| ciaphas | 09 Dec 2014 6:18 p.m. PST |
I know that they were primarily equiped with Rolls Royce Armoured Cars, but I cannot find an OOB for this?
also what tac markings etc would these vehicles have? jon |
| Jemima Fawr | 09 Dec 2014 6:57 p.m. PST |
The RAF Regiment wasn't formed until 1942. They'd be the RAF Armoured Car Squadrons (one of which formed 'D' Sqn of 11th Hussars in 1941). They generally had the 'classic' turret on their cars (as opposed to the more modern open turret sported by 11th Hussars and others) – often with Vickers 'K' Guns on AA mounts (these were often twin mounts and were usually taken from aircraft workshops). Markings were usually little more than the RAF registration plate (e.g. 'RAF 12345') and a few red/white/blue roundels on top, front, back and sides. The one on top usually had a thin yellow band around it. |
| ciaphas | 10 Dec 2014 12:59 a.m. PST |
Thanks that could explain why I wasn't finding what I was looking for, if they weren't formed. Will have a look for armoured car squadrons thanks
jon |
| olicana | 10 Dec 2014 3:13 a.m. PST |
BTW, the RAF Regiment is well known for changing and converting stuff and generally carry all manner of 'unauthorised' kit. I suppose it comes from them being isolated detachments serving with various squadrons and access to well equipped workshops. Senior RAF officers tend to leave Regiment personel well alone, treating them as a 'special case'. My father was a Rock Ape for over 20 years. |
| Jemima Fawr | 10 Dec 2014 6:48 a.m. PST |
"treating them as a 'special case'." :D That was certainly my experience… lol |
| Jemima Fawr | 10 Dec 2014 6:57 a.m. PST |
Sorry, my mistake: They were properly called 'RAF Armoured Car Companies', not 'Squadrons'. There were eighteen Rolls-Royce Armoured Cars per Company, with six cars per 'Section'. This organisation was also adopted by the RAF Regiment's Armoured Car Squadrons. There are also references to a couple of 'Morris Tenders' per Section and in the Company HQs and I think these might also have been armoured vehicles – possible Morris CS9s. In the 11th Hussars Morris CS9s were used as radio cars – the Rolls having no radio. No.1 Company served almost exclusively in Iraq. No.2 Company served all over the Middle East and for a time in Egypt as 'D Sqn 11th Hussars'. Nos. 3-5 Companies were short-lived units that served in Iraq, but were later re-absorbed into No.1 Company. They seem to have been formed largely from ex-RN armoured car units. These companies seem to have remained independent of the RAF Regiment until 1946/47, so remained 'proper' RAF throughout WW2. Here's a No.2 Company Rolls in Iraq. Note the modern suspension and wheels – they'd had their chassis replaced with Fordson truck chassis. So only the bodywork was really a Rolls (a similar thing happened to Crossley India Pattern Armoured Cars – they had their chassis replaced with Chevrolets):
|
| Jemima Fawr | 10 Dec 2014 7:00 a.m. PST |
I've just noticed that vehicle in the background. Is that perhaps one of the 'Morris Tenders'? |
| Jemima Fawr | 10 Dec 2014 7:02 a.m. PST |
Aha! From a quick Google, here is a Morris Armoured Car Tender:
Note the profusion of Lewis Gun 'Scarfe Ring' mounts, presumably nicked from any RAF aircraft that sat still for long enough… Note also the MASSIVE RAF roundel on top of the armoured car turret. |
| Jemima Fawr | 10 Dec 2014 7:06 a.m. PST |
Some excellent info here on the II Sqn RAF Regt Official History: link |
| Fatman | 10 Dec 2014 11:02 a.m. PST |
olicana
Twenty years a Rock Ape man must have kidneys of steel. ;-) Fatman Who has very bad memories of Rock Ape induced hangovers. |
| foxweasel | 10 Dec 2014 11:55 a.m. PST |
Well, I'm finally leaving the RAF Regt in February,after 26 years service. I had my kidneys removed and replaced with a sponge during basics!😁. |
| Fatman | 10 Dec 2014 1:37 p.m. PST |
foxweasel
Well congrats and enjoy your retirement. Twenty Six years service is a good run and I am sure I am joined by many of us in saying thanks. I would say have a drink for me at your retirement bash but your a Rock Ape so don't need to. ;-P Fatman |
| Jemima Fawr | 10 Dec 2014 3:07 p.m. PST |
Congrats Foxweasel! Mate of mine recently came out after a similar length of time, but decided he'd not been punished enough, so he's now teaching VR(T)s how to march… Scarily, I've just realised that if I was still in, it'd now be 25 years… Seems like yesterday!!! |
| foxweasel | 10 Dec 2014 6:01 p.m. PST |
Thanks both of you. I'm considering joining the part time Regt just for a bit of pocket money, not sure if I could live with it though. Xmas drinks in Bedale this weekend, could get messy!. |
| foxweasel | 10 Dec 2014 6:03 p.m. PST |
J Fawr, would that be Brian?. |
| Jemima Fawr | 10 Dec 2014 6:33 p.m. PST |
That's him – WO BM. Thought you'd know him. :) Hopefully he'll finally now have the time (and the perfect excuse) to come on one of my cadet Normandy tours… :) |
