Q Services Corps (South Africa)
Encyclopedia
Permanent Force
The Permanent Force was an integral part of both the South African Defence Force and the South West Africa Territorial Force and other British Commonwealth militaries. It consisted of all the full time volunteers, volunteers of auxiliaries and national servicemen....
was promulgated in the Government Gazette dated 10 November 1939.
Formation
The SA Service Corps, which was developed during World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the SA Ordnance Corps
South African Ordnance Corps
Between the two world wars, the supply and maintenance of all technical stores and equipment, including ammunition and guns, for the Union Defence Force, was the responsibility of the South African Ordnance Corps....
and the SA Administrative, Pay and Clerical Corps were replaced by the 'Q' Services Corps and the 'T' (Technical) Services Corps in terms of Proclamation 276 of 10 November 1939.
The 'Q' Services were vastly expanded during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, providing numerous services for the combatant forces, including the provision of POL (petroleum, oil and lubricants), rations
Military rations
Military rations are the food served to military personnel. For the controlled distribution of goods or services, see rationing.Types of military rations include:*Garrison rations*Field rations- US-specific :*United States military rations*Iron rations...
, ammunition, stationery, clothing and equipment and other supplies, as well as providing transport through a large number of MT (motor transport) companies
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
. Duties also involved the running of numerous establishments such as field bakeries and butcheries.
By April 1941 'Q' Services already had deployed more than 7 000 men for the East African Campaign
East African Campaign (World War II)
The East African Campaign was a series of battles fought in East Africa during World War II by the British Empire, the British Commonwealth of Nations and several allies against the forces of Italy from June 1940 to November 1941....
alone.
After the war, pay was also handled by the Corps.
The 'Q' Services Corps was replaced by the Administrative Services Corps in November 1949. The ASC was responsible for supply and transport services other than armament and technical stores.
Insignia
Helmet flashes were worn by the Union Defence ForceUnion Defence Force
The Union Defence Force may refer to a former or current military organization:* the South African Army from 1912 to 1957* the military of the United Arab Emirates...
s from the early 1900s until the early 1940s. The flash was worn on both sides of the Wolseley helmet and on the upturned left brim of the smasher hat. As helmets and smasher hats were superseded by berets during World War II, the system therefore lasted for only about twenty years, though some flashes were later adapted for wearing on berets.
The standard pattern flash, introduced in 1923, was rectangular, 75mm high and 50mm wide. Flashes of Permanent Force
Permanent Force
The Permanent Force was an integral part of both the South African Defence Force and the South West Africa Territorial Force and other British Commonwealth militaries. It consisted of all the full time volunteers, volunteers of auxiliaries and national servicemen....
(PF) units displayed the branch colours, while those of Citizen Force
Citizen Force
The Citizen Force was the name of the general military reserve force of several British Commonwealth countries.-Australian:Since the Federation of Australia in 1901, the reserve military force has been known by many names, including the Citizens Forces, the Citizen Military Forces, the Militia and,...
(CF) units displayed a provincial colour at the top, the branch colour at the bottom, and unit colours in the centre.
The flash for the 'Q' Services Corps was red, white and blue as shown alongside.