FPO numbers and locations 1944

[lisalisa]

Hello,

Does anyone know the locations of the Field Post Offices with these numbers please?
The numbers are 505, 546 and 482.
They date from 1944.

When I was looking the other day, I found something that suggested 546 might be in Austria, but I'm not sure.

Also when someone wrote an airgraph, can it be assumed they were at the location of the FPO, or was that the nearest location for the mail to be sent?

thanks,
Lisa

[MaxD]

If no one has an answer here, if you can find a copy of  -  History of British Army Postal Service: Volume III, 1927-1963, by Gould, R.W., and Proud, E.B,, Proud Bailey, 1982. you'll find the answer there (I don't have it but am aware that it lists FPOs up to FPO 1063)

An FPO dealt with units within a geographical area so something from FPO 546 came from a unit near to the FPO. One can't say how near, depended entirely on where it was.

Max

[MaxD]

An additional thought - FPO 546 could not have been in Austria in 1944 as the British didn't enter Austria until April/May 1945.

MaxD

[lisalisa]

Thanks for your help Max.

I know my grandfather was in North Africa, Italy and then used to drive through Austria, will have to see if I have any dates written down (from when I asked him some questions).

Hopefully someone who has the book will be reading 

thanks,
Lisa

[MaxD]

Another book at this link:
https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Field_post_office

Contact http://www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk/heritage/museum/  The RE Postal Service was one of the predecessors of the RLC.  Try also the RE Museum https://www.re-museum.co.uk/

MaxD

[MaxD]

A lateral thought.  If you are trying to locate where your grandfather was, all things being equal you could do it through knowing his unit(s) - do you have his record?

MaxD

[lisalisa]

A lateral thought.  If you are trying to locate where your grandfather was, all things being equal you could do it through knowing his unit(s) - do you have his record?

MaxD

Hi Max,

sorry for my delay in replying, no I don't have his service record.

Lisa

[MaxD]

I am not clear whether you simply wish to know where some FPOs were or whether you hope to discover where grandfather was at certain times. 

If it is the former, which will give only a general area, then the books I cited should help in the absence of any bids from the community here.

If it is the latter then you need his service record.  The process is described here:
https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records - note you don't need a service number as long as you have a date of birth and the death cert.

MaxD