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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: suee on Sunday 27 February 11 19:11 GMT (UK)

Title: What does it mean ?
Post by: suee on Sunday 27 February 11 19:11 GMT (UK)

Hi
I am trying to find out about the time my Grandfather served in WW2, i will be sending for his records as soon as i can.

I know he was in the royal engineers, and served in Italy, in the mean time i have found what i think is a docking permit for Brindisi in Italy.

It has at last given me his sevice number which will help me alot.
There is also another number on it can anyone tell me what it means 997D.O.COY.R.E

Thanks
Sue

Title: Re: What does it mean ?
Post by: Pete Keane on Sunday 27 February 11 20:24 GMT (UK)

It was his unit, not sure what D.O was, possibly Docks related?

Title: Re: What does it mean ?
Post by: cruzie on Sunday 27 February 11 20:52 GMT (UK)

I would interpret that as, O (as in Oscar) Company Royal Engineers.
Have you been here:
http://www.remuseum.org.uk/rem_res_service.htm

Title: Re: What does it mean ?
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 01 March 11 05:49 GMT (UK)

D O was Docks Operating Company. They were responsible for loading and unloading shipping cargo, and despatch.

Following the trail of casualties for 997 they seem to have operated across North Africa, Sicily and then Italy, so most likely 8th Army.

K

Title: Re: What does it mean ?
Post by: suee on Tuesday 01 March 11 10:49 GMT (UK)

Hi
Thank you all for your responce, it all helps me in understanding what he was doing in his time in Italy.
I new Salerno had been mentioned, but it is only the other day when mum found the permit for Brindisi dock that i found out a little more about what he had done.

Thanks again

Sue