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The Royal Army Service Corps



The Army Service Corps was formed in 1888 by an amalgamation of Commissariat and Transport Staff and Corps, whose history can be traced back to the formation of The Corps of Waggoners in 1794. Royal was added to the title in 1918.

The role of the Royal Army Service Corps is the supply regiment, delivering all supplies including petrol, food and ammunition up to the front line.

In 1965 the RASC amalgamated with Transportation and Movement Control Service of the Royal Engineers, to form Royal Corps of Transport.
Companies during the Second World War.






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List of those who served with The Royal Army Service Corps during The Second World War



Corporal Charles Henry Francis "Chaz or Carl" Galliers c section 14th reserve MT coy RASC

My paternal grandfather Corporal Charles Henry Francis Galliers, RASC "C" section, 14th reserve MT coy, middle east forces in 1941 was in the POW Camp PG78 in Italy after 1942 (not sure of dates) and then stalag IVB during spring 1944 (I have a letter sent home with april 1944 on it). He died 3 years ago, the only memories he told were of being starving hungry in the Italian camp and chewing boot leather to stave off hunger and when a donkey was brought into camp pulling a cart it didn't live to leave! He was treated better by the Germans. I have some photos with a couple of other POWs names on the back - Geoff Galloway and George Frick (?can't read the writing properly looks like Frick) - also some photos of my grandad working on building a war memorial and on the back it reads "newborderf am elbe, (again not sure of spelling) prisoners of war cemetary, taken 7th may 1944". There is also a photo of a german guard - his name on the back " ? officer Siebel". Anyone who has any info about my grandad, his platoon, the camps he was in I would be interested to hear from them. I will send scans of the photos I have later when I have mastered the technology!



L/Cpl. Ralph William John Shotter Royal Army Service Corps (d.17th Jun 1940)

My grandmother was romantically involved with Ralph Shotter, who was in the Royal Army Services Corps and has heard that he was on board the Lancastria when it sunk. He was 21 years old. Apparently he has no known grave, but his name appears on a war memorial in Dunkirk, France, which I would love to take her to see. Also, she would love to hear from anyone who may have known Ralph and to hear of any last memories of him or see any pictures. Please email me if you have any further information. Many thanks.



Pte. Harry John Weeks 2 Motorboat Company RASC (d.4th Aug 1943)

I discovered some pictures and info in my Gran's bits and peices about two of her brothers who were killed in WW2. I would appreciate any info on Harry Weeks or just about his unit, no 2 or no 247 motorboat company. Thanks in hope and anticipation



Cpl David Elwyn Vaughan Royal Army Service Corps (d.14th Aug 1940)

I am desperately trying to trace my Grandfather, David Vaughan who died in the Second World War aged 27. His wife was Annie may Vaughan and she died aged 33 in 1950. They lived in Glyneath, South Wales and the circumstances surrounding his death are vague. His only son died in 1993 and his only daughter, my mum is unable to recall any memories due to his death when she was only 9 years old



Pte. Cecil "'Pop'" Hearnden Royal Army Service Corps

My father served in WW1 having falsified his age to join up. He was in the reserve at start of WW2. and went with the BEF to France. During retreat to Dunkirk, he was in ambulance with other wounded and didn't make it to the beaches. They holed up in a barn for a few days but was captured by the Germans and ended up in Stalag XXB. From what I can find out this was the only camp in that area,but I distinctly remember my Mother addressing letters' Nr Konigsburg'. He said very little about his experiences, but he told us he was on the' Long March' he owed his life to a german soldier who dug up vegetables from the fields. I'm just getting around to doing my family history! If anybody can help I'll be very grateful.



John Dukes

Hello. My grandad, John Dukes, passed away a couple of years ago, and I am trying to find out anything I can about him. He was called up for duty as a baker on the 25th of April 1941, and he was demobed on the 19th of June 1946. He left a story of his life in the army from 1941 to 1946, but I would like to know more information if there is any. I hope someone can help. Thank you.



Bernard Lyde 384 Company

I'm writing on behalf of my grandad, Bernard Lyde, who has just celebrated his 91st birthday. He and my Nan, Margaret, have been married for over 66 years. Nan & Gramp have lived for nearly all their lives in Weymouth, Dorset. He served in the North African desert in 1941/42 in 384 Company, Royal Army Service Corps (RASC). Gramp was called up and enlisted at Sutton-on-Trent on 27 June 1940. He spent the war in N Africa and Italy before being demobbed in January 1946. Gramp is especially keen to make contact with his mate, Bob Lee, or his family. In late 1946 Bob was on holiday with his wife in Burton Bradstock, Dorset. Nan & Gramp met up with them in the Dove Inn at Burton Bradstock. Intending to keep in touch, Gramp made a note of Bob's details on the back of a packet of cigarettes, but subsequently lost it and they never made contact again. Gramp believes that Bob was originally from the London area. It would be fantastic if Gramp heard from Bob or any of the other lads in 384 Co.



John Dukes baker Royal Army Service Corps

hello, this is my grandad. He passed away a couple of years ago and I am trying to find out anything I can about him. He was called up for duty on the 25th April 1941 and he was demobbed on the 19th June 1946. He left a story of his life in the army from 1941 to 1946, but I would like to know more. If there is any more about him, I hope someone can help. Thank you.



RSM William Henry "Harry" Smallwood Royal Army Service Corps

My husband's father has recently passed away and my husband would love to know about his service record, His Name is William Henry Smallwood, and he was a Regimental Sargeant Major, and he served in Burma during WW2. I believe he joined the RASC in Haydock near St.Helens (which was then in Lancashire) around 1939 at the beginning of the war. He was also a great bandsman and may have played in an army band I would be very greateful for any information anyone can give me.



Private W H Edward Royal Army Service Corps

Looking for information on the above Service Man he is on Fetcham War Memorial WW2 all the others I have managed to identify



Private Robert Lional Mead Royal Army Service Corps (d.2004)

My Dad, Private Robert Lional Mead, served with the Royal Army Service Corps. He was captured at Dunkirk and spent the duration of the war in Stalag XXB. He is in the picture sent in by Robert Hedges' family. We have several photos taken in Stalag XXB. He died in 2004 aged 91.



Corporal Fredrick Wyman Service Corps

Fredrick Wyman was my grandfather. I am trying to find some information on him as our family has so little. We know that he was a driver in the Royal Army Service Corps and that he drove some quite influential people around but that is it, we would love to know more.



Arthur Henry Budd 3 Amb Car Coy Royal Army Service Corps (d.1st August 1942)

I am trying to research my uncle's war years. Arthur Henry Budd was in the royal army service corps, he was killed 01/08/1942. Does anyone remember him?



Richard Henry James Whiting Royal Army Service Corps (d.17th Sept 1945)

My grandfather Richard Henry James Whiting, died in Rimini at the end of the war on 17 Sept 1945. He was waiting for his date to come home to Croyden after having served 6.5 years - he went in with the Territorial Army and served with the Royal Army Service Corps. He had written to the Croydon Advertiser complaining at how long it was taking to get them home - especially as he had not had any leave (or seen his little girl) for 2.5 years. His little girl (my mother) was 2.5 years old when he died - he never did get home to see her. He offered to do a 'run' for his mate and was either shot by a sniper or had a road accident - nobody knows. He was 27 when he died.

I am going to Coriano Ridge war cemetery in Rimini to pay my respects to my Grandfather, of whom I am very proud. I wondered if there was any way of finding any one who might have known him, or what had happened to him. I know it is a tall order but nothing ventured nothing gained.



George Alfred Gilbert Royal Army Service corp

My grandad, George Alfred Gilbert RASC, was mentioned in despatches during World War II and I would be very interested to know how I can find out what he was mentioned for.



William Lowe 545 Tank Transporter Company Royal Army Service Corps

Can anybody please tell me which beach the 545 Tank Transporter Company, Royal Army Service Corps arrived at on D-Day and what direction they took as the weeks unfolded?

My father William Lowe was a driver in the 545 from 1940-1946. He took tanks into N.France travelling through Belgium and eventually ended up in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. His Service Number was T/293822 and we have many documents from around the 1943 era.



Joseph Lawson 37th Reserve MT Royal Army Service Corps

My name is Joseph Lawson. I enlisted in 1940, although I wanted to join RAF, when I told the recruiting Officer I could drive, there was only one place for me: as a driver with the RASC. After basic training, I joined the 37th Reserve MT and was sent off to North Africa to join the Middle Eastern Expeditionary Force, later to be known as the 8th Army. During my time in the Desert, I was attached to many different Regiments and Divisions: 4th Indians, New Zealand, British 10 Corps. After El Alamein, I then joined up with 1st Army for the Italian campaign, landing at Salerno, near Naples. And in Italy I stayed until 1945, eventually being de-mobbed in 1946, six years after saying goodbye to my family and friends. I am proud to say that I was a D Day Dodger!

It would make me very happy to make contact with anyone who also got their "knees brown" and possibly swap some stories of leave in the Cairo souks, Alex, or Rome. In Winston's words: "Hello My Dear Desert Rat"



Gordon Henry Rout RASC 8th Army

I am trying to trace anyone who may have have known my great uncle Gordon Rout. He served in the RASC in East Africa and then in Italy. He was attached to the Eighth Army.

I have recently discovered a diary he appears to written after the war in which he recounts his experiences from setting off up the Clyde in May 1942, to arriving in Egypt 9 weeks later.

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has information about him as all I have are his diary, some photos and his medals which although give a good picture of the war and his experiences, I would like to know more about what he was like as a person.



Sergeant George Frederick Thomas Burrows (d.5th July 1941)

My father, Sergeant George Frederick Thomas Burrows, R.A.S.C. had been in France in the BEF and managed to get home on one of the little ships at Dunkirk. I would love to know who rescued him. After a convalescent, he was sent out to Africa, not sure quite where they intended to land. His ship was the HMS Anselm and he was one who didn't get off. I was about 6 years old at the time with 'ovaltiney' sisters of 4 and 2 and Mum expecting a baby in the November as Dad was killed in July

He was the sun in my sky and it took me over 60 years to be healed of the grief I felt at his death. This being through my Christian faith and a loving counsellor. War doesn't end with the peace treaty, as I and many others can testify.

I have a Liverpool Echo report of the incident and Padre Cedric Pugh, who, eventually received his well earned medal. It took my local councillors 50 years to get our lost loved ones names put on a monument.I also have many photos of Dad and one of Mum that he carried with him all through the BEF and Dunkirk. Also a small cutting about someone who was rescued from the Anselm. I am not very good with the computer but would be very willing to get good copies if anyone cared to have one.

Sincerely and thanks for the site. I will try and send a donation but am now an OAP and it isn't financially easy in this 'land fit for heroes'.



Pte. John Nursall Hughes EFI ( NAAFI ) Royal Army Service Corps

I am the son of the above man. I believe that he was a Clerk working for the NAAFI in Liverpool prior to the outbreak of the war. NAAFI needed staff to go overseas, so to enable them to be in uniform, they were asked to volunteer. They were attached to the Royal Army Service Corpsin an organisation called Expeditionary Forces Institute, EFI. He was in France in 1940 and was evacuated through St. Nazaire on 17th June 1940. He told me that he was waiting on the quayside, awaiting embarkation. I believe that he was waiting on the quay when the Lancastria was sunk. He was evacuated to Falmouth. and was married on 23rd June 1940 I would be interested in contacting other RASC/EFI families or St.Nazaire survivors. Additionally, Our Family later new and lived close to James Dunbar O.B.E. Chief Engineer of HMT Lancastria on 17 June 1940, and who I believe was awarded his OBE for his role that day.



Frederick J. Pinnell Royal Army Service Corps. (d.17th July 1941)

One of my grandfathers' cousins, Frederick J. Pinnell, served with the Royal Army Service Corps during the Second World War. He was killed in action on 17th July 1941, and is buried in the Suda Bay War Cemetry, Crete. So I persume he was killed in the defence of Crete, though my grandfather heard he was killed whilst trying to escape from an Italian POW camp, though this was just a rumour.



Llew James RASC

My father was captured in North Africa and then held in Stalag XV111A. I have a few photos of him and some mates; one photo has an address on it – Bill Pullan of Harrogate.

Does anyone have any info on my father as he never really spoke about the war?



Frederick J. Pinnell Royal Army Service Corps. (d.17th July 1941)

One of my grandfathers' cousins, Frederick J. Pinnell, served with the Royal Army Service Corps during the Second World War. He was killed in action on 17th July 1941, and is buried in the Suda Bay War Cemetry, Crete. So I persume he was killed in the defence of Crete, though my grandfather heard he was killed whilst trying to escape from an Italian POW camp, though this was just a rumour.



Llew James RASC

My father was captured in North Africa and then held in Stalag XV111A. I have a few photos of him and some mates; one photo has an address on it – Bill Pullan of Harrogate.

Does anyone have any info on my father as he never really spoke about the war?



Lieutenant-Colonel Philip J L Wooley-Lane RASC

My uncle, Philip Woolley-Lane, passed out of RMC Sandhurst in 1928 and served in the RASC until about 1950. I was told he was at Dunkirk. Can anyone tell me anything about his war service?



Private Robert Cummings Anthony (d.17th June 1940)

My uncle was on the Lancastria although I don't know too much about him. He was only 21, just a boy as were so many others. His name was Robert Anthony, and was a baker with the Royal Army Service Corps. He was on deck when the ship was bombed, but was terrified of the water, and wouldn't jump when his pals did. They shouted for him to jump, but he was too frightened. Some of his friends survived, and it was they who came and told his mother what had happened.

Although he was an only son, and just a boy, his name was never put on the war memorial here in Ayr, which his mother never understood. But after many letters and these long years his name is now on a small plate, under the memorial, too late for his mother.

Robert Anthony is buried in the Normoutier-en-L'Ile Communal Cemetery.



Driver John Gannon RASC (d.7th February 1945)

During the second World War the Allied and German soldiers, who were killed in Goirle, Noord Brabant, the Netherlands and in the neighbourhood, were buried at the Roman Catholic cemetery from the parish St. Jan in Goirle.

After the war the remains of the German soldiers were reburied in Ysselsteijn (near Venray) and most of the allied soldiers were reburied in Bergen op Zoom (War Cemetery and Canadian War Cemetery) and in Leopoldsburg (Belgium, War Cemetery).

At this moment there are 27 Allied graves in Goirle. Every year we commemorate the victims of World War II, both soldiers and civilians. We know their names, but who were the persons behind the names? What were their lives before they died? Where did they come from? How did they die? Under what circumstances?

It is my intention to give the victims a face, to write and keep the story behind the gravestones because we always will remember the soldier who died for our liberty. We can forget names, but not faces. I will try to write down all their stories for the next generation so they will know who was commemorated.

Maybe someone can help me with Driver John Gannon, RASC T/14527676, who died on the 7th February 1945, age 20.

Send me a letter or an e-mail with additional information, a photograph or a copy of any personal document, which I can use for The Memory Book or a website. Thank you in advance for your help.



John William George RASC

I hope that someone can help. My grandfather was John William George T/129507. He was a driver with the RASC and was, I believe, captured at St Valery around the time of the Dunkirk evacuations. From there he went to Brahnau Camp 2 and was most certainly there over Christmas 1942 - I have a small piece of paper signed by other servicemen in way of a Christmas card.

Like so many others, would not speak about his wartime experiences. I have managed to piece together very little from the few documents I found at his house when he passed away.

I would love to hear from anybody who knew him or anyone who can lead me in the right direction to find out what his experiences were. Many thanks for any help offered



Corporal Percy Thackray RASC

My dad, Corporal Percy Thackray, joined the RASC before WW2 and left in 1949; just wondered if any one could remember him, as he never told me about WW2 and what he did, although I think he was a batman driver.



Private William Martin RASC

I am trying to find out more about my Dad, William Martin. He came from Perth Scotland. Was captured at St Valery in June 1940 and was a POW at Stalag V111B. He was a private in the RASC.



Pte. Payne Royal Army Service Corps

Extract from newspaper report from an Interview with Private Payne from Luton, Chatham August 1940.

With the collapse of the French army Private Payne was involved in the evacuation of the 2nd BEF and he and other troops found themselves aboard the ill fated SS Lancastria.

‘The story of the Lancastria has now been told’ he said, ’but one thing that was not sufficiently emphasised was the courage of the troops on board.

‘It has been suggested that the enemy were not aware of the Lancastria’s identity after she had sunk I think I can confirm that’ ‘A Corporal Williamson and myself, both clerks with the R.A.S.C., were manning a Bren gun on the top deck. He was firing and I was feeding the gun. We brought down the plane that bombed the boat and it therefore did not return to its base to tell the tale.

In the explosion which followed the bombing my comrade was severely injured. I think I can say that I saved his life because although he was practically unconscious I managed to dress his wounds and get him safely on a boat. I placed him on the last lifeboat to leave the ship. I tried to get into a boat myself, but overbalanced and fell into the water. I had no life belt and I could not swim, but I found an oar in the water and was able to hold myself up. I was in the water more than 2 hours. We were machine gunned during part of it, but I came through okay and was finally picked up by a French trawler.

When I got aboard I found my comrade was there too. He was lying unconscious on the deck and although I was terribly wet and weary I made a pillow for him out of some wet clothing and stayed with him until we were transferred to a bigger ship. Here he was operated on and is, I believe, now in hospital in England.

I think his feat in shooting down the German plane is deserving of some recognition.

Private Payne added that his experience had somewhat affected his help and that he has now been graded B.1.

Corporal Williamson was my father John Derek Williamson, who died when he was 68 years old in 1988.



Cpl. John Derek Williamson Royal Army Service Corps



Frank Stephen Ashby Royal Army Service Corps

My grandad, Frank Stephen Ashby, served as a driver in the Royal Army Service Corps from 1939. Very sadly, he died in 1947 at the age of 27 from TB which he contracted during the war. As my dad was only one year old at the time he cannot remember him and would love to know more about him. We know he served in Dunkirk but have no other information. We would love to know if anybody can remember Frank and if they could share any memories with us. Many thanks.



Sgt George Simpson Andrew Royal Army Service Corps (d.1st Jun 1945)

died in Borneo captured in Garoet, Java whilst setting up communications for British invasion. Supposed M.I.A (missing in action) one week before Regular Soldier for 7 years. Does anybody have any information on Sgt Geogre Simpson Andrew service number: 193921, RASC, or even know where I can look for a regimental photo. He Joined the Army reserve in 1937, then joined the RASC in 1938. I did hear at one point that there maybe people who were in the same POW camp in Borneo still alive. Thank you for you time.



Driver Charles McDougall

My father Charles McDougall of Aberfeldy, Perthshire was taken prisoner at St Valery. His number was T135468. He was a driver in the RASC. He seldom spoke of his experiences in depth, but used to give us snippets of information..

He spoke of being lined up to be shot on two separate occasions, but each time was reprieved...I think that was a form of mental torture. He told us of making soup from nettles and from potato peelings and he worked in a salt mine. He told us that he was in on several escape plans but did nor ever try to escape himself as he reckoned he was too old and might hold the others back. He told us that the Gaelic speakers in the camp were able to pass information to each other without the Guards knowing what they were saying. He told us of the march through Poland when men would be shot if they stopped for a second. He weighed 6 stone when he came home and was of a nervous disposition for the rest of his life.



Lt Col. Ian Bruce Hunter MBE Royal Army Service Corps

I would like to find anyone who knew my father Ian Hunter, during the war. He served in Africa and Italy and was assistant director of supplies and transport in Naples. He enlisted as a private at the beginning of the war and rose to the rank of Lt Colonel. He became an impresario after the war running the Edinburgh Festival followed by many other festivals and managed artists such as Yehudi Menuhin and Daniel Barenboim. He died in 2003. I would like also to find out where else he may have served during the war.



L/Cpl. Thomas Waugh " " Heslop 236 Bridge Coy (d. 28/3/1944)

Thomas W Heslop was my mother's eldest brother. All that I know about him was that he served with 236 Bridge Coy RASC and was killed in Italy on 28/3/44 and is buried in Minturno War Cemetry about 78 km north Of Naples.

I have a recollection of being told many years ago that the truck he was driving hit a mine, but I have no way of knowing if this is correct. I would be interested to hear from anyone who may remember him,or indeed from anyone who can give me more information about 236 Bridge Coy,where they were and what action they were involved with at the time.



Sgt. Robert Heaton MID. Royal Artillery

My Father, Robert Heaton, was in the RASC and served with the BEF in Europe and later with the Eighth Army in the Middle East (and I think in Italy) after the war he was with BAOR in Germany. I think he may have transferred regiments, as his service medals are in a box which has RA (presumably Royal Artillery) on the back.

When he was first in the Army he had the prefix T before his number, by the time of his discharge the prefix was S. I think that he was a driver at first but later was a despatch rider. He has the France and Germany Star, 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal and an oak leaf on a ribbon with a narrow red stripe in the centre with a narrow white stripe, then a blue, then a red on either side. I don't know if there should be a medal to go with that.

I have a birthday card which he sent me with T 50124 Dvr R Heaton, H Q 5th Div, BEF on the back. I know that he was at Dunkirk and that he was home more than once on embarkation leave (he seemed to get sent back to Fulwood Barracks Preston before embarkation).

Quite often I was allowed to sew new insignia on his uniform and I was very proud whenever he added a stripe, he also let me clean his buttons - as I was very young I wonder now if he got into trouble for things not done correctly but I know that he would think it worth it for the love that went into those tasks.

I would love to know his full record, particularly why he was mentioned in despatches (he always said that it was for getting the General's beer through, but didn't say which General although I know that Monty was his great hero)

NOTE: The medal ribbon described is for the War Medal and there should be a medal to accompany it, it is a circular medal with the kings head on the front and a lion and the date 1939-1945 on the reverse.



Capt. Samuel Robert Hall 180th General Transport Coy. Royal Army Service Corps

My father, Capt. Sam Hall was with the R.A.S.C. commanding the 180th General Transport Company in N. Africa and later in Italy and Germany. Does anyone remember him at the clean up in Belsen concentration camp or in the desert or Italy?



Dvr. Albert " " Carter (d.27th Mar 1945)

Albert Carter was my Dad he was a driver and was killed in action on 27th March 1945, somewhere on the German borders, he is buried in the Reichswald forest. He was transferred from 9th battalion Hants Regiment to RASC on 11/2/42. I would love to hear from any one who knew of him and exactly where and how he died.



Staff Sargeant Robert John Williams

I am trying to find information on my Grandfather, Robert John Williams, who was known as Jack. He was a Staff Sergeant and was 26 years old in 1940, was lodged at 16 Eaton Square SW1 London and was RASC. Would love to hear from anyone who knows him/knew him at the time



Dvr. G. H. Fuller 716 Coy Royal Army Service Corps

I am trying to piece together the crash site of the glider which G.H. Fuller was in on D-Day along with a war correspondent and a Lieut plus jeep trailer and explosives etc. on Operation Tonga. I believe driver Fuller was taken as POW, my uncle (the pilot) died on landing. The glider was one of four assigned to land on zone V for the attack on Merville.

I hope that I have not stirred up any bad memories with this request if so then I must apologise,but if anyone can supply any info I would be very grateful.



Dvr. Douglas Haig Rippin Royal Army Service Corps

Douglas Rippin was my Grandfather, I was only six when he died and unfortunately he only spoke about the war to his father. The only information I know is his regiment and that he was a driver, driving supplies and passengers. I've been told he drove for Monty Vera Lynn and David Niven. Apparently he ended up in Brest and he was at Normandy. Any help in finding out more would be welcomed.



Driver James Parker 384/909 Company Royal Army Service Corps

My father Jim Parker was RASC. he served in North Africa and did a stint in the LRDG.Palestine 1940/1943 then BNAF Sept/43 to Oct/44. I tried to get him to the Tobruck cementary to no avail. Just before he died in 1994 I promised to visit the cementary at the Sangro River for him.... quote ' I left a lot of my mates there ' at last I am going June 2009, to say thanks to all those men that were my dads mates but didn't come back as he did He wasnt one for reunions but often wondered what happened to certain people, I dont know where he met up with them or what nationality ,as many sons and daughters like myself know Dads didnt talk much about the war. In the desert he drove a large lorry painted yellow known as the Yellow Peril. I was very close to my father and cannot equate war doings with the gentle man that I knew. I doubt there is anyone alive now that knew him but if anyone has mementos that include my father's name please contact me.



Capt. Cyril Edward "Robbie" Roberts Royal Army Service Corps

As my mother and her family had fled Belgium during WWI and spent 5 years in Nottingham, we were glad to host a British RASC officer, stationed in Brussels, during the winter of '44-'45. As children, my brother and I loved Capt. Roberts! My mother would try her best to get us in bed before he came home at night as he would start to play with us. As a matter of fact, he hadn't seen his own daughter since the beginning of the war. One of his favorite games was to tell us we were getting on a train and he would use his big torch as a whistle and off we went around the house.

His father had been killed during WWI and his body was lost. Through the Imperial War Graves Commission, he learned that his father's name was engraved on a monument in Ypres. We all drove to the Tyne Cot Cenetery if I remember it right and I have a picture Robbie standing next to his father's name.

His wife and daughter visited him and stayed at our house. After the war, he visited my parents several times. The last address I have for him is: 18 Manor Drive, Halifax, Yorks. This was written in my mother's address book and she died in 1970. I'm sure he's gone too but maybe his daughter is still around. Like me, she must be an old lady by now! I would love to hear from her or any of Robbie's relations.



Dvr. Albert Andrew J. Bigg Royal Army Service Corps

I am looking for information on Albert Bigg and his service in the RASC, I know that in 1944 he was awarded the africa star with eighth army, and that he enlisted in 1926 in canterbury, but I have no other information so any further details or memories of him would be appreciated.



Pte. Charles Edward Connelly 46th Div Supply Coy. (d.16th Jan 1942)

I was only seven years old when my brother was killed. He was only 21 and my mother went white overnight. I have longed to know how he died because I was told he was on manouvers in Gravesend Kent. His body was brought home and an officer came to the house with a flag for his coffin. When I smell Brylcream his memory floods back



Cpl. David Cumming Royal Army Service Corps

David Cumming was captured at Tobruk and was a prisoner of war he was taken through Italy were I believe he escaped but was recaptured he ended up in Auschwitz in 1944 he escaped from Auschwitz and joined the Polish resistance he returned home to Carluke, Lanarkshire but he has now since died. I am married to his daughter I would be grateful for any information anyone has.



L/Cpl Reg Arthur Dunnage 43rd Wessex Coy Royal Army Service Corps

My Father joined the British Army in 1942 after losing his Mother and Sister to the German Bombing of London. He lied about his age and was accepted as his personnel records of birth were destroyed in the bombing. He was trained as a soldier and then as a specialist with pack animals and sent to Burma. He was in theatre for 6 months before the military discovered his age through county records. He was repatriated to England in time for his 17th Birthday and told not to even mention he had been in Burma. Apparently nobody wanted to admit they had sent a 16 year old to Burma, let alone the ramifications if the public found out.

Upon his return to England he began taking any course in which he could get out of barracks. Apparently your pay also went up with every qualification. He was trained as sniper, demolitions, driver, driver Ic, medic, crew commander, gunner, parachutist, army commando, and several other courses all listed in his paybook.

He took part in at least 1 cross channel raid on German radar installations that I am aware of as a demolitions expert. He was floated around from unit to unit and finally attached semi permanent to the 43rd Wessex with the RASC. His older brother was a MP with the division and asked to have him attached to keep an eye on him as they say.

He took part in the Arnhem drop as a jump master. His aircraft was shot down and he did survive, though his chute did not open properly and he was disabled on landing. It was several days before he was found by the advancing British Forces. He recuperated in Holland after and still has contact with the Dutch family he was billeted with.

After the wars end he was the senior NCO at the British Stables at the Berlin Olympic Stadium for 4 years I believe. He was demobbed in mid 1949, and then almost immediately remustered for Korea. He was attached with the 29th independent Infantry Brigade and set sail on the Empire Fowey for Korea, and arrived there in I believe December of 1950. Originally he was supposed to be part of the 26th Field Ambulance, but they were disbanded almost immediately and he was then made a crew commander of a Daimler Armoured Car and given convoy escort duties. He was wounded 6 months later while escorting a convoy.

If anyone remembers my Dad I am sure he would like to hear from you. He is alive and well and living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada



Pte. Alfred Frank Denny Royal Army Service Corps

I am trying to trace the steps of Private Alf Denny, POW no 19372, he came from Ipswich Suffolk. He was taken prisoner very early in the war and spent time at Stalag XXA, BAB20/20. I would really like to hear from anyone who knew him at that time.



Reginald Herbert Watson Royal Army Service Corps

I would like anyone who knew my Dad, Reginald Watson to give me more information about his war service. I know he served in the Middle East and spoke about being in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Are there any of his old comrades out there? Sadly Dad died some years ago.





I just got my father's pay book, medals and some photographs from my Mum and I am keen to find out more about Dad's Service in the RASC in WWII in North Africa and Italy, he was Driver Glen Oram. Sadly Dad has now passed away without giving too much away. Any scrap however small would be appreciated



I have some memories of my father's RASC Days. He died 10 years ago and some of the details may be a little imprecise. His name was George Derrick Hunt, often known as Dink. He joined in 1939 having been apprenticed to the grocers Kearley and Tong in Hythe, Kent. He was sent to France and travelled across France to be evacuated from St Nazaire in an Austin Seven pickup. He said it was the first time he'd had a rifle in his hands with a bullet up the spout, he never liked guns. He boarded the Lancastria and there is so much written about the tragedy. He said his life was saved by being on deck when it left port. It was the only fatherly advice he ever gave me. "Always be on deck when a ship leaves harbour, it saved my life". He remembered taking off his boots and throwing them overboard to cries of "Watch out". When the Lancastria sunk he was in the water for 4 hours before being picked up by a French fishing boat. He inhaled a lot of oil. He refused to be taken back to France and was transferred to a British destroyer and taken back to Portsmouth where he spent 6 months in hospital. He then spent time in Egpyt and Ceylon. I have pictures of him on camels by the Pyramids and him on his service motorbike. He told me of going to the Temple of the Prophet's footprint in Candy. In the meantime, my mother was flying Barrage Balloons over Tilbury Docks and living in Southwark. After the war he joined NAAFI and audited Naval ships at Chatham, Garrisons at Dover and Deal and SHAPE HQ at Fontainbleau. He then went to Germany for a long time, in Celle and eventually Berlin where he retired. He never spoke very much about his war. The Lancastria obviously had had a tremendous impact on him I hate to think of the things he saw.



My father, Danny Hampton, a driver with the Royal Army Service Corps was involved in the war from 1942. He trained in southern England, Wales and Northern Ireland. On D Day he drove a DUKW on the Normandy beaches and moved through France into Belgium and the Netherlands arriving in Northern Germany. He was demobbed in 1947. He spoke of many people during his time on the continent, including Stan Jarrett, Les Attwood and "Dinger Bell". I have read a diary he wrote whilst he was in Belgium and Holland (around the Nijmegen area). If anyone remembers my Dad I'd love to hear more stories. Unfortunately he died a few years ago, but his memories live in me.

My Grandad, Bernard Lyde who has just celebrated his 91st birthday. He and my Nan, Margaret, have been married for over 66 years. Nan & Gramp have lived for nearly all their lives in Weymouth, Dorset. Gramp was called up and enlisted at Sutton-on-Trent on 27 June 1940. He spent the war in N Africa and Italy before being demobbed in January 1946.

384 Co RASC 1941-42

This picture was taken in the North African desert in 1941/42 and is of 384 Company Royal Army Service Corps (RASC).

My Gramp is sat at the back on the left in the white vest. Gramp is especially keen to make contact with his mate, Bob Lee or his family. Bob is in the back row behind Staff Sergeant Skinner (in the peaked cap).

In late 1946 Bob was on holiday with his wife in Burton Bradstock, Dorset. Nan & Gramp met up with them in the Dove Inn at Burton Bradstock. Intending to keep in touch, Gramp made a note of Bob’s details on the back of a packet of cigarettes but subsequently lost it and they never made contact again. Gramp believes that Bob was originally from the London area.

It would be fantastic if Gramp heard from Bob, or any of the other lads in the photo.



I am trying to find information on Pte. Harry William May (my late father) who I believe became separated from his unit during the evacuation of Dunkirk and made his own way back to England. He may have been wounded or taken ill as I have a letter that was sent to him at Wooboton Infirmary, Newport, South Wales. The letter reads:

SUBJECT: B.E.F Personnel

42239 Pte. H.W. May

A.2 Block

Wooboton Infirmary

Newport

Mons.

Notification has just been received that you are at the above address. In view of the fact that we thought you were missing, please write and let us know how you are progressing. Please also state what the possibilities are of you rejoining this unit in the future.

H.S.Davidson

Major R.A.S.C

Commanding 2 Corps Troops Supply Column

Baydon Farm Camp

Lambourn

11th July 1940

My father rarely spoke of these events, so it would be interesting to fill in the missing parts of his life. Any information would be useful in tracing his journey back from France.



My father, William Jenkins has always been extraordinarily private about his wartime experinces, although he has always conveyed to his children an exteme pride in the achievements of the RASC. He joined the TA in 1938, after the Munich Crisis, was rescued from Brest after Dunkirk and served throughout the North Africa campaign, then into Italy and finally home in 1946. Throughout this time he served in the same unit as his older brother, at one time even being demoted to do so.

Unfortunately he has lost all of his campaign medals and now, the twilight of his years, this is causing him increasing consternation. Is there any way that our family would be able to replace them for him before it is too late? I would be grateful if someone could at least steer me in the right direction.


UPDATE: Replacement Medals can be obtained from the the following websites :- http://www.veteransagency.mod.uk/medals/replace.html or http://www.militaria.co.uk/bm_lists/replcmed.htm



Recently my father, Stan Rogers, now nearly 78, rediscovered some memorabilia he had brought back from Egypt in 1946 - a fantastic cigarette case and a trinket box made from scrap mess tins.

He had blagged his way into the army, being too young to legitamately enrol at the age of 17. He was sent to Egypt but arrived there I think, very near the end of the war. He spent some time getting supplies to the front line in a big lorry, then, in 1946, after the war, there was a big clean up operatrion in Egypt. He drove a breakdown truck, with a big winch on the back, around and through the Sinai desert in order to collect wrecks from the desert and take them to the Tel al Kabir vehicle-dump near Cairo.

Before the end of the war, German Prisoners of War were allowed to help but were not allowed out of the camp. When it ended, they began to be repatriated, but before they were given their instructions some were allowed to volunteer to help outside the camp in return for extra privileges. Stan, now 18, was assigned two POW's, Helmut and his friend (name not known), each of them around 30 - 35, and an Arab guide, Mahmood. Mahmood knew the desert and would sit in the back while the three sat in the cab.

It transpired that they were jewellers in their earlier life or something like it, and, to fill in their time, the two POW's had taken to creating items from old mess tins. As my father had treated the men with respect, and often bought cigarettes for them, when they left, they gave him the trinket box and cigarette case that they had made especially for him.

Stan Rogers regiment was the RASC (Royal Army Service Corp) and was based in Moasca barracks near the River Nile. He rembers his friend Norman Keep, who was about 19 or 20 then, and his Captain was Capt Paterson.

I would love to try and find these German men and get them to meet my father again.



My Dad, Ralph Allison Brown, served with the RASC in France and Egypt

Alix Brown.




   

Can anyone remember my grandfather Charles Alexander McQuillin (Driver) 286 Coy, R.A.S.C. ( Bluebirds ). He was a driving instructor at Ripley for the last two and a half years of the European WW2. He then went to Camp Amarea near Alexandria, Egypt as a driver until he demobbed near Crewe in 1946.




   
This account has been written from memory, about things which happened some 63 years ago. I had to report to Staveley Drill Hall on the first of December 1939. On arrival I was issued with a pay book, army number 121542 Royal Army Service Corps, a great coat, battledress, a kit bag, billy can, knife, fork ,spoon, one blanket, two pairs of socks, two vests, two pairs of pants, two shirts and a pair of boots. We were then taken to the Crown Hotel Clubroom. There we found a bale of straw which each man used to fill his paliasse. About twenty of us slept on the floor here and fed at the Drill Hall.

There were about 200 men and only six of us could drive. A group of London Bus Drivers were brought in to teach the learners whilst we who could drive had to do drills. After about a week we were moved into civilian digs and this carried on until about the 20th December when we were moved to Moreton In Marsh. On arrival we were given a paliasse to fill with straw and we were to stay in a barn for the next few weeks.

The barn was approached by a flight of brick steps on the outside of the building. Cows were mooing in the stalls below. Our large room had no fire and was lit with two hurricane lamps. After about four days we were given an injection which rendered our arms useless for days. It was at this point that we were sent home for three days Christmas leave, having to report back on December 27th.

By this time it was snowing hard. Daily, we had to walk and drill, in the snow, returning to our billet in the evening with clothes and boots which were wet through. We of course, had no heat either to warm ourselves or dry out our sodden outfits. We slept in our boots, wearing our great coat and covering ourselves with our one issue blanket. We never washed because the ablution block was permanently frozen solid. At the United Dairies Depot men rigged up a tin shelter with some showers. We had a shower each week, but just imagine emerging from washing and then going out in six inches of snow.

In early February we were informed that some lorries were waiting for us in France. We boarded a troop ship at Southampton and were transported to Le Havre. On arrival we found a row of wood fired coppers on the quayside full of tins of Maconochie meat and vegetables. Every man had a tin plus a Billy can of tea and a piece of bread. Then we were moved to an old mill at Nantes , where again we slept on straw. There was a fleet of Bedford lorries waiting for us under the trees in a park. The army took over a garage at the side of the River Erdre where we could maintain the fleet. Many lads had only driven a few miles in England and were now sent out driving these lorries in France! Next came a few brief lessons in looking after the vehicles. One weekend they had to change the oil in their lorries. I remember one lad filling his engine up with khaki paint which resulted in complete engine seizure. A corporal with three lorries went into a village in northern France only to meet up face to face with a lot of German soldiers. He was captured and remained a prisoner for most of the war. (He came from my home town of Ilkeston and told me all about this after the war.)

We carried on our army life as normal. Being in the Service Corps our job was to take food and supplies to the infantry and artillery in Northern France. In May we moved out of Nantes and slept in the lorry body. In the day we seemed to be roaming aimlessly around northern France. In June we moved on into Normandy and on June 18th we were instructed to head for St Nazaire. Waiting to evacuate us was a large ship. On June 20th we were told to head for St Malo where a fishing boat was waiting for us. We made our way into the town and lined our lorries on the quayside. We put our lorries in gear and allowed them to go over the quay and into the water. We then boarded the fishing boat, a small craft where many of us were sitting on the sides. Under cover of darkness we left St Malo and arrived at Portsmouth at daybreak. These fishermen were brave men who left England to journey across the Channel to pick us up. The waters around here at this time were full of German U-boats and other enemy craft. The ship waiting at St Nazaire turned out to be the Liner Lancastria and was bombed by Dornier aircraft. Over 3000 men were killed making it the largest single catastrophe of the war.

On arrival at Portsmouth we were put on a train and taken to Matlock Bath. Our living quarters were the worst yet. It was a disused dance hall called 'the glasshouse' in the woods above Matlock Bath. Many of the glass windows were broken and so some men spent time patching up the holes with felt. This made the local bats and owls very unhappy because they were used to having the place to themselves. The toilet was a large outside open trench with a pole across on which to sit. The authorities expected the Germans to invade so we had frequent night guard duties of four hours off and two hours on. Imagine walking around in the lonely woods above Matlock at two o'clock in the morning carrying a rifle you had never fired! After a couple of months in various billets at Matlock Bath we were moved into tents at Darley Dale. There we had a fleet of three ton Bedfords and three workshop vehicles. During the next few months we messed about route marching, map reading and even had a day at a rifle range.

At the beginning of December 1940 we were told one night to be ready to move on at first light. It was snowing hard as the drivers clambered into the cabs of their Bedford lorries. The cabs had windows but there were no heaters at this time. I drove a 1920 Thorneycroft six wheel breakdown truck which had a canvas hood, no windscreen and no doors. It was bitterly cold and I was just like a snowman as we journeyed for about eight hours all the way to Barrow in Furness. A corporal and myself were put in private digs for two weeks whilst our job was to load the lorries onto a boat. We then reported back to our unit who had moved to Brook Mill, a large disused mill at Kirkham near Preston. We spent Christmas there and early in the new year we boarded a troop ship at Barrow in Furness. There was little to do on the boat and we just lay in our bunks or walked around in the limited space. As the days went by the weather got colder instead of warmer as we thought it should do. We had not been told where we were going but we had assumed that it was Egypt.. The boat's crew said we were just off Greenland. There were forty ships in our convoy and the German battleship Scharnhorst was somewhere in the North Sea. This ship was the pride of the German Fleet but was sunk by the British Navy in December 1943.After that we were now able to continue our journey until we reached Freetown after some twelve weeks at sea. We stayed in Freetown Harbour for a few days whilst stocking up with yellow fish. We ate this fish daily until we arrived at Durban. We left our ship, which I believe was called the Rangitata, and had to stay in tents on Durban racecourse. Our ships were required to evacuate troops from Crete. About two weeks later we boarded another boat, possibly the Costa Rica, stocking up this time with tripe. Once again our diet consisted of the latest stock-up and we ate it daily until we arrived at Alexandria. The trip through the Red Sea was uneventful. However the Germans had sunk many ships in the Suez canal. We had to travel with care and at one point our boat nearly keeled over as we passed over one of these sunken ships. Finally after a journey lasting about twelve weeks we reached Alexandria.

We were sent to Tahag, a desert camp, by the Sweet Water Canal. The Canal had dead donkeys floating in it, next to this men were bathing and women were filling their pitchers-all from the same water. Tahag was a large settlement which contained many troops. There were about six cinemas here which all belonged to the same man. They were wooden buildings with large wooden roofs which rolled back on iron runners so that the building could be cooled as necessary. After a few weeks we were sent to a Vehicle Reserve depot in the desert on the Suez Road outside Heliopolis. There our job was to check all lorries as they came from the docks. My job was to test these lorries and park them in groups of four. These groups were scattered over an area about three miles square so that they would be more difficult to bomb. One afternoon I parked a group of four lorries. The next morning I went to take the lorries for delivery to a unit. To my horror I discovered that the lorries had been stripped of their batteries, starters, dynamos, distributors and carburettors. I happened to be on guard duty that night with a mate but we didn't hear a thing. Two of us had walked around the three mile square during the night but with the area being so great and our numbers so few it had been an easy target for the local criminals. We were called up in front of the C.O. for questioning but we had nothing more to say. There must have been at least twenty people who said that no vehicles had come into the camp that night.

Whilst staying here I went to the great Pyramid on my day off. It was a marvellous experience as we entered the narrow passage to the room where the empty stone coffins were. We also visited the Sphinx and the markets and mosques of Cairo. After a couple of months we started our trek up the desert through the Hellfire (Halfaya) Pass into Lybia.

We didn't see the coast road for months. At one stretch we didn't have a wash or shave for four or five months. Our daily water ration was one bottle (a Quart). We had one mug of tea in the morning and one at night. The rest of the day we had to survive with our bottle of warm water working all day in the hot dusty desert. Our lorries were transporting supplies from the railhead, which was at Mersa Matruh to various units. Sometimes when a lorry broke down it could take some time to fix. The rest of the convoy would go on ahead so we then had to find our own way. If conditions were calm and there was no wind to disturb the convoy's wheel tracks we could follow easily. However if the sand had filled up the tracks it was sometimes difficult to find our way.

We spent Christmas Day 1941 near Fort Merchili. After Christmas we made our way to the coast road and on to Derna which was a fertile town. The Italians had left their houses and we moved in for a few days near to the football pitch. The Libyans had plenty of Italian jam to sell us. We lit a fire in the stoves and had a bath. The water at Derna was beautiful to drink. After a couple of weeks we moved to a wadi just outside Tobruk. The Italians had built bunkers with loose stone walls and put an old lorry body on the top for a roof. The hollow walls were full of desert rats who came out at night running across us as we slept. There was an Italian desalination plant at Tobruk so we had plenty of water although it still turned our Carnation milk sour. We didn't realise it, but this was to be our final camp.

Our lorries were once again carting supplies from the docks to units. I had to go to Cairo on the desert railway from Mersa Matruh to collect some lorries, which as things turned out didn't happen to be there. The steam train travelled along the track which wandered along through the desert. We travelled in freight wagons and after about half an hour the train came to a sudden halt. Two messerschmidts fired anti tank missiles straight through the engine boiler. There was steam everywhere . We quickly dismounted and lay on the floor. The two planes strafed us, flying so low that we could clearly see the pilots out the corner of our eyes, about the height of a railway truck. They came down the line twice and the bullets were hitting the sand all around us. Miraculously they didn't hit a man. When the attack was over and the planes had gone away we climbed back into the wagons. After about an hour another engine came along the track to move the train. However the Messerschmidts were back and again destroyed this engines boiler. As before, we lay on the sand as bullets hit the ground around us. Yet again when all was clear, we got in the wagons and waited. After dark another engine came and successfully pulled the train on to Cairo. We returned to Mersa Matruh and then on to the wadi at Tobruk.

On the morning of the 20th June 1942 we were ordered to take our vehicles to the bottom of the Wadi. As we looked up at the top of the escarpment we could see dozens of German soldiers. They began firing at us. Our officers told us to destroy our vehicles. We spiked the end of the petrol tanks with a pointed pick and as the fuel spurted out we threw a match into it. All the time we were doing this the Germans continued to fire at us. Our officers instructed us to take cover in the bunkers which we had slept in and make our way to the docks after dark to try and get on a boat. We knew that escape by boat was impossible because the last hospital ship had left the day before with one of our drivers on board. His lorry had been loaded with small bombs and a Stuka scored a direct hit. The driver was hit by shrapnel as he fled from his bombed lorry. His name was Sisson and he came from Nottingham. Years after the war I met him working in a garage stores in Nottingham and heard about his escape. Within about thirty minutes the Germans came down the Wadi shouting at the entrance of each bunker. Occasionally they threw a grenade into a bunker. When they reached our bunker, which only contained the two of us, I quickly came out to face them for I was not going to be blown to bits by a grenade. I was followed by my companion, a boasting Yorkshire poacher who had entertained us with his previous escapades with gamekeepers. At this however he was shaking and very pale. It didn't bother me because I was happy to be alive. The German officer was a very young gentleman and spoke very good English.

We had expected to be captured because for the last few weeks the coast road had been full of non stop traffic (guns, tanks and lorries) all making their way to El Alemain. By now most troops had cleared out from the area but our small group had to stay behind captured because we were attached to a heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment who were left to defend Tobruk.

We were taken in vehicles to a beach between Tobruk and Derna. This was a flat sandy plateau where we stayed for a couple of days and nights. We just sat around in the sun all day unable to move anywhere. During this time we had no food or water and we had burnt our food rations in the lorries. We drank water from pools in holes dug by the Bedouins about 50 yards from the sea where they had tried to obtain less salty water. These holes were full of camel dung which we had to push to one side, quickly cup our hands and drink. The water was very salty and we had no choice but to keep drinking the camel dung flavoured water. After a couple of days still without food, we were taken to Derna by lorry driven by the Italians and put in a cemetery. This was the only place available with a wall around it. I spent my 23rd birthday lying between the graves in Derna cemetery. One good thing was that a water tanker came daily with fresh water. After two or three days with some food rations we were loaded into lorries. A four wheeled lorry pulled two four wheeled open topped short sided trailers. As the mad Italian drivers went round the sharp hairpin bends on the escarpments the front corners of the trailers touched the rear corner of the lorries, causing them to keel over giving all of us compulsory travellers a nasty sensation. However a worse journey was to follow.We arrived at Benghazi and were packed like sardines into the deep hold of a large Italian supply ship. We were praying that none of our submarines would see this ship because we did not know if we were carrying a white flag. We sailed to Brindisi, about a day's journey and then we got into railway freight vans and travelled to a large new camp at Carpi in the Po Valley. This journey took much longer as we travelled almost the full length of Italy. The camp was called PG73 and consisted of brick buildings with wooden bunks two-man high. There were plenty of good clean washing facilities-large troughs with fresh cold water. We passed the time away walking around the perimeter fence. Our rations were one small bread roll and one bowl of soup each per day.

When Red Cross food parcels were available they helped us a lot. Sometimes there was one parcel between four or even six of us, One between two if we were lucky! My friend Harry Brooks smoked a pipe so he had the two ounces of tobacco and I had the small bar of chocolate. Sometimes if no one wanted the tobacco you could exchange it for bread.

We idled our time away for what must have been a year until our troops were established in Southern Italy. Then we were moved by train in cattle trucks through Austria via the Brenner Pass to Northern Germany to Stalag 4B. The journey took a couple of days and we were given some rations to keep us going. Stalag 4B, near Bitterfeld, was a large dirty camp, so many of us were sent each day to pick up rubbish from around the camp. Some of our men were so weak that when they bent down to pick up the paper they fell to the floor. I stayed at Stalag 4B for about four or five weeks. Each day the German soldiers came round asking for volunteers to make work parties. I soon volunteered along with my friend Harry. About a hundred of us were sent to a factory at Zschornowitz. The work was very heavy, breaking hard stone ingots to go in a 9 inch crusher. I worked at this for a month or two but was then sent into the blacksmiths shop as a striker. This was much more interesting than stone breaking. We had to fire weld large chains with links of one inch thick iron. Due to an international agreement with the Red Cross we had to work the same hours as the German local work force . We lived in two huts, each of which had a large stove in the middle, where we could keep warm when we were not working. We had two small bread rolls each day instead of one at the other camp, and the usual soup cooked by a man daily. Conditions were better here than in Stalag 4B, although the camp still responsible for us. Our huts were close to the factory and we were allowed a shower weekly. The factory was called Electrosmeltz (I may have spelt that incorrectly), and had an end product of emery powder and grinding wheels.

On 30th March 1945 we were moved to work in a large opencast site next to the factory even though we continued to live in the same two huts on the factory site. Here there were twenty feet thick seams of immature coal which when you walked on them seemed like sponge. Large excavators ran on four sets of railway lines with a line up the middle for a train to run on. Our job here was to keep following these machines and dragging the electric cables to and fro. When the trucks were full, the train would drive straight into the power station boiler house. We went to work on Friday April 13th and at 10-30 am we were sent back to camp and told to pack what few belongings we had. Some Red Cross parcels had just arrived so we divided them between us so we had a selection of food to take on the march with us. The Germans gave us a 2 kilogram loaf of black bread. On Saturday 14th April our working group of around a hundred men left Zschornowitz escorted by a few soldiers. The first day we walked 25 kilometres through woods and lanes arriving at a railway goods shed by 7-30pm. We slept there and the next day we were up at 6.00 am and walked about 16 kilometres more. We saw lots of strafing from American planes.

We again slept in a barn and were up at 6.00am leaving by 9.30 and heading for Schona where we arrived at 6.00pm. Yet again a barn was to be our resting place. The German people seemed to be going about their business as normal and were very friendly towards us. We saw the biggest strafing and bombing display by light bombers and fighters that day. On Tuesday 17th we got up at 6 and started walking by 9.00am. Through woods we walked for about 18 kilometres, eating what we could, and then slept in the open in a large dirty camp full of all nationalities. It seemed as if many groups of prisoners were being brought to this particular camp from the surrounding areas. The Russians arriving here were starving. All American , Serb and French prisoners were given a Red Cross parcel, We didn't have one because one had arrived at the factory camp before we left. There was a heavy bomber raid during the night. We remained in the camp for the 18th, 19th and 20th. On the 22nd April I saw the M.O. with severe stomach pains from eating raw potatoes. We were still at the camp and on the 23rd April we drew a ration meal of dried potatoes, tinned meat, sugar and jam. On Monday 23rd April at noon we were told to standby to move at 2 pm. Later we were informed that the Americans were at Vermar and the next day we would be moving into their lines. Tuesday 24th still saw us in the camp. Reveille sounded at 2.45am and we moved out at 5.00 am without an escort. The Russians left in the opposite direction with escorts. At 11.15am we reached Wurzen. The Americans had entered the town at 3.00am that morning. All the houses had white flags hanging outside in the streets. To get to the Americans we had to cross a very wide river on a railway bridge. The bridge however had been blown up and only one girder remained out of the water. The Americans were on the other side shouting through loud hailers for us all to cross the bridge. After crossing we were taken in a lorry about 10 miles to a billet with a bed and a stove. This was the American base depot of the 69th Infantry Division. We stayed in various camps over the next few days being moved by American lorries. On 28th April I sent a letter home telling everyone I was free. On May 2nd we at last caught a plane at 10:30, a Dakota and flew from Nuamberg to Brussels. The flight was not good as we kept hitting air pockets after arriving at 12:45 but not landing until 2pm.

The Belgian city was flattened and the roads were full of deep craters. We had a meal with white bread and were paid ten shillings and 800 Belgian francs. We walked around Brussels for a few hours. We were able to have a warm bath. On the 13th May we had a hearty breakfast with plenty of good tea and cakes. At 4.00 pm we were told to be ready to move off to a hostel. However after a walk around we returned at 7-45pm to find all our kit and souvenirs gone as some people had just cleared everything from the room. We moved to a hotel and slept between white sheets-the first time for many a year. However such luxury was only to last a few hours. Reveille was at 2.20am, breakfast at 2.45am on the 14th May. We left Brussels by train at 5.30am and arrived at Lille by 10.30am . We left Lille in a Lancaster at 4.30pm. We had to move forward into the bomb racks for landing because the Lancasters were not used to landing with so much weight still on them.

We landed at Horsham at 5.45pm and had a short ride to Guildford, where we drew £11, had all new kit and were told of our planned departure at 1.30 the next day.

On 16th May We drew a pass and ration cards for 42 days. We left Horsham station at 2.00pm and I arrived back home at 7.00pm.

I can still see my dad now walking across the living room to shake hands.

I had to report back to Oulton Park, a large army camp in Cheshire. We drilled for a few weeks then we were sent home for a month and then back to the camp again. This pattern continued many times until demob about a year later.

Thomas Edward Hopkins




I have been interested in the War for a long time. My Father often told me stories of what he did when he was in Palestine. (He died in July 2000) He once went to an army reunion but did not see anyone he knew, he was quite disappointed.

I am hopeful that someone will remember him. He was in the R.A.S.C. number S/144033 with the 8th Army in Palestine until about 1945. His name was John Little, he was 21 in 1939, married to Stella, they lived in South Norwood, London. Prior to going to Palestine, some of his training was done in North Walsham, Norfolk, and Herne Bay in Kent, and possibly in Hastings, Sussex.


For a time he was a medical orderly. (I believe after he had had his appendix removed). I do have an Egyptian newspaper cutting with a photo of him with other medical staff taken at this time. I believe he also did administration work.

For a while he was seconded to a regiment(?) from New Zealand. He became friends with an Australian who gave him a wooden napkin ring for his daughter (me) who was born in July 1946. He was a guard in Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" (presumably put on by soldiers) at the Cairo Royal Opera House.

He played piano in the officers' mess. He also played accordian and clarinet. He returned to England and was then sent to Norway. I never thought to ask why or for how long.

I hope there is someone who may remember. I feel that time is running out now and I am very sorry that I did not question him further. Thank you.



George Burton and Frank Sumsion joined the army on the 1st June 1944 for our 8 week basic training at Winston Bks. Lanark, then for 8 more weeks driver training, R.A.S.C. Hadrians Camp Carlisle. We then were posted to 611 coy. Welbeck College Worksop, Tranporting amunition, PoWs, Personnel,and other supplies. My best buddy Frank came from Bath, I George came from London, where we would sometimes spend our W/E. I got posted overseas with 21st. Army Group,seeing the end of the war in Europe, then to Nigeria West Africa, finally back to London, was with 20coy.MT.at Regents Pk. Bks. Where I drove C in Cs at the War Office untill demob in 52. Unknown to me Frank followed to our overseas posting depot,going on to serve in Palestine, then on to Kenya and Mombassa, arriving back in the UK. as a Sgt. Instructor at a training Batt. in Somerset, geting demobbed the same day in 52. We met again on the Internet before we realised we only live 20miles appart after two weeks short of 60yrs we met up

George Burton



My father Alfred Elliott is trying to find out more about what happened to his brother Bill who was in the RASC and was at Sandhurst. He said he won the OBE and believes he was in an airbourne unit in or around Arnhem. Does anyone remember him?



I am helping my father who served in the RASC from 1940-1947. His name is Charlie Corden. If anybody has any information please contact me. He especially remembers Harry Vera and Freddie Mills

Rose



I urgently need your help in tracing, Robert Taylor, my husbands biological father. To help you understand the urgency of our position, and why our search is so late in commencing, please read the following.

It is less than one year since we have been made aware as to the name of my husbands father, at first we tried to gain further information through maternal family contacts, sadly, with very limited success, unfortunately they had all believed, we already knew about father, regrettably details regarding him had either been discarded or lost over the long period of intervening years, including a UK address provided by father, the only part of which they remembered; it was north of London somewhere in the middle. No notification of my husbands birth had been forwarded to Robert Taylor, my husbands father, due to relative's reticence, combined with their limited ability to communicate in English. Additional information provided; he was a transport driver, had a curved badge on his sleeve with the letters RASC. With another insignia not as clearly remembered but thought to be blue and gold. He was stationed in Roosendaal (The Netherlands) in a school in the Nieuwstraat, during / before and after the period of July 1945. Roosendaal was liberated by the Polar Bears in October 1944.

My husbands mother's maiden name was Dora van Iersel; my father met her through his friendship with my uncle Jan van Iersel. My husband was born in Breda, Holland, 19 April 1946 and registered as Robert van Iersel (name of his mother). Some years later his mother married and moved to Antwerp. He was given my stepfathers surname.

At the moment we are lost as to where or how to proceed. To trace Robert Taylor via a geographic search I require a starting point such as the address he provided to the maternal family. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated, as it is now fifty-nine years since my husbands father and his late mother met, fathers age and the possibility of ill health, alarms me as to the urgency of my search.

Kind regards Mia van Gestel



Photographs

RASC base Depot Boxing Team, 1943
RASC base Depot Boxing Team. 1943

My late father James Mackie Fowler served with the RASC in France and Egypt and whilst in Egypt transferred to the Army Catering Corps. This attached photo was found in an old album after he died and although he does not feature in the photo I thought others might be interested if only because it demonstrates that even in wartime some things went on as normal.

Jim Fowler

If you have any Photographs you would like to share please get in touch.







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