AoS markings for Corps HQ RCA

[Tony Viste]

Can anyone inform me of the correct AoS markings for:

HQ RCA 2 Cdn Corps

and

2 Cdn CBO Staff


Thank you,
Tony Viste

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by Tony Viste
Can anyone inform me of the correct AoS markings for:

HQ RCA 2 Cdn Corps

and

2 Cdn CBO Staff

Hi Tony;

The AoS markings for: -

HQ RCA 2 Cdn Corps - the figures '17' on a black background with a 2" white bar above (denoting Corps Troops)

2 Cdn CBO Staff - the figures '17' on a red over blue (horizontal) background with a 2" white bar above (denoting Corps Troops)

Note: -

HQ RCA 2 Cdn Corps, was not a stand alone unit, it was a component part of - Serial 1701 - Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Corps

Cheers

[Tony Viste]

Thank you Mark.

I was a bit confused after reading the 2 CBO Staff War Diary for the advance detachment sent ahead to support 2 Cdn Inf Div.

"7 Jul 0045, Detachment moved at rear of Survey troop and had considerable difficulty with officer controlling exit of assembly area who tried to insist that we move to Corps HQ as our vehicle had Corps serial No i.e. 17."

After reading this I wasn't sure if it would have been 17 on black or on red/blue.

But this brings up another question, since Divisional HQ RCA kept the Arty colors (40 on red/blue), why did Corps HQ RCA have it on black?

The CBO Staff AoS of 17 on red/blue could be confused as being Corps HQ RCA (as the Officer controlling the assembly area exit).

Thanks again for your help.
Tony Viste

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by Tony Viste
But this brings up another question, since Divisional HQ RCA kept the Arty colors (40 on red/blue), why did Corps HQ RCA have it on black?

Hi Tony;

In answer to your above mentioned question, the answer may be in the fact that when: -

Serial 1 - Headquarters, 1st Corps
Serial 1701 - Headquarters, 2nd Corps

were authorized, the 'H.Q. Corps Artillery', was inclusive in each.

The position of 'Corps Commander Royal Artillery' (CCRA), which was a Brigadier's position, was contained within the War Establishment of a 'Corps Headquarters'.

At the divisional level (both infantry and armoured), the 'H.Q. Div Artillery', was authorized under separate serials, these being: -

Serial 4 - Headquarters of 1st Divisional Artillery, R.C.A.
Serial 154 - Headquarters of 2nd Divisional Artillery, R.C.A.
Serial 578 - Headquarters, 5th Armoured Divisional Artillery
Serial 704 - Headquarters, 3rd Divisional Artillery, R.C.A.
Serial 904 - Headquarters, 4th Armoured Divisional Artillery

with their own War Establishment (one for an Inf Div Arty HQ and one for an Armd Div Arty HQ), which was separate from that of the parent division itself (Inf or Armd).

The below image is taken from standard vehicle markings, as at 15 May 1944: -



as used by First Canadian Army.

I hope this helps answer your question as to why the CCRA's staff used the AoS '17' on black and the 'Div Arty HQ' used the AoS '40' on red over blue.

Cheers

[Tony Viste]

Thanks again Mark.

I didn't think of checking to see if the serials were different.

I thought since the 2 Cdn Corps HQ RCA had their own War Diary separate from the HQ 2 Cdn Corps that there was more separation between the units.

Serial numbers are the key.

Tony Viste