Errol Martyn Posted 15 June , 2021 Share Posted 15 June , 2021 An AIR79 entry for a Fitter (General) has him posted from 1 AD to 'Home Est E.R.S.' on 11 Mar 19. Does anyone know if the Engine Repair Shops moved from France to England about this time? I am aware of the article in 1986 Cross & Cockade International Journal about the ERS, but it does not state what happened to the unit after the Armistice. TIA, Errol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KizmeRD Posted 16 June , 2021 Share Posted 16 June , 2021 (edited) I think that there was at least one ERS still operational during the summer of 1919 (near Rouen), but they were all gone by the Autumn. I suggest you try getting hold of a copy of Aiden Williams book for a more definitive answer. RFC/RAF Engine Repair Shops - France 1914 to 1918. He was most probably the author of the C&C article. MB Edited 16 June , 2021 by KizmeRD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Errol Martyn Posted 17 June , 2021 Author Share Posted 17 June , 2021 KizmeRD, Yes same author for article and the booklet. But does the latter have more to say than the article or is it just a repeat? I note, for instance, that the title suggests it only goes up to 1918. Cheers, Errol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KizmeRD Posted 17 June , 2021 Share Posted 17 June , 2021 The book includes a chapter titled ‘Armistice and beyond’, but whether it has the answers you are looking for, I have no idea. MB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Errol Martyn Posted 17 June , 2021 Author Share Posted 17 June , 2021 Thanks KizmeRD, That looks encouraging. I've ordered a copy of the book. Actually, I see now that it is over 100 pages in length, so obviously something more substantial than the CCI article, which I hadn't realised before. Cheers, Errol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KizmeRD Posted 18 June , 2021 Share Posted 18 June , 2021 Given the problematic nature of WW1 aviation engines, Engine Repair Shops fulfilled a vital role in maximising the number of operational aircraft in service. Basic maintenance was provided at squadron level, but complete engine overhaul and testing was the job of the ERS’s. There’s not enough acknowledgement of the work that they were involved in, or the people carrying it out (including many women belong to QMAAC). The largest ERS operating in France was Pont de l’Arche, 10km south east of Rouen. I hope you enjoy the book. MB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Errol Martyn Posted 2 July , 2021 Author Share Posted 2 July , 2021 A copy of this booklet reached me this week, but it is a very disappointing tome in that it does not explain what happened to the ARS post-Armistice. The reason it runs to 114 pages is mainly because a rather large font has been used. I don't think there's much, if any, in the way of additional text to what appeared earlier in the CCI article. There is a very interesting collection of photographs but their reproduction is such that it is pretty much like looking at them through a London fog of old. Cheers, Errol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KizmeRD Posted 2 July , 2021 Share Posted 2 July , 2021 (edited) That’s a real shame, there isn’t too much written on this topic, and although it’s a disappointing read for your particular requirements, Aiden Williams has done more than anyone to highlight the wartime role of the ERS’s. MB Edited 2 July , 2021 by KizmeRD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin DavidOwen Posted 2 July , 2021 Admin Share Posted 2 July , 2021 Not yet been digitised but might this assist in your enquiry? https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4090276 Field Returns for engine repair shops Jan - Sept 1919. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin DavidOwen Posted 2 July , 2021 Admin Share Posted 2 July , 2021 There is also the disbandment of the Pont de L'Arche shops in July 1919 https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4085431 But then there is a Field Return for RAF Maintenance Party for Pont de L'Arche (in the hierarchy) 1920 Jan - May (but may be a red herring) https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4090278 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Errol Martyn Posted 2 July , 2021 Author Share Posted 2 July , 2021 David, The July 1919 file looks to be the most useful for my purposes. Unfortunately it's not easily accessible to one located 12,000 miles away here in Covid-free New Zealand! Cheers, Errol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin DavidOwen Posted 2 July , 2021 Admin Share Posted 2 July , 2021 Errol you could retain the services of an independent researcher such as https://www.arcre.com others are available. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Errol Martyn Posted 3 July , 2021 Author Share Posted 3 July , 2021 David, i do use Lee Richard's excellent ARCRE service, but he has a large backlog at present owing to some virus thingy . . . So it is very much a waiting game. Cheers, Errol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrevorHH Posted 22 June , 2023 Share Posted 22 June , 2023 Errol My grandfather LAC L J Hancock served with the ERS at Pont de L'Arche near Rouen from March 1915 to May 1919. I have looked at the files relating to the ERS at Kew including the one relating to its disbandment and it was wound-up according to my notes and photos taken at Kew in July 1919. I trust this of help. Cheers Trevor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Errol Martyn Posted 23 June , 2023 Author Share Posted 23 June , 2023 Thank you Trevor. Cheers, Errol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now