ARMY SERVICE CORPS

[Marmelos@aol.com]

One of my Great Grandfathers was a Serjeant in the Army Service Corps - M1/08128. I was wondering what role the Army Service played in the war. I know that my great grandfather was gassed twice. Also, that he might have in France from the beginning as he before the war, a soldier in the Canadian army (he ran away to Quebec in 1907!)

I never expect any response to my questions but as a new enthusiast of WW1 I'm always delighted when anyone provides even tiny snippets to my personal mysteries. Thank you.

Charlotte

[shinglma]

Charlotte

For a basic introduction to the Army Service Corps see this link on the main site.

Regards

Mike Shingleton

[chaz]

Charlotte, search using the search option near the top of the page, there has been quite bit about the ASC on the forum, you could try Michael Youngs book, for lackof isbn number here is an ebay link..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Army-Service-Corps-1...1QQcmdZViewItem

[Sparky53]

Is there much on ASC in Salonika in the book do you know?

Cheers

Jane

[Marmelos@aol.com]

Thank you, I've just looked at his Medal Index card and the medals he received were the Victory (RASC/101 B6) and the British Star. On his Medal card is stamped Theatre of War; France, and qualifying date 9.9.15.

His service number is Ml / 08182.

I guess that due to the 'M' he was in a motorised form of transport company but does anyone know how I can eliminate options down to find the exact company he served in?

[chaz]

the M1 not MI is the MT section fitters (MT) in the ASC. M2 were Electricians (electrical fitters) . MS Mechanical specials (trade) and MT Mechanical transport (trade). As he was eligable for the Victory and 15 star I reckon he should also have the BWM war medal as well, if gassed and invalided out there could be a SWB as well.

the book will explain a lot of 'what did they do' but generally, truck driving, logistics movements, helping out, they would have been supplied either from non combatents, special (possibly reserved ) trades, probably then called to front line service as back up, as well as taking injured soldiers who were recovering.

its unfortunate that from the medal collecting aspect ASC are not as desireable as front line but there have been some good tales and finds so expect prices to rise when front line become over priced.

hopefully if Ive read right, the mechanical fitters M1 would have looked after engines, bodywork, wheels etc while the M2 electrical fitters the ignition and lighting side. presume the specials would be fuel systems possibly tyres or tracks maybe guns?

[Marmelos@aol.com]

Thanks!

Frank Alfred Groser did study Mechanical Engineering in his youth, and after the War was recruited by Triumph in Coventry as a Draughtsman.