Field engineers

FIELD ENGINEERS

Field Engineers were field company or field park company, which held the equipment and
material for use by the field company. All field companies were identical in organisation and
training, but would differ in experience with those at army or GHQ concentrating on major
works. In armoured divisions companies became squadrons.


FIELD ENGINEERS RE

Headquarters Divisional Engineers. War Establishment II/118/2. December 1943
Field Park Squadron or Company. War Establishment II/195/2. January 1944
Field Squadron or Company. War Establishment II/194/2. January 1944
Field Squadron or Company. War Establishment II/194/3. March 1945
Bridging Troop or Platoon. War Establishment II/196/1. June 1943
Field (Camouflage) Company RE. War Establishment II/203/1. December 1943
Field Park (Camouflage) Company RE. War Establishment II/204/1. December 1943
Field Survey Section. War Establishment III/149/2. November 1943
Electrical and Mechanical Section. War Establishment III/15H/2. August 1943
Headquarters Army Group RE. War Establishment III/324/2. March 1945


There was no engineer battalion or regiment at this time but there was a standard Headquarters Divisional Engineers which was identical for both infantry and armoured divisions, although the attached signals vehicles were different. There were also Field Park Companies and Field Companies which served not only in both kinds of division but also in Corps and Army Engineers. In an Armoured Division the units were called Squadron and Troop rather than Company and Platoon.

Divisional engineers in both types of division also had a Divisional Bridging Troop/Platoon. There was a Light Aid Detachment Type B REME attached to the Field Park Company/Squadron.

Once a division was assigned its engineer units they usually remained together although they were not linked together in the same way as the companies of an infantry battalion or the squadrons of an armoured regiment. It was theoretically possible to remove and replace individual engineer companies.

The War Establishments changed very little during the Campaign in NW Europe. Only the Field Company/Squadron has recorded changes and these are three minor changes to the type of vehicle used. Other units may have had such minor amendments which did not warrant a rewrite of the War Establishment table but would be issued as printed amendments to be pasted onto the original.

Unlike most other War Establishment tables those for the various engineer units do not contain details of the organisation of the unit and do not contain suggested assignments of personnel to vehicles. This is largely because working parties of engineers would be formed for specific tasks as required. All personnel were trained in basic engineer skills such as demolition, mine laying and clearing and bridge building. Many of the personnel were also trained craftsmen whose specialist skills could be called on. The Field Park Company provided a reserve of skilled personnel and specialised equipment as well as a reserve of basic engineering stores. If need be the engineer personnel could also be used as infantry since they were trained and armed to fight. However there were usually too many engineer tasks to be done to make this anything but an emergency option.

On occasion the Divisional Engineers could be reinforced by other engineer troops from Corps or Army. The Divisional Engineers could also be called on to support the work of Corps, Army or GHQ Engineers on major works.


This organisation applies to the following units in 21 Army Group
148 Field Park Squadron Guards Armoured Division
143 Field Park Squadron 7 Armoured Division
147 Field Park Squadron 11 Armoured Division
4 Field Squadron Guards Armoured Division
15 Field Squadron Guards Armoured Division
4 Field Squadron 7 Armoured Division
621 Field Squadron 7 Armoured Division
13 Field Squadron 11 Armoured Division
612 Field Squadron 11 Armoured Division
11 Bridging Troop Guards Armoured Division
7 Bridging Troop 7 Armoured Division
10 Bridging Troop 11 Armoured Division

15 Field Park Company 3 Division
18 Field Park Company 5 Division
207 Field Park Company 43 Division
235 Field Park Company 50 Division
239 Field Park Company 51 Division
243 Field Park Company 52 Division
285 Field Park Company 53 Division
289 Field Park Company 49 Division
511 Field Park Company 59 Division
624 Field Park Company 15 Division
17 Field Company 3 Division
20 Field Company 15 Division
202 Field Company 52 Division
204 Field Company 43 Division
233 Field Company 50 Division
241 Field Company 52 Division
244 Field Company 53 Division
245 Field Company 5 Division
246 Field Company 3 Division
252 Field Company 5 Division
253 Field Company 3 Division
257 Field Company 59 Division
260 Field Company 43 Division
274 Field Company 51 Division
275Field Company 51 Division
276 Field Company 51 Division
278 Field Company 15 Division
279 Field Company 15 Division
282 Field Company 53 Division
294 Field Company 49 Division
295 Field Company 50 Division
505 Field Company 50 Division
509 Field Company 59 Division
510 Field Company 59 Division
553 Field Company 43 Division
554 Field Company 52 Division
555 Field Company 53 Division
756 Field Company 49 Division
757 Field Company 149 Division
2 Bridging Platoon 3 Division
13 Bridging Platoon 43 Division
15 Bridging Platoon 50 Division
16 Bridging Platoon 51 Division
17 Bridging Platoon 53 Division
18 Bridging Platoon 5 Division
22 Bridging Platoon 53 Division
23 Bridging Platoon 49 Division
24 Bridging Platoon 59 Division
26 Bridging Platoon 15 Division

Note: There were some 250 Field Park Companies and Field Companies, plus a small number of Bridging Platoons which were not attached to divisions.



HEADQUARTERS DIVISIONAL ENGINEERS
War Establishment II/118/2

Commander RE, Lieutenant Colonel
Adjutant, Captain
3 X Subaltern
Regimental Serjeant Major
serjeant clerk
2 X lance corporal
6 X sapper
1 X corporal driver
13 X driver

Total all ranks 28

trades
2 X clerk
draughtsman, architectural
draughtsman, topographical
driver mechanic
lance corporal medical officers orderly
3 X motorcyclist
4 X batman
batman driver
4 X driver of vehicle
MT corporal
sanitary dutyman

Attached
Medical Officer RAMC
2 X cook ACC

Plus vehicles and personnel from Divisional Signals.
In an Armoured Division an Armoured Command Vehicle LP is provided.
In an Infantry Division a Lorry Command Vehicle LP is provided.
These have the following RS personnel
corporal operator
operator
driver Mechanic

A lance corporal operator and a Wireless set No 22 are provided for the CRE’s car 4 X 4.

Transport
1 X bicycle
4 X motorcycle
1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD Heavy Utility)
1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
1 X Light Reconnaissance Car, Humber MkIII
1 X 15cwt GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for unit equipment
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for use as Office
1 X trailer 1ton GS

Weapons
1 X Bren gun



FIELD PARK COMPANY OR SQUADRON
War Establishment II/195/2
Personnel
Major
Captain
2 X Subaltern

Squadron Serjeant Major
squadron quartermaster serjeant
Staff Serjeant Military Mechanist
transport serjeant
2 X serjeant

lance serjeant
4 X corporal sapper class
2 X corporal driver class
6 X lance corporal sapper class
4 X lance corporal driver class
48 X sapper
36 X driver

Total 111

Trades
2 X blacksmith
bricklayer
4 X carpenter and joiner
4 X clerk
draughtsman, mechanical
4 X driver mechanic, driver class
3 X electrician, maintenance
3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
engine fitter, mechanical equipment
2 X engine hand IC
equipment repairer
2 X fitter
8 X operator, excavator
2 X painter and decorator
2 X general dutyman
4 X motorcyclist
10 X storeman
2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
2 X sawyers
surveyor, engineering
2 X sheet metal worker
turner
2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class
welder acetylene
welder electric
Total 65

Drivers IC for duty as
4 X batman
29 X driver of vehicle
sanitary dutyman
2 X transport NCO
water dutyman
Total 37

Transport
1 X Bicycle
9 X Motorcycle
2 X Car 4seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD Heavy Utility)
2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
8 X Truck 15cwt GS
2 X 15cwt compressor
1 X machinery KL
10 X 3ton 4 X 4GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 machinery RE
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 crane
3 X 4 X 4 tractor
3 X 18 ton trailer
1 X water trailer

Mechanical equipment
2 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
1 X Crawler Tractor Class IV, Caterpillar D7 Angledozer

Weapons
5 X Bren gun
4 X PIAT
4 X 20mm AA.


HEADQUARTERS
Major
Captain
Subaltern

Squadron Serjeant Major
squadron quartermaster serjeant
transport serjeant

lance serjeant
corporal sapper class
corporal driver class
lance corporal sapper class
lance corporal driver class
9 X sapper
13 X driver
Total 33

Tradesmen
4 X clerk
draughtsman, mechanical
driver mechanic, driver class
3 X motorcyclist
3 X storeman
surveyor, engineering
vehicle mechanic

Drivers IC for duty as
3 X batman
7 X driver of vehicle
sanitary dutyman
transport NCO
water dutyman

plus
4 X cook ACC


Organisation
Bicycle
Motorcycle
transport serjeant
Motorcycle
motorcyclist
Motorcycle
motorcyclist
Motorcycle
motorcyclist
Car 4seater
Major, batman, driver IC
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Captain, driver IC
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, driver IC

Truck 15cwt GS
2 X batman, cook ACC, driver IC
Carries officers mess equipment and baggage

3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
3 X cook ACC, water dutyman, driver IC
Carries cooking sets and rations
Tows water trailer
3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
4 X clerk, driver IC
For use as office
3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
Carries Quarter Master stores and anti gas stores
3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
Carries petrol and MT stores

Workshop troop
Subaltern
staff serjeant military mechanist
serjeant
2 X corporal sapper class
3 X lance corporal sapper class
lance corporal driver class
25 X sapper
6 X driver
Total 40

Tradesmen
2 X blacksmith
bricklayer
4 X carpenter and joiner
driver mechanic, driver class
3 X electrician, maintenance
3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
engine fitter, mechanical equipment
2 X engine hand IC
equipment repairer
2 X fitter
2 X painter and decorator
storeman
2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
2 X sawyers
sheet metal worker
turner
welder acetylene
welder electric

Drivers IC for duty as
batman
5 X driver of vehicle

Transport
Motorcycle
Subaltern
Motorcycle
serjeant

15 cwt machinery KL
2 X welder, driver IC

3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
electrician, driver IC
Carries electric light set
3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
driver IC
Carries all personnel not otherwise assigned
3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
storeman, driver IC
Carries technical stores

3ton 4 X 4winch
driver mechanic
3ton machinery
driver IC

Stores troop
serjeant
corporal sapper class
corporal driver class
2 X lance corporal sapper class
2 X lance corporal driver class
14 X sapper
17 X driver
Total 38

2 X driver mechanic, driver class
8 X operator, excavator
2 X general dutyman
motorcyclist
6 X storeman
Total 19

Drivers IC for duty as
17 X driver of vehicle
transport NCO
Total 18

Transport
2 X Motorcycle
7 X Truck 15cwt GS
2 X 15cwt compressor
3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 3 ton 4 X 4 machinery RE
1 X 3 ton 6 X 4 crane
3 X 4 X 4 tractor
3 X 18 ton trailer

Mechanical equipment
2 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
1 X Crawler Tractor Class IV, Caterpillar D7 Angledozer

- The stores troop held 48 X No 75 grenades (mines) and 24 X mine detectors
- The divisional troops company held four 3ton lorries carrying a total of 2,100 X No 75 grenades and 1,320 X MkV mine. There was an identical set of lorries in the corps troops company RASC.
- Explosives, like ammunition, were replenished automatically by staff and were not indented for.

The Field Park Company also held the divisional reserve of tools intended for use by units other than RE
38 X felling axe
38 X hand axe
515 X pick axe
12 X reaping hook
12 X maul
50 X shovel RE
860 X shovel GS
2 X spade
These tools would make two 3ton lorry loads according to the loading scales

Note
When a Field Park Company was serving with GHQ, Army or Corps Troops Engineers, the following changes were made
- Mechanical equipment
3 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
1 X Crawler Tractor Class II with grader
1 X Caterpillar Auto Patrol grader
- Transport add
1 X Tractor, 4 X 4 Medium
1 X Trailer 18ton 8 wheeled, low loading
- Personnel add
1 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
1 X fitter
1 X Operator, excavator
2 X driver IC




DIVISIONAL BRIDGING PLATOON.
War Establishment II/196/1
This was a platoon in an infantry division and a troop in an armoured division but there was no difference except for the name.
Subaltern
serjeant
2 X motorcycle orderly
11 X general dutymen, including one lance serjeant and one lance corporal.
2 X transport corporal
batman
13 X drivers of vehicles, including two lance corporals
2 X driver mechanic
Total 33

cook ACC


Organisation
Motorcycle
motorcycle orderly
Motorcycle
motorcycle orderly

Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern

15cwt GS
serjeant, driver IC
Carries 12 X reconnaissance boats.

3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 Bailey panel load
driver IC
Carries 12 X Bailey panel
3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 Bailey panel load
driver IC
Carries 12 X Bailey panel
3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 Bailey panel load
driver IC
Carries 12 X Bailey panel
3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 Bailey panel load
driver IC
Carries 12 X Bailey panel
3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 Bailey panel load
driver IC
Carries 12 X Bailey panel
3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 Decking load
driver IC
Carries 4 X transom, 10 X stringer, 26 X chess, 4 X riband, 4 X footwalk
3ton 4 X 4 GS 7 Decking load
driver IC
Carries 4 X transom, 10 X stringer, 26 X chess, 4 X riband, 4 X footwalk
3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 Decking load
driver IC
Carries 4 X transom, 10 X stringer, 26 X chess, 4 X riband, 4 X footwalk
3ton 4 X 4 GS 9 Decking load
driver IC
Carries 4 X transom, 10 X stringer, 26 X chess, 4 X riband, 4 X footwalk
3ton 4 X 4 GS 10 ramp load
driver IC
Carries 2 X 10 foot ramps plus ramp transoms
3ton 4 X 4 GS 11 ramp load
driver IC
Carries 2 X 10 foot ramps plus ramp transoms
3ton 4 X 4 GS 12 Accessory load
driver IC
Carries end posts, bearings, jacks, rollers and tackles.
3ton 4 X 4 GS 13 Sommerfeld track
driver IC
Carries 4 X roll of Sommerfield track plus timber for grillage.

Note: two of the drivers are actually driver mechanics.

Weapons
1 X pistol .38”
12 X rifle .303”
19 X Sten gun
1 X Bren gun
1 X Twin Bren AA
1 X Atk rifle.


- The stores troop held 48 X No 75 grenades (mines) and 24 X mine detectors
- The divisional troops company held four 3ton lorries carrying a total of 2,100 X No 75 grenades and 1,320 X MkV mine. There was an identical set of lorries in the corps troops company RASC.
- Explosives, like ammunition, were replenished automatically by staff and were not indented for.

The Field Park Company also held the divisional reserve of tools intended for use by units other than RE
38 X felling axe
38 X hand axe
515 X pick axe
12 X reaping hook
12 X maul
50 X shovel RE
860 X shovel GS
2 X spade
These tools would make two 3ton lorry loads according to the loading scales

Note
When a Field Park Company was serving with GHQ, Army or Corps Troops Engineers, the following changes were made
- Mechanical equipment
3 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
1 X Crawler Tractor Class II with grader
1 X Caterpillar Auto Patrol grader
- Transport add
1 X Tractor, 4 X 4 Medium
1 X Trailer 18ton 8 wheeled, low loading
- Personnel add
1 X engine fitter (mechanical equipment)
1 X fitter
1 X Operator, excavator
2 X driver IC
The distribution of other personnel is unknown but there would be one extra person for each lorry with a couple left over. All personnel are RE as opposed to the bridge platoons of the RASC Bridging Company who are RASC except for a small maintenance section RE.

The personnel of the platoon are responsible for the loading of the equipment and for checking and maintaining it. Unloading is the responsibility of the user unit, but the bridge platoon personnel would be available to assist. They would not normally be available to assist with the construction of the bridge however. They should immediately return and load the vehicles in case of further demands.

Weapons
1 X pistol .38”
12 X rifle .303”
19 X Sten gun
1 X Bren gun
1 X Twin Bren AA
1 X Atk rifle.
Note;
The twin bren guns and the anti tank rifle are listed but would by spring 1944 have been replaced by a PIAT and a 20mm AA gun. The latter was soon left behind as it was never used. The jeep is listed as a car 2seater but by spring 1944 would have been replaced by a jeep.

Plus attached units
Light Aid Detachment Type B (Armoured) attached to an Engineer Field Park, Armoured Division
Light Aid Detachment Type B (Unarmoured) attached to an Engineer Field Park, Infantry Division


FIELD COMPANY OR SQUADRON
War Establishment II/194/2

Note: there are only 3 minor amendments during the campaign.
- One lorry 3ton 4 X 4 GS (which was for use as an office) is replaced by 3ton 4 X 4 Office.
- 2 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS are replaced by 15cwt 4 X 4 GS
- One cook ACC is promoted to corporal

Personnel
Major
Captain
5 X Subaltern

Squadron serjeant major
squadron quartermaster serjeant
transport serjeant
4 X serjeant

6 X lance serjeant sapper class
lance serjeant driver class
11 X corporal sapper class
3 X corporal driver class
15 X lance corporal sapper class
5 X lance corporal driver class
145 X sapper
47 X driver
Total 247

plus
officers mess cook ACC
corporal cook ACC
7 X cook ACC

Tradesmen
7 X blacksmith
13 X bricklayer
32 X carpenter and joiner
5 X clerk
4 X concretor
draughtsman architectural
draughtsman, mechanical
5 X driver mechanic, driver class
10 X driver operator
4 X electrician, maintenance
11X engine fitter, IC and pumps
6 X engine hand IC
6 X masons
3 X miners
7 X painter and decorator
58 X general dutyman
6 X motorcyclist
4 X plumbers and pipe fitters
surveyor, engineering
3 X sheet metal worker
2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class
3 X water dutyman
Total 194

Non tradesmen
2 X batman
5 X batman driver
26 X driver of vehicle
sanitary dutyman
4 X transport NCO
water dutyman
Total 39

Transport
16 X motorcycle
3 X jeep
2 X light recce car
7 X truck 15cwt GS
3 X 15cwt compressor
1 X 15cwt water
7 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
13 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 office


HEADQUARTERS
Major
Captain
2 X Subaltern

Squadron Serjeant Major
squadron quartermaster serjeant
transport serjeant
serjeant

lance serjeant driver class
2 X corporal sapper class
3 X lance corporal sapper class
2 X lance corporal driver class
13 X sapper
17 X driver
Total 46

plus
officers mess cook ACC
2 X Cook ACC

blacksmith
bricklayer
2 X carpenter and joiner
2 X clerk
concretor
draughtsman architectural
2 X driver mechanic, driver class
4 X driver operator
electrician, maintenance
2 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
painter and decorator
general dutyman
3 X motorcyclist
plumbers and pipe fitters
surveyor, engineering
2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class
Total 26

Drivers IC for duty as
2 X batman
2 X batman driver
5 X driver of vehicle
sanitary dutyman
transport NCO
water dutyman
Total 12

Transport
7 X motorcycle
2 X light recce car
1 X truck 15cwt GS
1 X 15cwt water
1 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
5 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch

15cwt 4 X 4 will be fitted with a wireless set.
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 will be for use as an office.

4 X Bren gun
2 X PIAT
1 X 20mm AA

Each company carried the following
2,400 primers
672 slabs of TNT
1200 lb of plastic explosive 808
900lb of ammonal
72 X 10lb Beehive charges
3 X camouflet sets
detonators and fuses
6 X mine detector
72 X No 75 grenades (mines)

Each company also had one RASC 3ton lorry in the divisional troops company to carry an identical load

Platoon.
There were three platoons to a company.
A platoon consisted of a headquarters and four sections.

Personnel
Subaltern
serjeant

2 X lance serjeant sapper class
3 X corporal sapper class
4 X lance corporal sapper class
lance corporal driver class
44 X sapper
10 X driver
Total 67

plus
2 cooks ACC

Tradesmen included
2 X blacksmith
4 X bricklayer
10 X carpenter and joiner
clerk
concretor
driver mechanic, driver class
2 X driver operator, driver class
electrician, maintenance
3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
2 X engine hand
2 X painter and decorator
19 X general dutyman
motorcyclist
plumber and pipe fitter
sheet metal worker
stoker
waterman
Total 26

Drivers IC for duty as
batman driver
transport NCO
7 X Driver of vehicle
Total 9


Organisation
All transport was at platoon headquarters
Motorcycle 1
serjeant
Motorcycle 2
transport corporal
Motorcycle 3
motorcyclist

Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, batman driver

Truck 15cwt GS 1
driver IC
Truck 15cwt GS 2
driver IC

15cwt machinery compressor
driver IC
15cwt personnel 4 X 4 1
lance corporal driver operator, driver operator
Carries Wireless set No19
15cwt personnel 4 X 4 2
driver IC

3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
driver IC
3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
driver IC
3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
driver IC
3ton 4 X 4 winch
driver mechanic

The above transport also carried
1 X clerk
2 X cook
4 X other unidentified personnel

2 PIAT

800 primers
224 slabs of TNT in 4.5” slabs or gun cotton in 6” slabs.
400lb of explosive 808 (plastic explosive) in 1.37” X 3.5” rolls
300lb of ammonal in 25 lb blocks (9” cubes)
24 X 10lb Beehive cutting charges
1 X camouflet set for making holes for charges
Detonators and fuse.
4 X mine detector

There were four sections each of 12 men.
Each section had a corporal or lance serjeant as leader.
It is not recorded which craftsmen were in which section. This was probably arranged at company or platoon level.
Each section had
Bren gun
Sten gun
10 X rifle.


Troop
In an armoured division the platoon was called a troop. There were some differences in personnel and vehicles from the platoon in an infantry division.
There were three troops to a squadron.
A troop consisted of a headquarters and four sections.

Personnel
Subaltern
serjeant

2 X lance serjeant sapper class
3 X corporal sapper class
4 X lance corporal sapper class
lance corporal driver class
44 X sapper
13 X driver
Total 67

plus
2 cooks ACC

Tradesmen included
2 X blacksmith
4 X bricklayer
10 X carpenter and joiner
clerk
concretor
driver mechanic, driver class
2 X driver operator, driver class
electrician, maintenance
3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
2 X engine hand
2 X painter and decorator
19 X general dutyman
motorcyclist
plumbers and pipe fitters
sheet metal worker
stoker
waterman
Total 26

Drivers IC for duty as
batman driver
transport NCO
10 X Driver of vehicle
Total 9


Organisation
All transport was at troop headquarters
Motorcycle 1
serjeant
Motorcycle 2
transport corporal
Motorcycle 3
motorcyclist

Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, batman driver

Light Reconnaissance Car
driver IC
For the use of the Subaltern for reconnaissance and liaison

Truck 15cwt GS 1
driver IC
Truck 15cwt GS 2
driver IC
15cwt machinery compressor
driver IC
15cwt personnel 4 X 4 1
lance corporal driver operator, driver operator
Carries Wireless set No19
15cwt personnel 4 X 4 2
driver IC
15cwt personnel 4 X 4 3
driver IC
15cwt personnel 4 X 4 4
driver IC

3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
driver IC
3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
driver IC
3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
driver IC
3ton 4 X 4 winch
driver mechanic

The above transport also carried
1 X clerk
2 X cook
4 X other unidentified personnel

2 PIAT

800 primers
224 slabs of TNT in 4.5” slabs or gun cotton in 6” slabs.
400lb of explosive 808 (plastic explosive) in 1.37” X 3.5” rolls
300lb of ammonal in 25 lb blocks (9” cubes)
24 X 10lb Beehive cutting charges
1 X camouflet set for making holes for charges
Detonators and fuse.
4 X mine detector

There were four sections each of 12 men.
Each section had a corporal or lance serjeant as leader.
It is not recorded which craftsmen were in which section. This was probably arranged at company or platoon level.
Each section had
Bren gun
Sten gun
10 X rifle.


CAMOUFLAGE UNITS RE
Field (Camouflage) Companies and Field Park (Camouflage) Companies were first and foremost Field Companies which could carry out all and any of the roles and tasks of a Field Company. They had specialists and training to enable them to additionally carry out camouflage work as required.

Earlier there had also been Chemical Companies RE which were also organised as Field Companies but in this case they could not carry out the full range of tasks without additional training. These companies were converted into Field Companies and the chemical tasks passed to others.


FIELD (CAMOUFLAGE) COMPANY RE
War Establishment II/203/1. December 1943

Major
Captain
5 X Subaltern

Squadron Serjeant Major
squadron quartermaster serjeant
transport serjeant
4 X serjeant

6 X lance serjeant sapper class
lance serjeant driver class
11 X corporal sapper class
3 X corporal driver class
15 X lance corporal sapper class
5 X lance corporal driver class
123 X sapper
60 X driver

officers mess cook
corporal cook ACC
7 X cook ACC


Tradesmen
7 X blacksmith
7 X bricklayer
20 X carpenter and joiner
5 X clerk
4 X concretor
draughtsman architectural
draughtsman, mechanical
5 X driver mechanic, driver class
10 X driver operator
3 X electrician, maintenance
9 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
3 X engine hand IC
modeller, camouflage
19 X painter and decorator
2 X photographer
6 X plasterer
30 X general dutyman
6 X motorcyclist
4 X plumbers and pipe fitters
surveyor, engineering
3 X sheet metal worker
2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class
3 X water dutyman


Non tradesmen
4 X batman
3 X batman driver
37 X driver of vehicle
sanitary dutyman
4 X transport NCO
water dutyman

First reinforcements
Subaltern
lance corporal
11 X sapper

Transport
1 X bicycle
16 X motorcycle
3 X jeep
1 X truck 15cwt GS
3 X 15cwt compressor
1 X 15cwt water
7 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
11 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS including one for use as office
4 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
22 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS


Headquarters
Major
Captain
2 X Subaltern

Squadron Serjeant Major
squadron quartermaster serjeant
transport serjeant
serjeant
lance serjeant driver class
corporal sapper class
3 X lance corporal sapper class
2 X lance corporal driver class
15 X sapper
18 X driver

officers mess cook ACC
2 X Cook ACC

Trades
blacksmith
bricklayer
2 X carpenter and joiner
2 X clerk
concretor
draughtsman architectural
2 X driver mechanic, driver class
4 X driver operator
painter and decorator
photographer
2 X general dutyman
3 X motorcyclist
plumbers and pipe fitters
surveyor, engineering
2 X vehicle mechanic, driver class

batman
3 X batman driver
6 X driver of vehicle
sanitary dutyman
transport NCO
water dutyman

Transport
1 X bicycle
7 X motorcycle
3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X truck 15cwt GS
1 X 15cwt water
1 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS including one as office
4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch

15cwt 4 X 4 will be fitted with a wireless set.
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 will be for use as an office.

2 X Bren gun
2 X PIAT
1 X 20mm AA


3 X Platoon each
Subaltern
serjeant
2 X lance serjeant sapper class
3 X corporal sapper class
corporal driver class
4 X lance corporal sapper class
lance corporal driver class
35 X sapper
14 X driver

2 X Cook ACC

Trades
2 X blacksmith
2 X bricklayer
6 X carpenter and joiner
clerk
concretor
electrician
2 X engine fitter
3 X engine hand
driver mechanic, driver class
2 X driver operator
6 X painter and decorator
2 X plasterer
16 X general dutyman
motorcyclist
plumbers and pipe fitters
sheet metal worker
water dutyman

batman
11 X driver of vehicle
transport NCO

Transport
3 X motorcycle
1 X truck 15cwt compressor
2 X 15cwt personnel 4 X 4
3 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS including one as office
6 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch

15cwt 4 X 4 will be fitted with a wireless set.

4 X Bren gun
2 X PIAT
1 X 20mm AA


FIELD PARK (CAMOUFLAGE) COMPANY RE
War Establishment II/204/1. December 1943

Personnel
Major
Captain
2 X Subaltern

Company Serjeant Major
company quartermaster serjeant
staff serjeant military mechanist
transport serjeant
2 X serjeant
1 X lance serjeant
4 X corporal sapper class
2 X corporal driver class
6 X lance corporal sapper class
4 X lance corporal driver class
55 X sapper
25 X driver

Tradesmen
3 X blacksmith
bricklayer
6 X carpenter and joiner
clerk
draughtsman, mechanical
3 X driver mechanic, driver class
3 X electrician, maintenance
3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
engine fitter, mechanical equipment
2 X fitter
10 X operator, excavator
9 X painter and decorator
2 X general dutyman
2 X motorcyclist
7 X storeman
2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
2 X sawyers
surveyor, engineering
2 X sheet metal worker
turner
vehicle mechanic, driver class
welder acetylene
welder electric

batman
3 X batman driver
19 X driver of vehicle
sanitary dutyman
2 X transport NCO
water dutyman

First reinforcements
5 X sapper
textile refitter

Transport
1 X Bicycle
7 X Motorcycle
1 X Car 4seater 4 X 2
2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
4 X Truck 15cwt GS
2 X 15cwt compressor
1 X machinery KL
6 X 3ton 4 X 4GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 machinery RE
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 crane
3 X 4 X 4 tractor
3 X 18 ton trailer
1 X water trailer

Mechanical equipment
3 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
1 X Autopatrol grader

Weapons
5 X Bren gun
4 X PIAT
3 X 20mm AA.


Hedquarters
Major
Captain
Subaltern

Company Serjeant Major
company quartermaster serjeant
transport serjeant
lance serjeant
corporal sapper class
corporal driver class
lance corporal sapper class
lance corporal driver class
7 X sapper
10 X driver

Tradesmen
4 X clerk
draughtsman, mechanical
driver mechanic, driver class
motorcyclist
surveyor, engineering
vehicle mechanic

3 X batman driver
4 X driver of vehicle
sanitary dutyman
transport NCO
water dutyman

officers mess cook ACC
corporal cook ACC
3 X cook ACC
serjeant armourer REME

1 X bicycle
4 X motorcycle
1 X car 4seater
2 X Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
1 X Truck 15cwt GS, for officer’s mess and baggage
4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for cooks, office, QM and anti gas stores and reserve petrol and MT stores
1 X water trailer

2 X Bren lmg
2 X PIAT
1 X 20mm AA


Workshop troop
Subaltern
serjeant
2 X corporal sapper class
3 X lance corporal sapper class
lance corporal driver class
32 X sapper
5 X driver
Total 45

Tradesmen
3 X blacksmith
bricklayer
6 X carpenter and joiner
driver mechanic, driver class
3 X electrician, maintenance
3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
engine fitter, mechanical equipment
2 X engine hand IC
2 X fitter
9 X painter and decorator
3 X storeman
2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
2 X sawyers
sheet metal worker
turner
welder acetylene
welder electric

Drivers IC for duty as
batman
4 X driver of vehicle

Transport
1 X motorcycle
1 X 15 cwt machinery KL
2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS for personnel and technical stores
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 winch
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 machinery RE

1 X Bren lmg
1 X PIAT
1 X 20mm AA

Stores troop
serjeant
corporal sapper class
corporal driver class
2 X lance corporal sapper class
2 X lance corporal driver class
15 X sapper
10 X driver
Total 32

driver mechanic, driver class
12 X operator, excavator
2 X general dutyman
motorcyclist
4 X storeman
Total 20

Drivers IC for duty as
11 X driver of vehicle
transport NCO
Total 12

Attached
24 X textile refitter RAOC
Transport
2 X Motorcycle
3 X Truck 15cwt GS for technical stores
2 X 15cwt compressor
1 X 3 ton 6 X 4 crane
3 X 4 X 4 tractor
3 X 18 ton trailer

Mechanical equipment
3 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer
1 X Autopatrol grader

2 X Bren lmg
1 X PIAT
1 X 20mm AA

A Light Aid Detachment Type B (non armoured) is attached



CORPS ENGINEERS
Corps had Field Park Companies which were identical to those in divisions except for the mechanical equipment as mentioned above. There were also Field Companies which were identical to those in divisions. Corps had in addition the units shown below.


ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SECTION, TYPE A
War Establishment III/15H/1. August 1943.
Subaltern
Warrant Officer Class II, military mechanist, mechanical
staff serjeant military mechanist, electrical
2 X serjeant
lance serjeant
3 X corporal sapper class
4 X lance corporal sapper class
lance corporal driver class
44 X sapper
10 X driver
Total 67

Tradesmen
2 X blacksmith
4 X carpenter and joiner
clerk
concretor
driver mechanic, driver class
3 X electrician, maintenance
2 X electrician, power station
2 X electrician, wireman
4 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
engine fitter, steam reciprocating
6 X engine hand IC
2 X fitter
3 X lineman (power)
painter and decorator
8 X general dutyman
storeman
2 X plumbers and pipe fitters
motorcycle orderly
2 X sheet metal worker
2 X stoker, stationary engine
2 X turner
4 X welder

Drivers IC for duty as
batman
7 X driver of vehicle

Transport
3 X bicycle
1 X motorcycle
1 X car 2seater 4 X 2
5 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery X
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery 24 Kw

1 x pistol .38”
55 X rifle .303”
11 X sten gun
2 X bren gun
1 X PIAT



FIELD SURVEY SECTION RE
War Establishment III/149/2. November 1943

Personnel
Subaltern
2 X serjeant
2 X corporal sapper class
2 X lance corporal sapper class
14 X sapper
5 X driver

Total 26

Tradesmen
9 X draughtsman, topographical
driver mechanic
3 X surveyor, topographical
6 X surveyors, trigonomical

batman driver
3 X driver of vehicle

Transport
3 X motorcycle
3 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS
2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

Motorcycles are for survey personnel.



HEADQUARTERS, ARMY GROUP, RE
War Establishment III/324/2. March 1945.
Colonel
Brigade Major
Staff Captain
Captain Intelligence Officer
Subaltern, Stores Officer
Staff Serjeant Clerk
serjeant
24 X rank and file

officers mess cook ACC
cook ACC

4 X motorcycle
1 X Car 4 seater 4 X 4
1 X Car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X 15cwt
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Office
1 X water trailer

1 X Bren lmg
1 X PIAT



SOME FIELD ENGINEER TASKS
Obstacle Belt.
This is designed to hold up an enemy advance by blowing bridges, destroying or mining possible crossing or landing points and obstructing any roads.

Demolition
Preliminary Demolition. This is a demolition which can be blown as soon as convenient.
Reserved Demolition. These are usually demolitions which can be blown only at the last moment in the face of the enemy. They may also be prepared and blown at a later date in accordance with a tactical plan.

Usually a preliminary demolition is preferred since
- troops can move onto another task
- it can be carried out in the most efficient and effective way
- simpler firing arrangements can be used

However it is often necessary to leave demolitions until as late as possible so that ones own troops are not obstructed.

Road denial.
A road can be denied to the enemy by a variety of methods. Usually a company or squadron will be assigned to a route. Troops or platoons will then leapfrog towards the rear. As they go they will
- crater road surfaces
- blow culverts
- block roads with rock falls or trees etc
- destroy the road surface with a rooter
- mine road verges

With a platoon spaced in sections over half a mile three hours work should allow a crater to be made every ten yards and a mine to be laid every five yards.