Aden Protectorate Levies Motor Transport Squadron
This was formed on 15 November 1946 in Aden to take over the commitments of No 669 (GT) Company, RASC, which had been transferred to RAF control on 1 September 1946, no further details at present.
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Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
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Mechanical Transport Units, etc
This section gives brief histories of a variety of units involved in the operation, repair, salvage and servicing of Mechanical Transport (MT). There were also a number of Storage and Maintenance Units as well as Repair and Salvage Units dedicated to MT, but these are not shown here but have been included in the relevant section elsewhere.
Aden Protectorate Levies Motor Transport Squadron
This was formed on 15 November 1946 in Aden to take over the commitments of No 669 (GT) Company, RASC, which had been transferred to RAF control on 1 September 1946, no further details at present.
Air Ministry MT Section
A formation date has not yet been found but was probably shortly after the formation of the Air Ministry in 1918. However on 13 March 1940 the Section was reorganised as follows: -
Section A
This was transferred to the Air Ministry Unit at Staffordshire House (in No 11 Group) for all purposes other than operational control, which remained with the Air Ministry.
Sections B, C & D
These were placed under RAF Hendon (in No 11 Group) for all purposes other than operational control, which was exercised as follows: -
Section B - Air Ministry (E11)
Section C - Air Ministry (ACAS)
Section D - Bomber Command
On 1 November 1940, 'B' Section was redesignated No 4 MT Company and on 7 January 1941, the remaining Sections, 'A', 'C' and 'D' were also absorbed in No 4 MT Company, effectively disbanding the AM MT Section.
2nd TAF Forward Repair Unit
This formed at Butzweilerhof on 15 March 1952, no further details at present.
2nd TAF MT Storage Unit/RAF Germany (2nd TAF) MT Storage Unit
This formed at Wahn in No 83 Group on 7 April 1952, moving to Bruggen on 1 July 1954, from when its policy became: -
A non self accounting unit (self accounting for functional stocks), under the functional and technical control of HQ 2nd TAF and the administrative control of RAF Bruggen responsible for: -
Storage of 2,000 vehicles, of miscellaneous types including RVTs and other specialist vehicles.
Receipt of 580 vehicles per month from UK, or German sources, and Repair Units.
Issue of 400 vehicles per month to user units.
Collection of 90 vehicles per month from German contractors.
Delivery of 55 vehicles per month to German contractors for the installation of equipment.
Maintenance of approximately 5% of stored vehicles for immediate issue.
Local administration for the MTSU by RAF Bruggen and for the MTSU Detachment by RAF Wahn.
It was redesignated RAF Germany (2nd TAF) MT Storage Unit on 1 January 1959 and disbanded on 1 August 1961, its task being assumed by No 431 MU.
No 6 MT Base Repair Depot
This was formed at Trichinopoly on 15 July 1945 under the functional control of HQ BAFSEA, administered by No 226 Group, no further details at present.
No 7 MT Base Repair Depot
This was formed at Worli on 1 January 1946 by redesignating No 24 MT Repair Unit, and moved from Katong to RAF Base, Seletar on 29 February 1948 and the following day was disbanded, its commitment being taken over by No 390 MU.
No 1 Mobile Diesel Repair Unit
This was formed in August 1943 in Calcutta under the control of No 230 Group, and on 1 June 1944 it commenced providing a series of courses to provide training for MT personnel in the repair, maintenance and overhaul of Diesel engines. Each course was of a month's duration with 25 trainees per course.
It was absorbed into No 335 MU on 10 June 1944.
No 2 Mobile Diesel Repair Unit
This was formed on 1 January 1944 in Madras under the control of No 226 Group, and was absorbed into No 139 RSU on 10 June 1944.
No 3 Mobile Diesel Repair Unit
This was formed on 1 December 1944 in Chittagong under the control of No 224 Group, its fate is unknown.
Mobile MT Waterproofing Unit
This was formed on 23 March 1944 in Ratmalana under the control of No 222 Group, and was absorbed into No 6 CRO (MT) on 10 June 1944 and was disbanded on 1 October 1945.
MT Storage and Allotments Section
This was formed by renaming the MT Storage and Allotments Branch at HQ No 40 Group when it relocated to Municipal Buildings, Derby on 7 March 1943, parented by No 99 MU. It dealt with the following: -
Allotment of MT
Receipt of MT (Ministry of Supply and MAP Contract)
Storage of MT
Complaints regarding condition of MT
'G' Licences and Registration Numbers
No 2 MT Squadron
This was formed by redesignating No 2 MT Company on 1 March 1954 at Lichfield but when Lichfield closed it moved to Stafford on 31 March 1958. In 1992 it was reduced to flight status as No 2 MT Flight but returned to squadron status on 10 August 1998 and in 2005 moved to its present location at Wittering as part of No 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) Wing.
No 4 MT Squadron
This was formed by redesignating No 4 MT Company on 1 March 1954 at Kidbrooke under the functional control of the Air Ministry (D of Mov) and administrative control of No 61 Group, Home Command. Administrative control was transferred to HQ Maintenance Command on 15 December 1958, which was followed by functional control on 1 April 1964. However, the section known as the Staff Car Pool at Crawford Street, London continued to be functionally controlled by D of Mov, no further details at present.
No 51 MT Squadron
This was formed by redesignating No 51 MT Company on 1 March 1954 at El Hamra under the control of HQ, No 206 Group. It moved to Kasfareet on 1 October 1955 on the closure of RAF El Hamra, and disbanded on 31 March 1956.
No 317 MT Squadron
This was formed by redesignating No 317 MT Company on 1 March 1954 at Uetersen under the control of HQ 2nd TAF and moved to Bruggen on 1 June 1954, being transferred to No 83 Group, and disbanded on 1 November 1962.
MT Companies
The role of these units was to supplement existing station transport if it should be necessary to rapidly move operational squadron, except Army Co-operation squadron, which were already established for rapid movement. Each company was divided into four sections, each being capable of moving one squadron. The Companies were under the operational control of the Air Ministry (DDE9) but under No 40 Group for administration.
No 1 MT Company
This was originally formed for service with 'X' Force in Norway and was ordered to disband on 18 June 1940.
It reformed on 16 July 1940 at Portland Garage, Woodland Road, Darlington, later moving to Mowden Hall, Darlington. In October 1940 a Mobile Messing Unit was attached capable of providing hot meals for 600 personnel on stations where bomb damage prevented local messing.
It disbanded in September 1943.
No 2 MT Company
This was formed on 16 July 1940 at King's College, Cambridge. In October 1940 a Mobile Messing Unit was attached capable of providing hot meals for 600 personnel on stations where bomb damage prevented local messing.
It moved to Stow-cum-Quy in April 1945, to Leicester East in 1946 and then to Warton on 17 December 1947, being transferred from No 43 Group to No 40 Group and from where it operated a detachment at Woodvale to work at Liverpool dock. On 1 January 1947 control was transferred from HQ, Maintenance Command to No 43 Group. It moved again on 7 April 1949, this time to Bicester with detachments at Bottesford, Harby, Warton, Handforth and Stafford and then again to Lichfield on 15 December 1953, where it was redesignated No 2 MT Squadron on 1 March 1954.
No 3 MT Company
This was formed on 16 July 1940 at Oakenoast, Sevenoaks Road, Ightham, Kent. In October 1940 a Mobile Messing Unit was attached capable of providing hot meals for 600 personnel on stations where bomb damage prevented local messing.
It moved to The Close, Borough Green on 1 August 1942 and then to Leicester East in December 1945, where it disbanded on 1 April 1946.
No 4 MT Company
This was formed on 1 November 1940 from Section 'B' Air Ministry MT Section, Hendon under the operational control of DDE9. It moved to 9 Abbey Road, London NW8 on 27 December 1940 and on 7 January 1941 the remaining Sections of the AM MT Section, 'A', 'C' and 'D' were also absorbed in No 4 MT Company.
By January 1944 it had moved to 116 Hamilton Terrace, St John's Wood, London, NW8 and disbanded in December 1945.
It reformed at some point as on 1 January 1947 control was transferred from HQ, Maintenance Command to No 43 Group, and then to No 28 Group, Technical Training Command on 1 April 1948. On 22 February 1950 it was transferred to No 61 Group, Reserve Command (later Home Command), and was redesignated No 4 MT Squadron on 1 March 1954.
No 5 MT Company
This was formed in January 1941 at Liverpool, under the control of No 40 Group to deal with the requirements of dock clearance in the Merseyside area, the Cased Aircraft Park and the Embarkation Office at Liverpool. It moved to Woodvale in February 1946, where it disbanded on 15 September 1946.
No 6 MT Company
This was formed in March 1941 at 113 St Vincent's Street, Glasgow, C1 in No 40 Group, moving on 19 January 1942 to No 107 St Vincent's Street, Glasgow. It relocated to Bishopbriggs in November 1945, where it disbanded on 15 September 1946.
No 7 MT Company
This was formed in March 1941 at Tranby Croft, Tranby Lane, Hessle, near Hull in No 40 Group and moved to 82a Pearl Street, Roath, Cardiff on 23 April 1942. It moved to 223 Newport Road, Cardiff on 1 July 1943, where it disbanded on 15 July 1946.
No 8 MT Company
This commenced forming in December 1941 at Colerne, moving to Ashley, Box, near Chippenham in January 1942, but did not open for operation until 8 Jun 1942 under the control of No 54 Wing. It moved to Leicester East, where it disbanded on 1 April 1946.
No 9 MT Company
This was formed in December 1943 at Reykjavik, under the control of Coastal Command until 10 July 1945 when it was transferred to Transport Command, reverting to Coastal Command on 1 November 1945, no further details at present.
No 51 MT Company
This was formed on 25 April 1942 at Heliopolis under the control of No 205 Group, its task being the movement of equipment from Army Depots to RAF Maintenance Units and Air Store Parks. Its fate is unknown.
This was reformed in February 1946 at Almaza and operated detachments at Port Said, El Firdan and Ysara. It disbanded, together with the detachments at El Firdan and Ysara, on 1 April 1947, whilst the Port Said detachment was transferred to RAF El Hamra.
It reformed at El Hamra on 3 December 1947 under the control of No 205 Group, with the following commitments: -
To provide MT facilities for: -
long distance road transportation between Egypt and Palestine
heavy road transportation between the docks and MUs in Egypt
delivery of stores between units in Egypt
moves of squadrons and other non-mobile units.
To provide repair and inspection facilities for: -
No 51 MT Company vehicles
station transport at El Hamra
On 1 June 1949 a third flight was formed utilising personnel and equipment from the disbanding No 2 Fuel Transport Company at Shallufa, its commitments being revised as follows: -
To provide MT facilities for: -
long distance road transportation between Egypt and Amman
heavy road transportation between the docks and MUs in Egypt
delivery of stores between units in Egypt (8,000 - 10,000 tons per month)
moves of squadrons and other non-mobile units.
Trooping in the Canal Zone
Delivery of bulk fuel in the Canal Zone
To provide: -
repair and inspection facilities for station MT at El Hamra
Parent facilities by RAF Station El Hamra
It was redesignated No 51 MT Squadron on 1 March 1954.
No 52 MT Company
This was formed on 1 October 1942 at Almaza under the control of No 206 Group and disbanded in August 1944.
No 53 MT Company
This was formed on 1 May 1944 at Rivet in No 218 Group, moving to Bouzarea, Algeria in February 1945, where it disbanded in September 1945.
No 54 MT Company
This was formed on 1 May 1944 at Foggia in No 214 Group, moving to Cancello in August 1944 from where it operated detachments at Bari and Civita Castellana. It disbanded on 15 October 1946.
No 55 MT Company
This was formed on 30 September1944 at Imphal and Silchar in No 221 Group, moving to Monywa, Burma in February 1945, Meiktila in April and then to Rangoon in June 1945, where it disbanded on 1 December 1946, with its reduced commitments being transferred to RAF Movements, Rangoon..
No 56 MT Company
This was formed on 30 September1944 at Comilla in 3rd TAF, and disbanded on 18 January 1945.
No 57 MT Company
This was formed on 30 September1944 at Chittagong in No 224 Group, moving to Ramu in February 1945 and then to Avadi in July 1945, where it disbanded on 15 September 1946.
No 58 MT Company
This was formed on 17 April 1945 in DAF at Igea Marina, Rimini, moving to Udine in May 1945. On 28 February 1947 it absorbed No 3 MT Light Repair Unit, and disbanded on 20 June 1947.
No 59 MT Company
This was formed at No 4 Base Repair Depot, Worli on 1 July 1945 under the functional control of HQ BAFSEA, administered by No 225 Group and at some point moved to Singapore, where it disbanded on 1 December 1947.
No 60 MT Company
This was formed on 31 March 1946 in Bombay under the functional control of AHQ India, no further details at present.
No 61 MT Company
This was formed on 31 March 1946 in Calcutta under the functional control of AHQ India, no further details at present.
No 62 MT Company
This was formed on 31 March 1946 in Delhi under the functional control of AHQ India, and disbanded on 15 June 1947.
No 300 MT Company
This was formed on 19 March 1943 at Handcross, in TAF moving to Easthampstead Park in June and then back to Handcross in July, where it was absorbed into No 309 S & TC on 24 July 1943.
MT Depot
This formed at Harlescott, Shrewsbury on an unknown date. The full overhaul of MT vehicles ended on 31 January 1932, but repair work continued until the withdrawal of RAF and civilian personnel on 31 March 1932 and site was handed over to the Directorate of Works and Buildings for disposal on 1 April 1932. Some of the work undertaken by the Depot was transferred to a new MT Section at RAF Henlow, whilst the remainder was put out to Air Ministry contractors, the details of which were laid out in Air Ministry Order 146/1932 of 26 May 1932, as follows: -
"The MT Repair Section Henlow, will deal with the undermentioned vehicles only: -
Crossley 6 wheeler, RAF, type L
Crossley IGL l, RAF, type E.
Crossley IGL 2, RAF, type F.
Crossley type 9 RAF, type A.
Morris 6 wheeler, RAF, type B and Y.
Morris 15 9 touring car, RAF, type A
Trojan vehicles, RAF, type B, C & D
All other types of vehicles will be reconditioned by contractors or under other arrangement made by the Air Ministry."
MT Repair Squadron
This formed at Stafford in Maintenance Command on 1 May 1963, no further details at present.
MT Repair and Equipment Disposal Unit
This formed at Buc in France on an unknown date and disbanded on 5 October 1947.
No 4 MT Repair Section and Equipment Holding Unit
This formed at Oshodi in West Africa on an unknown date and was disbanded on 1 September 1945.
No 60 Repair Unit (MT)
As a result of the pending disbandment of Balloon Command, this unit was formed on 29 September 1944 at Cardington to overhaul and repair the MT redundant to the requirements of Balloon Command, no further details at present.
No 61 Repair Unit (MT)
As a result of the pending disbandment of Balloon Command, this unit was formed on 29 September 1944 as a section of No 6 Balloon Centre to overhaul and repair the MT redundant to the requirements of Balloon Command. On 30 April 1945 it was re-established as a separate unit in The Balloon Wing as a lodger at RAF Wythall, and disbanded on 8 December 1945.
No 62 Repair Unit (MT)
As a result of the disbandment of Balloon Command, this unit was formed on 29 September 1944 at No 12 Balloon Centre to overhaul and repair the MT redundant to the requirements of Balloon Command, and disbanded on 15 July 1945.
No 63 Repair Unit (MT)
As a result of the pending disbandment of Balloon Command, this unit was formed on 29 September 1944 at No 11 Balloon Centre to overhaul and repair the MT redundant to the requirements of Balloon Command. On 21 April 1945 it was re-established as a separate unit in The Balloon Wing as a lodger at RAF Pucklechurch, and disbanded on 8 December 1945.
No 64 Repair Unit (MT)
As a result of the disbandment of Balloon Command, this unit was formed on 29 September 1944 at No 3 Balloon Centre to overhaul and repair the MT redundant to the requirements of Balloon Command, and disbanded on 31 October 1945.
No 65 Repair Unit (MT)
As a result of the disbandment of Balloon Command, this unit was formed on 29 September 1944 at Kidbrooke to overhaul and repair the MT redundant to the requirements of Balloon Command, and disbanded on 10 July 1945.
No 66 Repair Unit (MT)
As a result of the disbandment of Balloon Command, this unit was formed on 29 September 1944 at Chessington to overhaul and repair the MT redundant to the requirements of Balloon Command, no further details at present.
No 1 Supply and Transport Column
This unit does not appear to have ever been formed.
No 2 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed in September 1939 in France but it disbanded in 1 April 1940.
No 3 Supply and Transport Column
This unit was allocated to the South African Air Force
No 4 Supply and Transport Column
The intention to form this unit was announced on 22 December 1942, but an actual formation date has not yet been found. On 15 September 1943 it was transferred from MEC to NWAAF
It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Bardia, Magrum, Bir El Gardabia (Misurata), Kairouan, Tunis, Cerignola, Foggia and San Spirito until it disbanded on 7 July 1946.
No 5 Supply and Transport Column
This was probably formed around August 1941. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East including Abu Haggag, Helwan, Port Tewfik, Tobruk, Marble Arch, Tripoli, Ben Gardane, the Sfax area, Almaza and Suez Road. It was reduced to a 'number only' basis on 1 May 1944.
It reformed at No 22 PTC on 27 July 1944 under the control of No 206 Group and disbanded on 5 February 1945.
No 6 Supply and Transport Column
This was probably formed around September 1939. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Helwan, the Maatan Bagush area, Bardia, Lete, Marble Arch, Tripoli, Medinine, the Sfax area and Bari
It was in No 214 Group in MEC, which was transferred to NWAAF on 7 October 1943. It was reduced to a 'number only' basis on 1 May 1944 and disbanded in 2 June 1944.
No 7 Supply and Transport Column
A formation date has not been found at present, but it was located in the Iraq being officially disbanded on 28 March 1942.
The intention to (re)form this unit was announced on 22 December 1942, but an actual formation date has not yet been found. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East including Helwan and El Adem until it disbanded in 31 July 1944.
No 8 Supply and Transport Column
This was probably formed around January 1942. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Shaibah, Rehoveth, Tripoli, Naples and Saviano.
It was in No 214 Group in MEC, which was transferred to NWAAF on 7 October 1943. It was reduced to a 'number only' basis on 1 May 1944 and disbanded in 1 July 1944.
No 9 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed in the UK, probably around January 1942 for service in the Middle East. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Helwan, Heliopolis, LG167, Gambut and Lete. On 6 December 1943 it was transferred to the DAF and moved to Naples.
It disbanded , and disbanded on 31 December 1945.
No 10 Supply and Transport Column
Its formation was announced in January 1942 but probably occurred around July 1942. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Helwan, Tobruk, Nofilia, Tripoli, Medinine, Bou Hadjar, Ras el Ain and Bari until it disbanded , and disbanded on 31 December 1945.
No 11 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed on 10 October 1942 at Almaza, after which it was based at various locations throughout the Middle East including El Daba, Tobruk, Tripoli, and Benghazi until it disbanded on 1 May 1944.
No 12 Supply and Transport Column
The intention to form this unit was announced on 22 December 1942, and was probably formed around April 1943. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East including Almaza, Haifa, Aleppo and Ras el Ain (detachment) until it disbanded on 1 May 1944.
No 13 Supply and Transport Column
This unit does not appear to have ever been formed.
No 14 Supply and Transport Column
This unit does not appear to have ever been formed.
No 15 Supply and Transport Column
This was probably formed around January 1943. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Algiers, Le Kroub, San Spirito, Blida and Florence until it disbanded in 5 December 1945 with any outstanding commitments being transferred to No 51 RAF MT Company, Almaza.
No 16 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed in the UK for service with NWAAF in around April 1943. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Blida and Taranto until it disbanded on 1 April 1944.
No 17 Supply and Transport Column
This unit does not appear to have ever been formed.
No 18 Supply and Transport Column
This unit does not appear to have ever been formed.
No 19 Supply and Transport Column
This was probably formed around April 1943. It seems to have based mainly at Rivet until it disbanded on 1 May 1944.
No 20 Supply and Transport Column
This was probably formed around March 1943. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including La Sebala, Lebardo and St Germain until it disbanded on 1 May 1944.
No 21 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed at No 24 PTC, Aboukir on 15 September 1944 under the control of HQ RAF Middle East, administered by No 206 Group before moving to Greece, where it disbanded in 31 December 1945.
No 22 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed at RAF Birch in July 1945 under the control of HQ Bomber Command for service with Tiger Force. However, following the cessation of hostilities in the Far East, its personnel were transferred to ACSEA. It was disbanded on 15 September 1945.
No 23 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed from the S & T Section of No 383 MU in August 1945 under the control of Tiger Force and disbanded on 31 December 1945.
No 309 Supply and Transport Column
This was probably formed around August 1943 in No 83 Group and on 20 January 1944 it was expanded to eight sections. It was based at various locations throughout North-West Europe and by 15 March 1945 was located at Geenhoven in the Netherlands. By 17 April 1945 it had moved to Ochtrup and on VE-Day it was located in the field, it disbanded on 31 May 1946.
No 310 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed in the UK on 19 March 1943 in No 83 Group, it was removed from the strength of the Group on 27 May 1943 and reformed for service with Mediterranean Air Command on 24 Jul 1943. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Cerignola, Chicuti, Montenero and Bellaria until it disbanded on 17 April 1945.
No 311 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed in the UK in mid 1943 for service with Mediterranean Air Command. It was based at various locations throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Cerignola, Chicuti and Iesi until it disbanded on 17 April 1945.
No 312 Supply and Transport Column
This was probably formed in nucleus form around August 1943 in No 84 Group. On 20 January 1944 it was authorised to form to in full, comprising eight sections, and was later based at various locations throughout North-West Europe until it disbanded in 15 June 1946.
No 313 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed on 20 January 1944 at Kirton in Lindsay and was transferred to No 85 Group around May 1944. It was based at various locations throughout North-West Europe until it disbanded on 27 April 1946.
No 314 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed on 20 January 1944 at Snailwell and was transferred to No 2 Group around May 1944. On 5 July 1944, two additional Sections were added bring its strength up to eight Sections. It was based at various locations throughout North-West Europe until it disbanded on 30 June 1946.
No 317 Supply and Transport Column
This was formed on 15 September 1944 in 2nd TAF comprising eight Sections. By October 1948 the HQ was located at Sundern but on 25 October it moved to Uetersen, where it was transferred from No 85 Group to HQ BAFO on 15 June 1950. Its fate is currently unknown.
It reformed in 1951 and was redesignated No 317 MT Squadron on 1 March 1954.
No 1 Mobile Light Repair Unit
This formed at Fassberg in November 1950, but backdated to 1 June 1950, by amalgamating No 1 MT LRU with No 1 MSSU as non-self accounting unit under the direct administration of HQ, BAFO, but administered by RAF Fassberg to the following policy: -
16,000 mile servicing
Repair and rectification outside of the capacity of MT Servicing Sections up to third line servicing.
Acceptance and despatch of vehicles: -
from and to Units
from and to the UK
Receipt, categorisation and disposal of all vehicles on which Form 523 action has been taken
Providing general engineering facilities for the Command, to undertake manufacture and other work as directed by HQ, BAFO
Servicing and repair of Diesel Electric and Petrol Electric set and associated equipment in power vehicles.
Survey of signals specialist vehicles received by the Unit, the rectification, repair and servicing of these vehicles (within terms of (a) and (b) above) and the inspection and servicing, as necessary, of the electrical and radio equipment fitted to those vehicles.
Servicing the equipment in specialist vehicles received by the Unit in accordance with the foregoing policy.
The inspection, checking and repair, as necessary of the radio and electrical equipment in radio and power vehicles received from the UK.
The periodic servicing of the radio and electrical equipment of the Command Reserve of radio and power vehicles.
The third and fourth line servicing of the radio and electrical equipment fitted to all radio and power vehicles in the Command.
The installation, periodic inspection and the third and fourth line servicing of all ground radio installations.
The receipt, test, repair and adjustment prior to issue of complete ground radio installations received in the Command.
Servicing up to third line standard of unserviceable airborne radio equipment as directed by HQ, BAFO.
Assistance to units in the embodiment of modifications or other servicing beyond unit capacity to ground and airborne equipment as directed by HQ, BAFO.
Development of prototype command modifications for ground radio equipment and radio vehicles (other than new Air Ministry types) and incorporation of these as directed by HQ, BAFO.
Holding and servicing the Command Reserve of radio pack sets.
It was disbanded on 15 March 1952 but was re-formed the same day, also at Fassberg, but presumably to a different establishment. On 9 August 1955 it moved to RAF Buckeburg coming under HQ, 2nd TAF, where it disbanded on 1 January 1956.
No 2 Mobile Light Repair Unit
This formed at Sundern on 15 March 1952, moving to Laarbruch on 15 May 1955, and disbanded on 1 May 1956.
No 3 MT Light Repair Depot
This was formed from MT Light Repair Section on 12 October 1943 at Silchar under the control of No 186 Wing and was redesignated No 148 RSU in 1 December 1943.
MT Light Repair Units operated with regard to MT in the same way as RSUs operated with aircraft, in that they held a small replacement pool of vehicles and to carry out repair and salvage and major inspections on all MT. They held a 7 days stock of 'quick turnover' items, obtaining replenishments from the ASPs. Any repairs taking longer than three days were to be returned to the Forward Repair Unit.
No 1 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed in March 1941 at Montesquieu, Tunisia, moving to Ghardimaou, where it was renamed No 10 MTLRU in May 1943.
It reformed at Fassberg under the control of No 85 Group on 1 March 1950, but was transferred to HQ BAFO on 1 May 1950, and in November 1950 was amalgamated with No 1 MSSU for form No 1 Mobile Light Repair Unit, but this was backdated to 1 June 1950.
No 2 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed in August 1942 at Wadi Natrun, moving to El Adem in November, Lete in December and Tripoli, Libya in February 1943 and was disbanded on 1 September 1943.
Officers Commanding: -
xx Apr 1943 Flt Lt W H Herbert
No 3 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on a number plate basis under the control of AHQ Iraq and Persia around May 1943, but was probably cancelled.
This was formed from No 2 (ME) MTLRU on 6 June 1943 at Sorman-Sabratha Road, under the control of HQ Desert Air Force. It moved to Catania, Sicily in August 1943, across to Italy in September 1943. On 1 October 1943 it was transferred from MEC to NWAAF and was absorbed into No 58 MT Company on 28 February 1947.
No 4 MT Light Repair Depot
This was formed on 12 November 1943 at Dohazari and was redesignated No 148 RSU in 1 December 1943.
No 5 MT Light Repair Depot
This was formed on 12 November 1943 at Comilla and was redesignated No 150 RSU in 1 December 1943.
MT Light Repair Section
This was formed on 1 June 1943 at Imphal and Silchar under the control of No 186 Wing and was redesignated No 3 MTLR Depot in 12 October 1943.
No 7 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed from No 7 (ME) MT Repair Section in May 1943 at Boulac, Cairo and disbanded in June 1946.
No 10 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed by renaming No 1 MTLRU in May 1943 at Ghardimaou. moving to Le Bardo in June, across to Italy in December 1943, Klagenfurt, Austria in June 1945 and finally to El Firdan, Egypt in October, where it was amalgamated with No 3 MT Base Depot Detachment to form No 1 MT Repair Unit.
No 13 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on 1 May 1944 at Foggia in No 214 Group, moving to Bari in March 1946, where it disbanded on 15 July 1946.
No 14 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on 1 May 1944 at Brindisi in No 214 Group and then moving to Bari, and then to Iesi in October 1944 but was located at Treviso when it disbanded on 15 May 1946, its commitments being transferred to No 357 MU.
No 15 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on 1 May 1944 at Secondigliano, Naples Italy in No 214 Group, moving to Capodichino in March 1946, where it disbanded on 31 July 1946.
No 16 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on 1 May 1944 at Rivet in No 218 Group, moving to Corsica in June, Bainem in November, San Severo, Italy in March 1945 and finally to Udine in May 1945, where it disbanded on 31 December 1945.
No 70 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed in July 1943 at Heston, moving to Penshurst in August, Croydon in October and then to Petworth in April 1944. It had moved across to France by July 1944, into Belgium by September and by October 1944 was at 59 Bozem Street, Eindhoven, Holland with the Advance Salvage Detachment at B106, finally moving into Germany in mid April 1945 and by 26 April was located at Stoken. On VE-Day it was located at Rehrol, it disbanded on 15 May 1946.
No 71 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed in September 1943 at Heston, moving to Charcott September, amptons (sic) in October, Penshurst in March 1944 and to Corehampton Down in April 1944. It moved across to France in June, was in Belgium by September and by October 1944 was at 347 Heezeroog Street, Eindhoven, Holland with the Advance Salvage Detachment at B108, finally moving into Germany in mid April 1945 and by 26 April was located near Celle. It disbanded on 27 October 1945.
No 72 (Polish) MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed in November 1943 at Heston in No 11 Group. It later moved to the Continent until it was transferred from BAFO to Maintenance Command on 17 December 1946, moving to Rufforth, and disbanded on 18 February 1947.
No 73 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed in nucleus form in December 1943 at Lasham, but on 20 January 1944 it was authorised to form to in full, moving to Wyfold in March 1944. It then moved to Camberley in October and by November had moved to Brussels in Belgium, remaining there until moving to Gutersloh in March 1946, where it disbanded on 23 December 1946.
No 74 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on 20 January 1944 at Hornchurch. It moved to Horsham April 1944 across the Chanel to France in August, to Belgium in September then into Germany in April 1945. It disbanded on 15 December 1947.
No 75 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on 5 June 1944 at Croydon in No 85 Group from the MT Light Repair Section and the 16 MT Servicing Sections of the Forward Repair Unit, which had just been disbanded, and disbanded on 23 December 1946.
No 76 MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on 30 November 1944 in No 85 Group, and disbanded in BAFO on 30 November 1946.
MT Light Repair Unit (Western Desert)
This was formed on 1 November 1941 at Fuka, under the operational control of No 206 Group. It moved to Gambut in December, Qassaba in February 1942 and then to Wadi Natrum in June, where it was redesignated No 2 (ME) MTLRU in August 1942.
MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on 1 November 1941 at Fuka but its fate is unknown.
Technical Training Command MT Light Repair Unit
This was formed on an unknown date at Cardington but disbanded on 21 April 1950.
No 17 MU (MT Light Repair Unit)
This was formed on 16 July 1945 at Bilaspur but disbanded in September 1945.
No 18 MU (MT Light Repair Unit)
This was formed in ACSEA on an unknown date but was redesignated No 18 MT Repair Unit on 10 November 1945.
No 19 MU (MT Light Repair Unit)
This was formed in ACSEA on an unknown date but was redesignated No 18 MT Repair Unit on 10 November 1945.
No 1 MT Regional Servicing Unit
This was formed in Maintenance Command on 15 February 1950 at Honington, no further details at present.
No 1 MT Repair Unit
This was formed on 5 December 1945 at El Firdan, by amalgamating No 10 MT Light Repair Unit with No 3 MT Base Depot Detachment, and was located at Alexandria when it disbanded on 8 June 1946.
No 1 MT Repair Unit
This was formed by 1952 in No 43 Group at Honington but it disbanded on 1 September 1952.
No 5 MT Repair Unit
This was formed from No 5 (ME) MT Repair Section in May 1943 at Ramleh, moving to Tel Litwinsky, Palestine in January 1944 and then to Shallufa, Egypt on 1 December 1947 under the control of No 205 Group. It disbanded on 15 January 1948, its commitments being transferred to No 9 MT Base Depot.
No 7 MT Repair Unit
This was formed on an unknown date and was located at Cairo when it disbanded on 6 July 1946.
No 10 MT Repair Depot
This was formed on 9 May 1918 at Wormwood Scrubs and disbanded in December 1919.
No 10 MT Repair Unit
This was formed on an unknown date but on 15 June 1946 was redesignated RAF Station El Firdan (No 10 MT Repair Unit) under the operational control of No 219 Group. The No 10 MTRU Detachment at Mariut was disbanded on 1 March 1947.
It reformed as an independent unit at El Firdan on 1 November 1947 under the functional control of No 205 Group, administered by RAF El Firdan, and disbanded on 15 January 1948.
No 11 MT Repair Unit
This was formed in September 1943 at Tunis under the control of HQ, NWAAF, its function being to supervise complete overhauls of MT vehicles carried out by civilian personnel. It fate is currently unknown.
No 12 MT Repair Unit
This was formed on an unknown date in the Middle East and disbanded on 14 August 1945.
No 18 MT Repair Unit
This was formed in ACSEA on 10 November 1945 by redesignating No 18 MU (MT Light Repair Unit), and disbanded at Kowloon on 1 November 1947.
No 19 MT Repair Unit
This was formed in ACSEA on 10 November 1945 by redesignating No 19 MU (MT Light Repair Unit), and was disbanded on 1 April 1946.
No 20 MT Repair Unit
This was formed at Ratmalana on 1 October 1945 by redesignating No 342 MU, and disbanded on 30 September 1946, kits commitment being transferred to the MT Base Repair and Storage Section at RAF Katukurunda.
No 21 MT Repair Unit
This was formed at Chittagong on 1 October 1945 by redesignating No 362 MU, it was later moved to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Air Forces of Occupation and disbanded on 31 March 1948.
No 22 MT Repair Unit
This was formed at Rangoon on 1 October 1945 by redesignating No 363 MU, and disbanded on 30 April 1947.
No 23 MT Repair Unit
This was formed at Comilla on 1 October 1945 by redesignating No 364 MU, and disbanded in Chittagong on 15 May 1946.
No 24 MT Repair Unit
This was formed at Worli on 1 October 1945 by redesignating No 379 MU, and disbanded by being redesignated No 7 MT Base Repair Depot on 1 January 1946.
No 329 MT Servicing Unit
This was formed in AHQ India at Bally on an unknown date, and disbanded on 1 December 1946.
No 1 MT Storage Unit (No 1 MT Storage Unit and 'D' Equipment Depot)
This was formed on 1 August 1935 at The Hyde, Hendon, initially with accommodation for 100 vehicles, which was increased to 350 by 1 January 1936, comprising 150 large and 200 small vehicles. It moved to the Palace of Engineering in Wembley under the control of No 24 Group on 27 November 1936 and was amalgamated with the newly formed 'D' Equipment Depot on 1 February 1938, being known as "No 1MT Storage Unit and 'D' Equipment Depot", but was redesignated 'D' Maintenance Unit on 15 October 1938.
Officers Commanding: -
1 Aug 1935 Flt Lt A G Stratford-Tuke
No 1 MT Storage Sub-Unit, Hendon
This was opened on 19 October 1936 at Alliance Factory, Western Avenue, Park Royal, London under the control of No MT Storage Unit at Hendon, with accommodation for 300 vehicles (excluding motor cycles). It was placed in No 24 Group on 27 November 1936, no further details at present.
No 1 MT Storage Sub-Unit, Pulham
This was formed at No 2 Stores (Ammunition) Sub-Depot, Pulham on 16 March 1936 to accommodate approximately 300 vehicles. It was placed in No 24 Group on 27 November 1936, and the vehicles in store began being moved to No 3 MT Storage Unit in May 1937, on completion of which, the site at Pulham was used for other purposes.
No 2 MT Storage Unit
This was formed on 2 December 1935 at Kenley replacing the aircraft storage portion of the RAF Storage Section, Kenley to provide accommodation for 400 vehicles. It was redesignated 'F' Maintenance Unit on 15 October 1938.
Officers Commanding: -
2 Dec 1935 Flt Lt A Connock
28 Jan 1936 Flt Lt S R L Poole
No 3 MT Storage Unit
This was formed on 30 March 1937 at Mousehold, Norwich in No 24 Group, and was redesignated 'G' Maintenance Unit on 15 October 1938.
No 8 MT Storage Unit
This was formed on 20 April 1946 at Batu Pahat under the control of ACSEA, administered by AHQ Malaya. It moved to RAF Base Singapore on 29 February 1948, where it disbanded the following day, its commitment being transferred to No 389 MU.
MT Storage Unit, Helwan
A formation date for this unit has not been found but it was redesignated the Vehicle Reserve Unit on 20 November 1941.
No 1 (ME) Fuel Transportation Company
This was formed on 14 May 1943 later moving to Tripoli (Libya), Athlit, St Jean and Ein Shemer, where it disbanded on 8 July 1946.
No 2 (ME) Fuel Transport Company
This was formed on 14 May 1943 later moving to Lete, Benghazi (Libya) and Shallufa, from where it operated detachments at Benina and El Adem, which disbanded on 30 June 1947. The Company disbanded at Shallufa on 1 June 1949, with its personnel and equipment being used to form a third flight in No 51 MT Company.
MT Base Pool
This was formed 7 February 1942 at Helwan following the disbandment of the Vehicle Reserve Unit, its functions being: -
To receive MT vehicles from the UK, Army, local agents and vehicles returned from Units for repair.
To allot vehicles requiring repair to Repair Units and to break down for spares, vehicles beyond economical repair.
To hold serviceable vehicles as a Command reserve and issue them to Units as required.
It redesignated No 3 MT Base Depot in October 1943.
MT Base Depot
This was formed in January 1943 at Ferme Germain, near Rivet, Algeria and was redesignated No 1 MT Base Depot in September 1943.
No 1 MT Base Depot
This was formed in September 1943 by redesignating the MT Base Depot at Ferme Germain, near Rivet, Algeria. It moved to Guyotville in January 1944 and then to Maison Blanche in November, where it disbanded on 31 December 1945.
No 2 MT Base Depot
This was formed in September1943 at Tunis, its functions being: -
to service and maintain 500 vehicles in a MT Reserve Pool
to act as a holding and despatch agency for units of NWATAF and DAF
It was disbanded on 15 November 1943.
No 3 MT Base Depot
This was formed in October 1943 by redesignating the MT Base Pool at Helwan and later moved to Baalwa, with detachments at Helwan and El Firdan. It was redesignated No 3 Storage Unit (MT) on 5 December 1945, with the Helwan detachment being renamed No 3 Storage Unit (MT) Detachment, whilst that at El Firdan was amalgamated with No 10 MT Light Repair Unit to form No 1 MT Repair Unit.
No 9 MT Base Depot
This was formed at El Firdan on 15 January 1948 under the functional control of No 205 Group, with the following commitments: -
To undertake the inspection, repair and overhaul of MT vehicles, including specialist vehicles based in Egypt and Levant.
To overhaul sufficient MT vehicles from the repairable pool to replace Category 'E' wastage in the Command.
To overhaul MT engines and major components by MPO to the Units in the Command.
To exercise technical and functional control of No 3 Storage Unit and to supply workshop and domestic facilities to that Unit.
Erection and conversion of cased vehicles.
No 3 MT Storage Unit, El Firdan (and detachment at Baalwa) was disbanded on 1 June 1948 being replaced by a Storage Squadron on the establishment of No 9 MTBD. It disbanded on 1 October 1955.
MT Base Repair and Storage Section
This was formed at Katukurunda on 30 September 1946 to take over the commitment No 20 MT Repair Unit, no further details at present.
No 1 (Middle East) MT Repair Unit
This was formed in May 1943 at Alexandria and disbanded, in June 1946.
No 12 (Middle East) MT Repair Unit
This was formed on 20 August 1943 at Tunis under the control of Aorth-west African Air Service Command and disbanded in August 1945.
No 1 (Middle East) MT Repair Section
This was formed on 25 May 1942 at Alexandria in No 206 Group but was redesignated No 1 (ME) MTRU in May 1943.
No 4 (Middle East) MT Repair Section
This was formed in about October 1942 at Baghdad under the control of AHQ Iraq, no further details.
No 5 (Middle East) MT Repair Section
This was formed in August 1942 at Ramlah and was redesignated No 5 (ME) MTRU in May 1943.
No 7 (Middle East) MT Repair Section
This was formed in February 1943 at Boulac, Cairo and was redesignated No 7 (ME) MTRU in May 1943.
No 4 MT Base Depot
This was formed 16 October 1944 at Versuvius to provide facilities for storage, maintenance and issue of MT to units in Italy under the control of No 214 Group and disbanded on 15 June 1946.
No 5 MT Base Depot
This was formed in November 1944 at Zellik, Belgium and from September 1945 operated a detachment at Langerhorn, Hamburg. As the result of the formations of No 1 MTLRU and No 1 MSSU, it began a gradual run down from 1 March 1950, being transferred from No 85 Group to HQ BAFO on 1 May 1950, as a satellite of RAF Fassberg. On 1 July 1950 it ceased to be a satellite of RAF Fassberg, administration being transferred to HQ BAFO until it finally disbanded on 31 August 1950.
Air Ministry (Non-Standard) MT Storage Pool
No formation or disbandment dates have been located for this unit.
Officer Commanding: -
24 Feb 1919 Plt Off Albert M Webster
Base Transport Unit
This was formed 1 September 1943 at Weston Zoyland under the control of No 44 Group. It disbanded on 28 January 1944.
No 1 Canal Clearing Depot
This was formed on 14 April 1943 at 11/12 Warf Road, Paddington, W2 on experimental basis in No 40 Group, parented by No 232 MU.
It purpose was to relieve road and rail transport by making use of inland waterways to convey equipment from manufacturers to Maintenance Command. It disbanded on 1 November1944.
No 2 Canal Clearing Depot
This was formed on 14 April 1943 at Messers Fellows, Morton and Clayton, Fazeley Street, Birmingham on experimental basis in No 40 Group, parented by No 25 MU
It purpose was to relieve road and rail transport by making use of inland waterways to convey equipment from manufacturers to Maintenance Command. It disbanded on 1 November1944.
No 3 Canal Clearing Depot
This was formed on 14 April 1943 in Middle Warehouse, Castle Warehouse, Manchester on experimental basis in No 40 Group, parented by 'R' MU
It purpose was to relieve road and rail transport by making use of inland waterways to convey equipment from manufacturers to Maintenance Command. It disbanded on 1 November1944.
Inland Water Transport
This was formed at Baghdad and Basrah on 1 October 1922 under the control of Iraq Command, no further details at present.
MT Repair Unit (German)
This was formed on 1 October 1950 from No 85 GMTRU (not an officially recognised RAF Unit) at Kropp, under the control of BAFO, with day-to-day administration by RAF Uetersen. Its policy being: -
Servicing and repair of all GCLO (RAF) MT held in BAFO based on an arising of 5 vehicles per month.
The reconditioning and repair of MT of certain standard German manufacture as specified by HQ BAFO, based on an output of: -
25 vehicles (all types including motor cycles and trailers) per month.
20 engines per month.
The operation of a detached MT servicing section at Buckeburg for carrying out 10,000 mile inspections and minor repairs of GCLO (RAF) vehicles located at RAF Units in the Southern Area of the British Zone.
The provision of the following GCLO (RAF) training courses: -
| Pupil population | Course Length (weeks) | |
| MT Mechanics Course | 20 | 10 |
| Fitter General Course | 20 | 10 |
| MT Driving Course - Normal | 20 | 6* |
| MT Driving Course - Fire Fighter | 20 | 8* |
Day-to-day administration of Civil Labour required by Upper Air Meteorological Section, Schleswigland.
It moved to Uetersen on 15 February 1951 and its policy was revised as follows: -
A directly administered unit of HQ BAFO, responsible for: -
The servicing and repair of all GSO (RAF) MT held in BAFO based on an arising of 5 vehicles per month.
Storage and maintenance of 75 reserve vehicles.
The operation of a detached servicing section at Buckeburg for carrying out 10,000 mile inspections and minor repairs of GSO (RAF) vehicles located at RAF Units in the Southern Area of the British Zone.
The provision of the following GSO (RAF) training courses: -
| Pupil population | Course Length (weeks) | |
| MT Mechanics Course | 20 | 10 |
| Fitter General Course | 20 | 10 |
| MT Driving Course - Normal | 20 | 6* |
| MT Driving Course - Fire Fighter | 20 | 8* |
It disbanded 1 January 1953.
*to operate alternately.
MT Repair and Equipment Disposal Unit
This was formed on 31 March 1947 in France, no further details at present.
RCAF MT Unit
This was formed on an unknown date at the RCAF 'R' Depot at Warrington in No 28 Group for the maintenance, repair and replacement of vehicles on te strength of RCAF non-operational units in the UK. Its fate is unknown.
Rail Transit Sections
These were formed in ACSEA on 17 February 1944 to provide liaison with Army Movements Control Sections in relation to the transhipment of personnel and equipment, as follows: -
| Rail Transit Section | Administrative Control |
| Bangalore | No 225 Group through No 225 Group (Unit) |
| Lahore | No 226 Group through No 306 MU |
| Secundereadad | No 225 Group through SHQ Secunderabad |
Road Petrol Tanker Unit
A formation date for this unit has not found but it operated in France and disbanded at Uxbridge on 24 June 1940.
Steamer Point MT Repair and Inspection Section
This was formed by redesignated the REME Workshops Unit in Aden on its transfer from the Army to the RAF on 1 December 1946, no further details at present.
Vehicle Reserve Unit
This was formed on 20 November 1941 at Helwan by redesignating the MT Storage Unit, Helwan and was disbanded on 7 February 1942, being replaced by the MT Base Depot.
This entry was last updated on 10/04/25©