RootsChat.Com

General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: nell1850 on Saturday 27 June 20 09:15 BST (UK)

Title: Abbreviation on headstone
Post by: nell1850 on Saturday 27 June 20 09:15 BST (UK)

William Ewart Desmond (b. 1898) served in the RASC in WW1 as a private. He subsequently emigrated to Canada. His grave headstone gives his title as Sgt. and the letters R.C.A.S.C,. C.A. are engraved.

https://canadianheadstones.com/search-item.html?psid=1500170

Can anyone tell me what these letters stand for and whether they throw any light on his promotion to Sergeant?
Many thanks

Title: Re: Abbreviation on headstone
Post by: BumbleB on Saturday 27 June 20 09:26 BST (UK)

Perhaps - Royal Canadian Army Service Corps - and perhaps Canadian Army  :-\

Title: Re: Abbreviation on headstone
Post by: MaxD on Saturday 27 June 20 09:28 BST (UK)

Canadian archives gives Canadian Army https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/Pages/military-abbreviations.aspx#c .  The number on the list would seem to confirm that.

MaxD

Title: Re: Abbreviation on headstone
Post by: nell1850 on Saturday 27 June 20 09:37 BST (UK)

Thank you BumbleB and MaxD for your very swift responses. That is really helpful and makes sense. I have had it confirmed that William did indeed serve in the Canadian Army in WW2 Great to wrap this one up.
Best wishes

Title: Re: Abbreviation on headstone
Post by: MaxD on Saturday 27 June 20 10:01 BST (UK)

Depending on the terms, you could consider applying for his service record.  It will come under the heading of restricted files (service after 1919)

https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/transparency/atippr/Pages/Access-information-military-files.aspx#tab2

MaxD

Title: Re: Abbreviation on headstone
Post by: nell1850 on Saturday 27 June 20 10:04 BST (UK)

Thank you MaxD - I'll look into that.