Army Service Corps - what was it ?

[fizzybubble]

In 1871 the census states that my relative was a blacksmith and Private in the Army Service Corps. What was this Corps and why did they need blacksmiths ?

Thanks
Fizzy

[Headbanger Veron]

Hi

The army service corps was the backup for the frontline troops, they organised transport, supply lines, hospital provision, everything you need to keep the frontline going. More people served in the A.S.C. than in the frontline - my grandfather was a sergeant in the Transport corps during WW1.

I would imagine that blacksmiths would be needed for all sorts of things, not least shoeing of cavalry horses as well as maintenance of heavy artillery etc.

Cheers

Veron

[indiapaleale]

Here you go.

Army Service Corps

http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/corps/RASC.htm

Cheers,
Indi

[fizzybubble]

Yes I did look at that excellent site thankyou but it doesnt tell me where the ASC was likely to be between 1871 and 1891, which is what I would like to know.

Thansk

Fizzy

[manmack]

fizzy,the army service corps was everywhere,everything was moved by horse transport,mack

[fizzybubble]

In 1871 he was in Chatham - what would have been going on there ?

In 1881 he does not appear to be in the census so would he have been abroad do you think and if so where in the world did we have troops between 1871 and 1891 - what conflicts were there in the period. Where is a good place to find out.

Thanks,
Fizzy