrimmer
    storeman, technical MT
    turner
    2 X driver IC
    2 X electrician
    painter and decorator
    5 X fitter MV
    motor mechanic

    15cwt truck GS
    Driven by artificer personnel
    For maintenance duties
    3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown
    fitter, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 or 6 X 4 Workshop
    driven by artificer personnel
    3ton 4 X 4 Stores
    driven by artificer personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    driver IC

    If more platoons are assigned to the company then the number of certain tradesmen is increased
    Serial 2 add: three fitters, motor mechanic, electrician
    Serial 3 add: six fitters, two motor mechanics, two electricians
    Serial 4 add: nine fitters, three motor mechanics, three electricians


    Bailey Bridge Platoon
    Headquarters
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    administrative corporal who also drove a relief vehicle
    3 X driver
    batman driver
    motorcyclist
    3 X lmg detachment
    14 relief drivers
    water dutyman

    Plus attached
    2 X cook ACC
    storeman, technical RE
    2 X pioneer RE

    Note: Relief vehicles represent 10% of the task vehicles in the platoon. They are to replace task vehicles undergoing service and maintenance and are not to be regarded as spare vehicles or replacement vehicles.

    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS 2
    lance corporal, lmg gunner, driver IC
    Carries Bren gun and PIAT
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    administrative corporal, clerk, 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    2 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC
    Tows water trailer driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load

    Section 1 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a decking load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a decking load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries a ramp load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    driver IC
    Carries an accessory load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 7
    driver IC
    Carries grillage and Sommerfield track

    Section 2 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a decking load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a decking load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries a ramp load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    driver IC
    Carries an accessory load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 7
    driver IC
    Carries grillage and Sommerfield track

    Section 3 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a decking load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a decking load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries a ramp load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    driver IC
    Carries an accessory load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 7
    driver IC
    Carries grillage and Sommerfield track

    Section 4 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a panel load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a decking load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a decking load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries a ramp load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    driver IC
    Carries an accessory load
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 7
    driver IC
    Carries grillage and Sommerfield track



    A Bailey Bridge Platoon could carry sufficient material for a 150 foot Class 40 bridge. A section carried the equipment for one 40 foot Class 40 bridge. No1 and No2 sections, or No3 and No4 sections, could be combined to carry the equipment to build an 80 foot Class 40 bridge.


    Heavy Bridging Equipment Platoon

    ‘This platoon forms part of a bridge company RASC. It provides transport for the carriage of bridging equipment to supplement that carried by RASC platoons for Bailey bridge and pontoon equipment, in order to enable Class 70 bridges to be built instead of Class 40 bridges.

    The heavy Bailey increment carries the additional equipment necessary, so that when combined with that carried by a Bailey pontoon, one 110 foot Class 70 Bailey bridge may be built.

    The heavy pontoon increment carries the additional equipment so that, when combined with that carried by a Bailey platoon, a pontoon platoon and a heavy Bailey increment, 276 foot of Class 70 Bailey pontoon bridge may be built with 30% floating spares.’

    According to anticipated need up to five heavy Bailey increments may be included in the platoon

    Platoon Headquarters
    Personnel establishment was non standard since relief drivers were dispersed to the sections so that they could operate independently.

    Subaltern
    serjeant
    lance serjeant
    6 X driver
    private

    plus attached
    storeman, technical, RE
    2 X pioneer RE
    2 X cooks ACC

    Motorcycle
    serjeant
    Motorcycle
    lance serjeant
    Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X pioneer RE, 2 X cook, driver IC

    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    This is a relief vehicle
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    This is a relief vehicle
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 1
    driver IC
    This is a relief vehicle
    3 ton 4 X 4 Pontoon 2
    driver IC
    This is a relief vehicle


    Heavy Bailey Bridge Increment
    corporal in charge of section
    lance corporal driver
    3 X driver
    2 X relief driver

    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC


    Each lorry carried an identical load of
    6 X Bailey panel
    8 X transom and clamp
    6 X bracing frames




    Heavy Pontoon Increment
    No1 section
    corporal in charge of section
    lance corporal driver
    6 X driver
    4 X relief driver

    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries Panels
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries panels
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries panels
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries panels
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries Class 70 landing bays
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries Class 70 landing bays

    No2 section
    corporal in charge of section
    lance corporal driver
    4 X driver
    3 X relief driver

    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 5
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 6
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections

    No3 section
    corporal in charge of section
    lance corporal driver
    4 X driver
    3 X relief driver

    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 5
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 6
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections


    Pontoon Platoon
    Headquarters
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    administrative corporal who also drove a relief vehicle
    2 X drivers of vehicles
    batman driver
    motorcyclist
    3 X lmg detachment
    13 X relief drivers
    water dutyman

    Plus attached
    2 X cook ACC
    storeman, technical RE
    2 X pioneer RE

    Note: Relief vehicles represent 10% of the task vehicles in the platoon. They are to replace task vehicles undergoing service and maintenance and are not to be regarded as spare vehicles or replacement vehicles.

    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist

    Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS
    lance corporal, lmg gunner, driver IC
    Carries Bren gun and PIAT,
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC
    Tows water trailer
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 1
    administrative corporal
    Relief vehicle
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 2
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle

    Section 1 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 5
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections plus connecting posts and junction
    chesses
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 6
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections plus connecting posts and junction
    chesses
    3ton 4 X 4
    driver IC
    Carries propulsion and fire fighting units
    Tows a Motor Boat MkI* on a 2ton 4 wheeled trailer
    The motorboat is used for positioning lengths of pontoon bridge.


    Section 2 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 5
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections plus connecting posts and junction chesses
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 6
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections plus connecting posts and junction
    chesses

    Section 3 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 5
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections plus connecting posts and junction chesses
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 6
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections plus connecting posts and junction chesses

    Section 4 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV* or MkVI pontoons plus one bay of superstructure
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 5
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections plus connecting posts and junction
    chesses
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 6
    driver IC
    Carries two Bailey pontoon centre sections plus connecting posts and junction
    chesses
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries landing bay equipment

    The Pontoon Platoon usually had one Royal Engineer Crane Detail attached. This was to assist with unloading.



    Assault Equipment Platoon
    Headquarters
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    administrative corporal who also drove a relief vehicle
    2 X driver of vehicles
    batman driver
    motorcyclist
    3 X lmg detachment
    9 X relief drivers
    water dutyman

    Plus attached
    2 X cook ACC
    storeman, technical RE
    2 X pioneer RE

    Note: Relief vehicles represent 10% of the task vehicles in the platoon. They are to replace task vehicles undergoing service and maintenance and are not to be regarded as spare vehicles or replacement vehicles.

    Motorcycle 1
    Serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    Motorcyclist

    Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS 2
    lance corporal, lmg gunner, driver IC
    Carries Bren gun and PIAT
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC
    Tows water trailer

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Administrative corporal
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle

    Three sections could be used to carry any combination of the following loads
    - Twelve Mk3 assault boats
    - Nine Mk3 assault boats plus raft superstructure
    - One complete anti tank gun assault raft Mk2
    - 20 bays of kapok foot bridge. Sufficient for a 150 foot footbridge.

    Section 1 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries Kapok equipment
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries Kapok equipment
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries Kapok equipment
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries Kapok equipment
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries flotation sets
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    driver IC
    Carries flotation sets


    Section 2 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries assault boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries assault boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries assault boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries assault boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries assault boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    driver IC
    Carries assault boats


    Section 3
    This section used 3 ton 4 X 4 GS lorries and FBE trailers. Each lorry and trailer set carried a complete Class 5 FBE MkII raft and four MkI reconnaissance boats (rubber dinghies).

    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats


    Section 4
    This section was added later and may have replaced the assault boat section. It carried storm boats with outboard motors. Each lorry carried three boats.

    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries three storm boats with outboard motors
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries three storm boats with outboard motors
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries three storm boats with outboard motors
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries three storm boats with outboard motors
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries three storm boats with outboard motors
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    driver IC
    Carries three storm boats with outboard motors


    Section 5 - used 3 ton 4 X 4 GS lorries and FBE trailers. Each lorry and trailer set carried a complete Class 5 FBE MkII raft and four MkI reconnaissance boats (rubber dinghies).

    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    driver IC
    Carries a Class 5 FBE MkII raft plus four reconnaissance boats
    Tows a FBE trailer with three Folding Boats



    Folding Boat Equipment Platoon
    Headquarters
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    administrative corporal who also drove a relief vehicle
    4 X driver of vehicle
    batman driver
    motorcyclist
    3 X lmg detachment
    13 relief drivers
    water dutyman

    Plus attached
    2 X cook ACC
    storeman, technical RE
    2 X pioneer RE

    Note: Relief vehicles represent 10% of the task vehicles in the platoon. They are to replace task vehicles undergoing service and maintenance and are not to be regarded as spare vehicles or replacement vehicles.

    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist

    Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS
    lance corporal, lmg gunner, driver IC
    Carries Bren gun and PIAT
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC
    Tows water trailer

    15cwt GS
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle
    3ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII 1
    administrative corporal
    Relief vehicle
    3ton 6 X 4 FBE MKIII 2
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle

    Section 1 Motorcycle
    corporal
    15 cwt GS
    driver IC
    Carries landing stage central panel
    15 cwt GS
    driver IC
    Carries auxiliary rafting
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries 8 rolls of Sommerfield track
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft

    Section 2 Motorcycle
    corporal
    15 cwt GS
    driver IC
    Carries landing stage central panel
    15 cwt GS
    driver IC
    Carries auxiliary rafting
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft

    Section 3 Motorcycle
    corporal
    15 cwt GS
    driver IC
    Carries landing stage central panel
    15 cwt GS
    driver IC
    Carries auxiliary rafting
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries 8 rolls of Sommerfield track
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft

    Section 4 Motorcycle
    corporal
    15 cwt GS
    driver IC
    Carries landing stage central panel
    15 cwt GS
    driver IC
    Carries auxiliary rafting
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft
    3 ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two Folding Boats MkIII and road bearers for a Class 9 raft

    Later the two 15cwts were replaced by a 3ton 4 X 4 GS



    Raft Equipment Type B Platoon
    Headquarters
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    administrative corporal who also drove a relief vehicle
    4 X driver of vehicle
    batman driver
    motorcyclist
    3 X lmg detachment
    12 X relief drivers
    water dutyman

    Plus attached
    2 X cook ACC
    storeman, technical RE
    2 X pioneer RE

    Note: Relief vehicles represent 10% of the task vehicles in the platoon. They are to replace task vehicles undergoing service and maintenance and are not to be regarded as spare vehicles or replacement vehicles.
    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist

    Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS
    lance corporal, lmg gunner, driver IC
    Carries Bren gun and PIAT
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC
    Tows water trailer

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    administrative corporal
    Relief vehicle
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle

    Section 1 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure

    Section 2 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure

    Section 3 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure

    Section 4 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure

    Section 5 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure

    Section 6 Motorcycle
    Corporal
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries a close support raft superstructure


    Class 50/60 Raft Platoon
    An establishment for a Class 50 /60 Raft Platoon was issued but on the only occasion the rafts were used in NW Europe, the Rhine Crossing, they were towed by Royal Artillery tractors from an AA Regiment.
    Headquarters
    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 4
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 5
    motorcyclist

    Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS
    lance corporal, lmg gunner, driver IC
    Carries Bren gun and PIAT
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC
    Tows water trailer

    The organisation of the Class 50/60 Platoon differed to that of other bridging platoons since it was intended that it should provide equipment for four rafts which would operate at separate locations. Each section had a relief vehicle instead of these being held at platoon headquarters. There were additional motorcycles at platoon headquarters to enable one to be sent to each section to call them forward and guide them to the chosen site.

    Section 1 Motorcycle
    corporal
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 1
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 2
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 3
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 4
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 5
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 6
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle

    Section 2 Motorcycle
    corporal
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 1
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 2
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 3
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 4
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 5
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 6
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle

    Section 3 Motorcycle
    corporal
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 1
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 2
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 3
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 4
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 5
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 6
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle

    Section 4 Motorcycle
    corporal
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 1
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 2
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 3
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 4
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 5
    driver IC
    Carries components for ramps
    Tows a trailer carrying a Class 50/60 pontoon
    6ton 4 X 4 Tractor 6
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle


    Close Support Raft Section
    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 1
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV pontoons plus road bearers and decking
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV pontoons plus road bearers and decking
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV pontoons plus road bearers and decking
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 4
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV pontoons plus road bearers and decking
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 5
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV pontoons plus road bearers and decking
    3 ton 6 X 4 Pontoon Lorry 6
    driver IC
    Carries two MkV pontoons plus road bearers and decking
     
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