Frank Williams WW2 Wrexham TA, RWF mix of units, Killyleagh, Possible Commando time

[Anniek]

oh I see - I suppose it is possible.

I wondered if it was Special Proficiency Pay - I found a reference to that somewhere online I think.

[ivor43]

hi.
SPP.
Special Proficiency Pay.

''It was a "special award for ranks below sergeant, granted at CO's discretion, of 3d per day after 3 years' service for proficiency above the average, with a limit on the number of private soldiers to be so rewarded". Subject to annual classification.''

possible,


ivor

[Anniek]

yes that could be the SPP.

The Commando Veterans forum have said that CRS stands for Casualty Reception Station (also sometimes called CCS Casualty Clearing Station) so that makes sense with it being hospitals.

they quoted



An extract from the War Diaries of 70 Infantry Brigade who were on exercise in North Wales in April 1942:

<cite>War Diaries wrote:</cite>Medical

The Camp Reception Station was opened by 187 Field Ambulance on the first day of occupation. More serious cases were sent to the Casualty Clearing Station at PORTMADOC.

[ivor43]

hi.
I think you may well be right about Casualty Reception Station, 'Casualty Clearing Station.' Makes more sence
Looking at the Photo's. i think you have misread ''Vanguard'' I believe it should be ''Vaynol''.Faenol in Welsh. which is a Big House just outside Bangor. But i am not finding much ww2 info.
i will keep looking.


ivor.

[dcdl12976]

Don't forget special proficiency pay was also given for things like Parachute qualifications amongst other things (still is I believe)

[Anniek]

ah yes it quite possibly could be Vaynol. Just shows how much easier computer fonts make things! thank you.

I don't think he would have done parachute training or anything like that but then I don't know what he did do. I did wonder if it was possibly to do with specialist training he would presumably have had to do as a volunteer commando. I suppose it could cover a range of things couldn't it. Thank you.

[ivor43]

hi all.
looking at the history of Downpatrick. found the following rwf reference.


''The 123rd Ordnance Battery of the 1st Armoured Division of the United States Army moved into the old Downpatrick Gaol in May 1942. With a compliment of 210 men they stayed there until October 1942. They were under the command of Lt. Colonel John Waters who was the Son-In-Law of General Patton and set up his Headquarters at Downpatrick Racecourse.They had been at Newcastle for about two weeks before going to Downpatrick to replace the 6th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers who later became the 53rd Reconnaissance Corps.''

another interesting link to killyleigh
http://ww2ni.webs.com/countydownpart4.htm

you will have to scroll down to the entry on H.M.S.RAWDAH.





ivor

[Anniek]

that is very interesting. He seems to have left Ireland in March 1942 so that would presumably tie in with them all leaving to be replaced by the American troops.

I still can't find any reference anywhere on the internet to the 31st Battalion in Lichfield which is where he then moved to in March '42.

Interesting about the ship - have just looked that up and it talks about it holding IRA prisoners.

[ivor43]

hi.


Lichfield, Whittington Barracks (AAF-598) Pre-WWII Army Barracks occupied by US Army Units c.1943 1st QM Battalion (Mobile), 7th Chemical Depot Company, 28th Ship Hospital Platoon, 28th Station Hospital, 3rd Station Hospital (190 beds)


Lichfield, Old College House, 26/28 Dam Street WWII Lichfield Sub-Area HQ, Lichfield Sub-District HQPheasey Farms Camp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whittington_Barracks


ivor

[Anniek]

thank you - my googling obviously isn't up to scratch! I always thought I was quite good at finding stuff out but not with this search.