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WOODCOTE 70MU. MONTHLY OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK.

The Woodcote 70MU Monthly Operations Record Book is copied faithfully.

The Milton 3MU Monthly Operations Record Book is extracted to show Woodcote entries only. If there are no entries recorded in a particular month then it meant that there were none to be copied that related to Woodcote.

(Comments in italics are observations that I have made in relation to events at the time or in relation to the events recorded)

Passages in Times New Roman font are copies of other documents held in the Public Record Office which I have copied and placed in chronological order. Whilst they relate to Woodcote they did not form part of the Monthly Operations Record Book.

PRO AIR 29/1021.
(Throughout these records Woodcote is referred to as Goring Heath)

JANUARY 1942.

(War in the Pacific)

FEBRUARY 1942.

(Singapore falls to the Japanese)

23rd. Sq/Ldr A.S.Thompson with Mr.W.J.Palmer (C.A.& A) and one Grade III Clerk arrived to organise the opening of No.70MU.
24th. A party of airmen arrived from No.3MU Milton with some Milton Racks and commenced to erect them in No.1 Shed.
27th. No.1 Shed completely racked with 28 skeleton racks.

MARCH 1942.

1st. The Unit opened up at Goring Heath as an Equipment Dispersal Depot to take dispersed stocks from Parent Unit, No.3MU Milton, with an establishment of 8 Officers and 476 civilians; Sq/Ldr A.S.Thompson posted to command. Certain equipment of the Sections shewn below was to be held as dispersal stocks from Parent Unit: - Sections 1,3,13,16,17,18,29,32 and 33.
1st to 16th. A nucleus staff consisting of one Principal Storeman, 2 Foremen, 2 Leading Storemen, transfer from Universal Equipment Depots and 28 labourers (temporarily released airmen) arrived in the Unit. The Policy of the Unit was changed, making the Unit Self Accounting to hold and issue to the Units in the geographical area covered by 3MU Equipment in the following Sections: - 1,3,13,16,B,E,G, and H, 17,18,29,30,32,33,41 and 53.
27th. Four 3 ton lorries containing first load of Equipment in Section 33A arrived at the Unit.
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL

APRIL 1942.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 3,364
Total tonnage received: - 999 tons, 18 cwt.

MAY 1942.

23rd. New establishment for civilians received allowing a total of 755 all grades

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 3,376
Total tonnage received: - 961

JUNE 1942.

3rd. Air Commodore W.B.Cushion CBE, AOC 40 Group, visited the Unit.
10th. Air Vice Marshal E.W.Havers CBE, 40 Group, Director General of Equipment visited the Unit.
15th. Assume issue of loads on Sections 3A,3B,32A,32B,33A,33D,33E and 33F

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 4,744

JULY 1942.

15th. New temporary establishment of Officers received allowing for 1 Sq/Ldr, 6 Flt/Lts, 4 F/Os Equipment, 1 F/O Administrative (G).
31st. Air Vice Marshal R.P.Mills visited the Unit in connection with National Savings.

Tasks.
(Tasks for each month were divided into major tasks and minor tasks and then listed in tabular form as shown in the example below: -

DATE TASK CONSIGNEE AUTHORITY DATE COMPLETED
1.11.44 70/M44/3132 D.H.M.Bradwell Bay HS75292/E44A d.d. 30.10.44 8.11.44

In transcribing these records I have copied out the consignments in total when there have only been a few, but when there were a lot I have selected those that I think might be of interest to the reader. The amount of detail copied depended on the volume to be transcribed)

D.M.W.D. Admiralty 1 Jul 22 Jul
Air Ministry PR8 8 Jul 16 Jul
B.P.& P Ltd, Staysfied 14 Jul 16 Jul
RM 2A, Merton College 14 Jul 16 Jul
Air Ministry, 177 Holborn 21 Jul 22 Jul
M.A.P. Hayes 24 Jul 27 Jul
Room 4025, Thames House 26 Jul 4 Aug

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 12,404
Total tonnage received: - 1,482

AUGUST 1942

19th. Air Commodore W.Thorne visited this Unit.

Tasks: -

De Havilland Aircraft Co. 4 Aug 11 Aug
Rotax Ltd 7 Aug 11 Aug
A.D. A.A.P.S. Wealdstone 7 Aug 13 Aug
A.M. Liaison High Wycombe 27 Aug 31 Aug
A.M. Home Guard 27 Aug 28 Aug

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 17,557
Total tonnage received: -
Total tonnage issued: -

SEPTEMBER 1942.

7th. Air Vice Marshal R.P.Mills visited the Unit in connection with National Savings.

Tasks:-

Six consignments to U.S.A. 4 Sep 4 Sep
Malta A36 7 Sep 7 Sep
RAF Aylesbury 22 Sep 2 Oct
Two consignments to C.O.O. Didcot 22 Sep 28 Sep

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 31,003
Total tonnage received: -
Total tonnage issued: -

123271 P/O H.Sharpe posted into this Unit for Equipment Duties

OCTOBER 1942.

Tasks:-

M.A.P. Leatherhead 8 Oct 25 Oct
Air Ministry 14 Oct 17 Oct
74MU Edenbridge 15 Oct 19 Oct
Dodge Bros 16 Oct 2 Nov
M.A.P. Leatherhead 22 Oct 29 Oct
Spurling Motors 27 Oct 31 Oct

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 38,080
Total tonnage received: - 1,143
Total tonnage issued: - 583 *

(* The monthly statistics started to include the tonnage issued monthly shown as follows: -


Tons. Cwt. Qtr. Lbs.
Rail - Goods. 221 13 0 14
Rail - Passenger. 3 16 0 26
Road Convoy. 354 5 0 0
Post. 3 12 0 0
Total 583 6 1 2

For ease in transcribing I have only copied the monthly tonnage as shown)

Flt/Lt A.P.Brennan posted out to 66MU Equipment Duties
Flt/Lt M.N.J.Wombell posted in from 3MU Equipment Duties
P/O O.F.Waters reposted into this Unit as Flt/Lt for Equipment Duties

NOVEMBER 1942.

(Battle of El Alamein)

Tasks:-

M.A.P. Millbank 2 Nov 10 Nov
1MU Kidbrooke 7 Nov 18 Nov
4 x various consignments 20 Nov 30 Nov

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 42,634
Total tonnage received: - 1,289
Total tonnage issued: - 556

P/O K.W.Wardle posted into this Unit for Equipment Duties from Equipment Officers School, Grange over Sands

DECEMBER 1942.

(Germans encircle Stalingrad)

Tasks:-
5 x various consignments to A6166/U; A6166/S; A6166/MO; A9148/BN; A9649; A9649/S; A9650/U; A9650/S; A6981 Blue; 6981 Green; 9672 Blue; 9672 Green

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 44,093
Total tonnage received: - 1,033
Total tonnage issued: - 614

Sq/Ldr A.S.Thompson posted out to 'E' MU
Sq/Ldr J.E.Linford posted in from HQ 40 Group to Command 70MU

JANUARY 1943.

(Germans surrender Stalingrad)

Tasks :- 10 x various consignments included RAF bases at Fife, Mombassa, Port Sudan and various Code Names such as 'Blue ME', 'Green ME'

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 57,337
Total tonnage received: - 764
Total tonnage issued: - 661

Flt/Lt M.N.Wombell posted out to No.1 P.D.C. pending posting overseas.
Flt/Lt (A/Flt/Lt) E.C.Boston posted in from 3MU.
F/O F.D.Homewood reposted into 70MU for Equipment Duties.
F/O T.Parkin posted in from 3MU for Equipment Duties.

FEBRUARY 1943.

5th. Air Vice Marshal E.W.Havers CBE, 40 Group visited this unit.
11th. Air Vice Marshal R.P.Mills visited the Unit in connection with National Savings.
15th. Air Commodore W.Thorne CBE visited this unit.

Tasks:- 11 x various consignments included RAF bases at Bombay 'Blue', Bombay 'Green', Calcutta 'Blue', Calcutta 'Green', S.N.S.O. Chiswick

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 49,877
Total tonnage received: - 1,064
Total tonnage issued: -931

Flt/Lt C.G.True posted in from 3MU
P/O J.W.T.Prince posted in from 3MU
P/O K.W.Wardle posted out to No.2 P.D.C. pending posting overseas
P/O H.Sharpe posted out to No.5 P.D.C. pending posting overseas
P/O H.W.Bell posted in from Equipment Officers School, Grange over Sands

MARCH 1943.

Tasks:- various consignments included RAF bases HQ 5351 Wing, Pulse Unit 299, Pulse Unit 8025.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 49,988
Total tonnage received: - 1,204
Total tonnage issued: - 806
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 291
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 81
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL

Flt/Lt W.Hore posted in from 61MU
Flt/Lt E.C.Roberts posted into this unit
P/O T.Parkin posted out to 7MU
P/O J.W.Hubbard posted out to Wastage Pool, India

APRIL 1943.

(Record level of German U boats in the Atlantic)

Tasks:- 8 x various consignments to include RAF bases at Odiham, Chigwell, S.N.S.O. Chiswick

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 47,699
Total tonnage received: - 1,184
Total tonnage issued: - 1,126
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 242
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 78
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 2

S/O F.D.Turton posted in
F/O J.R.Neild posted out to No.5 P.D.C. pending overseas posting
A/S/O O.D.Garrett posted in
Sq/Ldr J.E.Linford posted out
Sq/Ldr H.G.Cadwallader posted in to Command 70MU

MAY 1943.

(Germany and Italy surrender in North Africa. RAF 617 Squadron Dambusters mission to destroy Mohne and Eder dams)

Tasks:- 11 x various consignments included RAF bases at 3206 Serv Commandos Martlesham Heath.

Sq/Ldr H.Cartwright posted in to Command 70MU
P/O B.P.Rainbow posted in
A/S/O E.C.M.Moxom posted in
A/P/O R.Brough posted in
P/O E.W.J.Leitch posted in
Flt/Lt C.G.True posted out
A/Sq/Ldr H.G.Cadwallader posted out
S/O F.D.Turton posted out
(As the number of postings in and out increased I stopped recording the dates and further details of their postings)

JUNE 1943.

2nd. AOC 40 Group Air Vice Marshal E.W.Havers CBE visited this unit.
25th. AOC in C HQ MC Air Marshal D.G.Donald CB DFC AFC visited this unit

Tasks:- 30 x various consignments included RAF bases at Hawkshill Down Unit 5002, Chigwell, Long Cross, Grangewood, Star c/o Lyneham, S.N.S.O. Chiswick, 2948 Squadron, 2949 Squadron, 2950 Squadron, 2951 Squadron, USAAF Bovingdon, RAF 83 Pall Mall, Redhill, USAAF Earle Colne, Calcutta, Farm Church Stanton

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 45,511
Total tonnage received: - 1,036
Total tonnage issued: - 933
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 209
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 76
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 3

18 Airmen posted in to this unit from R.C.Skegness

JULY 1943.

8th. Air Vice Marshal R.P.Mills visited this Unit in connection with National Savings.
29th. Air Commodore H.I.T.Beardsworth CBE, Air Commodore R.H.Knowles MD ChB DPH both visited this unit

Tasks:- 10 x various consignments included RAF bases at Calcutta, Chigwell, Heston, 'Pine/U', 'Play/M'.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 46,205
Total tonnage received: - 1,255
Total tonnage issued: - 1,148
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 310
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 110
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 1

P/O N.W.Johns posted in
P/O E.W.J.Leitch posted in
A/S/O L.D.V.Garrett resigned her Commission
A/S/O E.C.M.Moxom posted out

AUGUST 1943

Tasks:- 18 x various consignments included RAF bases at 'Ewer' c/o Chigwell, 'Lamp' c/o Chigwell, HQ 84 Group, Detling, Hendon, 210 MU, Calcutta, Sawbridge, 1MU, Matching, S Farnborough.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 54,125
Total tonnage received: - 1,016
Total tonnage issued: - 1,039
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 230
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 80
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL

Typist establishment increased from 7 1/2 to 9; clerical establishment increased from 58 to 62.

SEPTEMBER 1943.

(Italy surrenders to the Allies)

Grp/Capt T.C.Miller MC visited the Unit.

Tasks:- 21 x various consignments included RAF bases at Matching, S Farnborough, RAE Farnborough, RAFEO Haifa, Mill Green, 'Edit' c/o Chigwell, 'Ugly', 'Bump', Hawkshill Down, Northholt, Hartford Bridge, Henlow, Tarrant Rushton.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 47,724
Total tonnage received: - 921
Total tonnage issued: - 1,224
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 213
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 50
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 5

Sq/Ldr W.E.Lovesy posted in

OCTOBER 1943.

Air Commodore W.Thorne CBE visited the Unit.

Tasks:- 11 x various consignments included RAF bases at 'Bump', Heston, Hornchurch, Fairlop, Benson, S.N.S.O. Fulham.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 44,263
Total tonnage received: - 1,317
Total tonnage issued: - 1,051
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 294
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 74
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 6

Flt/Lt E.C.Boston posted out

NOVEMBER 1943.

Tasks:- 22 x various consignments included RAF bases at S.N.S.O. 175 Fulham Place Road Fulham, Rand c/o Chigwell, Lasham, Stony Cross, Henlow, Hurn, Heston, Haifa, Turkey, USAAF Crookham Common.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 41,396
Total tonnage received: - 969
Total tonnage issued: - 2,037
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 265
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 56
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 2

F/O E.W.Howell posted in

DECEMBER 1943.

Tasks:- 26 x various consignments included RAF bases at Portugal, USAAF Mount Farm, Kenley, 2 Stores Depot New Zealand, Tangmere, Lympne, Odiham, Benson.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 45,595
Total tonnage received: - 1,138
Total tonnage issued: - 1,273
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 247
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 72
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL

JANUARY 1944

Tasks:- 26 x various consignments included RAF bases at Odiham, Hunsdon, Hartford Bridge, Snailwell, Lasham, Croydon, Harrowbeer, Hornchurch, USAAF Grove, 'Yo Yo' c/o Chigwell.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 47,347
Total tonnage received: - 1,643
Total tonnage issued: - 1,265
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 345
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 119
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 2

F/O R.M.D.Anderson posted in
F/O R.O.H.Reynolds posted in
A/S/O F.S.E.Barnett posted in
F/O R.Brough posted out
F/O N.W.Johns posted out
F/O E.W.Howell posted out

FEBRUARY 1944.

(Battle of Monte Casino)

2nd. Visit by AOC 40 Group Air Vice Marshal E.W.Havers CBE

Tasks:- 38 x various consignments included RAF bases at Lasham, No.7 S.D. Australia, Tangmere, Perranporth, Kenley, Manston, Down Ampney, Broadwell, Colerne, Heston, 'Beechnut' c/o Kenley, Southend, Odiham.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 48,669
Total tonnage received: - 981
Total tonnage issued: - 1,167
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 246
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 101
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL

P/O F.P.E.Green posted in
F/O M.M.Gaskin posted in
P/O R.O.H.Reynolds posted out
F/O E.W.J.Leitch posted out

MARCH 1944.

Air Commodore W.Thorne CBE visited this Unit.
Tasks:- 39 x various consignments included RAF bases at Broadwell Bay, Hartford Bridge, Calcutta, Manston, Chigwell, Southend, Redhill, B.O.A.C Poole, S.N.S.O. Fulham, Aston Down, 'L.N.P' Hurn, SNSO Portsmouth, 'ORT' Tangmere, 'MOR' Holmesley South, N.P.S.Ford, Friston Eastbourne, USAAF Cheddington, Hampstead Norris, 74 MTLRU Hornchurch, 'Push' c/o Chigwell, Wings Beds, 73 MTLRU, Hurn.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 62,120
Total tonnage received: - 1,475
Total tonnage issued: - 1,825
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 309
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 86
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 2
Issues to 68MU - 30 tons.

F/O L.G.H.Brampton posted in
F/O J.W.K.Brown posted in
F/O S.J.Andrews posted in
F/O B.P.Rainbow posted out

APRIL 1944.

11th. Grp/Capt T.C.Miller MC from HQ MC visited
14th. Flt/Lt E.Green HQ 40 Group made an inspection of Anti Gas/Fire arrangements.

Tasks:- 40 x various consignments included RAF bases at Blake Hill Farm, R.T.V North Weald, 'P.S.U' Exeter, Station 53 Ventnor, Station 52 Fairlight, Station 55 Dunkirk, Station 46 Leighton Buzzard, Hendon, Odiham, Quy Cambs, Old Sarum.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 60,332
Total tonnage received: - 1,702
Total tonnage issued: - 1,441
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 327
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 92
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 3
Issues to 68MU - 20 tons

4th. 23 airmen ACH/GD(5) posted in to fill vacancies in civilian establishment
13th. 17 airmen ACH/GD(5) posted in to fill vacancies in civilian establishment
22nd. 31 airmen ACH/GD(5) posted in to fill vacancies in civilian establishment
28th. 24 airmen ACH/GD(5) posted in to fill vacancies in civilian establishment

F/O J.W.K.Brown posted out
F/O R.M.D.Anderson posted out
F/O W.C.Ballard posted out

MAY 1944.

Tasks:- 80 x various consignments included RAF bases at Odiham, Bicester, North Weald, Northholt, 70 MTLRU, 71 MTLRU, 72 MTLRU, 73 MTLRU, 74 MTLRU, Brize Norton, Harwell, Lee on Solent, Ford, Friston, Deanland, Hawkinge, Redhill for Horne, West Malling, Detling, Manston, Bradwell Bay, Tangmere, Wing Bucks, Uxbridge, D.G.K. Hornchurch, G.K.N. Sawbridgeworth, Dakota C Squadron Heston, Soix F.C. Middle Wallop, 'L.O.S' Northholt.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 74,445
Total tonnage received: - 1,801
Total tonnage issued: - 1,772
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 285
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 61
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 4
Issues to 68MU: - NIL

4th. 7 airmen ACH/GD/(5) posted in to fill vacancies in civilian establishment
31st. 24 airmen ACH/GD/(5) posted in to fill vacancies in civilian establishment.

A/Flt/Lt W.W.Howe posted in
F/O M.M.Gaskin posted out
A/Flt/Lt O.F.Waters posted out
F/O W.C.Ballard posted out
F/O L.G.Brampton relinquished his commission

JUNE 1944.

(4th. US 5th Army captures Rome 6th. D.Day - Allies land in Normandy, 13th. V1 Flying bombs attacks on London)

5th. Sir Robert Pigot Bart Air Liaison Officer from Reading visited.
6th. Brig General R.H.More Army Welfare Officer from Reading visited.
24th. Air Commodore H.I.T.Beardsworth CBE SMSO, W/Cdr B.A.S.Lewin Signals Officer, Grp/Capt C.H.W.Boldero, W/Cdr R.W.Woodley OBE all from Maintenance Command visited.

Tasks:- 17 x various consignments included RAF bases at Cranfield, Eastchurch, West Malling, Melton Mowbray, Pershore, Bicester, Halton, Abinghdon, Westcott, Hartford Bridge.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 68,000
Total tonnage received: - 1,593
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,447 Overseas 98
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 284
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 46
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - 5
(Tonnage issued was split into Home and Overseas from this month)

A/Flt/Lt E.Farr posted in
A/Flt/Lt D.S.Box posted in
P.O. J.Heward posted in
37 airmen ACH/GD/(5) posted in to fill vacancies in civilian establishment

JULY 1944.

1st. Grp/Capt Walters, W/Cdr Baker both from HQ 40 Group visited.
4th Air Marshal Sir Grahame Donald HQ MC visited.
10th. W/Cdr J.O.Gale HQ MC visited.
20th. Air Commodore W.Thorne CBE HQ 40 Group visited.
29th. MR.G.W.Wallis, W/Cdr A.R.Crew, W/Cdr de Jonquieres all from HQ MC visited.

Tasks:- 16 x various consignments included RAF bases at Odiham, Manston, 268 Squadron, Gosport, Lympne, Kenley, Bicester, Hatfield.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 83,416
Total tonnage received: - 1,470
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,459 Overseas 101
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 291
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 52
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL

Flt/Lt D.S.Box posted out
Flt/Lt D.W.Styring posted in
F/O E.Lewis posted in

AUGUST 1944.

(Paris liberated)

1st. W/Cdr J.Smithson visited,2nd. Grp/Capt E.M.Cashmore visited.
18th. W/Cdr G.A.Miller DPM VI District visited to discuss Unit disciplinary matters
22nd. W/Cdr Clayton and W/Cdr Lane visited re accommodation for airmen
24th. Grp/Capt Essex HQ 40 Group visited re inspection of Unit SCO, 26th. W/Cdr J.Smithson HQ 3 Wing visited
28th. W/Cdr Dickson Air Ministry arrived for Conference in connection with Ministry of Economy
28th. Grp/Capt Norton, W/Cdr Holbrook both visited
28th. G/O McLeary visited re WAAF welfare duties
29th. Lt.Col Clark 40 Group Defence Officer, Flt/Lt Korner 3 Wing visited in connection with Defence Training.
30th. Air Commodore Bowler 57 Wing, W/Cdr J.Smithson 3 Wing visited for a tour of inspection.

Tasks:- 16 x various consignments included RAF bases at Algiers, Kidbrooke, Kenley, Gosport, Cardington.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 81,259 (556 1/2 hrs of running)
Total tonnage received: - 1,187
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,199 Overseas 112
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 256
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 43
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL

Sq/Ldr W.E.Lovesy proceeded to 7MU on District Court Martial duties and returned the same day on the 4th
Flt/Lt F.N.Penn posed in
S/O H.C.E.Reilley posted in
F/O E.Lewis posted out
P/O L.J.Heward posted out
P/O K.Stubley posted in

SEPTEMBER 1944.

(8th. V2 attacks on Britain, Allies liberate Brussels, 17th. Allied airborne troops land behind German lines at Arnham)

8th. W/Cdr H.C.Pyper visited on Defence matters.
19th. Air Vice Marshal E.W.Havers CBE, 40 Group visited for an Inspection, 22nd. W/Cdr D.W.Lane visited.
26th. Air Vice Marshal R.P.Mills visited in connection with National Savings.
28th. Grp/Capt Farman visited.

Tasks:- 40 x various consignments included RAF bases at 'Bulb' c/o Chigwell, 'Bisk' Mervio, 'Envy', 'Fold', 'Palin', 'Wont', 'Lean', 'Wing'.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 71,327
Total tonnage received: - 1,710
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,268 Overseas 68
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 327
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 70
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL

Flt/Lt R.G.G.Ponsonby posted in
P/O C.M.Smith posted in
Flt/Lt D.W.Styring posted out
F/O F.P.E.Green posted out
Sq/Ldr W.E.Lovesy posted out
Sq/Ldr D.Hawkes posted in

OCTOBER 1944.

2nd. W/Cdr J.F.Adams HQ MC visited
3rd. W/Cdr Smithson, W/Cdr Lane, Sq/Ldr Terry all 3 Wing visited
12th. W/Cdr Baker 40 Group visited
19th. Flt/Lt E.P.Green 40 Group visited re Anti Gas and Fire Fighting
23rd. Grp/Capt S.G.Walker SHAEF visited
31st. Grp/Capt H.J.Walker MAP SAL visited

Tasks:- 42 various consignments included RAF bases at Kenley, Little Norwood, Bicester, Tangmere, Mill Green, Croydon, 18 Staging Post via F.E.U, 19 Staging Post via F.E.U, 104 Staging Post via F.E.U, 105 Staging Post via F.E.U, Holmsley, Biggin Hill, Uxbridge, Brize Norton, West Drayton, Cochin, Calcutta.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 68,900
Total tonnage received: - 1,477
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,358 Overseas 103
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 350
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 54
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL

S/O M.L.Grey posted in to No.2 Site
Flt/Lt R.G.G.Ponsonby posted from No.2 Site 70MU to Pre-Packing 70MU
Flt/Lt W.W.Howe posted out
S/O H.C.E.Reilley resigned her commission
P/O R.G.Campbell posted in

NOVEMBER 1944.

1st. W/Cdr Wilson, Sq/Ldr Arrow, 3 Wing visited.
5th. W/Cdr Smithson, 57 Wing MC visited.
10th. Sq/Ldr Sexton, HQ MC visited.
11th. Lt/Col Clark, 40 Group visited.
15th. W/Cdr Sanders, Sq/Ldr Hall, both 57 Wing MC visited.
19th. W/Cdr Lane, 57 Wing MC visited.
24th. W/Cdr Smithson, 57 Wing MC visited.
25th. W/Cdr Baker, Grp/Capt Walters, both 40 Group visited.
29th. Grp/Capt Beerdsworth FTC visited

Tasks:- 39 x various consignments included RAF bases at Manston, Detling, Cardington, Holmsley South, Gosport, Bradwell Bay, Warmwell, Northholt, Bicester, Walmer Kent, Hartford Bridge, Croydon, Gatwick, Hornchurch, Bombay, Biggin Hill, Stony Cross.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 64,183
Total tonnage received: - 1,323
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,465 Overseas 50
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 290
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 49
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL

A/S/O N.W.Lumb posted in

(For some time the typist establishment was 7 1/2 and the clerical establishment was 72 1/2)

DECEMBER 1944.

2nd. W/Cdr A.W.Lee, Flt/Lt E Ardley, Flt/Lt A.H.Ford, all 40 Group visited.
11th. Flt/Lt Bilbo, 40 Group visited
11th. Sq/Ldr Meadows, 1MU visited
12th. Sq/Ldr W.E.Lovesy, 73 MU visited
18th. Sq/Ldr Hore, HADDH visited
19th. Sq/Ldr Murray, HQ 1 XTAC visited
22nd. Sq/Ldr J.H.Hall, 57 Wing visited

Tasks:- 37 x various consignments included RAF bases at 'Knobbly', 'Ball', 'Spry', 'Dint', 'Glib'.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 54,130
Total tonnage received: - 1,550
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,103 Overseas 86
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 264
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 50
No. of barges off loaded at Moulsford: - NIL
Typists 6 1/2, Clerical 71 1/2

Flt/Lt D.Homewood posted out
Flt/Lt G.E.J.Horan posted in

JANUARY 1945.

15 visits (As the visits follow the previous patterns and increase in number I have decided to record the total number only)

Tasks:- 28 x various consignments included RAF bases at 2/18 Squadron Bordeaux, Stony Cross, Radlett, Earls Colne, Thorney Island, Cardington, Andover, Bicester, Gatwick.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 61,881
Total tonnage received: - 1,568
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,531 Overseas 53
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 217
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 48
(It appears that the use of barges had stopped)

Flt/Lt A.E.Jay posted in

FEBRUARY 1945.

10 visits

Tasks:- 7x various consignments.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 60,443
Total tonnage received: - 1,896
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,382 Overseas 332
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 305
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 72

S/O F.S.E.Barnett posted out
A/S/O M.Drummond Payne posted in
F/O J.W.T.Prince posted out
A/S/O M.E.Wood posted in
Flt/Lt A.W.Saqui posted in
P/O C.M.Smith posted out
F/O L.Seddon posted in

MARCH 1945.

(Allied Armies cross the Rhine)

14 visits

Tasks:- 8 x various consignments

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 70,809
Total tonnage received: - 307
Total tonnage issued: - Home 1,202 Overseas 307
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 383
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 84

Flt/Lt A.E.Jay posted out
F/O K.Stubley posted out
Flt/Lt R.G.G.Ponsonby posted out

APRIL 1945.

16 visits

Tasks:- 7 x various consignments

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 68,129
Total tonnage received: - 2,363
Total tonnage issued: - Home 950 Overseas 169
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 363
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 26

F/O D.S.Blaiberg posted in
F/O L.Seddon posted out
A/S/O N.W.Lumb posted out

MAY 1945.

(Germany surrenders, 8th.VE (Victory in Europe) Day)

17 visits including
2nd. Air Vice Marshal E.W.Havers CBE AOC 40 Group Annual Inspection.
22nd. Sq/Ldr J.W.Hunter, Advisory Resettlement Officer, HQ MC an informal talk to personnel on resettlement.

Tasks:- 38 x various consignments included RAF bases at 337MU Madras.

Monthly Statistics
Time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids: - NIL
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 72,030
Total tonnage received: - 1,762
Total tonnage issued: - Home 770 Overseas 155
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: -269
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 35

F/O R.G.Campbell posted out

JUNE 1945.

13 visits

Tasks:- 28 x various consignments included RAF bases at Gardermeen Oslo, Trondheim, Bergen, Stavanger, Le Bourget.

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 62,187
Total tonnage received: - 1,461
Total tonnage issued: - Home 631 Overseas 130
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 254
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 21
(This is the first time that the statistic referring to time lost through Air Raid Warnings and Air Raids was dropped)

F/O S.J.Andrews posted out
S/O M.E.Wood posted out
Flt/Lt M.Bayne Rees posted in
F/O E.Farr posted out
27th. 23 qualified airmen (declared redundant) arrived on posting supernumerary pending trade training on allocation to ground duties
28th. 22 airmen personnel departed on posting to various units to trade training or for employment depending further decision

JULY 1945.

(Britain holds a General Election; Labour Party returned)

13 visits

Tasks:- 56 x various consignments included RAF bases at 'Cosy' c/o Sebro Ltd Cambridge, M19 War Office Hotel Victoria, Mobile Field Hospitals, Field Hygiene Units, Anti Malarial Control Units, Base Depot Medical Stores, 305MU Bombay, 313MU Calcutta, Flt/Lt Helmy Cherry Garden Lane Maidenhead, 4855 Well Boring Flight, 4854 Quarrying Flight, 'Fortify'.

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 62,926
Total tonnage received: - 1,812
Total tonnage issued: - Home 742 Overseas 143
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 275
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 19

Typists 5, S.C.O Clerical Staff 62.

F/O A.J.Archibald posted in
Flt/Lt A.E.Fidler posted in
F/O J.Crosbie posted in
Flt/Lt N.H.Wagstaff posted in
S/O F.M.Littlehales posted in

AUGUST 1945.

(Japan surrenders)

10 visits including
10th. W/Cdr C.S.Sampson, Air Ministry on Court Martial Duties
10th. Sq/Ldr H.B.Browning

Tasks:- 26 x various consignments included RAF bases at Royal Albert Docks, Thame, Hurst, Base General Hospital, 13 Field Hygiene Unit.

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 59,608
Total tonnage received: - 778
Total tonnage issued: - Home 586 Overseas 371
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 157
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 4

SEPTEMBER 1945.

During the month of September 20 major tasks and 146 minor tasks were handled. 20 x various consignments.

A considerable number of tasks were suspended and several cancellations effected during the month.

Demands are now being received from Western Europe in accordance with 40 Group instructions and demand loads are now being received from Units in our geographical area due to Transit Centres now closing down.

Apprehension is being felt in the considerable reduction in staff in Stock Control Office due to the release etc with no compensating decrease in the voucher load.

Administration:- Church Parades for each denomination were held on Sunday 16 September in commemoration of the Battle of Britain.

Recreation and Entertainment:- A Tombola and impromptu concert with the Station Band in attendance was held to inaugurate the official opening of the NAAFI this month, revealing good amateur talent which is being put to good purpose for future entertainment.

A whist drive, Tombola and Darts Tournament was arranged and table tennis tournaments held in abeyance pending receipt of the equipment from NAAFI sources.

A Quiz programme had to be unavoidably postponed until October.

A highly successful RAF Dance was held on the Station, leading requests for further dances which are in hand. This Unit endeavoured to have 2 ENSA Cinema Shows weekly (for both RAF and civilian personnel) but it is very much regretted that ENSA have decreed only one show per fortnight.

Sport:- Cricket; The season concluded with a match with Woodcote who ran easy winners. Three Inter Flight matches took place during September and in a NCOs' and Airmens' game the former proved superior. Cpl.Long represented No.40 Group.

Soccer; An Inter Flight knock out competition has been arranged with the final to be played in the first week of October.

Education:- Educational and Vocational Training operates as fully as circumstances permits. Three Airmen now qualified as EVT instructors. Classes in the Station cater for small numbers of airmen preparing for War Educational Certificate and Forces Preliminary Examinations. Classes are regularly attended. Further training for Vocational work is arranged with local firms and airmen are receiving such training in the Borough Surveyor's Office, the Generating Station and with the General Post Office.

17 visits including
21st. Air Marshal Sir Grahame Donald KCB DFC ARC AOC in C MC on the Annual Inspection.
17th. Court Martial Duties
Sq/Ldr E.R.Guest JAG's Dept
Sq/Ldr Coram, 25MU
W/Cdr H.D.Patterson, 25MU
Grp/Capt J.F.Young MBE MM,HQ 57 Wing
Wing Officer E.Read, HQ 40 Group
Sq/Ldr R.S.Deacon, HQ 40 Group
W/Cdr C.M.C.Woodroffe, RAF Andover
Sq/Ldr P.D.Baker, RAF Andover
Sq/Off M.Rutherford Jones, 210MU
Sq/Ldr B.Fane Saunders, 3MU

Personnel:- Strength; RAF (posted) 224; (attached) 49.
A/S/O P.E.Newman posted in
S/O M.Drummond Payne posted out
F/O D.S.Blaiberg posted to 100 P.D.C. for release
F/O R.A.E.Green posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 58,691
Total tonnage received: - 880
Total tonnage issued: - Home 459 Overseas 120
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 157
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 4

OCTOBER 1945.

2 major tasks and 13 special tasks from 40 Group; 147 minor tasks.

5 x various consignments included RAF bases at 313MU Calcutta, Jose/2 Merigar Girade.

Several tasks previously suspended are still outstanding. During this month 45 tasks were cancelled.

Accommodation:- Now have hutted accommodation for 12 Officers and 295 other ranks, including Officer's Mess (without dining arrangements) an Airmen's Mess with up to date steam cooking and a bright and well equipped NAAFI. Officers' and Sergeant's Mess in a separate room adjacent to the airmen's mess, food being supplied from the Airmen's Mess. Owing to the small number of sergeants it has not been possible to form a Sergeant's Mess.

Recreation and Entertainment:- One ENSA show and 2 cinema shows were enjoyed during October and 2 dances were held. A full programme of indoor games was carried out during the month.

Sport:- Football; Chief event was the final of the Inter Flight Knock Out Competition. Result was a goaless draw between 1 and 3 Flights.

Education:- 10% of airmen doing some form of EVT. Classes in Woodwork are commencing on the Unit and it is hoped to start classes in Leatherwork shortly. The attendance of small parties of airmen at meetings of the Reading Borough Council, and Henley Rural District Council have been arranged. Further Vocational training has been arranged with local firms, including Wessex Electricity Co, Berkshire Hospital (Hospital Administration), Messrs Huntley and Palmers Ltd (Time and Motion study in Industry), Reading Standard (Journalism).

13 visits

Personnel:- Strength; 15 Officers, 204 Airmen, 472 civilians.
46 airmen have been released from the service under Class 'A'.
W/Cdr W.A.D.Collingwood posted in to Command 70MU
P/O R.R.Clark posted in
A/F/O M.L.Grey posted out
A/S/O P.E.Newman posted out

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 61,382
Total tonnage received: - 741
Total tonnage issued: - Home 459 Overseas 58
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 141
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 7

NOVEMBER 1945.

7 tasks, 169 minor tasks.

Administration:- Church Parade was held on Remembrance Day 11 November 1945.

Recreation and Entertainment:- A 70MU RAF Dance was held in the Town Hall on 26 November. 3 ENSA Cinema shows were held during the month.

Sports:- There have been no sporting activities as most personnel go home at the weekend.

Education:- Classes for Forces Preliminary Examinations discontinued since airmen not intending to enter prescribed professions. 5 candidates took War Educational Certificate Examination Part I (7 November 1945). Three are working on Part II subjects and three on Part I for next examination. Evening classes in leatherwork commenced. Arrangements are in hand to establish workshop for carpentry. Music Study Group in the evenings once weekly is well attended as are Evening Discussions Groups (fortnightly under leadership of Dr.C.P.Rawson) and Debating Society (weekly).

5 Visits

Personnel:- Strength; 14 Officers, 185 Airmen, 505 civilians.
18 airmen have been released from the service under Class 'A', and 3 under Class 'B'
W/Cdr H.Cartwright retired
F/O C.T.Crowle posted in
F/O R.A.E.Green posted out

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 58,029
Total tonnage received: - 585
Total tonnage issued: - Home 425 Overseas 257
No. of trucks off loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 105
No. of trucks loaded at Pangbourne sidings: - 8

DECEMBER 1945.

2 tasks; 371 minor tasks.

2 x various consignments included RAF bases at Karachi.

Accommodation:- Consequent on continue fall in strength of airmen a reduction in number of bed spaces per hut was made, giving each man more room.

Owing to lack of heating in Shed 31, personnel engaged in packing of equipment had to move to a small heated building at the other end of the site, causing considerable extra handling and some disorganisation. Heating is now being installed in Shed 31 but the progress is slow.

Recreation and Entertainment:- Three ENSA Cinema Shows and one dance. Also a Christmas entertainment followed by a dance was organised by the civilian staff. The last was very successful due largely to the organising ability and efforts of a recently arrived member.

Sport:- Nothing to report.

Education:- EVT Classwork for War Educational Certificate continued. Owing to reduced numbers of RAF personnel on the Unit, extension of EVT as planned is postponed.

6 visits including Divisional Chief Inspector Ferguson, Air Ministry Constabulary on 28th.

Strength:- 15 Officers, 171 Airmen, 494 civilians.
12 airmen were released from the service under Class 'A'; 3 under Class 'B'; and 3 under Class 'C'.
F/O A.D.J.Groombridge posted in
F/O J.R.Roberts posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 54,198
Total tonnage received: - 457
Total tonnage issued: - Home 360 Overseas 405

(The detailed recording of monthly statistics changed this month in that the number of railway trucks loaded and unloaded at Pangbourne sidings was no longer required and the tonnage received and issued was tabulated as shown below, but for ease of copying I have continued to use the same format.)

Tonnage in Ton Cwt Qrs Lbs
by rail 324 13 3 26
by road 132 2 3 23
by post 0 4 0 10
Total 457 1 0 3

Tonnage out:- by road Home Overseas
Unit Vehicles 280 213
MOWT Vehicles 0 10
Return Loads 5 0
AM Pool Vehicles 10 133
Total 295357

Tonnage out:- by rail Home Overseas
Passenger train 14 7
Goods through trucks 28 40
Loose goods 22 0
Total 65 48

Total miles = 54198

N.B. The tonnage out was recorded in tons, hundredweights, quarters and pounds in the same manner as tonnage in, but this example emphasises the breakdown in movement figures.)

JANUARY 1946.

7 major tasks; 395 minor tasks; 7 various consignments.

10 visits

The Unit ceased to be self accounting for rations and became a sub mess of No.3MU Milton.

Accommodation:- Installation of heating completed in Shed 31 and personnel moved back.

Recreation and Entertainment:- 4 ENSA shows were given. In addition a successful social evening was organised for the whole unit by the Civilian Canteen. Sports continued inactive owing to the small number of men remaining at weekends.

Education:- Classes for War Educational Certificate have had to be suspended owing to the posting of personnel. The Music Circle has also been discontinued owing to the posting of the Officer who lent the gramophone. This will be resumed as soon as a gramophone can be allotted to the Unit. Vocational Training continues to be much in demand.

Strength:- 15 Officers; 156 Airmen; 503 civilians.
20 airmen were released from the service under Class 'A'; 1 under Class 'B'.
F/O C.T.Crowle posted out
F/O B.C.Field posted in
F/O F.Osgathorpe posted in
Sq/Ldr (A/W/Cdr) H.Cartwright posted out
Flt/Lt K.W.J.Mott posted in
F/O R.Murphy posted in
Flt/Lt F.N.Penn posted out
F/O P.G.Sayers posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 69,796
Total tonnage received: - 488
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 327 Home 188 Overseas
By Rail; 28 Home 79 Overseas

FEBRUARY 1946.

6 major tasks; 458 minor tasks.

6 x various consignments included RAF bases at 'Pado' Sargon French Indo China, Bordeaux.

4 visits including Air Vice Marshal R.P.Mills in connection with National Savings. (Mills visited this Unit with amazing regularity throughout its history but I have not always recorded his visits) RAF Administration becoming increasingly difficult as the strength fell and experience staff departed on release.

Recreation and Entertainment:- 4 ENSA Cinema shows held this month. An interest in football has been revived by permitting games on a Wednesday afternoon. 2 practice games have been held from which a Unit XI was selected to play against the Repatriation Depot, Peppard. This Unit won 7 goals to 6.

Education:- Motor driving was re-organised and 25 applicants for this will be given instruction during the next 2-3 months according to priority. Work with outside firms continues there being 9 men employed at present. An attempt to restart educational classes was frustrated by the recent large posting and release of airmen.

Strength:- 13 Officers; 124 Airmen; 481 civilians.
13 airmen were released from the service under Class 'A'; 3 under Class 'B'.
F/O (A/Flt/Lt) B.C.Field posted out
F/O (A/Flt/Lt) A.E.Fidler posted out
F/O J.R.Roberts posted out
Flt/Lt H.S.C.Killick posted in
P/O R.F.Ventris posted in
Flt/Lt L.A.Wheeler posted in
Flt/Lt R.L.Hunt posted in
S/O (A/Flt/Lt) M.Bayne Rees posted out
S/O F.M.Littlehales posted out

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 58,727
Total tonnage received: - 623
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 221 Home 228 Overseas
By Rail; 40 Home 31 Overseas

MARCH 1946.

4 major tasks; 334 minor tasks.

4 x various consignments included RAF bases at BEA White Waltham

8 visits on matters connected with Fire, Equipment, Constabulary, Salvage and Court Martial

Recreation and Entertainment:- 5 ENSA cinema shows, 4 Football matches played
6th v Army Repatriation Depot, Peppard Lost 3-4
13th v Berkshire Police Won 7-3
20th v Berkshire Police Won 5-2
27th v Army Rehabilitation Centre, Wallingford. Drew 0-0

Education:- During the month much progress was made with MT driving. 6 airmen qualified for licences, 2 of which were 'heavy goods'. A resettlement lecture was arranged for the benefit of those about to be released also a visit by the Vocational Advice Officer. Leatherwork classes ceased owing to the loss of the instructor. These classes are to be replaced with Handicraft classes. Several airmen are still receiving instruction from civilian firms.

Strength:- 11 Officers; 104 Airmen; 505 civilians.
14 airmen were released from the service under Class 'A'; 2 under Class 'B'.
F/O R.R.Clark posted out
F/O P.G.Sayers posted out
F/O (A/Flt/Lt) G.J.Gore posted out

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit:- 60,646
Total tonnage received: - 385
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 332 Home 190 Overseas
By Rail; 76 Home 80 Overseas
(The monthly statistics included a figure for 'Stored M.T. vehicles' (submitted by M.T.S.Us and Units with M.T. Sites only)

APRIL 1946.

1 task; 354 minor.

1 consignment to ACRE Biserta French Navy.

9 visits

The Unit establishment was amended by the deletion of all airmen personnel except 7 Teleprinter Operators. Proposals for a corresponding amendment to the Civilian establishment were put forward.

Recreation and Entertainment:- 3 ENSA film shows, 4 football matches.
3rd v RAF Benson Won 5-1
10th v Newbury Won 2-0
17th v Royal Navy, Wokingham Won 6-0
24th v Caversham Rovers Lost 1-9

Education:- Flt/Lt Thomas has been appointed Education Officer. 6 airmen have qualified for competence to drive and a further 2 for G.H.10 (Heavy Goods). Several airmen are still receiving instruction from civilian firms.

Strength:- 11 Officers; 78 Airmen; 501 civilians.
12 airmen were released from the service under Class 'A', 1 under Class 'B'.
Flt/Lt E.T.Earl posted in
Flt/Lt G.E.J.Horan posted out

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit:- 59,960 (12,677 to docks)
Total tonnage received: - 584
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 430 Home 184 Overseas
By Rail; 146 Home 211 Overseas

MAY 1946.

14 major tasks; 563 minor tasks, 14 x various consignments included RAF bases at New York, Newfoundland.

5 visits

With the deletion of the airmen establishment and consequent posting away of all airmen except teleprinter operators it became necessary to make local arrangements to continue the running of the Officers' Mess and to provide a rear party to close down the camp.

Entertainment, sport and Educational activities were closed and P.S.I Funds frozen pending a decision on the establishment.

Unit withdrawn from the Schedules of Undertakings covered by the Essential Work Order which thereupon ceased to apply. The original Essential Work Certificate was dated 24 September 1943.

Following the withdrawal of the airmen, the dining room was re-appropriated as an office for the Equipment Accounts Section and certain vacant huts were used as lock ups for bedding withdrawn from use. Further re-appropriations are planned, viz: -
RAF Guard Room to First Aid Post
Sick Quarters to Officers' Mess
N.A.A.F.I to Combined Mess

The Educational and Vocational Training Section is practically non existent.

Personnel:-
1st. Record Office postings received for several airmen starting illogically with the domestic tradesmen. This was protested and Records sent a sergeant clerk to arrange a better order of departure.
10th, 11th, 13th. The whole strength of airmen were posted in three portions, except teleprinter operators who are still established and the one clerk whose posting was delayed for a week. This left the Unit to initiate arrangements to retain a rear party and an Officers' Mess staff, together with a Kitchen staff for a combined Officers' and Airmens' dining room. This was most difficult to achieve and it was finally done by attachments effected by HQ 57 Wing from the Units within the Wing. In the case of the cooks who were posted outside the Wing, this meant a double series of movements, involving 3 Units.
11th. NAAFI closed for service.
14th. The strength of airmen finally established as:-
1 Corporal ACH attached
7 A.Cs ACH attached
2 A.Cs Cooks attached
1 A.C Electrician attached
3 A.Cs Teleprinters posted
1 L.A.C Clerk GD posted (until 20.5.46 only)
15th. NAAFI furniture removed and staff withdrawn.

Strength of personnel at end of month; 10 Officers; 14 Airmen (3 posted, 11 attached).
Flt/Lt C.F.Youngman posted in
Flt/Lt J.F.S.Rumble posted in 1st and posted out 21st
Flt/Lt H.C.S.Killick posted out
W/Cdr W.A.D.Collingwood posted out 31st May to 9 PDC pending posting overseas.

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 65,810
Total tonnage received: - 565
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 528 Home 70 Overseas
By Rail; 186 Home 144 Overseas

JUNE 1946.

39 major tasks; 470 minor tasks

39 x various consignments included RAF bases at Smit Altona, Data Toulon, Bordeaux, Algiers, Teheran, Artois Afrique, Casablanca, Dakar, Aden, Haifa, Basra, Lisbon, Point Noire, Holland.

4 visits
13th. Instructions received to dispatch the Unit libraries to HQ 40 Group following withdrawal of airmen from the establishment.
14th. Following the recent decision that the Officers' Mess is to be civilian staffed and the difficulty in obtaining cooks locally, recommendations were submitted that the Officers' Mess be closed and Officers authorised to live out.
18th. Information received that the 2 civilian cooks on the establishment will be deleted. Approval given for the Officers' Mess to be closed and for the Officers to live out.

Strength:- 6 Officers; 13 Airmen; 530 civilians.
2 airmen were released from the service under Class 'A'.
W/Cdr F.W.Taylor posted in 1st June to Command 70MU
F/O R.F.Ventris posted out
F/O R.Murphy posted out
F/O (A/Flt/Lt) Osgathorpe posted out
Flt/Lt Groombridge posted out

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 44,328
Total tonnage received: - 333
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 126 Home 115 Overseas
By Rail; 137 Home 96 Overseas

JULY 1946.

32 major tasks; 559 minor tasks

32 x various consignments included RAF bases at FAF Vayres France, Belgian Meteorological Service Brussels, FAF Casablanca, Netherlands East Indies Sourabaya, 386MU Takoradi.

8 visits

HQ Maintenance Command Establishment Committee visited 70MU to carry out complete review of establishment.

Strength:- 6 Officers; 533 civilians.
F/O C.F.Youngman posted out
Flt/Lt R.L.Hunt posted out
F/O T.Jones posted in
F/O S.A.Barden posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 39,934
Total tonnage received: - 454
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 152 Home 57 Overseas
By Rail; 207 Home 107 Overseas

AUGUST 1946.

35 major tasks; 450 minor tasks

35 x various consignments included RAF bases at Bordeaux, Belgium, Casablanca, Netherland East Indies Sourabaya. Toulon, 1 Aircraft Depot Australia, Singapore.

4 visits

Strength:- 5 Officers; 529 civilians.
Flt/Lt L.A.Wheeler posted out

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 32,483
Total tonnage received: - 227
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 103 Home 17 Overseas
By Rail; 203 Home 101 Overseas

SEPTEMBER 1946.

49 major tasks; 459 minor tasks

49 x various consignments included RAF bases at Valkenberg, Negombo, Rangoon, Madrid, Alberta, Brazil.

2 visits

Strength:- 5 Officers; 529 civilians.
F/O F.G.A.Weight posted in
F/O T.Jones posted out

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 27,546
Total tonnage received: - 242
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 99 Home 100 Overseas
By Rail; 368 Home 78 Overseas

OCTOBER 1946.

35 major tasks; 274 minor tasks

35 x various consignments included RAF bases at Lima, Vaerloese, Greece, Cognac, Helsinki, Bordeaux, Rio de Janerio, Malta, Copenhagen, Tenagh.

3 visits including Divisional Inspector J.Ferguson, Air Ministry Constabulary on 30th re Air Ministry Constabulary duties.

Strength:- 6 Officers; 521 civilians.
F/O H.E.Little posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 34,482
Total tonnage received: - 422
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 125 Home 91 Overseas
By Rail; 148 Home 95 Overseas

NOVEMBER 1946.

46 major tasks; 303 minor tasks

46 x various consignments included RAF bases at Prague, Zellick, Oslo, Vaerloese, Dakar, Karamba.

4 visits

Strength:- 6 Officers; 512 civilians.
Sq/Ldr D.Hawkes posted out
Sq/Ldr A.F.Herd posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 23,244
Total tonnage received: - 397
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 117 Home 36 Overseas
By Rail; 155 Home 92 Overseas

DECEMBER 1946.

37 major tasks; 229 minor tasks

37 x various consignments included RAF bases at Prague, Oslo, Kasforest, 389MU Seleter, Vickers Armstrong Swindon, Bristol Aeroplane Co Bristol.

W/Cdr F.R.McAllister HQ FTC visited 17th re organisation.

Strength:- 7 Officers; 504 civilians.
Flt/Lt H.Doherty posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 21,185
Total tonnage received: - 318
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 162 Home 104 Overseas
By Rail; 114 Home 22 Overseas

JANUARY 1947.

42 major tasks; 257 minor tasks.

42 x various consignments included RAF bases at Zellick, Phaleron, Prague, Kjellers, Ohakea, Kjevik, Tangiers.

1 visit

Strength:- 8 Officers; 494 civilians.
W/Cdr A.E.Connolly posted in to Command 70MU

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 34,096
Total tonnage received: - 308
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 269 Home 70 Overseas
By Rail; 61 Home 63 Overseas

FEBRUARY 1947.

39 major tasks; 189 minor tasks

39 x various consignments included RAF bases at Almaze, Teheran, Warsaw, Lisbon.

Air Commodore F.N.Trinder CBE visited 5th

Strength:- 10 Officers; 506 civilians.
Sq/Ldr L.H.Anness posted in
W/Cdr F.W.Taylor retired 83 days early
Flt/Lt F.G.A.Weight posted out
Flt/Lt H.Doherty posted out
F/O J.W.Nugent Posted in
P/O D.A.Fincham posted in
Flt/Lt E.Manning posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 29,311
Total tonnage received: - 147
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 215 Home 264 Overseas
By Rail; 47 Home 16 Overseas

MARCH 1947.

49 major tasks; 193 minor tasks.

Strength:- 8 Officers; 504 civilians.
F/O S.A.Barden posted out

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 33,397
Total tonnage received: - 207
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 202 Home 97 Overseas
By Rail; 69 Home 6 Overseas

APRIL 1947.

30 major tasks; 163 minor tasks

30 x various consignments included RAF bases at Capetown.

3 visits

15th. The Maintenance Command Fire Fighting Competition for Voluntary Fire Fighters was held on the Unit. No.70MU tied for 2nd place with 93%. A Unit competition was also held on the same date. No.2 site 'A' Team being the winners of the Unit Shield which was presented by the Commanding Officer.

Strength:- 9 Officers; 501 civilians.
F/O J.W.Nugent posted out
F/O I.O.G.Tweed posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 33,847
Total tonnage received: - 395
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 189 Home 79 Overseas
By Rail; 55 Home 63 Overseas

MAY 1947.

46 major tasks; 198 minor tasks.

4 visits

Strength:- 10 Officers; 460 civilians.
F/O F.H.J.Reeves posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 32,505
Total tonnage received: - 302
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 189 Home 134 Overseas
By Rail; 68 Home 11 Overseas

JUNE 1947.

25 major tasks; 229 minor tasks.

W/Cdr L.M.Hooper from the Air Ministry visited 26th re de-requisitioning of land.
Strength:- 11 Officers; 409 civilians.

W/Cdr A.E.Evans posted in to Command 70MU
W/Cdr A.E.Connolly posted out to 16MU
F/O D.C.Smith posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 35,979
Total tonnage received: - 461
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 305 Home 107 Overseas
By Rail; 58 Home 63 Overseas

JULY 1947.

28 major tasks; 236 minor tasks.

F/O N.M.Cloutman, WAAF, Air Ministry E36, visited 31st to physically check Petrol Coupons.
Strength:- 11 Officers; 407 civilians.

F/O L.O.G.Tweed posted out
F/O H.Heinrich posted in

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 45,205
Total tonnage received: - 373
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 270 Home 145 Overseas By Rail; 108 Home 1 Overseas

AUGUST 1947.

10 major tasks; 157 minor tasks.

Strength:- 11 Officers; 401 civilians.

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 37,966
Total tonnage received: - 407
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 124 Home 95 Overseas By Rail; 26 Home 1 Overseas

SEPTEMBER 1947.

20 major tasks; 277 minor tasks.

2 visits including Mr.A.Leonard, No.3 MU Milton, Area Fire Officer on 29th.
Strength:- 9 Officers; 392 civilians.

Flt/Lt E.Manning posted out
W/Cdr A.E.Evans posted out
(This leaves Flt/Lt H.E.Little as Commanding Officer)

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 41,744
Total tonnage received: - 351
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 153 Home 94 Overseas By Rail; 50 Home 2 Overseas

OCTOBER 1947.

13 major tasks; 223 minor tasks.

Grp/Capt F.A.R.Smith OBE, Commanding Officer No.3MU Milton, visited 6th to discuss the absorption of 70MU into 3MU.
31st. No.70MU was officially disbanded and reformed on 1st November as No.3MU, 8 Site Woodcote.

Strength:- 9 Officers; 360 civilians.
(Operations Records Book signed off by Sq/Ldr L.H.Arness as Commanding Officer)

Monthly Statistics
Total mileage covered by the Unit: - 43,453
Total tonnage received: - 338
Total tonnage issued: - By Road; 116 Home 189 Overseas
By Rail; 36 Home 7 Overseas

MILTON 3MU. MONTHLY OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK.

PRO AIR 29/1447

AUGUST 1946.

AOC 40 Group - Air Vice Marshal W.J.B Curtis.
AOC 57 Wing - Air Commodore A. Garrity CBE.
AOC No.3MU Milton - Grp/Capt F.A.R.Smith OBE

AUGUST 1947.

(Ceased to employ German POWs. From this time until the mid 1950s regular BBC broadcastings of 'Workers Paytime' took place from Milton. None took place from Woodcote.)

OCTOBER 1947.

On 31 October 1947, No.70MU, Woodcote was transferred to No.3MU Milton and will in future be known as No.3MU, Site 8, Woodcote.

3MU will assume responsibility for the receipt, storage and issue of equipment on the ranges previously controlled by 70MU. The stock records will be located at Milton and demands for consumer units will be placed on No.3MU.

Total Milton work force strength - 1,951.

NOVEMBER 1947.

Postings from 70MU to 3MU: -
Sqd/Ldr L.H.Anness AFC, Equipment Duties
F/O D.C.Smith, Supply Equipment Duties
F/O D.A.Fincham, Supply Equipment Duties
Flt/Lt J.H.Tee AFM, Engineer Duties (posted to 8 Site, Woodcote)
A/Flt/Lt H.Doherty, Supply Equipment Duties (to 8 Site, Woodcote)
A/Flt/Lt H.E.Little Supply Equipment Duties (to 8 Site, Woodcote)
F/O F.H.J.Reeves, Supply Equipment Duties (to 8 Site, Woodcote)

Total Milton work force strength 2,305.

DECEMBER 1947.

(The total monthly mileage return for Woodcote was 26,492 miles, mostly to the docks. In general terms most of Woodcote's monthly mileage was to the docks and on an average was 3,500 to 4,000 miles. The rest was to UK destinations. Woodcote's docks mileage was always greater than Milton's, but Milton had greater inter site mileage.)

JANUARY 1948.

Establishment of Officers is now 41, which includes a new Flying Officer for Engineer duties at No.8 Site, Woodcote.

Milton conducted a Fire exercise: -

10.20 00 Hours. Sound alarm
10.21 45 Hours. Arrival of Fire Brigade.
10.21 47 Hours. Arrival of Air Ministry Constabulary.
10.22 50 Hours. First Aid appliances in action.
10.23 40 Hours. First Set in action.
10.24 00 Hours. Second Set in action.
10.24 05 Hours.Head Fireman told that the fire was spreading into other huts on the camp.
10.25 10 Hours. Third and Fourth jets brought into bear on the fire.
10.25 15 Hours. Exercise cancelled.

The alarm was given by the Area Fire Officer. The umpires were the Unit Fire Officer (Flt/Lt) and one other. The verdict was that the Fire Drill was up to standard and that the Volunteer Firemen were to be commended.

FEBRUARY 1948.

Annual Inspection of Milton by AOC 40 Group, Air Vice Marshal T.G.Bowler, CBE; SASO Air Commodore J.F.Young CBE,MM; and W/Cdr J.A.Hunter. Commenced at 9.15 and finished at 16.30.

MARCH 1948.

Establishment - Civilian Personnel; The Committee reviewed the whole civilian personnel requirements, including No.8 Site, Goring Heath. It took a note of the fall in work load in many directions and certain reductions were made. The reduction in establishment involved the discharge of 31 at Milton and 11 at No.8 Site, Goring Heath, and in addition, consequent upon reductions in the number of supervisory grades, the reversion of a number of Supervisory grades as an alternative to discharge.

The fourth sale of surplus RAF Equipment by auction took place at No.3 sub site Kingston Bagpuize. (There were regular auctions, usually monthly, held at Kingston Bagpuize. When this site closed down the auctions were moved to Milton. These auctions continued well past 1953)

APRIL 1948.

Average time to count one sub section for stocktaking is now 20 days; an improvement on previous months. (This indicates that it took 20 days to stock take at Woodcote)

JUNE 1948.

(Milton records that on Monday 28 June 1948 it sent 2 three-ton lorries to Royal Victoria Docks to unload meat and 3 three-ton lorries to Milwall Docks to unload potatoes. On 29 June they sent 2 three-ton lorries to Royal Victoria Docks and 3 three-ton lorries to Royal Albert Docks, both on meat unloading, and 2 three-ton lorries to Free Trade Wharf to unload potatoes. Presumably this was part of the 'Berlin Airlift' which started on July 1 and some lorries from Woodcote may have been involved)

JULY 1948.

The collection of ex BAFO MT Vehicles which were returned to Tilbury, Dover and London Docks was completed. The collection commenced 16 May 1947 and was completed 23 July 1948. 2,376 were collected from Tilbury; 140 from Dover; 47 from London Docks making a total of 2,563 - all were either towed or carried to 236MU Grafton Underwood or 16MU Stafford. Total mileage was 789,750 miles.

Annual Inspection of Woodcote by AOC 40 Group Air Vice Marshal T.G.Bowler CBE; SASO Air Commodore J.F.Young CBE,MM; and W/Cdr J.A.Hunter took place on 14 July 1948.

SEPTEMBER 1948.

Stocktaking; Arising from the transfer of Small Tools (Section 1) from Woodcote, errors in stocktaking have been revealed. Special authority was obtained from Headquarters No.40 Group, for a re-check of these Sections and this has been commenced. A re-check is also being made of the stocktaking of MT Spares at Woodcote.

OCTOBER 1948.

Stocktaking; Only Woodcote is there much left to do.

PRO AIR 17/18 - RAF MAINTENANCE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS

A meeting took place at Director General of Equipment on 21 March 1949 to discuss our proposals for peace time and war time patterns of 40 Group.

The minutes do not make it completely clear the fact that the Ground Equipment Depots will revert to their war time function as active issuing units. The only complication is that Sandysike will remain administratively as a site of 14MU Carlisle. No.70MU will, during peace, fulfil the role of a Southern Barrack Depot; reverting to its original function of Ground Equipment Depot in war time.

Barrack and Clothing Depots.:- No.3MU sub site at Woodcote should be the Southern Area Barrack Depot and should be included in the peace and in the war organisation for the first two years at least. In general discussions it was suggested that Woodcote could be amalgamated into High Wycombe

PRO AIR 29/1449

MARCH 1949.

Annual Inspection.

MAY 1949.

(12th. Berlin Airlift ended)

NOVEMBER 1949.

AOCA HQ Maintenance Command, Air Vice Marshal C.N.H.Bilney, CBE visited No.8 Site, Woodcote on 22 November 1949.

APRIL 1950.

Air Vice Marshal T.G.Bowler CBE, SASO HQ Maintenance Command visited No.8 Site, Woodcote on 13 April 1950 in connection with a Public Enquiry which was to be conducted by Sir Geoffrey Whiskard KCB, CMG of the Ministry of Town and County Planning, at the Town Hall, Henley on Thames on 19 April 1950 to enquire into the future of the site at Woodcote.
Air Vice Marshal L.J.V.Bates CB, CBE visited No.8 Site, Woodcote on 17 April 1950.

NOVEMBER 1950.

Establishment; The Establishment of Civilian Personnel at No.8 Site, Woodcote was amended as follows:-
increase of 1 storeman
increase of 6 labourers
increase of 1 foreman of stores packer
increase of 4 packers
increase of 1 packing case maker
decrease of 1 leading packer

DECEMBER 1950.

Weather; Owing to considerable fall of snow, approximately ten inches deep, together with icy roads, mechanical transport at No.8 Site, Woodcote, was at a standstill for 4 days during December 1950.

Vehicles at Woodcote M.T. Vehicles. A M.T. Vehicles. B Trailers.
Increase 12 3 21
Decrease 10 1 2

(Historically, British military vehicles were divided into three types, described with unerring military logic as 'A','B'and 'C'. Category A included armoured fighting vehicles usually designed to mount offensive weapons; category B covered soft skin transport vehicles; while category C was assigned to cranes, earth moving plant and similar)

PRO AIR 29/2004

JANUARY 1951.

(Woodcote is still known as No.8 Site, Woodcote. The AOC of 3MU Milton and No.8 Site, Woodcote is Grp/Capt J.W.Hunt)

JANUARY 1952.

Workload; A considerable amount of overtime especially in connection with furniture at No.8 Site, Woodcote, where in addition to the Furniture Repair Section, is working overtime to increase the output of urgently required items.

APRIL 1952.

Work Performance; The Establishment Review Committee granted a number of valuable increases to the Civilian Personnel Establishment early in April, particularly for the Transport Section and Woodcote.

(Up to 1 March 1952 Woodcote was known as No.8 Site, Woodcote. From 1 April 1952 until closure in 1959 it was known as No.7 Site, Woodcote.

The Milton Site Plan for April 1952 showed Woodcote holding Barrack furniture, which included Married Quarters Furniture, and Section 21.B.C.D.

The rest of Milton, and other sub sites, held Parachutes, cases and cartons; Timber; Bomb sights; Bomb gear; Firing gear; Guns; Supply dropping equipment; Turrets; Aero engines; Ground Equipment; Tents and hangars)

JULY 1952.

Work Performance; During the month the sub site Woodcote (Section 21, B.C.D) established a weekly record for issues, ie since Section 21 was moved to Woodcote.

Mechanised Pay Accounting; An introduction of an experiment in Mechanical Pay Accounting was confined to 3MU Milton and included No.7 Site, Woodcote.

SEPTEMBER 1952.

Annual Inspection of No.7 Site, Woodcote by AOC 40 Group, Air Vice Marshal H.D.Jackman, CB, CBE; Air Commodore L.Taylor, CBE; and Sq/Ldr Johnson. Commenced at 10.30 and finished at 14.45.

DECEMBER 1952.

AOC 40 Group, Air Vice Marshal H.D.Jackman CB, CBE visited No.7 Site, Woodcote on 3 December 1952 for the purpose of presenting the Imperial Service Medal to Mr Percy Braun, Shop Foreman, Furniture Repair Section.

In presenting the medal, the AOC, in the presence of a large number of site personnel, stated that Mr Braun was awarded the medal for distinguished service during 29 years of Air Ministry employment. Mr Braun served in troopships of the Merchant Service during the 1914-18 war and joined the Air Ministry employment as a Foreman of Trades at No.1 Maintenance Unit, in 1923. In 1940 he was promoted to acting Shop Foreman, transferred to No.3MU Milton in February 1947 and moved to Woodcote in November 1947. As an established civil servant he retired, on reaching the age of 60, in July 1952 and is still employed in a temporary capacity.

Mr.Braun has always been very reliable and efficient officer in every branch of his duties. Successful organisation and development of the Furniture Repair Section, under conditions which were far from satisfactory, have been largely to his zeal and leadership. His highly specialised knowledge of all branches of wood working has been of much value to the service and he has been responsible for carrying out special work for the Command to an outstanding degree of excellence.

FEBRUARY 1953.

Operation 'King Canute'; Assistance to Civil Authorities following East Coast Floods on 31 January 1953.

In poor weather conditions, including fog, mist, rain and snow, some 118 issues were made, of which the following are examples: -

4K/1147 Bags, sand 800,000 approx.
21A Plates 3,000 approx.
21E Bedding etc 3,100 approx.
21C Cutlery 2,500 approx.
21C+D Beds, safari + Bedsteads 1,400 approx.
21E Mugs 500 approx.

(Section 21A was Crockery and Section 21E was Textiles. It is possible that Woodcote may have been involved in this exercise. 280 people died in the East Coast Floods; 500 were missing and 35,000 were evacuated from their homes)

MARCH 1953.

Work Performance; The position has been considerably helped by the great improvement in the clearances of the backlog at No.7 Site, Woodcote.

APRIL 1953.

The whole of the Accounts of No.7 Site, Woodcote were brought onto the Mechanised Pay Accounts.

MAY 1953.

Work Performance: During the month separate records have been maintained of 'Speed of Issue' from No.7 Site, Woodcote where there are special problems affecting performance. This check has revealed that Sites located at Milton achieved a 'Speed of Issue' of 92% on Priority III Primary Demands and 96% on Primary Tasks, but that the overall figures were reduced by delays in issue from No.7 Site, Woodcote. It is hoped that the action which has now been taken at No.7 Site, Woodcote will improve future performance.

JUNE 1953.

Work Performance; No.7 Site, Woodcote.

The limited overtime now being worked in No.2 Group (Presumably Site No.2 at Woodcote) relates to the work of equipping sheds with Milton racking in order to save storage space which is urgently required to meet the Site's anticipated increased holdings. Many heavy demands of equipment on loan were made during the month to Odiham for the Coronation Review in July 1953. 'Unit Returns' of Section 21B equipment to the Site have caused difficulties in finding space on the already heavily taxed accommodation available.

AUGUST 1953.

Heating of Buildings; An Air Ministry Committee on Heating consisting of 9 members, Chairman Air Commodore F.W.Felgate CBE, visited the Unit on 13 August 1953 to study the existing heating arrangements at the Unit. After a general discussion, which was attended by members of the Whitley Works Committee, the Committee visited each type of shed at Milton and Woodcote.

Awards; The Commanding Officer, on behalf of the AOC No.40 Group, presented Mr.Edmonds with the Imperial Service Medal on 28 August 1953 at Woodcote in the presence of a large gathering of his former colleagues in the civilian canteen. Mr Edmonds served in HM Forces in the First World War and joined No.3MU Milton as a Storeman on 20 February 1919 and rose to the rank of Principal Foreman of Stores (Established). During the whole of his service Mr Edmonds has shown himself a most competent and capable servant of the Air Ministry and he will be most difficult to replace. He possesses initiative; a thoroughness of method and always undertook his duties with a spirit of willingness and co-operation. To those who have been employed under him he has set a good example by his keen sense of duty and industry and in his capacity as Principal Foreman he has always shown consideration for the welfare of his subordinates. His courteous manner and enthusiasm for his work have earned for him the respect of both RAF Officers and civilian colleagues alike.

SEPTEMBER 1953.

Transfer of repairable 21B equipment from No.7 Site, Woodcote to RAF Membury was continued during the month by the 2 vehicles on loan from No.2 MT Co. except that during one week the vehicles were used for the transfer of 21C repairable equipment.

Establishment; The Personnel Establishment Committee visited Site No.7, Woodcote during the period 8 to 10 September 1953.
S5 representative Mr.J.H.Fullbrook
S3 representative Mr.R.Parkhouse
HQ 40 Group representative Mr.R.J.Sorrell

After much discussions the Unit's proposals were accepted in the Establishment were agreed up to 31 December 1953 and these have since been authorised by Headquarters Maintenance Command in their letter 26 September 1953.
No.1 Group - increase of 1 storeman and 5 labourers
No.2 Group - increase of 1 storeman and 4 labourers
Miscellaneous - increase of 2 labourers
(No.1 Group and No.2 Group refer to Site No.1 and Site No.2)

OCTOBER 1953.

The transfer of repairable equipment from No.7 Site, Woodcote to RAF Membury was continued during the month and most of the complete loads have now gone. It is now necessary to sort out the equipment which remains on charge as repairable, as either serviceable 'K' or 'Beyond Repair'.

NOVEMBER 1953.

Distinguished Visitors; No.7 Site, Woodcote was visited by the AOC No.40 Group, Air Vice Marshal H.D.Jackman, CB, CBE on the morning of 25 November 1953. The AOC arrived at 9.30 hours and made an informal inspection of the Furniture Repair Section and Stores Groups.

JANUARY 1954.

Distinguished Visitors; The AOC Maintenance Command, Air Vice Marshal L.G.Harvey, CB visited the Unit (including No.7 Site, Woodcote) on 19 January 1954. He arrived at Woodcote at 10.30 hours and was met by the AOC, No.40 Group, Air Vice Marshal H.D.Jackman CB, CBE and the Commanding Officer of the Unit, Grp/Capt L.Horwood CBE, MC and after inspecting various Groups and Sections, proceeded to Milton where lunch was provided in the Officers' Mess.

FEBRUARY 1954.

Distinguished Visitors; The AOC No.40 Group, Air Vice Marshal H.D.Jackman CB, CBE visited No.7 Site, Woodcote on 2 February 1954 for the purpose of presenting an official photograph of a table, made at Woodcote, which was used by Her Majesty the Queen at Odiham on the occasion of the Coronation Review of the Royal Air Force.

JUNE 1954.

June 10 1954 Grp/Capt W.D.Mason B.Com RAAF was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services with the Royal Australian Air Force.
(Grp/Capt Mason was the AOC of No.3MU Milton and of No.7 Site, Woodcote)

Distinguished Visitors; AOC 40 Group, Air Vice Marshal H.D.Jackman CB, CBE visited No.7 Site, Woodcote on 15 June 1954 for his Annual Inspection. The AOC was met by the Commanding Officer, Grp/Capt W.D.Mason, OBE, B.Com, RAAF on his arrival at 10.15 hours. After a general discussion of re-organisation of Site, the AOC proceeded on the tour of inspection which was completed at 1600 hours. The AOC was accompanied by W/Cdr H.E.Barker OBE and Flt/Lt D.R.Corley ADC.

JULY 1954.

Air Vice Marshal B.E.Essex CB, CBE; SASO HQ Maintenance Command, accompanied by Grp/Capt G.C.Allen OBE (Ops.E HQ, Maintenance Command) visited No.7 Site, Woodcote on 12 July 1954 to inspect storage of Section 21 equipment.

NOVEMBER 1954.

AOC 40 Group, Air Vice Marshal H.D.Jackman CB,CBE visited Groups and Sections at No.7 Site, Woodcote in the afternoon of 11 November 1954, accompanied by W/Cdr H.E.Barker OBE and Flt/Lt D.R.Corley.

MARCH 1955.

All stock transfers have been effected in respect of the whole of Membury and Kidlington. All sub Section 21C stocks, except beds, bins, buckets and fire guards which are being retained for direct transfer later to Grove, have now been transferred from Woodcote to Milton

SASO Maintenance Command, Air Vice Marshal B.E.Essex CB, CBE visited No.7 Site, Woodcote on 8 March 1955, after lunch where a number of sheds was visited including the Furniture Repair Section.

The Director of Equipment (C) Air Commodore C.J.Nobbs accompanied by Mr.Wilson (D.D.E.6) visited No.7 Site, Woodcote on 9 March 1955.

OCTOBER 1955.

Mr.H.T.Smith, Assistant Under Secretary of State, Air Ministry visited No.7 Site, Woodcote, after lunch at Milton.

DECEMBER 1955.

W/Cdr Burtenshaw; Major Hibbert (USAAF); and F/O Cave of HQ, 40 Group, visited Milton to examine the question of increasing the furniture repair capacity at Site No.7, Woodcote.

JANUARY 1956.

Mr.R.Kingsland DFC, Australian Department of Air visited No.7 Site, Woodcote after lunch on 30 January 1956 where he toured a number of Sites and Sections.

FEBRUARY 1956.

AOC in C Maintenance Command, Air Marshal R.B.Jordan CB, DFC visited No.7 Site, Woodcote where he toured a number of Sections before leaving at 1230 hours. He was accompanied by his P.S.O. Sq/Ldr N.O.S.Bayley DFC.

MAY 1956.

(Grp/Capt W.D.Mason left Milton when he was posted to RAAF, HQ,UK and was replaced by Grp/Capt T.King who remained AOC No.3MU Milton and No.8 Site, Woodcote until closure in 1959. He was absent on occasions through illness when the monthly Operations Record Book was signed off by W/Cdr P.Dennehy)

OCTOBER 1956.

Annual Inspection of No.7 Site, Woodcote by AOC No.40 Group, Air Vice Marshal G.L.Worthington CBE on 4 October 1956.
(See separate itinerary)

JULY 1957.

Annual Inspection of No.7 Site, Woodcote by AOC No.40 Group by Air Vice Marshal G.L.Worthington CBE, CB on 2 July 1957.
(See separate itinerary)

PRO AIR 24/2509

Air Ministry authority dated 18 March 1958 for the closure of No.3MU Milton during the second half of 1959. It was decided that as part of the rundown to close RAF Woodcote by January 1959.

JUNE 1958.

Annual Inspection of No.7 Site, Woodcote by AOC 40 Group, Air Vice Marshal E.N.Lowe CBE was made on 3 June 1958.

SEPTEMBER 1958.

AOC in C Maintenance Command, Air Marshal H.D.Jackman CB,CBE, paid an unofficial visit to No.7 Site, Woodcote. The visit coincided with the meeting of the Local Industrial Whitley Committee and after the meeting the C in C took the opportunity to talk informally to the members of the Whitley Committee on the closure of the sub Site.

JANUARY 1959.

The sub site at No.7 Site, Woodcote was closed on 29 January 1959 and all personnel and stores remaining transferred to the main depot. The site is reduced to a type 'C' Inactive Station parented by 3MU Milton.

MAY 1959.

Woodcote site was handed over to RAF Benson on May 29 1959.