705 Coy. RASC

[fearnaught]

Hi, just picked up this history, on the first page is a sign of a mermaid with no explanation. Is it a sign? On page 2 is the Beach Group sign. the unit had DUKWs and landed on D Day, Mike

[Rob Miller]

Here it is again

Rob

[Rob Miller]

It seems that these are unofficial vehicle markings used by RASC units.

Rob

[Postwarden]

The January 2011 Edition of The Military Heraldry Society’s Formation Sign recorded that the windmill vehicle sign illustrated appears in a privately produced history 'The Windmill Boys: The Story of the 1680 Artillery Platoon RASC (Light)'. The Platoon was formed on 11th January 1944 as 1680 Artillery Platoon, RASC (Light) upon a cadre from 739 Coy, RASC part of 22 Transport Column. The Coy also commanded 1673, 1678, 1679, 1686 and 1687 Platoons. Each Platoon comprised five Transport Sections plus HQ Section. In August 1944 1680 Platoon were attached to 147 (Essex Yeomanry) Field Regt, RA. Two months later the Platoon adopted the unofficial windmill vehicle sign shown on the authority of its OC in order to make the Platoon vehicles more recognisable.

A marking with a similar theme appears in the pamphlet, part of which is illustrated in the earlier answer, the note on the back confirming it was printed by 21 AG’s Printing and Stationery Services. It shows over eighty signs attributed to RASC units. It is not explained where or how they were used but as the photo shows they probably appeared on vehicle doors and were approved at unit level.

The windmill sign shown is attributed to 710 (General Transport) Company. The other two shown are for 780 (Corps HQ Car) Coy, the boar’s head on a background of wartime RASC tactical marking colours suggesting they worked for 30 Corps and 39 (GT) Company – which obviously had a connection with 3rd Infantry Division.

Jon

[NEMO]

VERY very interesting ,thank you all for showing ,

[Mike Jackson]

Many and varied and only sporadically recorded were these RASC signs. You will note that the bulldozer is demolishing a swastika. I like them very much! Mike
RASC Board.05.29.jpg419 Tk Tptr Coy RASC.jpg299 Coy RASC.jpg: