Some extracts from this war diary that I thought might be of use/interest: Source: WO171/2345 – No. 3 GT Coy RASC C.O.: Major C.H. Eaves, RASC 1 April 1944 MORRIS, North Africa [3 ton vehicles] 13 April 1944 ORAN All Company aboard USS General A.E. Anderson... 22 April 1944 GOUROCK Ship docked at 0500 hrs outside GOUROCK... 8 May 1944 4 m/cycles and 4 x 30 cwt lorries collected from No. 1 (CHIL) M.T. Group. 2 x 15 cwt lorries collected from No. 2 (CHIL) M.T. Group... 10 May 1944 Mobilisation Order (W.O.U.M. 79/MOB/6430/270 (A.G.5 MOB) dated 8 May 44) received. Date of mobilisation 0001 hrs 25 May 44... 24 May 1944 Vehicles collected as follows:- 30 x 3 ton Bedfords (70 V.R.D.); 4 x 3 ton Bedfords (3 V.R.D.); 6 x 15 cwt Fordsons (30 V.R.D.); 6 Bedford water-trucks (30 V.R.D.); 36 x 350cc Ariel m/cycle (35 V.R.D.)... 26 May 1944 109 x 3 ton Bedfords collected from 53 V.R.D.; 7 Austin P.U.s collected from 60 V.R.D.; 1 Ford Utility collected from 27 V.R.D... 30 May 1944 4 x 30 cwt lorries returned to 62 V.R.D.
1 June 1944 AMBLE Orders for move to LITTLEHAMPTON on 5 Jun 44 received. 2 June 1944 AMBLE No entry. 3 June 1944 AMBLE 2 Officers and 4 ORs returned from Waterproofing Course No.2 at RIPON. 4 June 1944 AMBLE 2 Officers and 4 ORs proceeded on Waterproofing Course No.3 at RIPON. 5 June 1944 AMBLE Company commenced move to LITTLEHAMPTON less rear party of 25 ORs and 17 x 3 ton lorries under command of Capt. A.K.B. CLARKSON, RASC. Convoy staged first day at 1800 DONCASTER. 20 ORs returned from Heavy Goods Course BASINGSTOKE. 6 June 1944 0800 Convoy left DONCASTER arrived STEVENAGE 1915 hrs. 2 B/Down vehicles collected from 32 V.R.D. 7 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1200 Convoy left STEVENAGE arrived LITTLEHAMPTON 1915 hrs. 8 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 9 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON Rear party (17 x 3 ton) under Capt. A.K.B. CLARKSON, RASC, arrived at unit location. Order to waterproof vehicles received from WEST SUSSEX SUB DISTRICT. 10 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 2 Officers and 4 ORs returned from Waterproofing Course No.3 RIPON. 11 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 12 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 13 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1630 CRASC 38 TPT COLN visited unit. 14 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON Unit under command 38 TPT COLN (CRASC Lt. Col. DUCE, RASC). 15 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON Unit inspected by Commanding Officer GHQ Troops, Col M.A. CARTHEW-YORSTOUN, DSO, MBE, accompanied by Lt.Col. DUCE, CRASC 38 TPT COLN. Capt. J.H. FINCH, RASC, reported to 7 BASE SUB AREA for interview with A.D.S.T. 16 Drivers posted to unit from A.A. Command. 16 June 1944 Capt. J.H. FINCH, RASC, interviewed by D.D.S.T. HQ L of C. 40 Drivers posted to unit from A.A. Command. 17 June 1944 30 Drivers posted to unit from A.A. Command. 18 June 1944 No entry. 19 June 1944 No entry. 20 June 1944 Waterproofing completed except for 2x15 cwt vehicles unwaterproofed due to excessive mileage. 21 June 1944 No entry. 22 June 1944 22 drivers posted to unit from No.54 R.H.U. 23 June 1944 CRASC, 38 TPT COLN visited unit. 24 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 25 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 26 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 27 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 28 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 29 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 30 June 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry.
1 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 2 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 3 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON Instructions received from CRASC 38 TPT COLN for the unit to provide 2 Platoons & 6 lorries to move advance party HQ 21 A.Gp to FRANCE. 1200 1/3rd of Company on rest day. 4 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1600 ‘A’ and ‘B’ Platoon and 6 lorries under command of Capt. A.K.B. CLARKSON, RASC left LITTLEHAMPTON for BECKFORD. Vehicles (BEDFORD OY) 3 ton ran hot due to waterproofing and had great difficulty in maintaining convoy distances. Second 1/3rd of company on rest day. 5 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1200 Remaining 1/3rd of company on rest day. 6 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON Orders received for 6 x 3 ton lorries and 1 B/Down to join ‘A’ and ‘B’ Platoons at BECKFORD for duties in connection with move of Adv Party 21 A Gp to port then to return to coy location. Company visited by Major MUNRO, RASC, 2 i/c HQ 38 TPT COLN. 7 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON Orders received from CRASC 38 Tpt Coln to de-waterproof vehicles to first stage. 8 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON Original date for move of Adv Party 21 A Gp to port is postponed until 10 Jul 44. 9 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON Letter forwarded to CRASC 38 Tpt Coln re unsuitability of W/Shop Breakdown lorries. Appendix ‘B’ 10 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON Date for move of Adv party 21 A Gp postponed until 19 Jul 44. 11 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 12 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 13 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON De-waterproofing to first stage completed. 14 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 15 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 16 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 17 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1200 1/3rd of company on rest day. 18 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1200 Second 1/3rd of company on rest day. 1 section of ‘C’ Platoon moved to BECKFORD, Lieut. E.A. MARSHALL, RASC, in charge. 19 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON ‘A’ & ‘B’ Platoons under command of Capt. A.K.B. CLARKSON, RASC, left BECKFORD and moved to TILBURY for embarkation. Appendix ‘D’ 1200 Remainder of company on rest day. 20 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1 section of ‘C’ Platoon rejoined company on completion of duties with ‘A’ & ‘B’ Platoons. 21 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1200 1/3rd of company on rest day. 22 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1200 Second 1/3rd of company on rest day. 23 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON 1200 Remainder of company on rest day. 24 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 25 July 1944 LITTLEHAMPTON No entry. 26 July 1944 Orders received for company to move. CRASC 38 Tpt Coln visited unit. 27 July 1944 BECKFORD 1300 Company less ‘A’ & ‘B’ Platoons moved to new location at BECKFORD Sheet 132 MR 066307. Appendix ‘C’ Orders for loading vehicles received but delayed for 48 hours. 28 July 1944 BECKFORD Orders to stand by for loading now & 24 hours notice to load. 29 July 1944 BECKFORD Vehicles proceeded to load as follows:- 2x3 ton lorries and 1 m/c to ‘A’ Group; 8x3 ton lorries and 3 m/cs to ‘B’ Group; 11x3 ton lorries and 2 m/cs to ‘C’ Group; 12x3 ton lorries and 1 m/c to ‘D’ Group; 10x3 ton lorries and 2 m/cs to ‘E’ Group; remaining 17x3 ton lorries plus ‘HQ’ and ‘W/S’ Platoons and HQ sections of ‘C’ & ‘D’ Platoons to ‘F’ Group. Loaded with Main 21 A.Gp. Vehicles harboured night in Marshalling Camp, SOUTHWICK. 30 July 1944 SOUTHWICK Company split up into L.S.T. craft groups proceeded to port – GOSPORT and embarked on crafts. Final craft in convoy sailed at 2300 hrs. Two O.Rs absented themselves without leave from Marshalling Area Southwick. 31 July 1944 LE TRONQUAY Convoy arrived off FRANCE. Vehicles and personnel offloaded at ARROMANCHES and proceeded to 60 TRANSIT AREA, Sheet 3A & 8 MR. T.8484, 1/250,000. 1700 Company less ‘A’ & ‘B’ Platoons moved to Area 21 A Gp (LE TRONQUAY) Sheet 3A & 8, MR T.7375, 1/250,000, and joined up with ‘A’ & ‘B’ Platoons.
APPENDIX ‘B’ Tel. Littlehampton 396 SUBJECT:- Fordson C.A.S. 3 ton Wreckers C.,R.A.S.C. 38 Tpt Coln, RASC Ref conversation, Major Munroe – Major Raves, regarding a/m vehicles. Tests were carried out with the following results. Normal straight lift. To carry out this recovery, the adjustable jibs have to be raised to an almost vertical position to obtain the necessary initial height to clear a normal 3 ton vehicle. This action weakens the proposed lift as it is considered that the strongest and safest lift is with the jibs operating at an angle of 45 degrees. It also reduces the working area between casualty and recovery vehicle to a maximum of 3 feet, which, in turn, extends the time element. When casualty vehicle is lifted to required height, all weight is removed from front springs of recovery vehicle, resulting in excessively light and dangerous steering. It will be appreciated that, should it be necessary to recover any vehicle over 3 ton capacity, it would be impossible with present equipment. Recovering ditched vehicle. This test was carried out with a 3 ton task vehicle which was in no way damaged, and could normally have been recovered by a straight pull. Unfortunately the Ford is not equipped for a straight pull, and the time and labour involved to carry out this operation was out of all proportion. This vehicle cannot be used for a rigid tow, and the winch is not detachable, so cannot be used when vehicle to be recovered is ditched on a one way, or narrow road, used by heavy traffic. The equipment does not include long skids or hawsers. Every vehicle recovered by this Breakdown would have to be lifted, and it will be appreciated that it is not always practicable. Past experience has proved that during operations, frequent calls are received from outside units to recover vehicles, and it is considered that similar calls will be received during future operations, which, in view of inadequate equipment, will have to be refused. Winterhouse, Littlehampton, (C.H. Eaves) Major, 9 July 44. Commanding 3 Coy, RASC (General Transport)
APPENDIX ‘D’ 19 July 1944 Southwick 0500 Advance Party with Capt. A.K.B. Clarkson, R.A.S.C. in charge departed Southwick with Advance Party, Main H.Q. 21st Army Group for Tilbury. 20 July 1944 Tilbury 0600 Vehicles moved off to docks for embarkation. “A” Platoon vehicles loaded on S.S. Fort Musquarro. “B” Platoon vehicles loaded on S.S. Houston City. 21 July 1944 Tilbury 1030 Platoon personnel embarked on same ships as their vehicles. 1300 Ships sailed to Thames Estuary and dropped anchor. 22 July 1944 Thames Estuary Lay at anchor. 23 July 1944 Thames Estuary Lay at anchor. 24 July 1944 1900 Sailed for France. 25 July 1944 2000 Arrived and dropped anchor off shore. 26 July 1944 0800 Off-loaded on to Landing Craft and disembarked in Normandy. 1830 3 O.R’s admitted 77 General Hospital and struck off strength of unit. 27 July 1944 0600 Moved from Assembly Area to Area “Corridon”. 0800 Vehicles commenced to off-load stores. 28 July 1944 0700 Vehicles off-loading. 29 July 1944 0700 Vehicles off-loading. 30 July 1944 0800 Vehicles off-loading. Capt. A.K.B. Clarkson, RASC, made recce of area of remainder of company. 31 July 1944 2000 Company arrived in area.
1 August 1944 LE TRONQUAY T 7375 “A” Platoon rejoined unit. “B” Platoon remained attached to H.Q. 21 A.Gp. “C” and “D” Platoons off-loaded Main 21 A. Gp. Company, less “B” Platoon, under command 27 Tpt Coln RASC (Lieut.Colonel MAYELL, RASC). 1x3 ton vehicle damaged by shrapnel which pierced canopy and side. 2 August 1944 VER-SUR-MER T 9225 22x3 ton lorries proceeded on local transport details in beach area. C.R.A.S.C. 27 Tpt Coln visited unit. Company less “B” Platoon ordered to move to VER-SUR-MER, 1½ miles N.E. of CREPON T 9084. Appendix “A” 2000 “A” Platoon moved to new location. 3 August 1944 VER-SUR-MER 0630 “C” Platoon moved to new location. 0700 “D” Platoon moved to new location. 0730 “HQ” Platoon moved to new location. 0800 “W/S” Platoon moved to new location. 16x3 ton vehicles on local transport details in beach area. Unit received verbal instructions to hold all vehicles in readiness for move at ½ hrs notice. 4 August 1944 VER-SUR-MER “B” Platoon continue to be attached to 21 A. Gp. 5 August 1944 VER-SUR-MER 1700 Company visited by Major PAYNTER, R.A.S.C. Second-in-Command 21 Tpt Coln, R.A.S.C. (C.R.A.S.C. Lieut-Colonel H.E. Hopcroft, R.A.S.C.). 1900 Company received written orders to be ready to move after 0500 hrs on 6 Aug 44. 2100 Company comes under command of C.R.A.S.C. 21 Tpt Coln. 2200 O.C. attended a Conference at HQ C.R.A.S.C. 2300 “B” Platoon reverted to command and came into camp. 6 August 1944 VER-SUR-MER 0600 Order to move received from S.T. 11 L of C. 0600 Company commenced move to new location. Appendix “B” 1400 Company move to new location completed. Location ECOGUENEAUVILLE Sheet 3a + 8, T 3895 in U.S. Sector. 1710 Unit transport allocated to work for U.S. Army and split into blocks of 20x3 ton as follows:- Appendix “C” No.1 BLOCK Lieut. M. DAVIS, R.A.S.C. No. 2 BLOCK Lieut. C.A. LYONS, R.A.S.C. No. 3 BLOCK Capt. C.M. RYAN, R.A.S.C. No. 4 BLOCK Lieut. E.A. MARSHALL, R.A.S.C. No. 5 BLOCK Lieut. G. WILKINSON, R.A.S.C. No. 6 BLOCK Lieut. C.A. WEBB, R.A.S.C. Nos 1 & 2 BLOCKS as above proceeded to TRANSFER and LOADING POINT U.S. Army Amn. Depot AUDOUVILLE, T 4096, loaded and went to No. 506 Amn Depot, S.T. CLAIR area M.R. T 5371 and off-loaded. 7 August 1944 ECOGUENEAUVILLE 0300 BLOCKS 1 & 2 returned to unit. 0600 BLOCKS 3 & 4 proceeded as for BLOCKS 1 & 2. 0700 BLOCKS 5 & 6 proceeded as for BLOCKS 1 & 2. 0900 BLOCKS 1 & 2 proceeded as before. 1600 BLOCK 3 returned to camp. 1630 BLOCK 3 proceeded as before. 1800 BLOCK 4 returned to camp. 1830 BLOCK 4 proceeded as before. 1855 BLOCK 5 returned to camp. 2015 BLOCK 6 returned to camp. 2025 BLOCKS 1 & 2 returned to camp. 2200 BLOCKS 5 & 6 proceeded as before. 8 August 1944 ECOGUENEAUVILLE 0001 BLOCKS 1 & 2 proceeded as before. 0330 BLOCK 4 returned to unit. 0400 BLOCK 3 returned to camp. 0630 BLOCK 6 returned to camp. 0920 BLOCKS 5 & 2 returned to camp. 1030 BLOCK 1 returned to camp. 1200 BLOCK 3 proceeded as before. 1230 BLOCK 4 proceeded as before. 1300 BLOCK 5 proceeded as before. 1330 BLOCK 1 proceeded as before. 1400 BLOCK 2 proceeded as before. 2000 BLOCK 3 returned to camp. 2215 BLOCK 4 returned to camp. 2230 BLOCK 5 returned to camp. 2245 BLOCKS 1 & 2 returned to camp. 9 August 1944 ECOGUENEAUVILLE 0001 Block 6 proceeded to TRAFFIC POINT U.S. Army Amn Depot AUDOUVILLE T 4091, loaded and delivered to Amn Depot O-106 U.S. Army at LA CHAPELLE CECELIN T 4130. 0300 BLOCK 3 proceeded to TRAFFIC PIOINT as for BLOCK 6, loaded and delivered to Amn Supply Point No. 7 U.S. Army at SAVIGNE 10 miles East of LE MANS. Appendix “D” Appendix “E” BLOCK 4 proceeded to TRAFFIC POINT as for BLOCK 6, loaded and delivered to Amn Supply Point 805 U.S. Army near PONTORSON T 2203. (From now on all BLOCKS report to TRAFFIC POINT as for BLOCK 6 at 0001 hrs on 9 Aug 44. 0330 BLOCKS 5 & 1 reported as above, loaded and delivered to Amn Depot O-106. 2100 BLOCK 1 returned to camp. 2315 BLOCK 6 returned to camp. 10 August 1944 ECOGUENEAUVILLE 0030 BLOCK 5 returned to camp. 0300 BLOCK 2 reported as above, loaded and delivered to Amn Depot O-106. 0600 BLOCK 1 reported as above, loaded and delivered to Amn Depot O-106. 0700 BLOCK 6 as for BLOCK 1 at 0600 hrs 10 Aug 44. 0830 BLOCK 4 returned to camp. 1200 BLOCK 4 reported as above, loaded and delivered to A.D. O-106. 2030 BLOCK 2 returned to camp. 2100 BLOCK 5 reported as above, loaded and proceeded to A.S.P. No.7 at SAVIGNE near LE MANS. Appendix “F” 2330 BLOCK 1 returned to camp. 11 August 1944 ECOGUENEAUVILLE 0600 BLOCK 2 reported as above, loaded and proceeded to A.S.P. No. 7 at SAVIGNE. 0700 BLOCK 1 reported as above, loaded and delivered to A.S.P. 805. 1030 BLOCK 6 returned to unit. 1600 BLOCK 4 returned to unit. 1630 BLOCK 6 reported as above, loaded and proceeded to A.S.P. 7 at SAVIGNE. In addition to amn 160 U.S. Troops were carried to LE BOURNEUF Y 5457. 1915 BLOCK 3 returned to camp. 2230 BLOCK 1 returned to camp. All vehicles of No. 1694 Lt A.A. S/L Bty Sec R.A.S.C. located AMFEVILLE T 2997 affiliated to this unit W/Shops for maintenance and inspection. 12 August 1944 ECOGUENEAUVILLE 0700 BLOCK 1 reported as above, loaded and proceeded to A.S.P. 7. Appendix “G” 1130 BLOCK 4 reported as above, loaded and proceeded to A.S.P. 7. 1500 BLOCK 3 reported as above, loaded and proceeded to A.S.P. 7. 13 August 1944 ECOGUENEAUVILLE 2100 BLOCK 2 returned to camp. 14 August 1944 ECOGUENEAUVILLE 1645 BLOCK 1 returned to camp. 1915 BLOCK 6 returned to camp. 2015 BLOCK 5 returned to camp. 2100 WARNING ORDER for move to FOUGERES received from C.R.A.S.C. 21 Tpt Coln R.A.S.C. 15 August 1944 ECOGUENEAUVILLE T 3895 0100 WARNING ORDER 60x3 ton vehicles to ‘stand by’ at half an hours notice for amn detail from 0530 hrs 15 Aug 44. 0900 60x3 ton vehicles under command Capt FINCH, R.A.S.C. left camp to load supplies at CLASS 1 UTAH DUMP MR 395948. 1300 Rations loaded and convoy left for LUCKY SUPPLY DUMP No 12 of TRESSE MR 233952 and off-loaded next morning. 1400 27x3 ton vehicles under command Lieut. M. DAVIS, R.A.S.C. reported as for 60x3 ton vehicles above and carried out similar detail. 1400 Coy H.Q, H.Q. of all Platoons, and one Section W/S Platoon left for new Company location near FLEURIGNE Y 4477 leaving rear party of one Section W/Shops and 6 O.Rs under command Capt. C.M. RYAN, R.A.S.C. 1900 Convoy as above arrived FLEURIGNE and was located close to C.R.A.S.C. 21 Tpt Coln and 713 Company R.A.S.C. (General Transport). 16 August 1944 FLEURIGNE Y 4477 1100 60x3 ton (Capt. FINCH’s party) arrived in camp. 1200 27x3 ton (Lieut. DAVIS’ party) arrived in camp. 1500 C.R.A.S.C. visited unit. All superstructures and canopies removed. 17 August 1944 FLEURIGNE Y 4477 0800 WARNING ORDER received for all task vehicles to be ready to load amn at FOUGERES and Coy H.Q. to be ready to move forward. 1700 Rear party under command CAPT. C.M. RYAN, R.A.S.C. joined unit from ECOGUENEAUVILLE. No 1694 Lt A.A. S/L Bty Sec R.A.S.C. ceased to be attached to unit for affiliation and maintenance. 18 August 1944 FLEURIGNE Y 4477 0600 Further WARNING ORDER to move received. 0900 “A” Platoon left for Report Centre at MARTIGNE to [load] supplies from 55 Supply Depot U.S. Army in that area and transport them to No. 16 Supply Depot U.S. Army at SARGE near LE MANS and returned to camp (ROUILLON) 1400 hrs 18 Aug 44. 1200 “B” Platoon left for Report Centre as for “A” Platoon above, and returned to camp (ROUILLON) 1600 hrs 18 Aug 44. 1330 Coy H.Q. and W/S Platoon left location FLEURIGNE and arrived new location in area ROUILLON near LE MANS at 2000 hrs. C.R.A.S.C. H.Q. opened same area same time. 1500 “C” Platoon left for Report Centre as for “A” Platoon above, and returned to camp (ROUILLON) after loading P.O.L. 1600 hrs 18 August. 1800 “D” Platoon left for Report Centre as for “A” Platoon above, and returned to camp (ROUILLON) 1600 hrs 18 Aug 44. 2200 Message received to “stand by” for work in LE MANS area. C.R.A.S.C. Advanced H.Q. established LE MANS Station. 19 August 1944 ROUILLON, near LE MANS 1800 “A” + “B” Platoons reported MAJOR SAMUEL at Class III Dump No. 16 SAVIGN, loaded P.O.L. and proceeded to: “A” Platoon – No 21 Dump FRIAZE near COURVILLE; “B” Platoon – No 23 Dump BELMONY near LA LOUPE. 20 August 1944 ROUILLON 0200- 42x3 ton vehicles reported No.2 RAILHEAD, U.S. Army, LE MANS, loaded rations and 0400 carried to No. 16 Class I Depot SAVIGNE returning 0845 hrs. 0900 - 24x3 ton vehicles reported No.2 RAILHEAD, U.S. Army, LE MANS, loaded P.O.L. and carried 1200 to No.16 Class III Dump SAVIGNE returning 2100 hrs. 18x3 ton reported ditto but despatched to No.24 D.P. ORGERES nr ORLEANS returning 1530 hrs on 21 August. 1530 “A” and “B” Platoons returned to camp. 1930 18x3 ton reported No.2 R.H., loaded P.O.L. and delivered to D.P.21 at COURVILLE, returning 2215 hrs 21 Aug 44. 17x3 ton reported No.2 R.H., loaded P.O.L. and delivered to D.P. 24 ORGERES, returning 2345 hrs 21 Aug 44. 13x3 ton reported No.2 R.H., loaded P.O.L. and delivered to Q110 Dump nr LE MANS returning 1530 hrs 21 Aug 44. 21 August 1944 ROUILLON 1200 Unit now definitely detailed to supply tpt for 470 QM Group U.S. Army to clear RHs in LE MANS and other tpt missions fwd of LE MANS. In particular the unit has been allocated the operation in conjunction with C.R.A.S.C. and 713 and 711 Coys, of No.2 RH LE MANS. 1200 16x3 ton reported No.2 RH, loaded P.O.L. and delivered to DP 24 ORGERES, returning 1315 hrs 22 Aug 44. 1715 6x3 ton reported No.2 RH, embarked loading personnel and delivered to QM 110 Dump nr LE MANS, returning 0615 hrs 22 Aug. 22 Aug 44 ROUILLON 0100 11x3 ton and 30x3 ton reported No.2 RH, loaded amn and delivered to ASP 17 GAUDREVILLE 15 miles SW of AUNEAU, returning 2145 hrs 23 Aug 44. 0600 3x3 ton reported no.2 RH, loaded P.O.L. and delivered to QM 110 Coy nr LE MANS, returning 1745 hrs. 0600 52x3 ton reported No.2 RH, loaded P.O.L. and delivered to DP 24 at LA CHAMPAGNE, returning with some empties 1630 hrs, 23 Aug 44. Note on Superstructures and Canopies. The Company has now made three moves on which of [sic] superstructures have had to be put on for the move and taken off again on arrival. The BEDFORD O.Y. 3 tonner with which this Coy is equipped have 12 bolts and nuts for holding on each superstructure. Inevitably these have become badly worn and in another three moves will become U/S. For loading purposes it is necessary to remove the superstructure. It is suggested that ‘drop-in’ racks fitted for the superstructure would be a satisfactory solution. 23 August 1944 ROUILLON No entry. 24 August 1944 ROUILLON 1430 12x3 ton to QM110 then loaded with P.O.L. to 24 Dump ORGERES returning 1900 hrs on 25 Aug 44. 12x3 ton to QM 110 then loaded with P.O.L. to 27 Dump PITHIVERS returning 1700 hrs on 26 Aug 44. 1445 30x3 ton reported 262 Ord Bn U.S. Army St Mars-le-Briere to collect 400 personnel and baggage to convey to LE MANS station by 1700 hrs. Returned to camp 1930 hrs. 1900 8x3 ton report No.2 RH, load empty P.O.L. cans and rations and deliver QM 110 depot returning 2355 hrs. 2030 24x3 ton reported No.2 RH, loaded P.O.L. and delivered QM 110 returning to camp 1115 hrs 25 Aug 44. 25 August 1944 ROUILLON 0630 16x3 ton reported RENAULT Stadium LE MANS for local detail. 26 August 1944 ROUILLON 1000 C.R.A.S.C. inspected unit. 1730 37x3 ton reported No.2 RH, loaded 500lb bombs and delivered Strip A39 81 Sqdn CHATEAUDUN returning 1430 hrs 27 Aug 44. 27 August 1944 ROUILLON 0800 22x3 ton various personnel and equipment details for ADSEC U.S. Army LE MANS returning at various dates up to 2300 31 Aug 44. 0800 28x3 ton reported 13 POSTAL SECTION LE MANS, delivered to A.P.O.s from CHERBOURG to CHATRES. All these details completed by 2300 hrs 31 Aug 44. 0800 2x3 ton reported CRASC and collected 50 POW’s for use on domestic tasks for the Transport Column. 1740 45x3 ton reported No.2 RH and loaded P.O.L. for QM 110 Coy returning to camp 0130 hrs 28 Aug 44. 2200 4x3 ton returned local R.H. loaders to billet. 28 August 1944 ROUILLON 0800 12x3 ton reported 13 POSTAL SECTION LE MANS loaded mail and were despatched to A.P.O.s from CHERBOURG to LE MANS, returning to camp 2300 hrs 31 Aug 44. 1330 2x3 ton loaded signal equipment for SIGNALS 852 U.S. Army at ST GEORGE near LE MANS and carried to MESNIL THOMAS, returning 0800 hrs 30 Aug 44. 1730 5x3 ton loaded personnel of 9 TRAFFIC REGULATING GROUP U.S. Army and off-loaded at points between St. LO and CHARTRES, returning 1800 hrs 29 Aug 44. 2200 WARNING ORDER received for move of Coy to area ETAMPES 35 miles South of PARIS on 30 Aug 44. 29 August 1944 ROUILLON 0900 31x3 ton detailed to take 500 American M.P’s to PARIS, returning to new camp 1500 hrs on 30 Aug 44. 1430 30x3 ton detailed to collect special sand for water purifying from Renault Sand-pit LE MANS to a location at PISEAUX nr PITINVERS, returning to camp 1400 hrs on 31 Aug 44. Officer in charge was told that 5 tons only was required and NOT 90 tons as delivered. 30 August 1944 ETAMPES 0900 Coy H.Q. and one section W/S left ROUILLON and by 1800 hrs established H.Q. east of ETAMPES being situated near C.R.A.S.C. 21 Tpt Coln and 711 and 713 Coys. 1100 30x3 ton reported ADSEC H.Q. U.S. Army LE MANS loaded part of their furniture and equipment and carried to area ETAMPES reporting into camp 2359 hrs 31 Aug 44. 31 August 1944 ETAMPES 0800 8x3 ton out on various Postal details in area MELUN and RENNES and in between, returning 1700 3 Sep 44. Total mileages and tonnages carried are shown as Appendices H, I, J and K.
1 September 1944 ETAMPES 0800 5x3 ton report 56 Army Postal Unit CHATRES returning 1300 hrs 3 Sep 44. 0800 60x3 ton (Lieut. DAVIS in charge) left for LE MANS to pick up 108 and 217 Gen Hospitals and take to PARIS, returning 1300 hrs 3 Sep 44. Unit faced, along with all others in this area, with an acute shortage of petrol. 1300 36x3 ton (Lieut. MARSHALL in charge) left for LE MANS to pick up 108 and 217 Gen Hospitals and take to PARIS, returning 1300 hrs 3 Sep 44. 2 September 1944 ETAMPES 0600 13x3 ton in company with vehicles of 713 Coy left for LE MANS to pick up hospitals for PARIS returning 1300 hrs 4 Sep 44. 1300 Petrol situation still the same. 5x3 ton left with Capt. SWAN of C.R.A.S.C. in search of petrol at LE MANS. 1800 WARNING ORDER received for Coy to return to British sector with CRASC and 713 Coy. 3 September 1944 ETAMPES No entry. 4 September 1944 0500 Coy moved to area BERNIERES near CAEN, Map Ref 986249 Sheet 7E/5 1/50,000 and came under command C.R.A.S.C. 33 Tpt Coln RASC. 5 September 1944 BERNIERES 0900 90x3 ton employed on unloading from Pontoon Docks at ARROMANCHES and PORT-en-BESSIN and delivering to Depots in area BAYEUX – CAEN. 6 September 1944 BERNIERES 90x3 ton employed as for 5 Sep 44. 7 September 1944 BERNIERES 0930 Coy HQ and W/S Platoon moved to FRIANT Barracks AMIENS and came under command 11 L of C Area. ‘A’ Platoon carried 35 Coy Pioneer Corps and 237 Coy Pioneer Corps from area BAYEUX to BERNAY and came under command 9 L of C Sub-Area situated at FONTAINE near BERNAY for details in the ROUEN area. ‘C’ Platoon remained under command 33 Tpt Coln and carried on Pontoon Docks details through 39 Coy RASC (Gen Tpt). Appendix ‘B’ Appendix ‘C’ ‘B’ and ‘D’ Platoons loaded 3 Coy Pioneer Corps and 54 D.I.D. as well as 60,000 rations and carried to FRIANT Barracks AMIENS. O.C. appointed O.C. R.A.S.C. AMIENS and O.C. FRIANT Barracks. 8 September 1944 AMIENS 39x3 ton on details ranging from BAYEUX to GHENT, LILLE and BRUSSELS as well as local details. 9 September 1944 AMIENS 20 x 3 ton AUSTINs attached from H.Q. L of C Area less drivers for detail. 40x3 ton on detail as above. 10 September 1944 AMIENS 52x3 ton on detail as above. 11 September 1944 AMIENS 80x3 ton on detail as above. 12 September 1944 AMIENS 76x3 ton on detail as above. 13 September 1944 AMIENS 20 x 3 ton on detail as above. 10 x 3 ton AUSTINS attached from 6 L of C Sub Area DIEPPE. 22 French civilian drivers attached to help as drivers of 30 AUSTINS now held which now constitute ‘H’ Platoon. 14 September 1944 AMIENS 74x3 ton on detail as above. 15 September 1944 AMIENS 82x3 ton on detail as above. 16 September 1944 AMIENS 94x3 ton on detail as above. 6 captured vehicles delivered from R.E.M.E. and handed over to French civilian drivers. They ranged from 10 ton articulators to 3 ton truck but were all u/s even for local details and were withdrawn by 18 Sep 44. Tyres, batteries, carburettors were u/s. Appendix C 17 September 1944 AMIENS 4x3 ton returned from ‘C’ Platoon and available for transport details. A further 20 civilians attached for use as drivers, total now 42. 86x3 ton on detail as above. 18 September 1944 AMIENS 55x3 ton on detail as above. 19 September 1944 AMIENS 73x3 ton on detail as above. 20 September 1944 AMIENS 73x3 ton on detail as above. 21 September 1944 AMIENS 90x3 ton on detail as above. 22 September 1944 AMIENS 16x3 ton RASC vehicles drawn by Lieut. G.WILKINSON from L of C Vehicle Sub Park 784232 and taken on strength of unit. 1 Sgt and 11 Drivers ex 3 C.E. Wks R.E. collected with the vehicles and attached as drivers. These 16 vehicles known as R.E. Platoon. 97x3 ton on detail as above. 23 September 1944 AMIENS ‘C’ Platoon now reverted to command and moved to AMIENS. Total tpt: 3 Platoons RASC, 1 Platoon of 30 French civilians, 16x3 ton R.E. = 145x3 ton. 117x3 ton on detail as above. 24 September 1944 AMIENS 102x3 ton on detail as above. 25 September 1944 AMIENS 105x3 ton on detail as above. 26 September 1944 AMIENS 78x3 ton on detail as above. 27 September 1944 AMIENS 100x3 ton on detail as above. 28 September 1944 AMIENS 127x3 ton on detail as above. Unit now under command 16 L of C Sub Area. 29 September 1944 AMIENS 129x3 ton on detail as above. 30 September 1944 AMIENS 116x3 ton on detail as above. Goggles defect report submitted to 11 L of C Area as per Appendix ‘D’. Appendix D Platoon mileage + tonnage carried state up to date is at Appendix ‘E’ Appendix E
1 October 1944 AMIENS 160x3 ton vehicles on details ranging from BAYEUX to GHENT, LILLE, ANYWERP and BRUSSELS. Total vehicles available for detail 145x3 ton. 2 October 1944 AMIENS “A” Platoon rejoined Unit from detachment in the ROUEN area. 144x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 3 October 1944 AMIENS 156x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 4 October 1944 AMIENS 96x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. “H” Platoon 30x3 ton driven by civilian drivers now returned to 14 A.O.D. ST GRATIEN and drivers paid off. Total vehicle available for detail, including “A” Platoon, 148x3 ton. 5 October 1944 AMIENS 129x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 6 October 1944 AMIENS 116x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 7 October 1944 AMIENS 117x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 8 October 1944 AMIENS 130x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 9 October 1944 AMIENS 127x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 10 October 1944 AMIENS 112x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 11 October 1944 AMIENS 121x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 12 October 1944 AMIENS 116x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 13 October 1944 AMIENS 115x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 14 October 1944 AMIENS 128x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 15 October 1944 AMIENS 122x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 16 October 1944 AMIENS 117x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 17 October 1944 AMIENS 134x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 18 October 1944 AMIENS W/Sub Lieut T/Capt J.H. Finch, RASC posted to 711 Coy RASC (GT) as O.C. with acting rank of major. Auth. S.T. Exfor Rear T.P.M. ST 4259 Dated 13 Oct 44. 124x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 19 October 1944 AMIENS 129x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 20 October 1944 AMIENS 126x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 21 October 1944 AMIENS 115x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 22 October 1944 AMIENS 132x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 6x3 ton vehicles of ‘D’ Platoon on detachment at LILLE relieved by 6x3 ton vehicles from ‘B’ Platoon. 23 October 1944 AMIENS 130x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 1600 ADMS 16 L of C sub Area visits FRIANT Barracks with a view to establishing a central M.I. room [??]. 1x3 ton vehicle evacuated, beyond local repair. Strength of vehicles reduced to 226 all types. 24 October 1944 AMIENS 125x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 25 October 1944 AMIENS 126x3 ton vehicles on detail as above. Lt.Col. K.M. Wills P.C. appointed C.O. FRIANT BARRACKS wef 23 Oct 44. Visited barracks with ADMS to discuss re-organisation of accommodation. 26 October 1944 AMIENS 121 x 3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 27 October 1944 AMIENS 112 x 3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 28 October 1944 AMIENS 122 x 3 ton vehicles on detail as above. W/Sub Lieutenant, A/Captain F.E. Marriage, RASC, joined this unit to fill vacancy created by the promotion and subsequent posting of T/Captain, A/Major J.F. Finch, RASC. Authority S.T. Exfor, rear T.P.M. S.T. 4359 dated 13 Oct 44. 29 October 1944 AMIENS 112 x 3 ton vehicles on detail as above. 30 October 1944 AMIENS 123 x 3 ton vehicles on detail as above. CAPT. A.K.P. Clarkson, RASC, appointed 2 i/c this unit. 31 October 1944 131 x 3 ton vehicles on detail as above.
Hi Tom, Great piece of work mate,i'm very intrested in RASC, especially NWE. If your interested,I have the war diaries for 1611 med regt RASC, from July 1943 to end of June 1944.(my fathers unit) Quite happy to knock you a copy up and e.mail them to you.(let me know) best..........Graham.
Graham, Thanks, I started out just looking for Austin K5 units but seem to have got a bit obsessed on all RASC units in NW Europe in 1944. I'm up to about 100 war diaries now and normally copy a couple new ones each time I get to Kew. I'm a bit swamped at the moment with other stuff, but intend transcribing them slowly and posting them up for descendants to see here. It would be great to see the WD of 1611 Med Regt RASC, but why not post it up here for all to see? Regards Tom
Hi Tom, Just seen your post,(busy weekend for me) Quite happy to do that,i will have a sort out during the coming week. Graham.
