356th E & M Company R. E.

[johndavidswarbrick]

One of the men I am researching served with the 356th E & M Company R.E. between 19th February 1917 and the end of the war; he was demobilised in August 1919. There does not seem to be a surviving war diary for this company so, if anyone out there can give me some details about where they served with the BEF and/or what kinds of work they were involved in, I'd be very grateful.

Thanks in advance,

Dave Swarbrick

[Terry_Reeves]

Dave

Originally two of these companies formed; one for France in September 1915, from men of the Tyne Electrical Engineers, and a second for Mesopotamia formed in September 1916. In November, 1916 it was recommended that there should be be one E & M Company for each Army in France. These were formed the following month, personnel being found by reducing Army Troops companies by 8 men and Siege Companies by 16 men. At the same time, the two Land Drainage companies in France were amalgamated, the E & M personnel from these units being sent to make up the numbers. The remainder of the personnel came from the UK. In January 1917, two more companies were asked for in France by GHQ and these were formed the following month from officers and men already with the BEF, but who were of a low medical category . They were numbered 355 and 356 companies and designated as Lines of Communication units.

Each unit had a workshop which the following:

2 x Workshop lorries for mobile , light repair work

A machine shop with lathes, cutting and slotting machines ect

Carpenters and Pattern Makers shop

Electrical repair and and Instrument repair shop

Foundry

Smiths shop.

The work was varied and included, the installation, running and maintenance of pumping stations for water supply. They also supplied men at tramway bases for the repair of tractors on the narrow guage railways and installed electric lighting in dugouts and tunnels. Roughly 20 Kms behind the line was the main workshop which carried stores and spare parts and also carried out repairs and the testing of water supply, electrical, water boring, forestry and laundry equipment. Their work also included responsibility for the installation, running and maintenance of all water supply equipment in this area. They are also carried out similar work on hospitals, military schools ect in the Base areas.

It was estimated that about 50% of the work was carried out on the installation and running of water supply machinery; 25% repairing the same; 15% on electrical work and the final 10% on miscellaneous tasks. I would suggest however the balance might shift to some extent or other depending on where you happened to be allotted to.

I hope this helps.

TR

[johndavidswarbrick]

Dave

Originally two of these companies formed; one for France in September 1915, from men of the Tyne Electrical Engineers, and a second for Mesopotamia formed in September 1916. In November, 1916 it was recommended that there should be be one E & M Company for each Army in France. These were formed the following month, personnel being found by reducing Army Troops companies by 8 men and Siege Companies by 16 men. At the same time, the two Land Drainage companies in France were amalgamated, the E & M personnel from these units being sent to make up the numbers. The remainder of the personnel came from the UK. In January 1917, two more companies were asked for in France by GHQ and these were formed the following month from officers and men already with the BEF, but who were of a low medical category . They were numbered 355 and 356 companies and designated as Lines of Communication units.

I hope this helps.

TR

Terry,

Thanks very much, that's exactly the kind of information I was seeking. I shall now be able to flesh out my otherwise scanty outline of my man's service.

Dave Swarbrick