Tank Transporting Drag Mag 2017

Drag Mag

2016

National Tank Transporter Branch Committee President,
Major General (Retired) Christopher Michael Steirn CBE

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Tank Transporters Shop

www.tktptr.com

2The Tank Transporter shop is a private business owned and run by an ex Tank Transporter. The shop has no official affiliation to the Tank Transporter Branch

Committee. The Tank Transporter Branch has no financial involvement with the shop.

Contents:

Introduction 4

The National Tank Transporter Branch Committee 6

Reunion 2016 10

Memories of 2015 Reunion 12

Souvenir Tank Transporter Coin 14

Tank Transporting Today 20

16 Tank Transporter Squadron Disbandment 28

A Brief History of the RASC - RCT - RLC 34

Tank Transporter Units 40

A Tank Transporters Time 44

The RASC/RCT Association 52

Forces Reated Links 53

What The! 54

2017 Captured Calendars 56

Last Post 62

This Edition of Drag Mag:
Editorial, compiled, design and layout by: Tony (Choggy) Brown
Editorial Sources: Royal Logistic Corps

National Army Museum

Forces War Records

Major General (Retired) Steirn CBE

Colonel (Retired) Gilbert

WO2 KP Meli

LCpl D Whalley - Cpl Matthews,

Cpl Pardoe - SSgt Mackman.
Proofing: Captain (Retired) Ian Lloyd
A Tank Transporters Time: Major (Retired) Terry Cavender

Contact Tony for editorial and features: [email protected]

Tony (Choggy) Brown, ex RCT Junior, 16 and 617 Tk Tptr and 42 AMF.

3

Intrduction/News
Welcome to the re-launch of the Drag Mag with new ideas and
style but retaining some original features, such as the respected
Last Post. For this edition, there is a new feature entitled,
’’Member’s Memoirs’, compiled by one of our members. This will
be a key feature for subsequent editions and if you would like to
be next, then get writing and send your story in.
The Tank Transporter family moves in two directions, both
growing and shrinking at the same time. With the Tank
Transporter app, (currently the only app of its type available to a
British Army group), and the ever-popular Facebook page,
Group numbers have increased steadily year on year. However,
we also have to accept the sad fact that members are growing
older gracefully and inevitably we have to mourn the sad loss
of some of our number each year. To all those who have passed
away during 2016, we salute you. You shall never be forgotten.
The group has seen a few changes in the past year, with Leigh
taking over from Blackie and has been working hard to increase
member numbers while at the same time arranging this years
reunion. Leigh has also been flat out developing the Tank
Transporters app with its many improved functions.
In previous editions of the Drag Mag a listing of members was
included, but with the growing numbers and a limit on print
space, it is no longer possible to include this. However, that’s
where that app comes into its own because it now boasts a
listing of over 1000 members and with more detail than was
ever possible in the print version.

4

Amongst others things, this years reunion will see the launch of the
first Tank Transporters commemorative coin, which is free and will be
given to all those attending the gala dinner. The coin was the idea of
Tony (Choggy) Brown, ex 16 and 617. Choggy designed the coin and
each year the coin will be of a different design.
Like any group, it grows, develops and adapts; like any group, it’s
about the members, so get involved, it’s all about YOU.
If you have any ideas for future editions just let Leigh or Choggy
know so they can be considered.

Major General (Retired) Christopher Michael Steirn CBE

A memorial has recently been erected outside
7 Regiment RLC’s RHQ. Cpl Bolam, LCpl Thompson
and LCpl Rawsthorne names amongst others has been
included. The RLC found the RCT history to be a
bit sketchy and just in case anybody has been missed
a gap on the memorial has been left deliberately to
catch any omissions. Should anyone know of any, then
please contact RHQ.

5

The National Tank Transporter
Branch Committie

President: Major General (Retired) Chris Steirn CBE
As President of our Tank Transporter Family I am grateful for
the opportunity to contribute to Drag Mag. Our Community
is thriving thanks to Leigh Williams and his Committee and I
look forward to meeting up with as many old friends as
possible during our Reunion Weekend. The reunion format
has stood the test of time and is a successful method of
ensuring that our Family stays in touch. However we must
also look to the future to ensure that we are able to endure.
As the Army has reduced in size so has our trade base, but
7 Regiment, which is also an important part of our heritage,
continues to prosper. The Regiment is now firmly installed in
Kendrew Barracks near Cottesmore. 617 Squadron remains a
key sub-unit in its’ ORBAT and the Polish Eagle flies proudly
over the barracks. You will see from the picture on page 5,
that the Regiment takes good care to remember our fallen
and have installed a new memorial in front of the Regimental
Headquarters.
The Commanding Officer has very kindly allowed some of
its’ memorabilia to to be displayed at this year’s Reunion and
together he, I and your Committee will work tirelessly to
cement the common bond between us all. In my eyes the
Polish Eagle, The Tank Transporter Trade and 7 Regiment
(despite the fact that it has no longer tank transporters of its’
own) are intertwined. We are bound by our common history
and we are dependent upon those same elements if our future
success is to be ensured.
6

Vice Presidents - Colonel (Retired) Nigel Gilbert

I am delighted to be the Vice President of the Tank
Transporter Branch of the Corps Association,and look
forward to meeting up with old friends from my days in 7
Tank Transporter Regiment. I first joined the Regiment as
a Second Lieutenant in December 1964 when posted to 617
Tk Tptr Unit MSO RASC in Hamm. I was privileged to serve
with our Polish friends for six months, before moving to
Sennelager where I spent eighteen months in 23 Tk Tptr Coy
RASC commanding B Troop. The unit was renamed on the
formation of the RCT on 15 July 1965.

I returned to the Regiment in March 1983 and was
Commanding Officer for nearly three years. The Polish MSO
were still in both 617 and 16 Tk Tptr Sqns, many of whom I
remembered from the 1960s. The family bond amongst the
Tank Transporter fraternity is second to none and I have
thoroughly enjoyed the reunions over the years, initially in
Sheffield and of course at the Adelphi in Liverpool. I look
forward to meeting up with everyone this year.
7

Chairman: Leigh Williams
Welcome to the first Drag Mag in its new format. Since the
first AGM at the 2015 Reunion this has been a year of
tremendous change. Some of you will have noticed more
than others: To all the members that helped us get to this
point I thank you for your contribution be it by way of a
single donation or a regular subscription payment.
Thanks also to all those who have helped not only to keep
this Tank Transporter family on track but also to build the
track of the future for our new members, providing them
with a firm foundation and something to work with and to
relate to when it’s their turn to steer the ship.
The main aim of the Tank Transporter Committee is to
maintain the strong family bond we have forged as a group,
be it on Facebook or the Tank Transporter site or simply by
staying in contact via the phone or the occasional camping
weekend.
It is also our aim to build on this close family atmosphere
that provides support for all members and their families in
this trade, something that we have all experienced first-hand
and were once a part of and which made such a difference to
our lives and ultimately our careers.
Such firm foundations upon which our Tank Transporter
family has been built over the years has led us all to where we
are today and bodes well for it to endure well into the future.

8

Tank Transporter Branch Current Stats:
• Tank Transporters Facebook group;
On the 21st Feb 2014 the number of members
was 600 .On the 1st Oct 2016 the number of
members is now 1,319.
• Tank Transporters App; In July 2015 the
number of members was Zero.
On the 1st Oct 2016 the number of listed
members is 1,040.

Appointment of Senior Committee Posts 2015
• President - Major General (Retired) Chris Steirn CBE
• Vice President - Colonel (Retired) Nigel Gilbert
Appointment of new working Committee 2015
• Chairman – Mr. Leigh Williams - [email protected]
• Secretary - Mr. Vince Kelly (Temporary)
• Treasurer - Mr. Tony Brown - [email protected]
• Military Liaison - WO1 Colin Smith (Bulford based)
• Welfare co ordinator – Mr. David Wilson - [email protected]

9

The 2016 Reunion Liverpool from the 25th of November 2016

There has been much talk about reunion venues. If you have any
ideas, then let Leigh know your thoughts. Much has recently been
said of a move to London and of staging the event at a forces backed
hotel. Finding a venue big enough is the main problem. Cost is, of
course, always an issue; will London venues be able to offer rates on a
par with the Adelphi? Anyway, the debate will go on.

The 2016 reunion will once again be held at the Britannia Adelphi
Hotel in Liverpool from the 25th of November to Monday the 28th.
Accommodation has been reserved and can be booked using the
referencee, TNK251116.

Rates are: 4 Nights Dinner B&B per person £159
3 Nights Dinner B&B per person £129
2 Nights Dinner B&B per person £108
1 Night Dinner B&B per person £80

All rates include Gala Dinners on the Saturday, if you are a resident,
for non residents the Gala dinner is £21 per person.

10

Programme

2016 AGM in the Crosby Room, seated by 11:00 am Saturday 26th

Format for the Gala Evening 26th of November 2016
Shop - Display Boards - Scrapbooks Open. 2.00 pm - Sefton Suite
Pre-Dinner Drinks 7.00 pm - Main Lounge
Photographs between 6:30 pm - 8pm - Main Lounge
Pre-order Wine for Dinner 7.30 pm - Main Lounge Bar area
Pre-Dinner Welcome - 8 pm - Banquet Room
Gala Dinner is Served 8.05 pm - Banquet Room
After Dinner Announcement 9.40 pm - Banquet Room
Live Entertainment by “THE SOUND” 9.45 pm - Banquet Room
After Dinner Drinks 9.45 pm - Banquet Room/Main Lounge
Raffle Draw 10.00 pm - Prizes in Sefton Suite
Disco 10.30 pm - Banquet Room
Last Orders 3 am - American Bar (in Reception area)

Shop Times: Sefton Suite. (times not set in stone!)

Friday - Open - 4pm to 8pm

Saturday - Open - 12am to 3pm
6pm to 8pm and then after dinner

Sunday - Shop Open - 10:30 am(ish) to 1pm

11

Memories of 2015
A Look Back at the 2015 Reunion

12

13

Souvenir Tank Transporter Coin
Featuring the Diamond T.

The Souvenir Coin is to commemorate each year the Tank Transporter
Reunion meet to reminisce, laugh and relive our years as Tank Trans-
porters.
The annual souvenir coin will be issued to all members who attend the
annual reunion dinner. Each year we intend to issue a new coin. To
help fund it, we are asking for a ‘Coin for a Coin, (details to be given at
the gala dinner). The 2017 coin will feature the Mighty Antar.
For 2016 there are 500 coins, if any are unclaimed following the
reunion these coins will be available for purchase via the TkTptr shop.
Surplus coins will cost £5 each plus postage. Once they have gone, there
won’t be anymore!
14

M19 Diamond T - PIC SR Photos Torksey!

Amongst the first purpose built tank transporters used by the British
Army was the American Diamond T. Other vehicles had been used, such
as heavyweight Scammells, such as the Pioneer. But the Army’s need was
for something more specialist, and in numbers, so the Ministry of War
went shopping and settled on an all American vehicle.
The M19 Tank Transporter (US supply catalog designation G159) was a
heavy tank transporter system used in World War II and into the 1950s.
It consisted of a 12-ton 6x4 M20 Diamond T Model 980 truck and com-
panion 12-wheel M9 trailer.
Designed as a heavy prime mover for tank transporting, the hard-cab
Diamond T 980 was the product of the Diamond T Company in Chi-
cago. In 1940 the British Purchasing Commission, looking to equip the
British Army with a vehicle capable of transporting larger and heavier

15

The Diamond T -Truck

Type 45-ton Truck-trailer

Origin United States

Produced 1941–1945

Weight 26,650 lb (12,090 kg) empty

45,000 lb (20,000 kg) loaded

Length 280 in (7.1 m)

Width 102 in (2.6 m)

Height 101 in (2.6 m)

Engine Hercules DFXE

185 hp (138 kW)

Transmission 4 speed x 3 speed auxiliary

Suspension Beam axles on leaf springs

Range 300 mi (482.8 km)

Speed 23 mph (37 km/h)

Trailer: M9 trailer

Weight 22,020 lb (9,990 kg) (empty)

112,020 lb (50,810 kg) (loaded)

Length 187 in (4.7 m)

Width 97 in (2.5 m)

Height 57 in (1.4 m)

Suspension Trailing beams (front)

center pivot beams (rear)

16

M19 Tank Transporter system (M20 truck and M9 trailer) carrying a Grant tank

tanks, approached a number of American truck manufacturers to assess
their models. The Diamond T Company had a long history of build-
ing rugged, military vehicles for the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps
and had recently produced a prototype heavy vehicle for the US Army
which, with a few slight modifications met British requirements and an
initial order for 200 was very quickly filled.
The result was the Diamond T 980, a 12-ton hard-cab 6x4 truck. Pow-
ered by a Hercules DFXE diesel engine developing 201 hp (150 kW) and

17

geared very low, it could pull a trailer of up to 115,000 lbs (52,000 kg)
and proved capable of the task of moving the heaviest tanks then in
service.
Production began in 1941. The first batch was received in Britain in
1942 and very quickly demonstrated their rugged reliability in the
British campaign in North Africa. Battle-damaged tanks needed to be
quickly recovered, often under hostile fire, and returned to workshops
for repair. The Diamond T, with its powerful engine and winch, could
accomplish this, even in the harshest desert conditions.
5,871 Diamond Ts were built by 1945 and were used by virtually every
Allied army in every theatre of WWII. The British Army took delivery
of around 1,000 during the war years and many continued in service
afterwards, being replaced in the early 1950s with the Thornycroft
Antar (“Mighty Antar”), although a few remained in tank transporter

18

units up to 1971. Many of those sold off by the Army after the war were
snapped up by heavy haulage and recovery specialists, notably Pick-
fords and Wynns, and were a familiar sight on Britain’s roads, pulling
heavy lowloaders and fairground trailers or parked on garage fore-
courts, in readiness for heavy rescue deployment equipped as wreckers
(breakdown recovery trucks). The Diamond T suffered from “very
limited off-road performance” as a result of only the two rear axles
being driven.

In the next edition of
Drag Mag, will be the
Antar MK2.

19

Tank Transporting Today

The following is a collection of features kindly supplied by

WO2 KP Meli - School of Tank Transporting Warrant Officer
Head of Trade - WO2 Kris Meli
As you are aware Bulford is the current home for the Tank Transporter
fraternity, with 19 Squadron being the last remaining Tank Transporting
Squadron within the British Army. The Squadron is quite unique as we
are mal-located from our parent unit 27 Regiment RLC who are based
in Aldershot, who in turn are under the command of Headquarters 3
(UK) Division. Over the next few pages, you will be provided with a
brief insight into current tasking’s’ and commitments, that the Squad-
ron have been conducting over the past several months, hopefully the
soldiers who have submitted their articles have broadened your horizons
with the relevant information that relates to the trade at present. This is
something that I am keen to promote and long may this continue in the
next edition of this prestigious magazine.

20

Current G4 (Logistics & Quartering) System 19 Tank Transporter
Squadron RLC
19 Tank Transporter Squadron is an extremely busy Sqn within the
Army and are tasked on a daily basis both home and abroad. The
tempo of taskings on the Sqn has a huge impact on the G4 element.
The demanding of oils and lubricants to service the vehicles is
controlled through the Quarter Master Department by the Fuel and
Lubricants Accounting JNCO. Over a month period up to One
Thousand litres of oils can be demanded to maintain the vehicles.
A large number of demands are placed for Driver Fitted Items (DFI)
each month through the Troop storeman into the QM’s department.
The QM’s will hold a small amount of stock but needs to be carefully
monitored to keep up with demands. All items are demanded through
the Management of the Joint Deployed Inventory (MJDI) and are done
on a priority basis which is controlled by the Receipt and Issues (R&I)
NCO. Tyres are also a high demand item of maintaining the
roadworthiness of the vehicles and trailers. One tyre for a trailer can
cost between £180 and £200.
The way we are currently doing G4 is a good system as it allows the
Soldiers demanding kit to see where the equipment is at all times, from
the Supply Depot. It means we have better accountability for our
equipment.

21

Tank Transporting Today
E TROOP - Task for the Commemoration for The Battle of Flers.
I was the Drag Commander for the task to deliver a Challenger 2 to
Horse Guards Parade for the Commemoration of the Battle of Fleurs.
The first part of the task was a recce of the route in and around the
area, which I carried out a week prior to the move, making sure the
route, was suitable for the 108T vehicle. I estimated a 6 hour window
from Tidworth to the drop off point.
We split down into 3 teams to carry out the task. Team 1 was the
drive in; Team 2 was the day crew and Team 3 to drive back. I was
escorting Team 1.

22

We departed Tidworth at 00:05 hrs. On
the 15/09/16, through the A338, A303,
A34, M4 arriving at our rest stop, the
parkway on the A312 at 03:00 hrs. We
were then met by the Police escorts,
and left for Horse Guards Parade
around 04:00hrs, arriving in the
location around 05:00.
The task of offloading the CR2 was
carried out by the HET crew, with
myself over-seeing the procedure. All
went smoothly as possible.
It was a very enjoyable task, and after 9
½ years as a Tank Transporter it was my
first task into London with a HET.
Cpl Matthews - Section Commander

23

Tank Transporting Today
LCpl D Whalley - Accommodation JNCO OPS Route Licence
As the Ops JNCO I am responsible for the planning of all HET
and LET tasks of a military nature transporting AFVs, and various
equipment around the U.K and on overseas exercises/ operations.
Having been in this role for the last twelve months I have had the
pleasure of moving over four hundred loads, some of which would
be classed as small in the world of Tank Transporting, some on the
rather large side.
Any time a HET leaves the camp gates laden or unladen it requires
a host of agencies to be informed, which at times can be very
limiting indeed. Due to the sheer size of the HET, the notice peri-
ods range from two to five working days. Once any route licences
are applied for, the process of notification begins; my application
is sent to every bridge, police and highway agency who then ac-
knowledges our movement and deems it safe or unsafe.
Often I will receive a phone call from various departments ask-
ing us to clarify or change a certain route, or we are given special
instructions on our procedure at certain points such as bridges.
This information is then passed onto the “Drag” commander who
ensures all routes and instructions are adhered to appropriately.
Although all the efforts are put in to ensure we give as much notice
as we are legally obliged to give, we remain a military asset which
can sometimes mean reacting to sudden situations. During my
time in this role I have had a number of urgent tasks, in these
situations I have found myself personally calling said agencies and
negotiating permission to transit through their areas. Granted they
all understand our position and let us go about our business,
however this privilege is never taken for granted and I only use it
for the highest priorities.

24

Overseas movements are very much a different story; the German
authorities have a much longer process which can prove to be quite
an obstacle when planning. It’s usually the case that any route licences
are not granted until the morning of the movement. These licences are
sometimes rejected at H hour which can be extremely frustrating.
A rather dramatic explanation of a simple process I know, however it’s
just one cog in an extremely time consuming planning process every
time a Sqn vehicle is deployed to move any large AFVs.
Cpl Pardoe - OPS JNCO

25

Tank Transporting Today
B Troop - Old Allies, New Friends
On the morning of 23 May 2016, 19 Tank Transporter Squadron RLC
dispatched an elite team of transporters and mechanics from Britain to
Baumholder, Germany. They supported 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense
Artillery (U.S. Army) who conducted over 3,000 km worth of convoy
operations during Anakonda 2016. Upon their arrival, 5-7 ADA inte-
grated 19 Sqn into their planning and preparation. Lt Mitch Cole (19)
partnered with CPT Keith Fenlason from Service Company, 5-7 ADA
and immediately began planning for the missions’ logistical transport
and recovery operations; to include 19 Tk Tptr Sqn actively participat-
ing in the battalion Rehearsal of the Concept drill.
5-7 and 19 Tk Tptr Sqn started their month long exercise with an inte-
grated multi-day convoy from Baumholder to Ustka and Torun. 19 Tk
Tptr Sqn was essential to the movement of Command Post operating
centers and essential Air Defense Equipment. They executed in true
military fashion both the deployment to Poland and the return from.
2Lt Nicole Lazo, Field Maintenance Team Platoon Leader and Convoy
Commander noted: “Our British Allies were very resilient to constant
and ever changing plans during convoys and recovery operations.”
19 Tk Tptr Sqn also participated in the Tri-Nation Combined Recov-
ery Exercise with both 5-7 ADA (US) and 3rd SAM Brigade (PL). Cpl
Leigh Hitchen (19) and his team conducted an exhibition for over 100
Soldiers, civilians, and media crews on the capabilities of the UK Light
Equipment Transport (LET) Trailer System. They participated in Ser-
vice Company, 5-7 ADA’s recovery drills both during the convoy and
during the operation. 19 Tk Tptr Sqn’s flexibility under the expertise of
SSgt Richard Mackman (19) enabled 5-7 ADA to jump from Ustka to
Torun, Poland in one day with no stranded vehicles or containers. They
then redeployed in support of 5-7 back to Baumholder from 16-22 June
2016.

26

19 Tk Tptr Sqn ability to work in conjunction with Service Company,
5-7 ADA during Anakonda 2016, contributed to the mission’s success
and allowed the nearly 3,000 km exercise to be executed flawlessly. They
are greatly appreciated by the Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers,
Warrant Officers, and Officers of 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery
for the extent of their hard work, cooperation, and extreme
professionalism.
“The British Soldiers were true professionals and masters of their craft.
It was an honor to work with them and we look forward to continuing
our partnership with the Queen’s Men.” 1Lt Samuel Zyburt, Maintenance
Control Officer
SSgt Mackman - B Troop MT SNCO

27

28

16 Tank Transporter
Squadron Disbandment.

Editorial - Royal Logistic Corps

On the afternoon of Friday 25 July
2014, 16 Tank Transporter Squad-
ron of 7 Regiment RLC conducted
its ceremonial Disbandment Parade
at St Barbara’s Barracks, Bad Fall-
ingbostel, Germany. It had ceased
taskings in British Forces Germany
on 2 April 2014. The last remaining
troop of the Squadron integrates
within 19 Tank Transporter Squad-
ron, Bulford in September 2014,
which has become the remaining
Tank Transporter Squadron in the
British Army.
Seventy-four members of the Squad-
ron were on parade on a sunny after-
noon, with a former CO, Maj Gen C
M Steirn CBE inspecting the parade.

29

Four hundred and fifty guests were in attendance, reflecting the close rela-
tionship with those who have been associated with the Squadron. Polish
members from the Squadron’s founding unit, the Mixed Service Organi-
sation, were also present to say farewell.

Supporting the event was The Band of The Royal Irish Regiment, led by
WO1 (BM) Richard Douglas. To conclude the parade, heavy lift vehicles
used throughout the Squadrons history conducted a drive past; these
included the Antar Mk3, Scammell Commander and the Oshkosh Heavy
Equipment Transporter. Two CHALLENGER II Main Battle Tanks and
30

31

an AS90 were also on the parade
ground to display the heavy lift
capability of the vehicles.
The Squadron held drinks fol-
lowed by a families lunch after
the parade in the Vehicle Hang-
ers, before an Evening Hangar
Party involving members of the
Squadron and their guests par-
tying until the small hours of the
morning. Saturday 26 July 2014
saw further celebrations con-
tinue with a Tank Transporters
in the Park Party. Six hundred
guests attended, including past
and present tank transporter
staff, reminisced whilst they en-
joyed live music, food and drinks
throughout the day and night.
Upon the closure of 16 Tank
Transporter Squadron, the
heritage and history passes to
617 HQ Squadron, 7 Regiment,
the nominated custodians. The
remaining troop will reposition
itself in Bulford as part of 19
Tank Transporter Squadron and
retain its designated Warsaw
title, continuing to remember
and associate itself with its Polish
ancestry.

32

33

A Brief History of the
RASC - RCT - RLC

Royal Army Service Corps - 1988 to 1965
Nickname The Moke Train or the Commos
Motto In Arduis Fidelis (Faithful in Adversity)
March Wait for the Wagon

The Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) was the Corps responsible for
keeping the British Army supplied with all its provisions with the ex-
ception of weaponry, military equipment and ammunition, which were
under the remit of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

Army transport in the British Army’s first century (1700s) was provided
by civil contractors and the first uniformed unit to attempt these duties
were the Royal Waggoners. This attempt proved unsuccessful and the
Royal Waggoners were disbanded in 1795, less than a year after forma-
tion being formed.

With the French Revolutionary Wars continuing, a second attempt was
not long in coming, arriving in 1799 with the Royal Waggon Corps, later
renamed the Royal Waggon Train. This proved longer lived, finally being
downsized after the end of the Napoleonic Wars and was eventually
disbanded in 1833.

It took the poor supply chains of the early stages of the Crimean War
(1854-56), and the ensuing public outrage, for another army supply unit
to be set up in 1855, this time known as the Land Transport Corps and
then the Military Train.

Army supply overall, however, was still in the hands of a unit of uni-
formed civilians known as the Commissariat, which was in 1869 merged
with Military Train officers to form the Control Department. This made
the Military Train a unit solely made up of other ranks commanded by

34

A Column of Army Service Corps (ASC) lorries on A British Matilda Tank Loaded for Transport
the Western Front during WW2. North Africa Desert 1942.

officers from the Control Depart- ‘Royal’ prefix in recognition of its
ment and in 1870 the Military invaluable contribution (and acts
Train was renamed the Army of selfless bravery) in supplying
Service Corps. troops during the First World War.

In 1875 the Control Department The Second World War saw the
split into the Commissariat and RASC continue in its role in of
Transport Department (CTD) and resupply and logistics by land,
the Ordnance Store Department sea and air to predominately the
(OSD), with the latter forming the land forces. Again the bravery and
predecessor to the Royal Army tenacity of the RASC did not go
Ordnance Corps. In 1880 the CTD un noticed in all fields of conflict.
was renamed the Commissariat Winston Churchill once quoted:
and Transport Staff (CTS) and the “Victory is the beautiful bright
other ranks’ Army Service Corps coloured flower. Transport is the
renamed the Commissariat and stem without which it never could
Transport Corps (CTC). have blossomed”.

In 1888, the CTS, the CTC and In 1965, the RASC was merged
the War Department Fleet merged with the Transportation and
to form a second Army Service Movement Control Service of the
Corps, bringing officers and other Royal Engineers to form the Royal
ranks back together into one unit. Corps of Transport. In 1993 the
That unit went on to absorb some RCT became part of the Royal
Royal Engineer transport duties Logistic Corps.
and to be given the honour of the
35

Royal Corps of Transport - 1965 to 1993
Nickname Troggs, The Waggoners
Motto Nil sine labore (Nothing without labour)
March Wait for the Wagon

Pic - Think Defence

The Royal Corps of Transport (RCT) was a British Army Corps estab-
lished to manage all matters in relation to the transport of men and
materiel for the Army and the wider Defence community. It was formed
in 1965 and later in 1993 was disbanded to allow its units and trades to
be amalgamated into the Royal Logistic Corps.
The Depot and Training Regiment RCT was located at Buller Barracks
in Aldershot.
As a result of the accepted recommendations of the McLeod Commit-
tee, a Royal Warrant dated 26 March 1965 changed the title of the Royal
Army Service Corps to Royal Corps of Transport to be effective from 15
July 1965.
36 Information Sourced Via - Forces War Records

During the period 1961 to 1963 there were discussions within the then
War Office about the need to reorganise the Logistic Services. The prop-
osition put forward was in general terms that there should be:-
One Corps for supplying the Army.
One Corps for moving the Army.
One Corps for repairing the vehicles and equipment of the Army
These included the formation of a Transport Corps for the Army based
on the RASC. In addition, the Royal Engineers would hand over to
the new Transport Corps, its transportation functions including Ports,
Inland Water and Railways, (other than its civil engineering aspects and
mechanical repair), and the Movement Control Service.
On 15 July 1965, the RCT was formed. Its role was to provide transport
and movement support to the Army in both peace and war. Transport

Pic - Baor Locations

Information Sourced Via - National Army Museum and www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk 37

support includes road, rail and maritime transport
together with port operating and air despatch capabil-
ities. Movements support comprises planning, policy,
co-ordination and the control of all non-tactical per-
sonnel and freight movement, by land, sea and air.
The Royal Corps of Transport consisted of a number
of different specialist trades. These included:
Driver was the primary trade of the RCT and as such
all private soldiers held the title of ‘Driver’.
• Driver
• Driver Radio operator
• Driver Tank Transporter
• Driver Air Despatcher
• Driver Port Operator
• Driver Railwayman
• Mariner (Seaman)
• Marine Engineer
• Pilot - Hovercraft
RCT personnel served in additional roles. Staff car
Driver duties could be carried out by any driver trade.
Airborne Forces as a Parachutist but stayed in trade,
so not for sea, port and railway trades. Parachutist
was never a trade in the RCT. (However 63 Parachute
Squadron RCT was part of the Airborne Brigade.
The RCT provided the first Service Support Officer to
command 22 SAS.

38 Information Sourced Via - Forces War Records

Pic - www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk

Royal Logistic Corps - 1993 to Present
Nickname Loggies, Really Large Corps
Motto We sustain
March On Parade Lion, Sword and Crown

The RLC was formed 1993 from the amalgamation of five ‘Forming
Corps’ comprising of the Royal Corps of Transport, Royal Army Ord-
nance Corps, Royal Pioneer Corps, Army Catering Corps and the Postal
Branch of the Royal Engineers.

It is the largest corps in the British Army, moving soldiers, materials, ve-
hicles, ammunition, fuel, post, food and other supplies to wherever they
are needed.

The RLC is responsible for thousands of motor vehicles as well as the
Army’s storage, ordnance and fuel depots. It also operates the Army’s
air despatch capability as well as maritime and rail transport functions;
additionally the RLC provides pioneer labour and cooks, and is involved
in explosive ordnance disposal.

In recent years the Corps has deployed to Northern Ireland, Germany,
Cyprus, Kosovo, Bosnia, Falkland Islands, Iraq, Sierra Leone, Kenya,
Brunei and Afghanistan.

Information Sourced Via - National Army Museum and www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk 39

Tank Transporter Units -
a brief history.

Pic Via Robert Saunders Facebook.

7 Tank Transporter Regiment RCT
BAOR - Germany 1965
Consisted of - 3, 16 and 617 Tank Transporter Squadrons. The Regimental
Headquarters was at Sennelager at Antwerp Barracks.
3 Tank Transporter Squadron
Sennelager 1972
3 Squadron, based at Sennelager in Antwerp Barracks, was formed from 23
Tank Transporter Squadron. As an RCT Tank Transporter Squadron, the unit
had two troops, A and B. In 1993, 3 Squadron rebadged to the RLC.
16 Tank Transporter Squadron
Fallingbostel 1965 to 2014
16 Squadron was based at Fallingbostel in St Barbaras Barracks. The squadron
was made up of four troops A, B, C and D. A and B troops, were manned by
regular soldiers, while C and D were staffed by MSO personnel. In 1993, 16
Squadron rebadged to the RLC and in 2014 was disbanded.
40

19 Tank Transporter Company/Squadron
Retford & Bulford 1965 to Present time
19 Squadron was first based Ranby Camp, Retford as 19 Company (Tk Tptr)
RASC. In 1965 the Squadron rebadged to RCT and in 1968 the unit came
under the command of 2 Transport Group. In 1969 the squadron moved to
Ward Barracks, Bulford.

23 Tank Transporter Company/Squadron
Sennelager 1965 to 1972
23 Squadron was based at Sennelager at Antwerp Barracks and was formed
from 23 Company (Tank Transporter) RASC. 23 Squadron became Squadron
in 1972.

123 Company (Tank Transporter) RASC
Paderborn/Sennelager 1945 to 1960
123 Company (Tank Transporter) RASC was originally based in Paderborn at
Barker Barracks but later moved to Sennelager.

414 Tank Transporter Unit
Bulford 1989 to 1993
414 Tank Transporter Unit was formed from 19 (XIX) Tank Transporter
Squadron RCT based at Ward Barracks and came under the command of 7
Regiment.

617 Tank Transporter Unit (MSO)/Squadron RCT

Hamm 1965 to 1991
617 Tank Transporter Unit (MSO) was originally formed as an MSO RASC
unit based in Hamm at Cromwell barracks and came under the command of
7 Regiment. In 1982, the Unit was renamed as 617 Tank Transporter Squad-
ron when regular serving soldiers took over one troop. In 1987 all MSO’s
units were disbanded and coincidentally the last Antar was decommissioned.
In 1991 the Squadron was disbanded. continued

41

Tank Transporter Units - a brief history

3 Squadron Antar with white bumper markings,
carrying a Chieftan Bridge Layer.
The three BAOR based Tank Transporter Squadrons
were easily identified by coloured bumper markings.
3 Squadron had white bumper ends, 16 Squadron
had yellow bumper ends and 617 had red over white
(as an acknowledgement of the Polish national flag).
Additional unit identification was made by the unit tac
numbers; 3 Squadron was 210, 16 Squadron was 211
and 617 Squadron was 212.
19 (XIX) Tank Transporter Squadron and 414 Tank
Transporter Unit, based in the UK, didn’t have
coloured bumper markings to identify the units but
did have white bumper ends to indicate the width of
the vehicle.

42

617 Squadron Antar with white and red bumper markings.
16 Squadron Commander with
yellow bumper markings,
carrying a Chieftan MBT.

43

A Tank Transporters Time ‘A BOY FROM NOWHERE’:

Terry Cavender late Royal Army Service Corps, late Royal
Corps of Transport, late Ministry of
Defence, late for work Most Mornings
Kindle Edition.

Terry Cavender joined the Ju-
nior Leaders Battalion RASC at
Taunton as a Junior Private in
1963. Over the following 30
years of mischief and mayhem he
was promoted to WO1 before be-
ing commissioned, eventually re-
tiring from the fray as a Major in
1993. During that time he served
as both Admin Officer then Quar-
termaster with 617 Tank Trans-
porter Squadron RCT (Hamm,
West Germany). He states that his
years with 617 Tank Transporter
Squadron RCT were amongst the
happiest of his life. Recently he
decided to write a book about his
life an experiences, which can be
viewed on either Amazon Books
or Amazon Kindle. 617 Tank
Transporter Squadron RCT gets a
hefty mention in the book!

Terry Cavender may have been ‘A
boy from nowhere’ but he certainly
didn’t hang about for long. Born
and raised in a gritty Northern mill
town called Keighley in 1947, Terry
44

left home in 1963 and joined the Junior Leaders Battalion of the Royal Army
Service Corps as a Junior Private. Over the next Thirty years he was promoted
through the ranks before finally becoming a commissioned officer.

He left the Royal Corps of Transport in the rank of Major in 1993. In that time
he had served in Air Despatch units at RAF Changi and Seletar in Singapore
where he took part in suppressing a local uprising, he also served in 8
Regiment, 617 Tank Transporter Squadron, and 38 Squadron

RCT in West Germany, all with hilarious episodes that were all self induced.
He shook a lot of important hands during his time as a soldier and not least
with Lord Avon (Sir Anthony Eden) who had previously been the Prime
Minister of Britain, others that followed were Enoch Powell, Lord Prescott, Sir
Harry Secombe, Barbara Windsor, Jeremy Kyle, key members of the Royal
Family, Angela Merkel, and the odious Jimmy Savile. They’re all

in this book, warts and all. There are a lot of artistes in the list of celebrities
because Terry has also delved into the world of entertainment. He has written,
directed, produced and acted in several plays, pantomimes and radio plays.
He also had the lead role in a comedy film which won a coveted Golden Bear
award at the Berlin Film Festival and whilst stationed out in the Far East he
played a background part in the film ‘Stand Up Virgin Soldiers.’ Truly a man of
many talents.

Terry Cavender is a well known name in the Civil Service which is where he
finished his working career as a Staff Officer at the Defence School of Transport
in Leconfield, East Yorkshire. He had a key job organising visits to the largest
military driving school in Europe, Royalty, Government Ministers, Senior Civil
Servants and Officers, Local and Foreign Dignitaries, MP’s and Film/TV/Radio
Personalities.

This book is a hilarious record of one boy from nowhere who lived life to the
full, from his Dad’s sheep rustling days in a motorbike and side car, all the way
up to him hanging upside down on a trapeze swing trying to win the part in a
TV advert. Terry will have you both mesmerised and crying with laughter.

Read some extracts from a ‘Boy From Nowhere’ over

45

A Tank Transporters Time continued -
an extract from a ‘Boy From Nowhere’

617 Tank Transporter Squadron RCT
(Cromwell Barracks, Hamm, West Germany
(Part of 7 Tank Transporter Regiment RCT)
(As a Captain – Administrative Officer, then Quartermaster)
Yes, joy of joys, back out to West Germany this time serving with 617
Tank Transporter Squadron RCT in Hamm. I was extremely fortunate
to ultimately be able to spend five years there, half of the tour as Ad-
ministrative Officer then for the remaining time as the Quartermaster.
I took over as Quartermaster from a colourful character called Captain
Joe Sadler, a very nice bloke. As well as military staff I controlled several
members of the Mixed Services Organisation (MSO), which included a
German Carpenter, a Polish Sign-writer and a one-legged Italian Cob-
bler (don’t ask). I was also responsible for a group of others employed
around the base who came from all over the place, Lithuanians, Esto-
nians, Germans, English, Scottish etc.
The majority of the MSO though consisted of Poles who had been with
the British Army since the end of World War Two. Unfortunately for
them, at that time, they were unable to return home as the Communists
had them all down as persona non grata. It was such an honour to serve
alongside them and they were a fine body of men. Ladies and Gen-
tlemen, Boys and Girls – 617 Squadron was another truly marvellous
posting where once again we worked hard, played hard and had the time
of our lives defending the Nation from the Communist hordes. Never
to be repeated joys. There were a few awkward and difficult periods, but
those tales are for another time. Here, though, to give you a flavour, is a
true story from that time.

46

‘THE WRATH OF GRAPES’
After a couple of years of being the Admin Officer, I had been appointed
Quartermaster (QM) and was Commander in Chief of all I surveyed
within the Quartermaster’s Department, 617 Tank Transporter Squad-
ron RCT. It was a delightful little number, with a relatively large, enthu-
siastic staff.
I hadn’t been in the job for more than a couple of weeks when I was
informed by the Squadron OC that we were to be visited by our Director
General (DG) who was to visit several of the Royal Corps of Transport
(RCT) units in West Germany on his annual ‘Wine Tasting and Seeing
How the Troops Were Rubbing Along’ type of visit. He wanted to call
into Hamm on his way to Bielefeld, to meet up with some of his old
Mixed Services Organisation (MSO) chums and have a look at the latest
developments in the hardy world of Tank Transporting. I was told that
the General had not yet had the opportunity to examine one of the ‘new’
24 hour Ration Packs and would like to do so at some stage of the visit,
if we could oblige. As QM I was tasked to ensure that a brand spanking
new 24 hour Ration Pack would therefore be available when called for.
“Aha,” I thought “an opportunity for a bit of sport here.”
One the day of the visit, pre-arrival of the DG, I had one of my loyal staff
members pop across to the NAAFI and purchase some fresh grapes.
The General’s 24 Ration Pack was then cunningly opened from under-
neath and the black, juicy grapes carefully placed in the box – which was
then resealed. Oh what a jolly wheeze this was going to be. I forgot to
mention that the DG was a little crusty and not renowned for having a
sense of humour. Careers had been known to founder at his whim. As I’d
recently been granted a Regular Commission (Late Entry) and was

47

Example of a 24 hour Ration Pack

relatively secure, I wasn’t particularly concerned about that. I was sure
that he’d see the funny side of my little jape. Ah, the crassness of youth.
The visit progressed nicely and the DG eventually arrived at my de-
partment, accompanied by the usual elongated line of millboard laden
nodding flunkeys. After a spot of badinage with the chaps along the
usual lines of “Wife in Quarters?” “Getting your LOA?” “Food alright?”
etc, the DG mentioned the 24 hour Ration Pack to the CO, who men-
tioned it to the OC, who nodded in my direction, I nodded at the SQMS
who sent a Corporal for the Ration Pack. The 24 hour ration pack duly
appeared up the supply chain as if by magic. “Just happen to have one
here, sir.” The smug look on the OC’s face clearly intimated that he was
thinking something like – “I love it when a good plan comes together.”
He thought that things were going swimmingly. ‘Watch and shoot...’
The 24 hour Ration Pack was handed to the DG, who then handed it to
the accompanying Brigadier – “Open that up, ‘Smithers’ (name changed
to protect the innocent) there’s a good chap!” he commanded. The Brig-
adier, sweating profusely at this unexpected and complex task, finally
managed to prise the box open and handed it back to the DG. The DG
lifted the lid of the box and proceeded to have a good root around inside
it. He paused momentarily and then, a la Paul Daniels, produced from
48

the innards of the box a bunch of black, glistening, juicy grapes. “I say,
how jolly clever – how do they manage to do that? Are they frozen or
something?” he said. The DG looked questioningly at the Brigadier, who
turned to the CO, who looked at the OC – the OC, with a fine bead of
grey sweat adorning his upper lip, looked (rather furiously I thought)
straight at me. “Quartermaster?” he said. Deathly silence for a very
long minute whilst I thought of a career saving and brilliant riposte, but
couldn’t.
Suddenly, like a ray of sun breaking through the now stygian gloom,
the DG smiled, something suspiciously phlegm-like rumbled in his
chest then he began to guffaw heartily. “Captain Cavender, you’re such
a wag!” he said and continued laughing. The accompanying Brigadier,
sensing that all was not lost, threw his head back, slapped his thigh,
braying like a donkey, whilst the CO encouraged everyone else to join
in the merriment. I was saved. As the party eventually departed for the
Workshops, much to my relief, the Brigadier was heard to say to the OC,
“Actually, old boy, just how do they manage to keep the grapes fresh?” ‘A

BOY FROM NOWHERE’
‘WEST BERLIN’

“I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to visit West Berlin
with a ‘train’ of some 14 Tank Transporters, delivering tanks to Brook
Barracks in Berlin. This necessitated travelling along the Berlin Corri-
dor. The task was made more complex by the Russians who jealously
guarded the border and closely scrutinised all of the complex paper-
work and written authorities that were required for us to be allowed free
passage. The Russians were difficult and obtuse and would unfailingly
do their utmost to find errors in the paperwork so that they could deny
us access to Berlin. Naturally we ensured that absolutely nothing was

49

wrong with our paperwork and that we could proceeded along our mer-
ry way accordingly. It was always a testing moment though.
We left Hamm and drove along the autobahn in a mightily impres-
sive military convoy of 14 fully loaded Tank Transporters, a back-up 4
Tonner (REME) a Land Rover and me leading the charge in a glorious
white Ford Escort, heading for Braunschweig. Our lads were profession-
al and proficient drivers and I felt proud to be working alongside them.
The lads were old hands at the game and worried not a jot, it was just
‘another day at the office’ for them. At Braunschweig, in accordance with
standard procedure, we booked into an RMP post for the standard brief-
ing regarding the complexities of travelling along the Berlin Corridor,
had our paperwork thoroughly and efficiently checked then overnighted
ready for an early start the following morning. The briefing and checks
were key elements to our reaching Berlin, and designed to help avoid
any confrontation at the border crossing post with the Russians, whose
prime aims it appeared to be was to make things as difficult, complex
and long winded as possible.
The following morning we ‘First Paraded’ our vehicles, ensured that the
men had breakfasted and were OK, then carried out our radio checks.
Radios were carried in both the leading and rear vehicles in the event
that there was some sort of delay caused by mechanical breakdown
etc. The bright young man manning the rear vehicle was Staff Sergeant
Gaz Merrills, so we were definitely OK there. A breakdown would have
delayed the arrival of the convoy in Berlin, which would have delighted
the Russians no end as they could then cause a mega-fuss. We set off for
the border crossing post. On arrival there we were placed into a lay-by
whilst our paperwork was closely scrutinised by an eagle eyed Rus-
sian. The Russian Adjutant rolled up in some sort of clapped out jeep,
belching fumes (the Jeep, not him), accompanied by his interpreter. We
then exchanged ferocious military salutes and I answered the various
questions that were fired at me, which I had been well briefed about and
fielded accordingly.
50