1.C.S.B.D. (4 R.H.U.) (C.R.#1) What and where?

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by Dan Martel

Glen,

Are you sure that the log entry you quoted refers to a transfer to North Africa? The effective date of the transfer is two full months before the Canadians took part in the invasion of Sicily. The units you are looking for may have been still located in the UK at the time the transfer took place and relocated (and renamed) later.

I haven't been able to find out exactly what CSBD and CR are short for but I think you are correct when you say you believe that RHU stands for Reinforcement Holding Unit.

Dan.

From Glen on February 11th 2008:

Originally Posted by Glen

Here's what I transcribed from his war logbook thingy:

S.O.S. 2 CACRU to 1.C.S.B.D. (4 R.H.U.) (C.R.#1) w.e.f. 10 May, 43

Glen/Dan;

What the above says in plain English is:

Struck-off-Srength from No. 2 Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit to No. 1 Canadian Special Base Depot (on strength of No. 4 Reinforcement Holding Unit as a '1st Line Reinforcement') with effect from 10 May 1943.

1 C.S.B.D. (No. 1 Canadian Special Base Depot) was the first designation used prior to the designation of: No. 1 Canadian Base Reinforcement Depot, which came into effect on 16 May 1943.

4 R.H.U. (No. 4 Reinforcement Holding Unit) was the first designation used prior to the designation of: No. 4 Canadian Base Reinforcement Battalion, which came into effect on 11 October 1943.

From: REPORT NO. 53
HISTORICAL SECTION (G.S.)
ARMY HEADQUARTERS
Dated: 11 Jun 52

"Originally, there had been authorized for the Canadian troops in the Mediterranean theatre a Base Reinforcement Depot consisting of a Headquarters and four battalions, each designed to hold 1500 all ranks. Of these, Nos. 1 and 2 Battalions were to hold infantry reinforcements, No. 3 Battalion was to hold those of other corps, and No. 4 Battalion a proportion of reinforcements for all. Thus, the comparatively small Canadian force which sailed for Sicily was provided with some 6000 reinforcements."

Hope this helps

Cheers