Bomb Disposal Squad

**Ashley** · 05-03-2009, 03:36 PM

Trying to find out about Bomb Disposal Squads, My uncle was called up I'm told aged 18 and as he could drive was posted (not sure if he had a choice) to London and into Bomb Disposal, not even sure of the year but know he was there a famous cinema got a direct hit with many if not all in killed,(if that dates such?) and by the time Rommel appeared to have the upper hand in North Africa (1942?) he had been transferred there, any help as to which unit etc much welcomed

**Kyt** · 05-04-2009, 02:45 AM

Hi Ashley

it is very difficult to ascertain units and locations. Firstly, was he army or RAF? They both had BD units (as did the RN). Secondly, do you know if he reached officer rank? If so, then what was his full name because we can try to locate him in the London Gazette.

I think the best thing to do is try to get hold of his service records:

Service records

This can only be done by the next of kin - either his spouse or his children. If he had neither then you need to ascertain and prove who the NoK is.

When applying for his records make sure to ask for photocopies of the original file.

**Ashley** · 05-04-2009, 12:42 PM

Def Army, have couple of photos of him with BD Lorryand am next of kin didn't make it as officer and that's all I know of him, funnily enough I do have his grandfather's original commision papers as a Lieutenant dated 8/05/1886!

**Kyt** · 05-04-2009, 12:47 PM

In which case he was probably Royal Engineers.

Apply for his records, and when you get them then we will be able to help you more in finding details etc

**Antipodean Andy** · 05-04-2009, 05:27 PM

Hi Ashley, welcome aboard. If your Uncle turns out to be in the Royal Engineers and it sounds like he was, you might find a lot of background etc to support his service history here:

Royal Engineers Museum and Library official web site - Welcome (Index and Home) page

**Ashley** · 05-05-2009, 06:50 AM

Am enclosing couple of pics, afraid nothing to identify other than lorry name! No one left "that side of family" and lost touch about 1960 when my parents divorced, only on death of my mothers did I come across these, uncle was the tall young chap

**Kyt** · 05-05-2009, 08:57 AM

This gives a good outline of Bomb Disposal Sections:

BBC - WW2 People's War - Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal in WWII

Each company commanded 12 BD Sections. The basic unit of a Bomb Disposal Section consisted of one officer and fifteen other ranks, divided into two sub-sections, one for " removal" and one or "sterilization". Each was completely self-contained and mobile.

By 1943, the total Army BD force amounted to 10,000 men and BD units were based in all theatre's of operations.