Research Guidance Needed Please

[Matt W]

You may have read the post "275 spigot mortar rounds found" posted in the Relics section. As I live in the area I contacted the landowners regarding the research they are doing into the wartime heritage of the estate as they are planning to stage an exhibition in 2013. I was able to provide some anecdotal information regarding the use of estate as an Ammunition Sub-Depot as I've been researching this for a number of years. I've got the relevant unit's War Diary from the National Archive, but it contains very little detail other than monthly statistics.

Therefore I'm looking for guidance as to wether it would be possible to find out any further information regarding the layout and workings of the sub-depot. Would maps still exist, and where would they be held? Would any Ordnance clearance / land release certificates still exist? I've tried e-mailing the RLC Museum but have not had a response, a search of the National Archive website only shows the unit War Diaries and unfortunately I cannot afford the cost/ time involved with a trip to London. The only other lead is checking aerial photos which is what I plan to do next.

So if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. Please note that these enquiries are being carried out with the full knowledge and approval of the landowners concerned. Additionally I have NO intention of physically investigating the areas concerned.

Many thanks,
Matt W

 

[AMMOTECHXT]

Would it be worth checking with the local council (planning) or MOD, if the ASD was actually buildings rather than more temporary storage? Was it road or rail served and did its use continue after WW2? If it was an army ASD it might be worth your while to contact the RAOC Association to find out if there are living members who could help: RAOC Gazette newsletter secretary is Maj (Retd) C R Stephens, RHQ The RLC, Dettingen House, Deepcut, Surrey GU16 6RW, tel 01252 833376, fax 01252 833375, email raocassociation@rhqtherlc.org.uk, website army.mod.uk/raocassociation. The RLC museum has limited staff and resources so info from that quarter might be slow and sketchy at best. How about appealing for info in local newspapers too? Good luck in your quest.

 

[kahu1]

There is a book, 'Disasters Underground' by N.J.McCamley.
The set up and type of location of ammo depots is described and might help with your search.
Seems a lot of the sub depots were open air types as the build up of ordnance out stripped appropriate storage.

cheers
Bob

 

[Matt W]

Thanks Both,

I'll give RAOC Association a try, although I never got a reply to a query I sent about three years ago. And all that money I had to pay into the Corp fund!

Sorry for the late reply, work intervened.


Regards,
Matt

 

[TimG]

Matt,

Have you considered contacting the 'Association of Ammunition Technicians' www.ammotechs.org as it would have been under the auspices of an AE (Ammunition Examiner) forerunner of the AT. It is possible they could put you in touch with someone who served there/had responsibility for it.

Regards

TimG

 

[Bonnex]

Matt,

Found a "list of Depots and Units of the RAOC in the United Kingdom" but the copy is early 1950's. You might ask the RLC Museum if they have an earlier list with the title above. It gives Intermediate Ammunition Depots (which I think are all field storage depots in woodland); the nearest I can see to the frozen north is No 503 Barlow, Nr Selby, Yorks Grid E/652284 (Sheet 97). There are Equipment Ammunition Depots at Sheffield, Paull Point, New Holland, Morley. No CADs are listed for the area.

 

[Matt W]

Thanks, anything will be a help! No rush either.

 

[exat808]

Another thought may be to try the Army in your region. If you are not aware, the Army splits the UK up into administrative Brigade Areas. These Brigades are static and do not deploy on operations. Their task is to maintain the infrastructure and estate within their boundary. They also hold historical reference material that may be of use.
In the area from Lincolnshire up the East Coast to the Scottish Border you may wish to contact 15 (NE) Brigade -

Telephone: (01904) 662067
Email: defencemedia.york@btconnect.com
15 (North East) Brigade
Imphal Barracks
Fulford Road
YORK YO10 4HD

 

[Matt W]

Good idea, hadn't thought of that!

Thanks