WWII Royal Canadian Engineers Questions

[Rob_E]

Hi all,

I hope you can help with a few questions. My great-uncle served in the RCE during the war and has recently taken ill. We had to pack up his home and I've decided to mount his medals, insignia, photo, etc.

A few quetions:

1. I know that he served in the GHQ & Line of Communications Troops, but in his correspondence home while overseas he wrote both No. 1 Railway Workshop Company and No. 1 Railway Operating Group. Does anyone have any clarification?

2. In trying to put the collection together, I have some pieces but am missing others. I have his medals, ribbon bar, and cap badge. I am going to try to get a hold of the metal shoulder tiles, RCE collar badges, and RCE shoulder patch. Are there any other pieces I'm missing?

3. Regarding collar badges for the RCE, there seem to be two different styles, one with a smooth circle base and "flames" (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Royal-Engine...item3f07516a11) and one with a dotted/stippled circle with "leaves" extending (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Royal-Canadi...item5ae576ef76). Does anyone have any clarification?

4. Regarding medals, I have 4: France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Volunteer Service Medal, War Medal 1939-45. I have his discharge papers and these are the only ones listed. However, while going through his effects I found a piece of ribbon (for the bar) which corresponds to the 1939-45 Star, but no medal or full-length ribbon. He served from 1943-46 in Canada, UK, and Belgium. Is there a reason why he would have the bar ribbon only and no medal? Is it likely that he was awarded this medal and it's simply missing or is there another reason to have the bar ribbon?

Any and all help will be MOST appreciated!

Thanks, Rob

[Bill A]

Hello Rob, Welcome to the B&CMBF.
Before getting into your questions in detail, some more information is needed. Was he an officer or other rank?

[Rob_E]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the welcome! He was a sapper.

Cheers,

Rob

[Bill A]

Hello Rob, I have added some information below your questions.

Originally Posted by Rob_E

I hope you can help with a few questions. My great-uncle served in the RCE during the war and has recently taken ill. We had to pack up his home and I've decided to mount his medals, insignia, photo, etc.

A few quetions:

1. I know that he served in the GHQ & Line of Communications Troops, but in his correspondence home while overseas he wrote both No. 1 Railway Workshop Company and No. 1 Railway Operating Group. Does anyone have any clarification?

You may want to check the history of the Royal Canadian Engineers, Vol. 2. There is some information in it. The "Operating Group" was the overall unit while the NO 1 Wksp Coy was a sub-unit of the Group.

2. In trying to put the collection together, I have some pieces but am missing others. I have his medals, ribbon bar, and cap badge. I am going to try to get a hold of the metal shoulder tiles, RCE collar badges, and RCE shoulder patch. Are there any other pieces I'm missing?

During the Second World War metal shoulder titles were withdrawn, and were not worn. Similarly, since he was a sapper he would have only worn battle dress, which did not have collar badges. You may wish to add formation patches. As L of C troops he would have worn the 21st Army Group shield patch. (Crusader's shield with the cross. Blue on red.)

3. Regarding collar badges for the RCE, there seem to be two different styles, one with a smooth circle base and "flames" (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Royal-Engine...item3f07516a11) and one with a dotted/stippled circle with "leaves" extending (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Royal-Canadi...item5ae576ef76). Does anyone have any clarification?

See above.

4. Regarding medals, I have 4: France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Volunteer Service Medal, War Medal 1939-45. I have his discharge papers and these are the only ones listed. However, while going through his effects I found a piece of ribbon (for the bar) which corresponds to the 1939-45 Star, but no medal or full-length ribbon. He served from 1943-46 in Canada, UK, and Belgium. Is there a reason why he would have the bar ribbon only and no medal? Is it likely that he was awarded this medal and it's simply missing or is there another reason to have the bar ribbon?

Any and all help will be MOST appreciated!

Thanks, Rob

[Rob_E]

Hi Bill,

I really appreciate the thorough and helpful response! Any idea on the 1939-45 Star though?

Thanks a ton,

Rob

[Bill A]

Hi Rob, Yes he should have the 39-45 Star.

[Rob_E]

Hi Bill,

Is there a reason it didn't appear on his discharge papers? Did they not write about that one? Cheers

[Bill A]

Not sure about the discharge papers. Have you accessed his service record? He can request it, and the answer should be in there.