RASC Column

The 1st Infantry Division Column R.A.S.C.
(The final break-up: R.A.S.C. to R.C.T.)

Most of the information in this article was obtained from the book:

‘The Story of the RASC and RCT (1945 to 1982)’

edited by Brigadier D J Sutton OBE, and published by Leo Cooper in association with Sechier & Warburg. T

his book has a very descriptive chapter on the Suez Canal Zone Emergency and also gives details of the Corps in all theatres of operation involving the British Army 1945-1982. It is a must, not only for anyone who served in the Suez Canal Zone, but also for those who served in other theatres of operation during this time period.

THE COLUMN Shortly after the beginning of the Suez Canal Zone Emergency (1951-54) the 1st Infantry Division Column RASC was formed of three companies. At the time these companies (7, 40, and 42 Company RASC) were in separate Camps but were brought together to form the 1st Inf Div Transport Column RASC and were then based in Fanara just south of Fayid at Keren Camp. During this term in Fanara the Column supplied most of the day to day transportation for many of the units of the First Infantry Division, a job they did exceptionally well, whether it came to moving supplies, Ammunition, Food or Troops under conditions that were sometimes dangerous with sniping, deliberately being forced off the road by heavier Egyptian vehicles, mines and explosives on the roads which were very often disguised as Camel dung. When we look at what is happening in Iraq today, things just haven’t changed much in that part of the world.

After the end of the Suez Emergency, when the Headquarters of the Middle East Land Forces moved to Cyprus, both 40 and 42 company also moved there. After some time Cyprus was in turmoil and demanding union with Greece and Guerrilla forces under the command of General Grivas, began attacking British Forces, vehicles, and Civilians. An Emergency was then declared. It was about this time that the build up of British troops in Cyprus reached over 30,000 men, and according to the book mentioned above 7 Coy RASC was sent out from the UK to form part of the newly formed 1 Transport Column, at Famagusta. 1 Transport Column consisted of 40 Coy at Dhedkelia and 42 Coy at the airstrip in Limassol. 7 Coy later came out from the United Kingdom under the command of Major Danton-Rees* and worked day and night with a Squadron of RE's to complete the King’s Field Airstrip at Dhekelia. During this period 42 Coy sustained some casualties when their vehicles were ambushed, and were later presented with a plaque by the Royal Marine Commando Forces for their support at the height of the Cyprus Emergency. This included patrolling on foot many of the villages in the Troodos Mountains and for assistance given during "Operation Lucky Alphonse." (My thanks to Mike Taylor for this information.)
* See added footnote.

In Feb 1959, in an agreement between the UK, Turkey and Greece, Cyprus became a Republic. Britain retained full sovereignty over two areas, Akrotiri, and Dkhekelia. On May 1st 1960, 40 Coy RASC was designated 40 (Infantry Brigade Support Transport) Company. In 1962 a major re-organization of British Forces in Cyprus was started. As a result of this, 40 Coy at Dhekelia was disbanded. Cyprus was sad to see 40 Coy go, as it had over many years achieved a reputation for being "Second to None" in the sporting scene. Later 7 Coy RASC played a large part in rescue operations and reconstruction in Belize, Central America in the aftermath of a severe Hurricane.

In July 1965 The RASC as a Corps was reformed and became The Royal Corps of Transport, i.e. the RCT. Having been asked by some who served in the Column who were wondering what happened to those three units after they left the Canal Zone for home, although at the time all we wanted, (the majority of us anyway,) was to get home and get demobbed and the whereabouts of these units were furthest from our minds. Digging for information on the break-up of the Column post Suez Canal Zone Emergency and what happened the three companies has been quite difficult, I have searched the websites of the British Army, but had to revert back to the book mentioned at the beginning of this Article and its chapters on Suez and Cyprus. This doesn't mean there are no other records on the Column, I just couldn't find any, I would welcome any additional information from anyone who served in either 7, 40 or 42 Company after the move from Egypt to Cyprus, and before the Corps was changed from RASC to RCT.

We are indebted to Peter Cook for the RASC badges and Column insignia, Military History is his hobby and has kindly supplied us with these pictures, which I am sure will bring back many memories to those who served with the Column. For the last 3 years or so he has been a welcome contributor to our Forum, and has been active behind the scenes in our Medal Campaign. Peter’s father, ex Driver James Cook, served with 7 Coy RASC in the Suez Canal Zone during the Emergency.

Aye, Jock Marrs.
December 2003

*The following Footnote was received from Len Clark ex 'A' Platoon Commd 1958 -1959 some time after this page appeared on the Website.

I have come across your notes on 7 Coy RASC in Cyprus.
I can't vouch for the information about coming out from UK under Major Danton-Rees, but during at least 1956 -1959, 7 Company RASC was not under RASC command
but was attached to 3 Infantry Brigade in Cyprus, commanded by Brigadier Anthony Read, supplying troop transport for operations against EOKA terrorists.

7 Coy Officer Commanding was Major Roland Parry; second in command was Captain Leslie Fountain, supported by Lieutenant Stewart Mitchell. Platoon commanders,
at least in 1956 - 1959 were National Service officers: A Platoon in 1956 - 1957 2nd Lieutenant John Mahoney and 'B' Platoon was 2nd Lt Dick Bone. In 1958 - 1959 'A' Platoon was 2nd Lt Len Clark and 'B' Platoon 2nd Lt Adrian Stringer. 'A' Platoon worked with Royal West Kents and then Lancashire Fusiliers; 'B' Platoon with 3rd
Grenadier Guards. During 1958 - 1959 numerous operations took place including the surrounding of the town of Lefkonico on the edge of Kyrenia Mountains and then
Operation 'Mare Nest', the last before the ending of the Emergency, when troops were dropped by helicopter on various peaks in the Troodos Mountains to set up
observation posts; donkeys were hired and 'A' Platoon drivers gave up their 3 ton Bedford RL's to act as 'Donkey Wallopers' to get supplies to them.
When the Emergency ended, 7 Coy returned to RASC command under Col Cetti.
Regards, Len Clark.

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