Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

No 403 Repair and Salvage Unit - Personnel and Organisation Movements

[1943 | 1944 | 1945 | 1946]

1943

Personnel Movements:

1944

Personnel Movements:

Rank	Name	Date	Notes
Plt Off	Roberts	2 Jan 1944	OC, 5016C MSU, promoted to war substantive Fg Off, wef 23 Dec 1943
Sqn Ldr	G L O'Hanlon	3 Jan 1944	Proceeded to Napier & Sons for course on Sabre engines
Flt Lt	C E Hamlin	3 Jan 1944	Assumed command of No 403 RSU
Flt Lt	S M McMane RCAF	7 Jan 1944	Attached from No 182 Sqn for duty with ARF at Odiham
Sqn Ldr	G L O'Hanlon	9 Jan 1944	Returned from Napier & Sons and resumed command of unit
Flt Lt	C E Hamlin	9 Jan 1944	Relinquished command of No 403 RSU
Sqn Ldr	G L O'Hanlon	15 Jan 1944	Proceeded to HQ Combined Operations Centre, Largs for a short course
Sqn Ldr	G L O'Hanlon	24 Jan 1944	Returned from HQ Combined Operations Centre, Largs and resumed command of unit
Flt Lt	C E Hamlin	24 Jan 1944	Relinquished command of No 403 RSU
Fg Off	H G Dust	26 Jan 1944	Assumed command of Combined Reception Flight (ex 403 and 409 ARFs)
Flt Lt	Skelding RCAF	27 Jan 1944	Attached from No 419 RSU to gain experience at a Chief Technical Officer.
Flt Lt	Skelding RCAF	1 Feb 1944	Ceased to be attached from No 419 RSU
Fg Off	H G Dust	20 Feb 1944	Posted to No 83 Group Support Unit
Flt Lt	A M MacLaren RCAF	26 Feb 1944	Pilot, posted to No 83 GSU
LAC	R J Cooper	2 Mar 1944	Received a letter of commendation for attempting to rescue an ATA pilot following a crash
Fg Off	J F McGowen	12 Mar 1944	Proceeded to USAAF Station Andover for Inter-Service training
Sgt	Nicholson	12 Mar 1944	Clerk/GD, posted to No 83 GSU as surplus to establishment
Fg Off	J F McGowen	15 Mar 1944	Proceeded to Beaulieu from Andover for Inter-Service training
Sgt	Kay	15 Mar 1944	Attached to No 2 RC, Cardington for NCOs General Service Training Course
Fg Off	J F McGowen	18 Mar 1944	Returned from USAAF Station Beaulieu on completion of Inter-Service training
Flt Lt	C E Hamlin	19 Mar 1944	Proceeded to USAAF Station Andover for Inter-Service training
Plt Off	J McL Malcolm	26 Mar 1944	OC, No 516G MSU, posted with unit to No 39 (RCAF) Wing
Plt Off	E R Webster	26 Mar 1944	Assumed duties of Air Crew Liaison Officer and Sports Officer
Sqn Ldr	G L O'Hanlon	29 Mar 1944	Detached to No 143 Airfield to assist in organising the Engineering Staff and move of Airfield
Flt Lt	C E Hamlin	29 Mar 1944	Assumed command of No 403 RSU
Fg Off	J F McGowen	3 Apr 1944	Proceeded to Napier & Sons for four day Sabre engine handling course
Plt Off	G B Keegan	6 Apr 1944	MT Officer, detached to RAF Shoreham for four day course in Water driving and Waterproofing
Sqn Ldr	G L O'Hanlon	7 Apr 1944	Promoted to War Substantive Flt Lt
Fg Off	S F Jackson	21 Apr 1944	Arrived on posting from Main HQ No 83 Group for Equipment Duties
Sqn Ldr	G L O'Hanlon	22 Apr 1944	Ceased to be detached to No 143 Airfield and resumed command of unit
Flt Lt	C E Hamlin	22 Apr 1944	Relinquished command of No 403 RSU
Fg Off	D R Downes	23 Apr 1944	Equipment Officer, posted to No 401 Air Stores Park (ASP)
Plt Off	G B Keegan	20 May 1944	Promoted to war substantive Fg Off, wef 16 Mar 1944
Plt Off	E R Webster	20 May 1944	Promoted to war substantive Fg Off, wef  5 Apr 1944
Sgt	Middleton	23 May 1944	Detached to No 3206 SCU as i/c Advance Salvage and Propeller Detachment (with 13 airmen)
Fg Off	J F McGowen	22 Jun 1944	Assumed supervision of Repair Parties at ALGs B2, B3 and B4
Fg Off	W E Wigmore	22 Jun 1944	Assumed supervision of Repair Parties at ALG B5 as well as the Aircraft Repair Section
AC2	Cook (2216999)	30 Jun 1944	Despatch Rider, failed to return from a convoy escort and found suffering from concussion in 77th General Hospital
AC1	Ellaway (1665922)	8 Jul 1944	Driver MT, injured in an accidental explosion whilst unloading a truck at the Aircraft Transit Centre, Meuvaines
AC1	Ellaway (1665922)	9 Jul 1944	Evacuated from 81st General Hospital to UK
Fg Off	F Price	7 Aug 1944	Arrived on posting from No 405 RSU
Fg Off	J F McGowen	10 Sep 1944	Detached to B58 Melsbrock with Repair and Salvage Detachment
Sqn Ldr	G L O'Hanlon	16 Sep 1944	Proceeded to B70 to select a site for the unit
Fg Off	F H Price	16 Sep 1944	Proceeded to B70  to select a site for the unit
Fg Off	F H Price	23 Sep 1944	Proceeded to B78 i/c Forward Detachment
Fg Off	W E Wigmore	25 Sep 1944	Proceeded to B78 with 38 airmen
Fg Off	G B Keegan	10 Oct 1944	Promoted to Acting Fg Off, wef 24 Jul 1944 to fill establishment vacancy
Sgt	Gilissen	2 Nov 1943	Attached fro Netherlands Military Mission for Security and Interpreter duties
Sqn Ldr	G L O'Hanlon	6 Nov 1944	Relinquished command of No 403 RSU on posting
Flt Lt	C E Hamlin	6 Nov 1944	Assumed command of No 403 RSU
Fg Off	D H Rushworth	13 Nov 1944	Adjutant, posted to No 122 Wing
Fg Off	Humphrey	16 Nov 1944	Arrived on posting from Rear HQ, No 83 Group for duty as temporary Adjutant
Fg Off	E R Webster	30 Nov 1944	Evacuated to the UK from 8th General Hospital
Sqn Ldr	J M Rattray	11 Dec 1944	Arrived on posting from No 417 RSU and assumed command of the unit
Fg Off	W E Wigmore	13 Dec 1944	Posted to No 409 RSU
Fg Off	P D U Bowron	17 Dec 1944	Arrived on posting from FEU for duty as Adjutant
Fg Off	Humphrey	19 Dec 1944	Returned to Rear HQ, No 83 Group on relinquishing duties of Adjutant
Fg Off	P D U Bowron	27 Dec 1944	Adjutant, appointed Unit Imprest Holder

 

Source - No 403 RSU ORB (AIR 29/809/2)

 

Organisational Movements:

 

Date	Notes
2 Jan 1944	6 x Canadian tradesmen arrived on posting from Bournemouth for training
3 Jan 1944	1 x Cpl Nursing Orderly detached to RAF School of Hygiene for Water Trailer Course
5 Jan 1944	1 x LAC Fitter IIA proceeded to RAF Cosford for Junior NCOs' Technical Trades Course
5 Jan 1944	1 x Cpl Driver MT detached to No 8 SoTT for Convoy and March Discipline Course
9 Jan 1944	1 x LAC Nursing Orderly detached to RAF School of Hygiene for Water Trailer Course
12 Jan 1944	1 x LAC Armourer detached to RAF Rollestone Camp for Special Anti-Gas Course
15 Jan 1944	6 x tradesmen detached to No 1 MT School, Blackpool for driving course
15 Jan 1944	1 x Sgt Fitter MT attached from No 409 RSU
16 Jan 1944	1 x LAC Fitter IIE proceeded to De Havilland for a Propeller Course
16 Jan 1944	1 x ACH/GD detached to RAF Old Sarum for Anti-Gas Course
17 Jan 1944	Inoculations for Typhus commenced
19 Jan 1944	1 x Cpl Driver MT detached to No 8 SoTT for Convoy and March Discipline Course
19 Jan 1944	1 x AC1 Fitter IIE proceeded to RAF Cosford for Junior NCOs' Technical Trades Course
24 Jan 1944	1 x LAC Fitter IIE proceeded to Napier & Sons Ltd, Acton for a Sabre Engine Course
26 Jan 1944	No 409 RSU moved to RAF Odiham and amalgamated with No 403 RSU
29 Jan 1944	Notification that the ARF at RAF Odiham was to be transferred to the newly formed No 83 Group Support Unit
1 Feb 1944	1 x LAC MT Mechanic detached to RAF Shoreham for Vehicle Waterproofing Course.
3 Feb 1944	1 x LAC MT Mechanic detached to No 1 SoTT for Fitter General Course.
3 Feb 1944	1 x Cpl Armourer promoted to Temporary Sgt, wef 13 Jan 1944
3 Feb 1944	1 x LAC Fitter IIA promoted to Temporary Cpl, wef 1 Nov 1943
5 Feb 1944	7 x auxiliary drivers detached to No 1 MT School, Blackpool for driving course
6 Feb 1944	1 x Flt Sgt Fitter IIE and 5 x Armourers attached from No 419 RSU to gain experience
11 Feb 1944	1 x LAC MT Mechanic detached to RAF Shoreham for Vehicle Waterproofing Course.
11 Feb 1944	7 x auxiliary drivers detached to No 1 MT School, Blackpool for driving course
13 Feb 1944	1 x AC1 Carpenter I detached to De Havilland's for Mosquito Repair Course
13 Feb 1944	1 x LAC Motor Cyclist detached to HQ 1st Canadian Army for Despatch Riders Course
13 Feb 1944	3 x Roman Catholic personnel detached to Osterley Park for Moral Leadership Course
18 Feb 1944	The ARF, along with No 539K MSU moved to RAF Redhill to provide the nucleus of No 83 Group Support Unit
19 Feb 1944	5 x auxiliary drivers detached to No 1 MT School, Blackpool for driving course
20 Feb 1944	1 x LAC Motor Cyclist detached to HQ 1st Canadian Army for Despatch Riders Course
21 Feb 1944	1 x Fitter IIA posted to RAF Abbey Lodge for Flight Engineers' Course
22 Feb 1944	No 5016C MSU proceeded to join HQ No 83 Group at RAF Gatwick, signals traffic for 403 RSU being handled by No 504C MSU (No 121 Airfield)
24 Feb 1944	67 airmen posted to No 83 GSU, wef 18 Feb 1944, whilst 21 others working with the ARF were attached.
6 Feb 1944	3 x Sgt Fitters IIA and 1 x Fitter IIE attached from No 413 RSU to gain experience
1 Mar 1944	1 x Sgt and 1 x Cpl Carpenter II posted to Carpenter I Course at No 3 SoTT
4 Mar 1944	1 x Cpl and 4 x ACs (auxiliary drivers) detached to No 1 MT School, Blackpool for driving course
1 Mar 1944	1 x Carpenter II posted to Carpenter I Course at No 7 SoTT
9 Mar 1944	Wetshod training of drivers recommenced with six auxiliary drivers proceeding to RAF Shoreham, a similar number being sent on succeeding days.
11 Mar 1944	Instructions received to stop sending airmen on conversion course or for trade training.
12 Mar 1944	3 x Sgt Fitters proceeded to USAAF Station Andover for Inter-Service training
12 Mar 1944	1 x Motor Cyclist detached to HQ 1st Canadian Army for Despatch Riders Course
12 Mar 1944	3 x USAAF Officers 6 x USAAF NCOs arrived on attachment for training on Typhoons
15 Mar 1944	3 x Sgt Fitters proceeded to Beaulieu from Andover for Inter-Service training
15 Mar 1944	2 x Fitter IIEs, 2 x Fitter IIAs, 1 x Electrician and 1 Instrument Repairer detached to RAF Boscombe Down to assist in servicing experimental Typhoons
15 Mar 1944	USAAF party ceased attachment on proceeding to RAF Middle Wallop for further training
16 Mar 1944	1 x Fitter Armourer arrived on posting from No 410 RSU
18 Mar 1944	3 x Sgt Fitters returned from USAAF Station Beaulieu on completion of Inter-Service training
19 Mar 1944	3 x SNCO Fitters proceeded to USAAF Station Beaulieu for Inter-Service training
19 Mar 1944	1 x Motor Cyclist detached to HQ 1st Canadian Army for Despatch Riders Course
26 Mar 1944	Nos 516G Mobile Signals Unit ceased to be attached on transfer to HQ No 39 (RCAF) Wing
31 Mar 1944	Unit packed up, carried out a practice convoy (60 vehicles) and established a camp under canvas at Valdoe Woods near their existing location.
1 Apr 1944	Advance party (Plt Off Webster and 30 airmen) departed RAF Westhampnett for RAF Hurn
2 Apr 1944	Main party departed RAF Westhampnett at 10:15 for RAF Hurn, arriving at 15:30
3 Apr 1944	All vehicles camouflaged
5 Apr 1944	2 x LAC Fitters IIA and 1 x LAC Cook promoted to Temporary Cpl
9 Apr 1944	3 x 9th USAAF Officers arrived on attachment for training on Typhoons
11 Apr 1944	Instructions received to commence censoring all mail
29 Apr 1944	Unit was transferred from No 16 Wing to No 22 (RCAF) Wing wef 20 Apr 1944
5 May 1944	Short (3 day) courses commenced to provide stretcher bearers/first aid parties.
15 May 1944	Practice 'Pack-up' carried out Unit carried out a 'Dummy Run' in sections On return to camp, barge loading practice was carried out on No 124 Airfield's ramp
21 May 1944	No 22 (RCAF) Wing renamed No 22 (RCAF) Sector and Nos 121, 124 and 143 Airfields were renamed No 121, 124 and 143 Wings
25 May 1944	A series of Route Marches were introduced
26 May 1944	14 personnel, including drivers, motor cyclists and fitters were detached to No 3206 Servicing Commando as an Advanced Salvage and Propeller Detachment
1 - 4 Jun 1944	Unit continued operating but also undertook final preparations prior to the move to the Concentration Area
5 Jun 1944	Unit ceased to operate and commenced packing all technical equipment
6 Jun 1944	'D'-Day.  Current aircraft repairs completed and all surplus equipment, to 'Invasion Scale', handed over the Servicing Wing, RAF Hurn
7 Jun 1944	Final preparations carried out prior to moving to Concentration Area
8 Jun 1944	Unit moved to RCRP Old Sarum in two sections and the vehicles were taken to the waterproofing hangars.
9 - 12 Jun 1944	Unit remained at Old Sarum awaiting to be called forward to the Marshalling Area
13 Jun 1944	Unit departed Old Sarum for Marshalling Area, Camp A16 at Fareham.  Vehicles sorted into Craft Loads and personnel marched to Camp A16 The unit was split into six Craft Loads - 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D', 'E' and 'F' The bulk of the unit were in Crafts 'A' and 'B', both LST, under the command of Flt Lt Hamlin and Sqn Ldr O'Hanlon respectively Certain specialist vehicles, Long High Loaders and Cranes were in Crafts 'C', 'D', 'E' and 'F', all LCTs, under the command of  Fg Off Wigmore, McGowen, Rushworth and Jackson respectively
14 - 16 Jun 1944	Remained in Marshalling Area
17 Jun 1944	Craft 'A' embarked in the morning, Craft 'B' embarked in the afternoon, Crafts 'C', 'D', 'E' and 'F' called forward and waited on boxes at Stokes Bay.
18 Jun 1944	Craft 'A' set sail at 00:30 and arrived on the beach at 13:30 and disembarked at 15:00, proceeded through Assembly Area and arrived at No 124 Wing HQ at 20:00, parking in a field near Cully. Craft 'B' set sail at 02:00 and arrived off the beach awaiting orders to disembark Crafts 'C', 'D', 'E' and 'F' embarked in the morning and set sail in convoy at 20:00
19 Jun 1944	Craft Load 'A' found suitable site at St Croix Grande Tonne (½ mile south of ALG B6) Craft 'B' disembarked and proceeded to ALG B6 Crafts 'C', 'D', 'E' and 'F' arrived on the beach about 12:00 Crafts 'E' and 'F beached and disembarked without permission at 16:30 and proceeded to ALG B6 Crafts 'C' and 'D' refused permission to beach and remained anchored off the beach until the anchor chains broke so they spent the night cruising up and down the Channel
20 Jun 1944	Crafts 'C' and 'D' beached and two cranes were successfully disembarked and proceeded to ALG B6 Whilst the Short High Loader was being unloaded it stuck on an underwater obstacle and despite efforts with a Sherman tank it could not be freed. Advance Salvage and Propeller Detachment ceased to be attached to No 3206 SCU on rejoining the Unit
21 Jun 1944	It was found that the Short High Loader was wrecked but its load of three Sabre engines, despite being affected by sea water was salved.  The remaining vehicles were unloaded successfully Unit now established and a survey of the beachhead was undertaken to locate all the ALGs and the routes to them suitable for articulated vehicles and cranes.  30 crashed or damaged aircraft were located and plans made for their salvage/repair. Cranes and ground equipment arrived
22 Jun 1944	Full Repair and Salvage operations commenced. Repair detachments sent to B2, B3, B4 and B5
24  Jun 1944	First two repaired aircraft completed, test flown and returned to their squadrons
25 Jun 1944	Defence positions set up around the camp
26 Jun 1944	Completion of de-waterproofing and servicing of all vehicles.  All vehicles serviceable except Workshop Tender, which broke its chassis on landing and a Diesel Crane which was drowned.
28 Jun 1944	Diesel Crane repaired with the aid of REME
30 Jun 1944	Aerial Motor Cycle, No 88247 lost in unknown circumstances, leaving AC2 Cook in hospital with concussion, the M/C was not found.
4 Jul 1944	Bathing arrangements set up
5 Jul 1944	A camp cinema was set up in a marquee, which also doubled as the Unit Canteen
6 Jul 1944	By this date the unit had salvaged a total of 38 aircraft, an average of about 3 per day.
14 Jul 1944	ARS broke its record and completed repairs on 20 aircraft and returned them to squadrons in the previous week
15 Jul 1944	The small rear party arrived from RAF Hurn
3 Aug 1944	1 x Barber arrived on posting
7 Aug 1944	1 x officer, 5 x SNCOs and 12 x airmen arrived on posting from No 405 RSU, which disbanded on 24 Jul 1944
17 Aug 1944	The ARS completed their 100th aircraft
28 Aug 1944	Advance party departed B6 for B24 St Andre de L-Eure
30 Aug 1944	Main party departed B6 for B24 St Andre de L-Eure in two sections.  1st section departed at 07:25 and arrived at 17:30, 2nd section departed at 10:25
31 Aug 1944	2nd section arrived at B24
4 Sep 1944	Advance party departed B24 for B50 Vitry
5 Sep 1944	Main party departed B24 for B50 in three sections and arrived same day
10 Sep 1944	Repair and Salvage Party proceeded to B58 Melsbroek
11 Sep 1944	A second Repair and Salvage Party proceeded to B58 Melsbroek
13 Sep 1944	A further Repair and Salvage Party proceeded to B58 Melsbroek
17 Sep 1944	Advance party departed B50 for B70 Duerne, but on arrival was sent to B58, where it joined the detachment with No 124 Wing
18 Sep 1944	Signal received re-allocating the unit to support Nos 121 and 143 Wings, both at B58 Main party departed B50 and moved to B58
23 Sep 1944	A Forward Detachment departed B58 for B78 Eindhoven
25 Sep 1944	A further party sent to B78 Eindhoven
28 Sep 1944	Advanced Party departed B70 for B78 Eindhoven
1 Oct 1944	Main party departed B70 for B78 Eindhoven
2 Oct 1944	Work commenced on repairing buildings
4 Oct 1944	Following repairs to a hangar roof a cinema and unit canteen were set up in the hangar
11 Oct 1 944	HM The King and Field Marshal Montgomery arrived at B78 by air and left by road.
18 Oct 1944	The unit was visited by the Inspector-General of the RAF, ACM Sir Edgar Ludlow-Hewitt GBE, KCB, CMG, DSO, MC
21 Oct 1944	Work commenced on preparing new location for the unit at B78 as the existing site was required by a squadron.
3 Nov 1944	No 5552 Flight, No 5017 Airfield Construction Squadron attached for works and construction duties.
7 Nov 1944	Salvage Section commenced moving to new site
10 Nov 1944	ARS moved to new site
20 Nov 1944	HQ moved to new site
30 Nov 1944	A Me262 was salvaged from Helmond and one of the engines, being in reasonable condition, was crated and sent to the UK
9 Dec 1944	48 passes to Paris were instituted
20 Dec 1944	The following secondary appointments were made: -   President, Service Institute Flt Lt Keegan President, Airmen's Messing Committee Fg Off Bowron Officer i/c Entertainments and Welfare Fg Off Jackson Officer i/c Gas and Fire Fg Off McGowan Officer i/c Unit Defence Flt Lt Hamlin Officer i/c Sergeant's Mess Flt Lt Hamlin Officer i/c Sports Fg Off Price Officer i/c Maps Fg Off Price Officer i/c Unit Salvage Fg Off Jackson
21 Dec 1944	Notification received that an official scheme of leave in the UK was to be instituted, the Unit's allocation being one officer and 65 airmen.
22 Dec 1944	UK allocation divided up among the sections and a ballot was taken.
23 Dec 1944	Due to the German offensive in the Ardennes, 48 hour passes to Paris were suspended and all personnel going to Brussels were ordered to carry arms
24 Dec 1944	Personnel instructed to carry weapons on and off duty
25 Dec 1944	Unit was able to take the day off to celebrate Christmas with an inter-hut decoration competition judged by the CO and a football match was played between the airmen and officers and Senior NCOs Christmas dinner was served to the airmen by the officers and SNCOs in the traditional manner.  In the afternoon there was a cinema show and in the evening an impromptu show and sing-a-long.
31 Dec 1944	First airman proceeded on leave to the UK returned. Monthly statistics for December 1944: - Typhoon 38   Auster 6   Mustang 1 Aircraft salvaged: All types 21 Engines issued:   31 Propellers issued:   38 Road mileage of unit vehicles:   38, 296

 

Source - No 403 RSU ORB (AIR 29/809/2)

 

1945

Typhoon 26   Auster 12 Aircraft salvaged All types 49 Engines issued Sabre 11   Lycoming 14 Propellers issued   44 Road mileage of unit vehicles   34,927  5 Feb 1945 Due to heavy rain, travel outside the camp was severely restricted at night  6 Feb 1945 A group including the MD of Napiers visited to observe the conditions under which the Sabre engines were operating

Many roads now unusable due to the rain  7 Feb 1945 Roads inside the camp now deteriorating and movement in the camp also restricted 14 Feb 1945 A Airfield Construction Sqn arrived to repair the roads in the camp 16 Feb 1945 The access road to the perimeter track repaired sufficiently to permit aircraft to be towed in and out of the site 18 Feb 1945 48 hour passes to Paris re-commenced 23 Feb 1945 The new Recreation Room was opened. 28 Feb 1945 Monthly statistics for February 1945: -

 

Aircraft Repaired:	22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Typhoon	21
	Auster	2
Aircraft salvaged	All types	11
Engines issued	Sabre	16
	Lycoming	5
Propellers issued		49
Road mileage of unit vehicles		28,726

Monthly statistics for March 1945: -

 

Aircraft Repaired:	22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Typhoon	29
	Auster	8
Aircraft salvaged	All types	17
Engines issued	Sabre	12
	Lycoming	13
Propellers issued		34
Road mileage of unit vehicles		34,668

 

Aircraft Repaired:	22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Typhoon	32
	Auster	8
Aircraft salvaged	All types	27
Engines issued	Sabre	7
	Lycoming	14
Propellers issued		29
Road mileage of unit vehicles		73,064

08:30:  All section parade outside Unit HQ for Colour Hoisting with the Orderly Officer, Saturday's to be a Commanding Officer's Parae

08:45 - 10:00: Airmen taking correspondence courses permitted to study in the Recreation Marquee

Guard to mount at Unit HQ for Colour Lowering

Sundays to be a rest day except for Duty Crews

Wednesday afternoons to be devoted to organised sports

French classes to resume with two classes having two sessions of one hour per week

All captured enemy vehicles surplus to the approved scale delivered to No 71 MTLRU 13 May 1945 Despite being a day off a flight of 60 men was provided for Parade Service with No 121 Wing in Celle and a large party of men turned out to fight a forest fire which threatened the bomb dump of a nearby munitions works. 15 May 1945

In conjunction with Nos 121 and 143 Wings, the Unit made a collection of clothing and comforts for the inmates at the nearby Bergan-Belsen Concentration Camp. 16 May 1945 Unit censorship of mail ended 19 May 1945 Black-out regulation suspended 21 May 1945 Change on policy, Wings were now to undertake all repairs of up to 7 day's duration with no limit being imposed on those carried out by RSUs 25 May 1945 Advance Party proceeded to B166 Flensburg 30 May 1945 A Sgt Gunner, RAF Regiment arrived on posting to fill a new establishment vacancy 31 May 1945 Main Party departed B150 for B166 in two parties, the first leaving at 07:00 for the 180 mile journey, arriving at 16:00, but a tented camp was set up as Luftwaffe personnel were still occupying the camp.

Monthly statistics for May 1945: -

 

Aircraft Repaired:	22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Typhoon	22
	Auster	6
Aircraft salvaged	All types	14
Engines issued	Sabre	12
	Lycoming	11
Propellers issued		16
Road mileage of unit vehicles		58,177

The built-up 3-tonners that had been used as the mobile HQ were despatch to the MT Section for storage  4 Jun 1945 20x German civilians were employed for fatigue duties in messes, sanitary squad, etc  6 Jun 1945 A general holiday was declared to mark the anniversary of D-Day  8 Jun 1945 Unit informed that Typhoons with Category B damage unable to be repaired as Cat AC, should be re-categorized a E1 and reduced to produce and spares  9 Jun 1945

The daily bread was bread ration was reduced, which caused a certain amount of complaints from the Messing Committees. 11 Jun 1945 Calculations revealed the since moving onto the Continent, the Unit as a whole had covered 1,100 miles and the Unit vehicles had covered 600,000 miles with few road accidents or mechanical breakdowns 15 Jun 1945 The Unit assumed responsibility for supporting No 83 Group Communication Sqn

2 day Tabloid Courses in General Service Training commenced under the RAF Regiment Sgt with 14 personnel every two days. 26 Jun 1945 A repair party proceeded to B160 Copenhagen to repair an Anson and a salvage party proceeded to collect a Typhoon 29 Jun 1945 The Unit commenced the running of course for member of No 2703 Sqn RAF Regiment in Carpentry, Welding, Electricity and Instrument Repairs 30 Jun 1945 Monthly statistics for June 1945: -

 

Aircraft Repaired:	22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Typhoon	3
	Auster	6
	Anson	1
Aircraft salvaged	All types	9
Engines issued	Sabre	2
	Lycoming	9
Propellers issued		10
Road mileage of unit vehicles		30,093

Unit was informed that it would be retained as part of the Occupation Forces, but may have to move to a more central location  9 Jul 1945 Unit was informed that it would be required to support to the Armament Practice Camp at Sylt, which strengthened the need for it to move further south 10 Jul 1945 Airmen granted Continental leave provided they had friends they could stay with 15 Jul 1945 2nd Tactical Air Force was disbanded and replaced by HQ British Air Forces of Occupation 28 Jul 1945 The first airman to be released to civilian life under Class 'A' departed for the UK 31 Jul 1945 Two more airmen departed on release

Monthly statistics for July 1945: -

 

Aircraft Repaired:	22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Typhoon	3 plus 3 engine changes
	Auster	4
	Anson	1
Aircraft salvaged	All types	0
Engines issued	Sabre	10
	Lycoming	5
Propellers issued		13
Road mileage of unit vehicles		52,602

 

Aircraft Repaired:	22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Typhoon	10
	Auster	2
Aircraft salvaged	All types	4
Engines issued	Sabre	5
	Lycoming	2
Propellers issued		8
Road mileage of unit vehicles		50,145

 

Aircraft Repaired:	22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Typhoon	5
	Tempest	1
	Auster	1
Aircraft salvaged	All types	6
Engines issued	Sabre	6
	Lycoming	1
Propellers issued		12
Road mileage of unit vehicles		55,796

 

Aircraft Repaired:	22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Typhoon	2
	Tempest	2
	Auster	2
Aircraft salvaged	All types	9
Engines issued	Sabre IIB	9
	Griffon 65	6
	Mercury XXX	2
Propellers issued		10
Road mileage of unit vehicles		44,338

10:00:  CO inspected the billets that had been decorated and awarded prizes

11:00  Sergeants visited the Officers' Mess

12:25:  Airmen's Dinner - served in the traditional manner by Officers and Sergeants

13:30:  Officers visited the Sergeants' Mess

18:00  Social evening and Dance in Wing Airmen's Club for all ranks and a cinema show was held in the Unit Cinema

Source - No 403 RSU ORB (AIR 29/809/2)

1946

Personnel Movements:

Rank	Name	Date	Notes
Fg Off	F H Price	1 Jan 1946	Detached to No 83 Group Communication Sqn, RAF Schleswigland
Fg Off	S D Trickett	2 Jan 1946	Arrived on posting from No 8402 AD Wing for duty as Adjutant
Flt Lt	D A Palmer	2 Feb 1946	Arrived on posting from HQ No 83 Group for duty as Adjutant
Flt Lt	L R A Thompson	3 Feb 1946	MT Officer, departed on posting to the UK for Class 'A' release
Fg Off	S D Trickett	3 Feb 1946	Adjutant, departed on posting to the UK for Class 'A' release
Sqn Ldr	J M Rattray	5 Feb 1946	Proceeded to Copenhagen on temporary duty
Sqn Ldr	J M Rattray	7 Feb 1946	Returned from Copenhagen on completion of temporary duty
Sqn Ldr	J M Rattray	11 Feb 1946	Proceeded to Nuremburg to attend Nazi War Crimes Trial
Flt Sgt	Blenkarn	12 Feb 1946	Attached from No 124 Wing pending posting to fill the post of WO (MT) Officer
Sqn Ldr	J M Rattray	15 Feb 1946	Returned from Nuremburg
Fg Off	H G Dust	20 Feb 1945	Proceeded to UK on privilege leave
Sqn Ldr	J M Rattray	2 Mar 1946	Officer Commanding, departed on posting to the UK for Class 'A' release
Fg Off	J F McGowan	2 Mar 1946	Departed on posting to the UK for Class 'A' release
Fg Off	S F Jackson	2 Mar 1946	Departed on posting to the UK for Class 'A' release
Flt Lt	F J Hughes	4 Mar 1946	Assumed command of the Unit
Fg Off	J R G Geddes	5 Mar 1946	Departed on posting to the UK for Class 'A' release
Sqn Ldr	H P E Dean	7 Mar 1946	Assumed command of the Unit
Flt Lt	F J Hughes	7 Mar 1946	Relinquished command of the Unit
Fg Off	C G Hanning	11 Mar 1946	Arrived on posting for Equipment duties
Fg Off	F H Price	28 Mar 1946	Ceased to be attached to No 83 Group Communication Sqn, RAF Schleswigland

 

Source - No 403 RSU ORB (AIR 29/809/2)

 

Organisational Movements:

Date	Notes
6 Jan 1946	Unit advised that it would need to close it individual Officers' and Sergeants' Messes to economise on labour
9 Jan 1946	A new establishment was issued slightly reducing the number of technical personnel, and drastically reducing the number of MT vehicles
19 Jan 1946	MT Detail Office burnt down, resulting in the loss of all MT records
21 Jan 1946	Unit sick quarters moved onto the airfield and medical administration transferred from No 5352 Wing to No 124 Wing
31 Jan 1946	Imprest Account transferred to Accountant Officer, No 124 Wing All section transferred their domestic quarters from St Hubertus to the airfield. Officers and Sergeants moved into their respective messes of No 124 Wing Monthly statistics for January 1946: -   Aircraft Repaired: 22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Spitfire 1 Aircraft salvaged All types 4 Engines issued Sabre IIB 4   Merlin 70 1   Griffon 65 6   Mercury XXX 2 Propellers issued   11
12 Feb 1946	Unit PSI account transferred to No 124 Wing
16/17 Feb 1946	First large draft of airmen replacements arrived, mainly technical tradesmen.
23 Feb 1946	4 x Drivers MT attached to RAF Detmold for temporary duty
27 Feb 1946	All MT welfare and recreational runs now co-ordinated by No 124 Wing
28 Feb 1946	Monthly statistics for February 1946: -   Aircraft Repaired: 22858575 22852950 (`@````````` 266 263 5 110183775 110178150 Tempest 1   Auster 3 Aircraft salvaged All types 1 Engines issued Sabre IIB 3   Griffon 65 9   Lycoming 2   Merlin 70 1 Propellers issued   8 Road mileage of unit vehicles   18,263
20 Mar 1946	Signal received stating that all future aircraft arising were to be passed to No 3 Base Recovery Unit
31 Mar 1946	Monthly statistics for March 1946: -   Aircraft Repaired: Auster 2   Martinet 1 Aircraft salvaged All types 3 Engines issued Sabre IIB 3   Griffon 65 5   Merlin 266 5   Merlin 70 1 Propellers issued   11 Road mileage of unit vehicles
12 Apr 1946	A number of robberies from Unit offices were carried out and a German labourer found to be responsible
15 Apr 1946	First convoy of trucks departed for No 433 MT Disposal Unit at Hamburg
21 Apr 1946	Unit disbanded Monthly statistics for April 1946: -   Aircraft Repaired: Martinet 2   Spitifire 1 Aircraft salvaged All types 1 Engines issued Griffon 65 4   Merlin 266 2 Propellers issued   6 Road mileage of unit vehicles   10,030

 

Source - No 403 RSU ORB (AIR 29/809/2)

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