Unknown Rank & Unit

[ChrisC]

I was photographing in Les Baraques CWGC last week and saw a headstone commemorating a man with the rank of "2nd Corporal" in the "Royal Engineers SERVICES".

Everyone will be familiar with the Corps of Royal Engineers but to what does the "SERVICES" refer?

Can anyone shed light on the rank or unit?

Chris C

[Steven Broomfield]

Dunno about Services, but I believe 2nd Corporal was an RE rank at the time.

[joseph]

2nd Corporal wore one chevron, this was a rank unlike the Lance Corporal which was an appointment.

Regards Charles

[ChrisC]

Thanks Charles & Steven

Chris C

[Terry_Reeves]

Chris

Royal Engineer Services was essentially a construction planning and design organisation. At one time it even had its own cap badge although its members wore the normal RE insignia during WW1.

The rank of 2nd Cpl was denoted by a single chevron and ranked immediately below that of Cpl. It was abolished on May 1st 1920 in the RE and RAOC. All those holding the rank at that time were given the rank of Cpl, and Cpl's were given the rank of Lance Sgt. This change was authorised by Army Order 142 of 1920.

Terry Reeves

[ChrisC]

Thanks Terry!

Chris C