CMP Assembly

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Clive, I have a major problem here with what you have just mentioned on the one hand and the evidence from TO THE THUNDERER HIS ARMS which was written with the benefit of 2 (O) Det RCAOC diaries evidently. Specifically about the attachment of part od 2 Det to Slough in August 1940, which must have been to the 'new' CMD. Also we know from various sources that Canadian Army personnel were involved in vehicle assembly at the original CMD, Southampton, plus the activities in Aldershot which were from memory undertaken by 1 Det. In addition there was the Salvage Unit at Borden, Hants. which I believe cleared out the Southampton plant and recovered as many vehicles as possible that could be recycled as spare parts. I reminded myself that there were also Canadian personnel under an officer that operated the 'new' CMD in Slough..Captain?? Smith I believe. These would have been 2 Det personnel.

The 2 Det War Diary stated according to the book that various officers and men were sent to the CMD after the bombing started in Southampton in the evening of 30 November 1940, and were involved with clearing away vehicles that were stored outside.

The file on 2 Det that I obtained a copy of, and threw away in due course, was just full of personnel requirements and that was it! So, now I am mystified!

Thanks by the way for checking the files. The 1 CEAU file might be worth copying if it is not too large.