TOPIC:

I was wondering if anyone can tell me who the commanding officer of Pontoon Troop C, Royal Engineers was, or the names of any other officers and explain how many men made up a Troop and perhaps even how it was made up ie how many of each rank and role, Sappers, Drivers etc.

Thank you

Ian,

I'm not sure whether Pontoon and Field Troops had the same structure, but my great grandfather's 3rd Field Troop consisted of:

1 CO
1 Subaltern
1 C.S.M.
3 Sergeants
5 Corporals
6 Lance-Corporals
20 Sappers
5 Drivers

Giving a total of 42


"C" Pontoon Troop was commanded by Captain G.A. Travers, with Lieut. G.H. Addison as subaltern.

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Thank you very much Neville; much appreciated.

These are the guys who along with the 37th Company built the pontoon bridge across the Orange River a few miles up from Norvalspont, where Clements crossed into the Orange Free State.

Ian,

On further research it appears Pontoon and Field Troops were very different beasts, the former being approximately twice the size of the latter.

The medal roll for "C" Pontoon Troop lists:

1 CO
1 Subaltern
1 T.S.M
7 Sergeants
8 Corporals
7 Lance-Corporals / 2nd Corporals
68 Sappers
4 Drivers

Giving a total of 97

However, different clasp entitlements make it difficult to work out what the size of the troop would have been at any given time. 70 were entitled to the Relief of Kimberley clasp, which perhaps gives an indication of numbers.


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Thank you again Neville