National Archives catalogue reference WO 166/15581

Abbreviations

211800A 926074 A/C Adjt Admin Comd Coy Div ETA GT Instr Junc MR OC O i/c Op Ord RASC Rd Ref RV SDP Tpt Veh X rds

21st September, 1800 hrs Map Reference Aircraft Adjutant Administration Commander Company Division / Divisional Estimated Time of Arrival General Transport Instruction Junction Map Reference Officer Commanding Officer-in-Command Operation Ordnance Royal Army Service Corps Road Reference Rendezvous Supply Dropping Point Transport Vehicle Crossroads

Month and year: September 1944

Commanding Officer: Lt. Col. R.K. Gordon

1st September 1944

Place: Piggeries

Preparations made for re-supply for operation LINNET.

2nd September 1944

Information received that operation LINNET is postponed.

3rd September 1944

LINNET still postponed - weather conditions bad - heavy rain and high wind.

4th September 1944

2100 - Warning Order to prepare for Exercise AIRPOCKET.

2130 - Exercise AIRPOCKET confirmed.  720 Coy detailed to supply tpt required.  Bad weather prevails.  Rum issued to 720 Coy.

5th September 1944

Continuation of Exercise AIRPOCKET.  Bad weather prevails.  High wind and heavy rain.

1520 - Major R.D.C. Wilcock reported for duty - no posting order received at present.

6th September 1944

Warning Order issued for Operation COMET.  Appx A.  Weather improves.  Admin Instr No 1 issued in respect of Operation COMET.  Appx B.

7th September 1944

Operation COMET continues.  Bad weather, rain and high wind but this does not stop flying conditions.  Major Wilcock - War Office confirm that he is posted to this HQ and is to be appointed Admin Officer.  Op Instr No 1 "COMET" issued.  Appx "C".

8th September 1944

Improvement in weather conditions.  Form "A" issued in respect of Operation COMET.  Appxs D & E.

2300 - Information received that Op COMET postponed 24 hrs.

9th September 1944

Operation Order AIRPOCKET No 9 received.  Weather conditions improved.  Major Wilcock and Capt Sutherland flew to France returning same day.  Op COMET postponed a further 48 hrs.

10th September 1944

Op COMET postponed a further 24 hrs.

11th September 1944

No change.

12th September 1944

Capt H.T. Abbott posted to 749 Coy RASC.  Operation COMET cancelled and Operation MARKET to take place.  Capt J.H. Walters RASC arrived and appointed Adjt.

13th September 1944

No change.

14th September 1944

Admin Instr No 1 for Operation MARKET from Comd Air Despatch Group.  Breakdown into Vehicle/Aircraft load tables received for Op. Market.

15th September 1944

Load Tables were prepared for D+1 for Op. Market.

16th September 1944

Form "A" prepared and issued with Vehicle/Aircraft Load Tables For Market I.  Appx F.

17th September 1944

Form "A" prepared and issued with Vehicle/Aircraft Load Tables For Market II.  Appx G.

18th September 1944

Form "A" prepared and issued with Vehicle/Aircraft Load Tables For Market III.  Appx H.  Market I took place 33 Aircraft took off, 2 Aircraft failed to return.  Approx 89 tons supplies dropped.

19th September 1944

Form "A" prepared and issued with Vehicle/Aircraft load tables 0145 hrs 20 Sep for Market IV.  Appx J.  Market II took place 163 Aircraft took off, 18 Aircraft failed to return.  Approx 377 tons supplies dropped.

20th September 1944

Market III took place 163 Aircraft took off, 14 Aircraft failed to return.  Approx 380 tons supplies dropped.

21st September 1944

Form "A" prepared and issued with Vehicle/Aircraft load tables for Market V.  Appx K.  Market IV took place 163 Aircraft took off, 31 Aircraft failed to return.  Approx 211 tons supplies dropped.

22nd September 1944

Form "A" prepared for Market VI but subsequently cancelled as a supply drop.  Market V took off 163 Aircraft took off, 15 Aircraft failed to return.  Approx 278 tons supplies dropped.  Information received 63 Coy required to rejoin 6 Airborne Div in near future.

23rd September 1944

Supplies for Market VI freighted.

24th September 1944

Operation Order BAITING I issued.  Appx L.

25th September 1944

720 Coy RASC Commenced to take over 63 Coy Dumps.  Operation Order BAITING II issued.  Appx M.

26th September 1944

63 Coy RASC rejoined 6th Airborne Div.  Instructions issued to 720 Coy RASC to vacate present location and occupy 63 Coy RASC location by 2359 hrs 28 Sep 44.

27th September 1944

Operation Order BAITING III issued.  Appx M.  Change of policy regarding amalgamation of Airborne Div Dumps, one Coy to hold all pre-packed supplies, namely 253 Coy, assisted by personnel 720 Coy RASC decided and to be carried out in the course of the next few days.

28th September 1944

Change over of dumps in progress.  720 Coy moved to Red Lodge.

29th September 1944

Change over of dumps in progress.

30th September 1944

Change over of dumps in progress.

Appx "C"

HQ RASC, 49 AIR DESPATCH.

"OPERATION COMET"

Op Instruction No.1.   7 Sep 44.

Map Ref.  1" to 1 mile Sheets 104, 111 and 105.  ¼" to 1 mile Sheet 8.

INFORMATION.

        1.     (a) A second re-supply mission will be carried out on the 10 Sep 44.

                (b) Loading of vehicles at dumps will be completed on the 9 Sep 44 in order that vehicles will arrive at Airfields the same evening.

                (c) The allotment of aircraft and airfields is:-

                (d) Airfields A/C availability & dates are liable to alteration at short notice.

INTENTION.

        2.     (a) To detail R.Vs and times of reporting of vehicles, Despatcher Crews and Pioneer Labour.

                (b) To take all possible preparatory action pending receipt of Vehicle/Aircraft Load Table.

METHOD.

        3.     (a) Allotment of aircraft and airfields will be as follows:-

                (b) Loading of vehicles.

                        (i) OC 63 Coy will be responsible for the loading from Div dump of STIRLING aircraft loads.

                        (ii) OC 253 Coy will be responsible for the loading from Div dumps of C.47 (USA) aircraft.

                (c) Ord Dump, Marston Hill.

                        (i) Vehicles from 253 Coy RASC will complete vehicle loads by loading Ordnance Panniers/Containers, bundles, etc. direct on to vehicles in Ord dump location.

                        (ii) Vehicles from 63 Coy. RASC. will complete vehicle loads by loading Ordnance Panniers/Containers, bundles, etc. direct on to vehicles in Ord dump location under arrangements to be made when quantities of Ord stores are known.

                        (iii) O.C. 720 Coy. RASC. will detail 10 x 3 ton lorries to 'stand by' for the purpose of conveying stores, as mentioned in para (c)(ii) above, to Airfields or 6 Div Dump as may be required.

                (d) Provision of Transport.  Commander, Air Despatch Group RASC is providing 164 x 3 ton vehicles (long wheel base).  Arrangements are being made for these to report as follows:-

Under command of O.C. 63 Coy. R.A.S.C.

Under command of O.C. 253 Coy. R.A.S.C.

                (e) Provision of Despatchers.

                        (i) Commander, Air Despatch Group RASC, is providing 100 Despatcher Crew x 2 men each.  Arrangements have been made for these Despatchers to report to OC 63 Coy RASC at 1200 hrs 9 Sep 44.

                        (ii) Despatchers for C.47 (USA) aircraft in Serials A.21 and A.22 will be provided from 144 Despatcher Crews at present operating from SALTBY and FOLKINGHAM Airfields on the following basis:-

                                Serial A.21.  32 x 4 men crews - 253 Coy. R.A.S.C.

                                Serial A.22.  32 x 4 men crews - 63 Coy. R.A.S.C.

                        (iii) ON COMPLETION OF FIRST RE-SUPPLY MISSION, DESPATCHERS FROM SALTBY AND FOLKINGHAM AIRFIELDS WILL REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO SPANHOE AIRFIELD IN ORDER THAT AIRCRAFT EMPLOYED ON SECOND RE-SUPPLY CAN BE COMMENCED IMMEDIATELY.  Despatcher Crews detailed to fly on re-supply mission from SPANHOE Airfield will be allowed to rest whilst remaining personnel fit roller conveyers and load aircraft.

                (f) Provision of Labour.  Commander, Air Despatch Group RASC is providing Pioneer labour to assist in loading at Dumps.  Arrangements are being made for personnel to report as follows:-

                        Under command of OC 253 Coy RASC.  50 Pioneer personnel to report to Regulating Centre at Map Ref. 104/598248 at 0800 hrs 9 Sep 44.

                        Under command of OC 63 Coy RASC.  50 Pioneer personnel to report to Coy HQ. RED LODGE, Map Ref. 104/505091 at 0800 hrs 9 Sep 44.

                (g) Parachutes.

                        (i) OC 63 Coy will ensure that 'O' type parachutes are available in sufficient quantities for Despatchers operating from KEEVIL, FAIRFORD and HARWELL Airfields respectively.

                        (ii) Os.C. 253 and 63 Coys will ensure that all lorries carry the correct number of panniers/containers parachutes.  Wherever possible, G.I. type 'chutes will be used.

                        (iii) Despatchers operating in the North, are now in possession of 'O' type 'chutes.

        4.  Routes.  Os.C. Coys will ensure that O. i/c Tpt and Despatchers are giving detailed instructions regarding routes, airfields, places of reporting and times of reporting, etc.

ADMINISTRATION.

        5.  FORM 'B'.  All Despatcher Crew Commanders will be in possession of Form 'B' (known as Form 'C' in Air Despatch Coys) before leaving own Coy locations.

        6.  Messing.  Os.C. 253 and 63 Coys will liaise with Os.C. Air Despatch and G.T. Coys re rationing of attached drivers and despatchers.  Haversack rations will be provided for Despatchers when FLYING.

        7.  Retention of Despatchers at Airfields.

                (a) All Despatchers operating from KEEVIL, FAIRFORD and HARWELL airfields will return to own Unit locations as quickly as possible.

                (b) All Despatcher Crews (including Air Despatch personnel) at present operating from Northern Airfields WILL REMAIN in that Area until instructions are issued by this H.Q. to the contrary.

        8.  Dismissal of Transport.

                (a) Transport will be ordered by R.A.S.C. Airfield Liaison Officers at KEEVIL, FAIRFORD and HARWELL Airfields to return to Unit location as soon as possible after loading of aircraft, sufficient tpt only will be retained to return Despatchers, and containers/panniers NOT dropped.

                (b) All transport from Airborne sources at present in the North will remain in that area.  44 x 3 ton vehicles at present attached to 253 and 63 Coy RASC will return to own Unit location immediately on completion of loading of aircraft at SALTBY and FOLKINGHAM Airfields.

        9.  Roller Conveyor Equipment.

                (a) O.C. 253 Coy R.A.S.C. will ensure that lorries proceeding to SPANHOE each carry one roller conveyor complete in addition to aircraft load.  Coy. Comd. will also be responsible for the provision of spares to be available on the airfield.

                (b) R.A.S.C. Airfield Liaison Officers at SALTBY and FOLKINGHAM respectively will be responsible for the safe-guarding of all roller conveyor equipment supplied from own Unit resources and fitted into aircraft operating from these airfields.  They will ensure that roller conveyor sets are correctly dismantled and retained in a safe place until dispersal instructions are issued from this H.Q.

        10.  De-Briefing.  De-briefing reports will be rendered through the normal channels by the quickest possible means.

        11.  Commitment of 720 Coy R.A.S.C.  To remain at short notice to carry out tpt commitments as detailed.

        12.  Timings.  All essential timings will be notified direct to this H.Q.

                (a) Completion of loading at Dumps.

                (b) Time of departure of convoy fro Unit location.

                (c) Time of arrival at Airfield.

                (d) Time loading of aircraft completed.

                (e) Time of "Take off".

                (f) Time of return of aircraft.

                (g) Number of containers/panniers by types NOT dropped.

                (h) Time of departure of convoys from airfields.

                (j) Time of return of transport to Unit location.

INTERCOMMUNICATION

        13.  R.A.S.C. Airfield Liaison Officers operating from Northern Airfields will communicate twice daily with this H.Q. at 0900 hrs and 1700 hrs.  R.A.S.C. Airfield Liaison Officers operating from local airfields will notify times direct to this H.Q.

        14.  Capt. W.T. Baskerville will be responsible for informing H.Q. Air Despatch Group R.A.S.C. of timings.

ACK.

[Signed R.K. Gordon] Lt-Col., R.A.S.C.

C.R.A.S.C., 49 Air Despatch.

Appx D

HQ RASC 49 AIR DESPATCH.

FORM "A"

OPERATION COMET "2".

8 Sep 44.

Time of Issue 1630 hrs

FOR ACTION:-

OC 253 Coy RASC CRASC 53 WOTU OC Ord Dump, Marston Hill Major D.J. Bradley

Copy Nos. 1 - 3 Copy Nos. 4 - 7 Copy Nos. 8 - 9 Copy Nos. 10 - 11

 

Serial No	No. of Aircraft	Type of Aircraft	Chalk Nos	Airfield	Available for loading	Complete loading by	Take off	Despatchers	Vehicles	RASC Liaison Sec	E.T.A. of vehs at Airfields
A 21	32	C47 USA	6100 - 6131	SPANHOE	MIDNIGHT 9 SEP 44	100700	-	As per...	...Operation...	..."COMET"...	Early P.M. 9 Sep 44.
A 22	32	C47 USA	6132 - 6163	SPANHOE	MIDNIGHT 9 SEP 44	100700	-	...Instruction...	...No. 1 dated...	...7 Sep 44.	Early P.M. 9 Sep 44.

REMARKS:-

        1.  Vehicles provided by CRASC 53 W.O.T.U. will please report as per HQ RASC 49 Air Despatch Operation Instruction No.1.

        2.  Drives will please be provided with rations to cover duration of detail (approx. 36 hrs. from time of reporting).

        3.  O.C. 253 Coy RASC will ensure that stores will be loaded from Ordnance Dump by individual lorries as shown on Aircraft Loading Table.

        4.  O.C. 253 Coy RASC and O.C. Ord. Dump will arrange times of drawing by mutual agreement.

        5.  O.C. 253 Coy RASC will ensure that Officers i/c Transport are given detailed instructions of routes, timings, airfields and places of reporting.

        6.  All drivers will be provided with Route Cards.

        7.  One Roller Conveyor Set complete will be loaded on each lorry.  O.C. 253 Coy RASC will provide spares to be available on airfield.

        8.  64 Despatcher Crews of 4 men each will be provided by Maj. Bradley from personnel at present on NORTHERN Airfields.

[Signed R.K. Gordon] Lt.Col., R.A.S.C.

C., R.A.S.C., 49 Air Despatch.

8 Sep. 44.

Appx E

H.Q. R.A.S.C. 49 AIR DESPATCH.

FORM "A"

OPERATION "COMET (2)".

8 Sep 44.

FOR ACTION:-

OC 63 Coy RASC CRASC 53 WOTU CRASC 48 Air Despatch O.C. 720 Coy O.C. Ordnance Dump

Copy Nos. 1 - 3 Copy Nos. 4 - 6 Copy Nos. 7 - 8 Copy No. 9 Copy No. 10.

 

Serial No	No. of Aircraft	Type of Aircraft	Chalk Nos	Airfield	Available for loading	Complete loading by	Take off	Despatchers	Vehicles	RASC Liaison Sec	E.T.A. of vehs at Airfields
B.46	33	STIRLINGS	6000 - 6032	HARWELL	092359	100700	-	As per this H.Q...	...Operation Instruction No.1...	..dated 7 Sep 44	092200
B.47	33	STIRLINGS	6133 - 6065	KEEVIL	092359	100700	-	"	"	"	092200
B.48	34	STIRLINGS	6066 - 6099	FAIRFORD	092359	100700	-	"	"	"	092200

REMARKS.

        1.  Transport provided by C.R.A.S.C., 53 W.O.T.U. will please report as detailed in this H.Q. Operation Instruction No.1 dated 7 Sep 44.

        2.  Despatchers provided by C.R.A.S.C. 48 Air Despatch will please report as detailed in this H.Q. Operation Instruction No.1 dated 7 Sep 44.

        3.  Drivers and Despatchers should be provided with rations to cover period of detail (approx 24 hrs from time of reporting).

        4.  O.C. 720 Coy will detail 12 x 3 ton lorries at present "standing by" to report to Ordnance Dump, Marston Hill, at 0900 hrs on 9 Sep. 44, for purpose of loading and conveying Ordnance Stores to Red Lodge (M.R. 505092).  Ordnance representatives will accompany these vehicles to Red Lodge and ensure stores are loaded on to correct vehicles.

        5.  R.A.S.C. Airfield Liaison Officer as detailed in this H.Q. Operation Inst. No.1 dated 7 Sep 44, will report to Airfields in ample time to arrange reception of vehicles, guides to aircraft, issuing of "O" type parachutes, messing, etc.

[Signed R.K. Gordon] Lt-Col., R.A.S.C.

C.R.A.S.C., 49 Air Despatch.

Appx F

H.Q., R.A.S.C. 49 AIR DESPATCH

FORM "A"

OPERATION MARKET (1)

16 Sep 44.

Time of issue: 1800 hrs.

FOR ACTION:-

253 Coy. RASC Ord Dump

Copy No. 1 Copy No. 2

 

Serial No	No. of Aircraft	Type of Aircraft	Chalk Nos	Airfield	Available for loading	Complete loading by	Take off	Despatchers per A/C	Vehicles	RASC Liaison Sec	E.T.A. of vehs at Airfields
1	35	STIRLINGS	975 - 989, 1030 - 1049	HARWELL	171800	180530	-	2	253 Coy	253 Coy	171700

REMARKS.

        1.  All Containers/Panniers will be drawn from 253 Coy Dump.

[Signed] for Lt-Col., R.A.S.C.

C.R.A.S.C., 49 Air Despatch.

Appx G

H.Q. R.A.S.C. 49 AIR DESPATCH

FORM "A"

OPERATION MARKET (II)

17 Sep 44.

Time of issue: 1800 hrs.

FOR ACTION:-

253 Coy RASC 63 Coy RASC 720 Coy RASC ORD DUMP C.RASC 48 A.D. C.RASC 53 W.O.T.U.

Copy No. 1 Copy No. 2 Copy No. 3 Copy No. 4 Copy No. 5 Copy No. 6

 

Serial No	No. of Aircraft	Type of Aircraft	Chalk Nos	Airfield	Available for loading	Complete loading by	Take off	Despatchers per A/C	Vehicles and despatchers	RASC Liaison Sec	E.T.A. of vehicles at Airfields
B41	33	STIRLINGS	610 - 642	HARWELL	181800	190530	-	2	253 Despatch 720 Vehs	253 Coy	181700
B42	33	STIRLINGS	643 - 675	KEEVIL	181800	190530	-	2	63 Coy	63 Coy	181700
B43	34	STIRLINGS	676 -709	FAIRFORD	181800	190530	-	2	253 Despatch 720 Vehs	253 Coy	181700
B44	21	C.47 (Br).	710 - 730	BLAKEHILL	181800	190530	-	4	63 Despatch 53 WOTU Vehs	63 Coy	181700
B45	21	C.47 (Br).	731 - 751	DOWN AMPNEY	181800	190530	-	4	48 AD Desph 53 WOTU Vehs	63 Coy	181700
B46	21	C.47 (Br).	752 - 772	BROADWELL	181800	190530	-	4	48 AD Desph 53 WOTU Vehs	253 Coy	181700

REMARKS:-

        1.  O.C. 253 Coy RASC is responsible for Serials B.41 - B.43 and B.46.  O.C. 63 Coy RASC is responsible for Serials B.42 - B.44 and B.45.

        2.  Serials B.41 - 2 - 3 - All Containers/Panniers will be drawn from 253 Coy Dump.  Serials B.44 - 5 - 6 - All Containers/Panniers will be drawn from 63 Coy Dump.

        3.  Serials B.41.  33 x 3 ton vehicles from 720 Coy will report at pre-arranged RV at 180630.  After loading at 253 Coy Dump, vehs will proceed to Ord Dump to collect appropriate Ord Stores - ETA of vehs 0800 hrs.

        4.  Serial B.42.  Vehs Nos. 643 - 4 - 5 will report Ord Dump at 180730 to collect Ord Stores and then join remainder of vehs (30 x 3 ton) at pre-arranged RV at 180830.

        5.  Serial B.43.  34 x 3 ton vehs from 720 Coy will report at pre-arranged RV at 181030.

        6.  Serials B.44 - 5 - 6.  Will C.,RASC 53 WOTU please arrange for vehs to report at pre-arranged RV as follows:-

                21 x 3 ton at 180800.

                21 x 3 ton at 180900.

                21 x 3 ton at 181000.

                        Will C.,RASC 48 Air Despatch please arrange for 42 x 4 men dropping Crews to report to OC 63 Coy RASC at RED LODGE MR. 104/505090 at 180800.  All crews to be in possession of Form 'B' (known as Form 'C' in 48 Air Despatch).

        7.  Unexpired rations for dropping crews and drivers attached to 63 and 253 Coys will be delivered in bulk to respective Coys.  Thereafter, attached personnel will be rationed by Os.C. 63 and 253 Coys.

        8.  Os.C. Coys will please ensure that Os.i/c Tpt are given detailed instructions of routes, airfields, times of reporting etc., and that all drivers have route cards.

[Signed] for Lt-Col., R.A.S.C.

C.R.A.S.C., 49 Air Despatch.

Appx H

H.Q. R.A.S.C. 49 AIR DESPATCH

FORM "A"

OPERATION MARKET (III)

18 Sep 44.

FOR ACTION:-

253 Coy RASC 63 Coy RASC 720 Coy RASC Ord Dump Marston Hill CRASC 48 A.D. CRASC 53 WOTU

Copy No. 1 & 2 Copy No. 3 Copy No. 4 Copy No. 5 Copy No. 6 Copy No. 7

 

Serial No	No. of Aircraft	Type of Aircraft	Chalk Nos	Airfield	Available for loading	Complete loading by	Take off	Despatchers per a/c	Vehicles and Despatchers	RASC Liaison Sec	E.T.A. of vehicles at Airfields
1	34	STIRLING	1 - 34	HARWELL				2	63 Coy Despatchers, 53 WOTU vehicles	253 Coy
2	33	STIRLING	35 - 67	FAIRFORD				2	63 Coy Despatchers, 53 WOTU vehicles	253 Coy
3	33	STIRLING	68 - 100	KEEVIL				2	63 Coy Despatchers, 53 WOTU vehicles	63 Coy
4	32	C.47 (RAF)	101 - 132	DOWN AMPNEY				4	48 A.D. Despatchers, 720 Coy. Vehs.	63 Coy
5	31	C.47 (RAF)	133 - 163	BROADWELL				4	48 A.D. Despatchers, 720 Coy. Vehs.	253 Coy

REMARKS. -

        1.  O.C. 253 Coy will be responsible for Serials 4 and 5.

        2.  O.C. 63 Coy will be responsible for Serials 1, 2 and 3.

        3.  Serials 1, 2 and 3.  All containers/panniers will be drawn from 63 Coy Dump.

        4.  Serials 4 and 5.  All containers/panniers will be drawn from 253 Coy Dump.

        5.  Transport.

                100 x 3 ton vehicles from CRASC 53 WOTU will please report to OC 63 Coy RASC as follows:-

                        34 x 3 ton vehs at 190700 A. )

                        33 x 3 ton vehs at 190800 A. ) At RV MR. 104/500070 facing NORTH.

                        33 x 3 ton vehs at 190900 A. )

                63 x 3 ton vehicles from 720 Coy RASC will report to OC 253 Coy RASC as follows:-

                        32 x 3 ton vehicles at 190800 A )

                        31 x 3 ton vehicles at 190900 A ) At RV MR. 104/607245 facing NORTH.

        6.  Dropping Crews:- 58 x 2 men dropping crews from 253 Coy RASC will report to OC 63 Coy RASC at 190800 A.  63 x 4 men dropping crews from CRASC 48 Air Despatch will please report to OC 253 Coy RASC at 190800 A.  All crew to be in possession of Form 'B' (known as Form 'C' in 48 Air Despatch).

        7.  Rations.  Unexpired rations for dropping crews and drivers attached to 63 and 253 Coys will be delivered in bulk to the respective coys.  Thereafter, attached personnel will be rationed by Os.C. 63 and 253 Coys RASC.

        8.  Os.C. Coys will please ensure that Os.i/c Tpt are given detailed instructions of routes, Airfields, times of reporting etc., and that all drivers have route cards.

        9.  Os.C. 63 and 253 Coys will be responsible for providing all despatchers under command with 'O' type 'chutes and harnesses.

        10.  Timings: will be notified later.

[Signed] for Lt-Col., R.A.S.C.

C.R.A.S.C., 49 Air Despatch.

Appx J

H.Q., R.A.S.C. 49 AIR DESPATCH

FORM 'A'

OPERATION MARKET (IV)

20 Sep 44.

Time of Issue 0145 hrs

FOR ACTION:-

253 Coy RASC 63 Coy RASC 720 Coy R.A.S.C. Ord Dump. CRASC 48 A.D. CRASC 53 WOTU

Copy Nos. 1 & 2 Copy No. 3 Copy No. 4 Copy No. 5 Copy No. 6 Copy No. 7

 

Serial No	No. of Aircraft	Type of Aircraft	Chalk Nos	Airfield	Available for loading	Complete loading by	Take off	Despatchers per a/c	Vehicles and Despatchers	RASC Liaison Sec	E.T.A. of Vehs at Airfields
1	34	STIRLINGS	1 - 34	HARWELL	201800A			2	253 Coy Desp. 53 WOTU Vehs.	253 Coy	201730A
2	33	STIRLINGS	35 - 67	FAIRFORD	201800A			2	253 Desp (17x2) 63 Desp (16x2), 53 WOTU Vehs.	253 Coy	201730A
3	33	STIRLINGS	68 - 100	KEEVIL	201800A			2	63 Coy Desp. 53 WOTU Vehs.	63 Coy	201730A
4	30	C.47 (RAF)	134 - 163	BROADWELL	201800A			4	48 A.D. Desp. 720 Coy Vehs.	253 Coy	201730A
5	33	C.47 (RAF)	101 - 133	DOWN AMPNEY	201800A			4	48 A.D. Desp. 720 Coy Vehs.	63 Coy	201730A

REMARKS:

        1.  O.C. 253 Coy will be responsible for Serials 1, 2 and 4.

        2.  O.C. 63 Coy will be responsible for Serials 3 and 5.

        3.  Serial 1 and 4 will be drawn from 253 Coys Dump.

        4.  Serial 3 and 5 will be drawn from 63 Coys Dump.

        5.  Serials 2.  17 x 3 ton vehs will load from 253 Coy Dump and 16 x 3 ton vehs will load from 63 Coy Dump.

        6.  Appropriate vehs will load RASC panniers/containers before proceeding to Ord Dump to complete load.  O.C. Ord Dump to be advised E.T.A. of vehs.

        7.  TRANSPORT.

                O.C. 720 Coy will arrange for 63 x 2 ton vehs to report as follows:-

                        30 x 3 ton to OC 253 Coy at 200900 A at RV MR. 104/607245 facing NORTH.

                        33 x 3 ton to OC 63 Coy at 201200 A at RV MR. 104/500070 facing NORTH.

                C.RASC 53 WOTU will please arrange for 100 x 3 ton vehs to report as follows:-

                        34 x 3 ton to OC 253 Coy at 201100 A at RV MR. 104/607245 facing NORTH.

                        17 x 3 ton to OC 253 Coy at 201200 A at RV MR. 104/607245 facing NORTH.

                        33 x 3 ton to OC 63 Coy at 200900 A at RV MR. 104/500070 facing NORTH.

                        16 x 3 ton to OC 63 Coy at 201100 A at RV MR. 104/500070 facing NORTH.

        8.  DROPPING CREWS.  C.,R.A.S.C. 48 Air Despatch will please arrange for 57 x 4 men dropping crews to report as follows:-

                27 x 4 men crews to O.C. 253 Coy at 200900 A.

                30 x 4 men crews to O.C. 63 Coy at 201130 A.

        9.  Rations.  Unexpired rations for dropping crews and drivers attached to 63 and 253 Coys will be delivered in bulk to the respective Coys.  Thereafter, attached personnel will be rationed by Os.C. 63 and 253 Coys RASC.

        10.  Os.C. Coys will please ensure that Os.i/c Tpt are given detailed instructions of routes, Airfields, Times of reporting etc.

        11.  Os.C. 63 and 253 Coys will be responsible for providing all despatchers under command with 'O' type 'chutes and harnesses.

[Signed] for Lt-Col., R.A.S.C.

C.R.A.S.C., 49 Air Despatch.

Appx K

H.Q., R.A.S.C. 49 AIR DESPATCH.

FORM 'A'

OPERATION: MARKET (V)

21 Sep 44.

Time of Issue 0845 hrs

FOR ACTION:-

253 Coy 63 Coy 720 Coy Ord Dump. CRASC 48 A.D. CRASC 53 WOTU

Copy Nos. 1 & 2 Copy No. 3 Copy No. 4 Copy No. 5 Copy No. 6 Copy No. 7

 

Serial No	No. of Aircraft	Type of Aircraft	Chalk Nos	Airfield	Available for loading	Complete loading by	Take off	Despatchers	Vehicles	RASC Liaison Sec	E.T.A. of vehs at Airfields
1	33	STIRLINGS		KEEVIL	211800A			33 x 2 - 63 Coy	33 Attached	63 Coy	211700A
2	30	C.47 (RAF)		DOWN AMPNEY	do			8 x 4 - 63 Coy, 4 x 4 - Attached, 18 x 4 - 48 A.D.	11 Attached, 19 - 53 WOTU	63 Coy	do
3	33	STIRLINGS		FAIRFORD	do			33 x 2 - 253 Coy	6 Attached, 27 - 53 WOTU	253 Coy	do
4	34	STIRLINGS		HARWELL	do			23 x 2 - 253 Coy, 11 x 2 63 Coy	19 - 53 WOTU, 15 - 720 Coy	253 Coy	do
5	33	C.47 (RAF)		BROADWELL	do			3 x 4 Attached, 30 x 4 - 48 A.D.	33 - 720 Coy	253 Coy	do

REMARKS:

        1.  O.C. 63 Coy will be responsible for Serials 1 and 2.

        2.  O.C. 253 Coy will be responsible for Serials 3, 4 and 5.

        3.  Serials 1 and 2 will be drawn from 63 Coy Dump.

        4.  Serials 3, 4 and 5 will be drawn from 253 Coy Dump.

        5.  Appropriate vehs will load RASC panniers/containers before proceeding to Ord Dump to complete load.

        6.  O.C. ORD DUMP to be advised E.T.A. of vehs.

        7.  O.C. 720 Coy will arrange for 48 x 3 ton vehs to report as follows:-

                15 x 3 ton to O.C. 253 Coy at 210800A at RV MR 104/607245 facing NORTH.

                33 x 3 ton to O.C. 253 Coy at 210830A at RV MR 104/607245 facing NORTH.

        8.  C.R.A.S.C. 53 W.O.T.U. will please arrange for 65 x 3 ton vehs to report as follows:-

                19 x 3 ton vehs to O.C. 63 Coy at 210930A at RV MR 104/500070 facing NORTH.

                19 x 3 ton vehs to O.C. 253 Coy at 210800A at RV MR 104/607245 facing NORTH.

                27 x 3 ton vehs to O.C. 253 Coy at 211000A at RV MR 104/607245 facing NORTH.

        9.  Dropping Crews.  CRASC 48 Air Despatch will please arrange for 48 x 4 men crews to report as follows:-

                18 x 4 men crews to O.C. 63 Coy at 210900A.

                30 x 4 men crews to O.C. 253 Coy at 210900A.

                        O.C. 63 Coy will arrange for 11 x 2 men crews to report to O.C. 253 Coy at 210800A.

        10.  Rations.  Unexpired rations for dropping crews and drivers attached to 63 and 253 Coys will be delivered in bulk to the respective Coys.  Thereafter, attached personnel will be rations Os.C. 63 and 253 Coys RASC.

        11.  Os.C. Coys will please ensure that Os.i/c Tpt are given detailed instructions of routes, Airfields, Times of reporting etc.

        12.  Os.C. 63 and 253 Coys will be responsible for providing all despatchers under command with 'O' type 'chutes and harnesses.

        13.  Vehicles/Aircraft chalk numbers will be notified when available.

[Signed] for Lieut.Col. R.A.S.C.,

C.,R.A.S.C. 48 Air Despatch.