Notified in A.C.Is.

for week ending \3th December, 1939

NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
T h e i n f o r m a t i o n g i v e n in t h i s d o c u m e n t
is n o t t o b e c o m m u n i c a t e d , e i t h e r d i r e c t l y
o r indirectly, to the P r e s s o r to any p e r s o n
n o t h o l d i n g a n o f f i c i a l p o s i t i o n in H i s
Majesty's Service.

26
G.S. Pubns.
176 •

FIELD SERVICE REGULATIONS

VOLUME I

ORGANIZATION AND
ADMINISTRATION
1930
R E P R I N T E D W I T H A M E N D M E N T S (Nos. 1—11) 1939
 CONTENTS
PAGE
DEFINITIONS xv
INTRODUCTION xxi

By Command of the Army Council. CHAPTER I

ORGANIZATION OF THE FORCES IN THE

FIELD
SEC.
1. P o l i c y g o v e r n i n g t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n and equip-
m e n t of t h e A r m y ... ... ... ... 1
2. W a r o r g a n i z a t i o n ... ... ... ... 2
3. C o m p o s i t i o n of t h e f o r c e s i n t h e field 4
THE WAR OFFICE,
4. M o b i l i z a t i o n 6
\ith December, 1939.
CHAPTER II
COMMAND
5. T h e responsibilities of c o m m a n d ... 8
6. The commander-in-chief ... 8
7. Subordinate commanders ... 10
8. Administration ... ... 11
9. A d m i n i s t r a t i v e arrangements made by the
home authorities ... 12
10. A d m i n i s t r a t i o n i n a t h e a t r e of o p e r a t i o n s ... 13
11. L o c a l a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ... 14
12. T h e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n of a r e a s ... 16
 V

iv
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER III THEOUARTER-MASTER-GENERAL'S
THE STAFF BRANCH
SEC. PAGE
13. G e n e r a l p r i n c i p l e s of staff w o r k a n d o r g a n i z a - 29. D u t i e s of t h e Q . M . G . ' s b r a n c h 60
tion ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 30. O r g a n i z a t i o n of t h e Q . M . G . ' s b r a n c h 61
14. R e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n t h e staff, t h e s e r v i c e s a n d 3 1 . T h e Q . M . G . 's b r a n c h a t G . H . Q 63
subordinate commanders ... ... ... 24
15. T h e p r i n c i p a l staff officers ... ... ... 25 CHAPTER VII
16. D i s t r i b u t i o n of d u t i e s w i t h i n t h e f o u r b r a n c h e s THE BRANCH OF T H E MASTER-GENERAL
of t h e staff 26 OF THE ORDNANCE
17. L o c a t i o n of G . H . Q . a n d of t h e h e a d q u a r t e r s of
32. D u t i e s a n d organization of the M.G.O.'s
formations ... ... ... ... ... 28
b r a n c h ... ... ... ... ... ... 65
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER VIII
THE GENERAL STAFF BRANCH
18. S t a t e m e n t of d u t i e s ... ... ... ... 30 MISCELLANEOUS APPOINTMENTS TO
19. T h e operations section ... ... ... ... 35 HEADQUARTERS
20. T h e intelligence section 37 33. N a t u r e of a p p o i n t m e n t s 67
21. T h e staff d u t i e s a n d t r a i n i n g s e c t i o n 40 34. T h e m i l i t a r y secretary 67
22. Relationship between the intelligence section 35. T h e deputy judge advocate-general 69
at G . H . Q . a n d intelligence sections i n 36. Technical appointments to headquarters ... 69
subordinate c o m m a n d s or w i t h the A i r 37. Technical appointments to G . H . Q 69
F o r c e ... ... ... ... ... ... 42 38. T e c h n i c a l a p p o i n t m e n t s t o h e a d q u a r t e r s of
armies ... 72
CHAPTER V
39. T e c h n i c a l a p p o i n t m e n t s t o h e a d q u a r t e r s of
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL'SBRANCH corps ... 75
23. S t a t e m e n t of d u t i e s 45 40. O f f i c e r s of t e c h n i c a l a r m s a t h e a d q u a r t e r s
24. The A . G . ' s branch at G . H . Q 47 of d i v i s i o n s 78
25. T h e o r g a n i z a t i o n of t h e A . G . ' s b r a n c h ... 49 41. P e r s o n a l a p p o i n t m e n t s ... ... ••. ••• 79
26. R e p o r t i n g of c a s u a l t i e s 50 42. A p p o i n t m e n t s f o r l o c a l a d m i n i s t r a t i o n of
27. Invaliding 56 headquarters 80
28. C o u r t s of i n q u i r y o n m i s s i n g officers a n d s o l d i e r s 58
 CHAPTER IX CHAPTER XII
DISTRIBUTION OF T H EFIGHTING TROOPS ORGANIZATION OF T H E SERVICES
SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE
43. General ... 82 61. G e n e r a l principles ... ... ... ... 109
44. Cavalrv ... 82 6 2 . R e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s of t h e h e a d of a s e r v i c e ... 110
45. Artillery ... 82 63. R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f s e r v i c e s w i t h s u b o r d i n a t e
46. Engineers... 84 commands ... ... ... ... ... 112
47. Signals ... 88 64. G r a d e s of h e a d s o f s e r v i c e s a n d t h e i r r e p r e s e n -
48. I n f a n t r y ... 89 tatives ... ... ... ... ... ... 113
49. Tanks 89 SERVICE CONTROLLED B Y G.S. BRANCH
65. S u r v e y s e r v i c e 114
CHAPTER X
SERVICES CONTROLLED BY A.G.'s BRANCH
SYSTEM OF PROVIDING A N D MAINTAINING
66. Chaplains service 114
PERSONNEL IN T H E FIELD
67. G r a v e s service ... ... ... ... . . . 115
50. F i r s t reinforcements a n d subsequent reinforce- 68. M e d i c a l service 119
ments 90 69. P a y service 125
51. T h e " X " list 91 70. P r o v o s t service 126
5 2 . R e p l a c e m e n t of c a s u a l t i e s ... ... ... 93
SERVICES CONTROLLED BY Q.M.G.'S BRANCH
53. B a s e depots for personnel ... ... ... 95
54. R e c e p t i o n c a m p s ... ... ... ... 96 71. L a b o u r service 128
72. H i r i n g s service ... ... ... ... . . . 131
CHAPTER XI 73. P o s t a l service 132
SYSTEM O F PROVIDING A N D MAINTAINING 74. P r i n t i n g a n d stationery service ... . . . 136
MATERIAL IN T H E FIELD 75. R e m o u n t service ... ... ... . . . 137
76. SuppHes a n d t r a n s p o r t service 138
5 5 . M a i n t e n a n c e of m a t e r i a l ... ... ... 98 77. C a n t e e n service 139
56. T h e s e r v i c e s 99 78. T r a n s p o r t a t i o n services ... ... ... . . . 140
57. S j ' s t e m of n o t i f y i n g a n d r e p l a c i n g deficiencies, 79. V e t e r i n a r y service 142
o t h e r t h a n p e r s o n n e l , i n t h e field . . . ... 100 80. W o r k s service 143
58. S y s t e m of c a r r y i n g o u t r e p a i r s t o m a t e r i a l i n 81. E n g i n e e r stores service 144
the field 101
SERVICE CONTROLLED BY M.G.O.'s BRANCH
59. R e g u l a t i o n of t h e s u p p l y o f m a t e r i a l i n t h e field 104
60. I n d e n t i n g 108 82. O r d n a n c e service 144
 VUl
ix

C H A P T E R XIII SEC. MATERIAL p^^.^

92. General principles ... ... ... ... 165

O R G A N I Z A T I O N , D I S T R I B U T I O N A N D C O M - 93. Base area 166
M A N D O F T H E A I R F O R C E C O N T I N G E N T 94. T h e a d v a n c e d base 168
W I T H A F I E L D A R M Y 95. A u x i l i a r v bases ... ... ... ... ... 169
SEC. PAGE 96. Railheads 169
83. General remarks 146 97. R e p l a c e m e n t of t r a n s p o r t ... ... ... 171
8 4 . F u n c t i o n s of a i r f o r c e c o m m a n d e r s w i t h a field 98. Reserve road transport 174
a r m y a n d their relations w i t h the general 99. R o a d t r a n s p o r t i n a d v a n c e of r a i l h e a d ... 174
staff 146 100. T h i r d line transport 177
101. Second line transport 178
102. F i r s t line transport 178
MAINTENANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF AIR FORCE
103. G . H . Q . a n d corps transport 179
UNITS IN THE FIELD
104. U t i l i z a t i o n of t r a n s p o r t f o r g e n e r a l p u r p o s e s . . . 180
85. General principles 149 105. M o v e m e n t a n d d i s t r i b u t i o n of m a t e r i a l i n
86. A . G . ' S services 149 a d v a n c e of r a i l h e a d 181
87. Q . M . G . ' s a n d M . G . O . ' s services 151 106. D u t i e s a n d s c a l e of a l l o t m e n t of t r a n s p o r t u n i t s 183
107. Special regulations affecting supplies and
baggage 183
108. S p e c i a l regulations affecting o r d n a n c e stores 187
C H A P T E R X I V 109. Special regulations affecting supplies on
voyages ... ... ... ... ... 189
S U P P L Y T O T H E T R O O P S A N D
R E P L E N I S H M E N T
C H A P T E R X V

88. General principles 154 E V A C U A T I O N

8 9 . T h e overseas base 158 110. G e n e r a l p r i n c i p l e s ... ... ... ... 190

EVACUATION OF PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL AND ANIMALS

9 0 . R e p l e n i s h m e n t of p e r s o n n e l 159 111. E v a c u a t i o n of t h e d e a d , s i c k a n d w o u n d e d . . . 191

9 1 . R e p l a c e m e n t of a n i m a l s ... ... ... 161 1 1 2 . G e n e r a l o r g a n i z a t i o n of t h e m e d i c a l s e r v i c e
for e v a c u a t i on ... ... ... ... 192
1* (1463)
 X xi

ox:.^. SEC EVACUATION OF MATERIAL PAGE

113. M e d i c a l e s t a b l i s h m e n t of u n i t s 193 136. General principles ... 219
114. Regimental aid post 194 137. Salvage organization ... 221
115. Field ambulances 194 138. Salvage collection ... 224
116. Dressing stations ... ... .•• ••• 195 139. Salvage sorting ... ... 225
117. Motor ambulance convoys a n d ambulance car 140. Salvage evacuation ... 226
companies ( R . A . S . C . ) 197
118. Casualty clearing stations 199 CHAPTER XVI
119. Ambulance railhead 200 QUARTERS
120. Ambulance trains 201
121. General hospitals 202 141. G e n e r a l p r i n c i p l e s a n d r u l e s 228
122. Convalescent depots 203 142. D u t i e s of t h e c o m m a n d e r of a f o r m a t i o n
123. H o s p i t a l carriers, hospital ships a n d a m b u - occupying a billeting area ... ... ... 233
lance transports 204 143. D u t i e s of a r e a c o m m a n d a n t s a n d t o w n m a j o r s 234
124. Laboratories 205 144. G e n e r a l a r r a n g e m e n t s o n t h e a r r i v a l of t r o o p s 236
125. G e n e r a l s y s t e m of d e a l i n g w i t h c a s u a l t i e s i n 145. H y g i e n e a n d s a n i t a t i o n . . . ... ... ... 238
action 205 146. D i s c i p l i n e i n q u a r t e r s ... ... ... ... 239
126. T h e d i s p o s a l of p r i s o n e r s of w a r 209 SPECIAL MEASURES IN BILLETS
147. A l l o t m e n t of b i l l e t s 240
EVACUATION OF ANIMALS 148. G e n e r a l rules i n billets 244
127. G e n e r a l o r g a n i z a t i o n of t h e v e t e r i n a r y s e r v i c e 149. Sanitation and conservancy i n billets 246
for e v a c u a t i o n ... ... ... ••. 214 150. Close billets 247
128. V e t e r i n a r y e s t a b l i s h m e n t w i t h u n i t s 214 SPECIAL MEASURES IN CAMPS AND BIVOUACS
129. M o b i l e v e t e r i n a r y s e c t i o n s 215 151. General rules 247
130. V e t e r i n a r y e v a c u a t i n g s t a t i o n s 216 152. A r r a n g e m e n t s a t t h e e n d of a m a r c h ... ... 248
131. V e t e r i n a r y e v a c u a t i o n r a i l h e a d a n d r a i l w a y 153. W a t e r i n g arrangements 249
transport ... ... ... ... ••• 216 154. Sanitation i n camps and bivouacs 250
132. V e t e r i n a r y h o s p i t a l s a n d c o n v a l e s c e n t d e p o t s 217 155. Picketing animals ... ... ... ... 251
133. G e n e r a l s y s t e m of d e a l i n g w i t h c a s u a l t i e s ... 217 156. P a r k i n g guns a n d vehicles ... ... ... 251
134. C o n t a g i o u s a n d i n f e c t i o u s d i s e a s e 218 157. Genera l rules i n c a m p s 252
135. V e t e r i n a r y a r r a n g e m e n t s i n c o n n e c t i o n with 158. General rules i n bivouacs 253
animals owned b y the c i v i l population ... 219 159. S t a n d i n g c a m p s a n d rest c a m p s ... ... 253
 Xll

CHAPTER XVII SEC. PAGE

178. D u t i e s of r e q u i s i t i o n i n g officers a n d t h e c e n t r a l
AMMUNITION SUPPLY p a y m e n t office f o r r e q u i s i t i o n s ... ... 289
160. General principles ... ... ... ... 256 179. A c c o m m o d a t i o n 293
161. P r o v i s i o n of a m m u n i t i o n ... ... ... 25S 179A. M e a l a g r e e m e n t s 294
162. D i s t r i b u t i o n of a m m u n i t i o n r e s e r v e s . . . ... 260 180. C o n t r i b u t i o n s of m o n e y 295
181. P u r c h a s e b y c o n t r a c t a n d i n t h e o p e n m a r k e t 296
163. A m m u n i t i o n units ... ... ... ... 261
182. C o n f i s c a t i o n 297
164. A m m u n i t i o n s u p p l y for a c a v a l r y d i v i s i o n ... 266
365. A m m u n i t i o n s u p p l y for a n t i - a i r c r a f t a r t i l l e r y 266
166. A m m u n i t i o n supply i n deliberate operations... 267 CHAPTER XX
167. Explosives ..." 268
CIVILIANS WITH AN ARMY
CHAPTER XVm 183. G e n e r a l rules 299
184. Press correspondents 301
OFFICE WORK IN T H E FIELD
185. G r a d i n g of c i v i l i a n s 302
168. General principles ... ... ... ... 270 186. C i v i l i a n s e m p l o y e d f o r t h e d u r a t i o n of t h e w a r 302
169. Office o r g a n i z a t i o n 271 187. Civilians temporarily employed 305
170. Clerks a n d orderlies 273 188. P r i v a t e followers 305
171. S y s t e m of d e a l i n g w i t h c o r r e s p o n d e n c e i n t h e
field 274
172. Ofiace m a n a g e m e n t 278 CHAPTER XXI
173. Codes a n d ciphers 278 FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS
174. W a r diaries 280
175. Returns 283 MONEY AND CASH ACCOUNTING SERVICES

189. General organization 306

190. C a r e of f u n d s 307
CHAPTER XIX
191. S a l e s , issues o n p a y m e n t , & c 307
REGULATIONS FOR T H E UTILIZATION OF 192. P a y m e n t of b i l l s a n d c l a i m s 308
T H E LOCAL RESOURCES OF A COUNTRY' 193. G e n e r a l instructions to imprest holders ... 310
176. G e n e r a l p r i n c i p l e s 284 194. P a y m e n t of officers 313
177. R e q u i s i t i o n of g o o d s , a n i m a l s , t r a n s p o r t and 195. P a y m e n t of t r o o p s 316
labour 2S6 196. E x p e n d i t u r e o n the intelligence service ... 321
 xiv XV

FINANCE, STORE AND SUPPLY ACCOUNTING AND

197. S t o r e a n d s u p p l y a c c o u n t s 322
198. L o s s e s of stores , m a t e r i a l , c a s h , & c 323 DEFINITIONS
199. F i n a n c i a l a d v i s e r a n d l o c a l a u d i t o r 323
A d m i n i s t r a t i o n . — T h a t f u n c t i o n of c o m m a n d w h i c h
CLAIMS COMMISSION d e a l s w i t h t h e m a i n t e n a n c e of t h e force s i n t h e field,
200. F u n c t i o n s of a c l a i m s c o m m i s s i o n 325 divided into :—
i . General administration.—Controlled b y the head-
q u a r t e r s of t h e f o r c e s i n t h e field.
LIST OF APPENDICES i i . Local administration.—Controlled by the local
commander.
I. O r g a n i z a t i o n of fighting troops 327
A m m u n i t i o n p o i n t . — A point at or i n the immediate
II. G r a p h s 331 v i c i n i t y of w h i c h l o a d e d 2 n d line t r a n s p o r t a m m u n i t i o n
I I I . D u t i e s of D . A . G . ' S office a t t h e b a s e a n d vehicles are located, a n d f r o m w h i c h the replenishment
s c h e d u l e of a r m y b o o k s , f o r m s a n d d o c u - of f o r w a r d a m m u n i t i o n e c h e l o n s t a k e s p l a c e .
ments dealt w i t h b y i t 341 A r e a . — A l o c a l i t y or d i s t r i c t organized u n d e r one
I V . D u t i e s a n d scale of. a l l o t m e n t of transport c o m m a n d e r f o r t h e p u r p o s e s of l o c a l a d m i n i s t r a t i o n .
units 379 B a s e . — A sub-area organized to include two or more
V . D i s t r i b u t i o n of m o b i l e a m m u n i t i o n r e s e r v e s d e p o t s of m e n , a n u n a l s , o r m a t e r i a l .
i n f r o n t of r a i l h e a d . . . ... ... ... 382 C o m m a n d . — A n appointment i n war involving com-
V I . R e g u l a t i o n s for t h e d i s p o s al of t h e eSects of p l e t e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r t r a i n i n g a n d l e a d e r s h i p of
personnel reported dead, wounded, missing, t r o o p s a n d for t h e i r efficiency a n d m a i n t e n a n c e .
p r i s o n e r s of w a r , o r s i c k 384 T h e t e r m command i s a l s o u s e d t o d e n o t e t h e
VII. Requisition forms ... ... ... ... 391 f o r m a t i o n , u n i t , o r a r e a u n d e r t h e a u t h o r i t y of a
commander.
VIII. F i x e d centre pajmiasters b y w h o m the
Communications.—Roads, railways, inland water-
a c c o u n t s of t r o o p s o n a c t i v e s e r v i c e a b r o a d
w a y s , a i r r o u t e s , o r a n y o t h e r f a c i l i t y i n a t h e a t r e of
are compiled ... ... ... ... . . . 397
o p e r a t i o n s s u i t a b l e as a r o u t e f o r t h e m o v e m e n t of
INDEX m e n , animals, or material.
399
20 [Chap. I l l , Sec. 13. Caiap. I l l , Sec. 13.] 21

iii. The exercise of foresight to ensure the timely

anticipation of difficulties likely to be ex-
perienced, or of material likely to be required
b y fighting troops and services i n the execution
of orders.
CHAPTER III iv. The arrangement of a l l matters w i t h a view to
removing anticipated difficulties and facili-
THE STAFF tating the prosecution of the commander's
p l a n of operations.
13. General principles of staff work and organization
i 3. W h i l e there is but one staff, having but one purpose,
1. Certain ofiQcers, who together form the staff and it is necessary that the work of the staff should be
whose number is laid down i n war establishments, are distributed i n accordance w i t h the nature of the duties
appointed to the headquarters of the C.-in-C. and to to be performed. The staff is therefore organized i n
those of certain other commanders. Such appointments four branches :—
are notified i n the L o n d o n Gazette. The d u t y of the
i . The General Staff branch.
stafi is :—
i i . T h e Adjutant-General's branch.
i . To assist their commander i n the execution of i i i . T h e Quarter-Master-General's branch.
his functions of command. iv. T h e branch of the Master General of the
i i . T o assist the fighting troops and services i n the Ordnance.
execution of their tasks. 4. The w o r k of each of these branches of the staff is
2. This d u t y involves the performance b y the stafi dealt w i t h more fully i n Chapters I V to V I I , but broadly
of the following :— speaking their duties are as follows :—
i . The collection of information for the assistance i . The general staff branch deals w i t h the employ-
of the commander and its dissemination, both ment of the fighting troops, and w i t h a l l
to fighting troops and services, so that action matters connected w i t h the actual execution
may be taken intelligently on the orders of m i l i t a ry operations.
transmitted. i i . T h e other three branches deal w i t h the m a i n -
tenance of troops i n the theatre of war, i n -
i i . The transmission of the commander's orders and cluding the supply to the combatant troops
instructions to subordinate commanders and of everything that is required to enable them
services. to carry out their task.
22 [Chap. I l l , Sec. 13. Chap. I l l , Sec. 13.] 23

{a) The A . G . ' s branch deals w i t h personnel. 6. While, as stated i n para. 1, above, the d u t y of
{b) The Q.M.G.'s branch deals w i t h movement, the staff is to assist both commanders and troops,
subject to its direction by the general it must be the m a i n object of staff organization to ensure
staff i n the actual execution of military a smooth and efficient co-ordination of effort between
operations, w i t h accommodation, animals all portions of the force. It is only by such means,
and supplies ; and w i t h engineer, trans directed w i t h energy and determination, that the defeat
portation and veterinary stores. It also of the enemy can be secured. N o perfection of organiza-
deals w i t h the provision, maintenance, and tion, however, can make up for absence of care, foresight,
operation of general mechanical transport knowledge and goodwill throughout the staff. The
vehicles driven by R . A . S . C . personnel. relationship between a l l officers serving on the staff
(c) The M . G . O . ' s branch deals w i t h research, ' must therefore be close and cordial. T o ensure complete
experiment, design, provision and mainten- understanding and co-operation, frequent discussions
ance i n connection w i t h a l l ordnance stores between officers of corresponding grades i n a l l four
{see page x v i i i for definition) and certai branches are necessary.
engineer stores for the signal service.
It also deals w i t h research, design and 7. Responsibility for co-ordinating the work of his
experiment i n connection w i t h those staff rests w i t h the commander. B u t since i t m ay not be
mechanical vehicles whic h are provided, practicable on certain occasions for a commander to
maintained and operated b y the Q.M.G.'s carry out this d u t y , he w i l l on such occasions delegate i t ,
branch. with such reservations as he ma y t h i nk fit, to his senior
general staff officer, but such delegation i n no way
5. The distribution of staff work described above is the prejudices the right of access to the commander of
more necessary at the headquarters of higher formations, heads of the other branches of the staff concerning
where the volume of work and the demand for special matters w i t h which they are charged.
qualifications are greater t h a n w i t h subordinate forma-
tions. Below G . H . Q . , the A . G . ' s , Q . M . G . ' s and 8. Staff officers alone have authority to sign on
M.G.O.'s branches are amalgamated i n degrees varying behalf of commanders. E v e r y order and instruction
with each formation. A d m i n i s t r a t i v e staff officers issued through the staff is given b y the authority of
i n the lower formations w i l l not, therefore, i n a l l cases the commander and on his responsibility, within the
be considered as belonging to one particular branch of limits laid down i n Sees. 6 and 7.
ths staff. I n such formations the allocation of work is
made at the discretion of the senior administrative 9. I t is essential for efficient staff work that officers
staff officer of the headquarters concerned. each branch should have a practfcal knowledge of