The 1790th Ordnance Supply & Maintenance Company (Aviation) was activated 1 November 1942 at Dale Mabry Field, Tallahassee, Florida. It was designated as the 1790th Ord. Co. Avn. (Q) at the date of it’s activation. It was re-designated as the 1790th Ord. S&M Co. (Avn.) on 1 May 1943, per par 1, GO #25, Hq. WRASC, Robins Field, Warner Robins, Georgia, dated 28 April 1943. It’s authorized table of organization is T/O 9-417, dated 29 September 1943.
Prior to it’s re-designation, this unit was part of the Ordnance Training Center at Dale Mabry Field. Ordnance men received training as automotive mechanics at this training center.
After it’s re-designation, an ammunition section, an armament section and a technical supply section were added to the unit.
On the 14th of June 1943, the unit conveyed by government vehicle to Mac. Dill Field, Tampa, Florida, for temporary duty. The unit remained at Mac. Dill Field until 15 July 1943, on which date it returned to Dale Mabry Field. While at Mac. Dill Field, the unit obtained training in maintenance of automotive equipment, aircraft armament, small arms and the storage and handling of ammunition.
On the 17th of May 1943, the unit marched to Cyprus Lake and set up camp. Much needed training, necessary for operations under field conditions was derived from this bivouac. The unit returned to Dale Mabry Field on the24th of July 1943. The unit spend 12 more days, from 17 September to 28 September 1943, on bivouac at Cyprus Lake for additional training.
The unit left Dale Mabry Field at 1300hrs, 4 December 1943. It arrived at Camp Shanks, New York, after a trip by rail, at 1500hrs, 6 December 1943. The organization immediately underwent processing for overseas shipment.
We left Camp Shanks at 1700hrs, 11 December 1943, and after a short trip by rail, upon reaching our destination, we boarded ship. The strength of the unit at embarkment was 4 officers and 76 enlisted men.
On the 19th of December 1943, after quite a trip across the Atlantic Ocean, we arrived at Scotland. The land looked very good to everone, especially those of us who were effected by sea sickness.
We left the ship on the 21st of December 1943 and boarded a train. We arrived the next day at 1000hrs at AAF Station 130. We took up quarters there and also ate the first good meal since we left the States.
Our sections started to build their shops. The Automotive Maintenance Section build it’s garage in the Tech Site, the Supply & Armament Section also build their shops in the Tech Site. The Ammunition Section began improving the Bomb Shop.
The damp climate was very good for breeding colds. Most of us got a cold and kept it for quite some time.
The 1790th Ordnance S & M Company performed the following duties in relationship to the group. The functions of each section, as described in the the groups history file, are listed below:
a. Automotive Section – this section performs the 3rd echelon maintenance and repair of all vehicles of the base.
b. Ammunition Section – this section receives, handles and stores all ammunition and it’s components at the Bomb Dump of this station. It is also in charge of the issueing of all such ammunition and it’s components.
c. Armament Section – this section performs the 3rd echelon maintenance and repair of all organizational and a/c weapons of the base.
d. Ordnance Supply – this section requisitions, receives and issues all ordnance material, with the exception of ammunition for this station.
February – May 1944
For these months there is a lot of information about personnel and trainings, hospital visits etc. From July 1944 until April 1945 information increases in the Company History file.
One thing to mention here is the death of T/Sgt. Leo U. Mazzone. T/Sgt. Mazzone was killed February 2nd when he was hit by a truck while riding his bicycle. His death was mourned by the entire unit.
June 1944
T/Sgt. Thomas J. Murray and T/5th Walter M. Gaddy left the base on June 25th to Twekesbury. On June 27th they returned with a tractor crane.
July 1944
July 1st 1944: not mentioned
July 30tht 1944: not mentioned
Automotive Maintenance Section took in 176 vehicles of all types for repair. 172 of these jobs were completed in the month of July.
Ammunition Section took bombs for 25 missions from the magazine area. Of these 25 missions, 5 were scrubbed. The ammunition section also unloaded 43 major convoys of bombs and stored the bombs in the revetments. 300 loads of salvage were also loaded and taken from the magazine area during the month of July
August 1944
August 1st 1944: not mentioned
August 31st 1944: not mentioned
Automotive Maintenance Section constructed a building adjoining the Automotive Maintenance and Repair shop. This shop is being used as an Auto Body Repair shop. In August 171 vehicles of types were taken into the shop for all 3rd echelon repair. All of these jobs were completed in the month of August.
Armament Section constructed and installed Cal .30 mounting in British Armored vehicles and test fired the guns (5 vehicles). The section also repaired and test fired Cal .50 MG (37 guns), reconditioned oil buffers for Cal .50 MG (38 oil buffers), inspected all aircraft weapons in the aircraft of the 748th, 749th, 750th and 751st BS bi-monthly. They also repaired spring rods assys for Cal. 50 MG (41 assemblies) and inpsected shot-guns on the skeet range (10 guns). Cleaned, oiled, honed and shipped MG to depot (140 guns). Cleaned, oiled, honed and shipped MG receivers to depot (32 receivers). Cleaned and repaired Lewis MG for base defence (1 gun), removed British mounts from British Armored Vehicles (5 mounts), inspected small arms of 749th BS, removed all guns from aircraft No. 458, cleaned and repaired MG Cal .50 (100 guns), cleaned and repaired rifles Cal .30 M1903 (15 rifles), cleaned and repaired carbines Cal .30 Mi (20 carbines), cleaned and repaired sub machine guns Cal .45 (3 machine guns) and constructed a cabined to hold 40 machine guns.
Ammunition Section stored the following ammunition:
1488 ea Bomb, 1000 lb AN-M65 and compoments
2293 ea Bomb, 500 lb AN-M64 A1 and compoments
900 ea Bomb, 250 lb AN-M57 and compoments
1037 ea Bomb, 260 lb AN-M81 Comp B and compoments
27 ea Bomb, 1000 ln AN-M59 and compoments
8350 ea Hook and cable adaptors, M12
1850 ea Non-delay detonators, M-14
1202 ea Primer detonators, 101 second delay
163 ea Long gelay fuzes
10.000 rds shell shot-guns 12 Ga 8/c
67 ea Candle Dimolators T-1
800 ea Fragmentation Bomb M-41 M1 A1
3 Boxes of Signal Cartridges YY.
6 Boxes of Signal Cartridges GG.
18 Boxes of Signal Cartridges RY.
2 Boxes of Signal Cartridges GY.
9 Boxes of Signal Cartridges R.
4 Boxes of Signal Cartridges Y.
13 Boxes of Signal Cartridges G.
300 ea Signal Cartridges Distress MK 12-T
70 ea Propaganda Bombs
600 ea M38A2 Bomb Practice
600 ea Charges Spotting
The following ammunition was issued during the month of augustus
400 ea M-38 A2 Bomb Practice c/rounds
1117 ea Bomb, 1000 lb AN-M65 and compoments
2649 ea Bomb, 500 lb AN-M64 and compoments
288 ea Bomb, 1000 ln AN-M59 and compoments
261ea Bomb, 100 lb AN-M30 and components
40.000 round Cart Cal .50 API linked
55 ea Bomb Propaganda (all kinds)
2600 rounds Cart Cal .22 l/rifle
16.000 ea pigeons, clay
19.000 rds shells, shotgun 12 Ga 8/chilled
2700 rds Cart Cal .45 Ball
1000 rds Cart Cal.30 carbine
1060 boxes of Signal Cart Kits Made-up
151 trucks (2.5 Tons) of salvage
September 1944
September 1st 1944: 4 officers and 76 enlisted men
September 30th 1944: 4 officers and 75 enlisted men
Automotive Maintenance Section took in 162 vehicles of all types for repair. 159 of these jobs were completed in the month of September
Ammunition Section took 16 missions of bombs, 3 missions were scrubbed.
Armament Section inspected the 3rd echelon and repaired and did maintenance on 108 weapons of all types.
Technical Supply Section supplied all 1st, 2nd and 3rd echelon parts for all vehicles and weapons repaired at the base.
October 1944
October 1st 1944: 4 officers and 75 enlisted men
October 31st 1944: 3 officers and 75 enlisted men
Automotive Maintenance Section took in 174 vehicles of all types for repair. 164 of these jobs were completed in the month of October.
Ammunition Section received, maintained and stored 972 tons of bombs and ammunition in the ammunition dump. 896 tons of bombs were expended on missions. Approximately 8 days were spent grinding down Navy bombs and drilling fuses for these bombs. 8 truck loads of salvage were send back to AAF Station 583 (= Sharnbrook, WWII US Army 2107th Ordnance Ammo Battalion, 2nd Ordnance Battalion; 3rd & 4th Ammo Companies)
Armament Section inspected cleaned and repaired 297 weapons of all types fort he units of this base. The section inspected all aircraft weapons of the 748th, 749th, 750th and 751st BS. The organizational weapons of the 1790th Ordnance Supply and Maintenance and the 748th BS were inspected during the month of October.
Technical Supply Section received and issued all parts for the repair and maintenance of the weapons and vehicles of the base. This section replaced FLAK suits for 22 aircraft and also salvaged 12 bicycles.
November 1944
November 1st 1944: 4 officers and 75 enlisted men
November 30th 1944: not mentioned
Automotive Maintenance Section took in 261 vehicles of all types for maintenance and repair. 242 of these jobs were completed by the end of the month.
Ammunition Section received, maintained and stored 2661 tons of all types of bombs during the month.It issued 2394 tons of bombs tot he squadrons. The section also received and issued all flares, signal cartridges, clay pigeons and shotgun shells. 70 truck loads of salvage were returned to AAF Station 583 (= Sharnbrook, WWII US Army 2107th Ordnance Ammo Battalion, 2nd Ordnance Battalion; 3rd & 4th Ammo Companies)
Armament Section inspected uniot weapons of the 88th Station Compliment squadron, 860th Chemical Company, 1212th Quartermaster Company, 1790th Ordnance Company, 750th BS and the 751st BS, also all the aircraft weapons of the 748th BS and the 749th BS. The carbines of the 1790th Ordnance Company were modified. 195 machine guns Cal .50 were cleaned and repaired. 150 pistols were cleaned and repaired.
Technical Supply Section replaced 12 FLAK suits. Repaired 50 watches and parts were precured to take 9 vehicles off deadline.
December 1944
December 1st 1944: 4 officers and 74 enlisted men
December 31st 1944: 3 officers and 74 enlisted men
Automotive Maintenance Section took in 163 vehicles of all types for repair. 156 of these jobs were completed in the month of December
Ammunition Section received and stored 315,5 tons of bombs and ammunition in the ammunition dump. 77 truck loads were send back to AAF Station 583 (= Sharnbrook, WWII US Army 2107th Ordnance Ammo Battalion, 2nd Ordnance Battalion; 3rd & 4th Ammo Companies)
Armament Section inspected the organizational weapons of the 749th BS. The machine guns of the Ground Defense Squadrons, the aircraft weapons of the 748th, 749th, 750th and 751st BS were also inspected. The section repaired and sent back tot he depot 52 Cal .50 machine guns and 50 Cal .45 automatic pistols.
Technical Supply Section issued all parts fort he repair and maintenance of the weapons and vehicles of the base. This section replaced 11 FLAK suits and salvaged 29 bicycles.
January 1945
January 1st 1945: 3 officers and 74 enlisted men
January 31st 1945: 3 officers and 73 enlisted men
Automotive Maintenance Section took in 177 vehicles of all types for repair. 171 of these jobs were completed in the month of January
Ammunition Section received and stored 1366,4 tons of bombs and ammunition in the ammunition dump and issued 1318,7 tons of bombs tot he squadrons during the month of January. 64 truck loads were send back to AAF Station 583 (= Sharnbrook, WWII US Army 2107th Ordnance Ammo Battalion, 2nd Ordnance Battalion; 3rd & 4th Ammo Companies)
Armament Section inspected the organizational weapons of the 468th Sub Depot, 1061st MP Company and the 1790th Ordnance Supply and Maintenance Company. The aircraft weapons of the 748th, 749th, 750th and 751st BS were also inspected. The section repaired and sent back to the depot 35 Cal .50 machine guns, 112 pistols and 9 carbines.
Technical Supply Section issued all parts fort he repair and maintenance of the weapons and vehicles of the base. This section also issued 6 FLAK suits tot he squadrons.
February 1945
February 1st 1945: 3 officers and 73 enlisted men
February 28th 1945: 3 officers and 70 enlisted men
Automotive Maintenance Section took in 178 vehicles of all types for repair. 174 of these jobs were completed in the month of February
Ammunition Section received and stored 1240 tons of bombs and ammunition in the ammunition dump. 60 truck loads were send back to AAF Station 583 (= Sharnbrook, WWII US Army 2107th Ordnance Ammo Battalion, 2nd Ordnance Battalion; 3rd & 4th Ammo Companies)
Armament Section inspected the aircraft weapons of the 748th, 749th, 750th and 751st BS. The section repaired and sent back to the depot 60 Cal .50 machine guns, 13 automatic pistols, M1911 and 13 Cal .30 carbines.
Technical Supply Section issued all parts fort he repair and maintenance of the weapons and vehicles of the base. This section also issued 23 FLAK suits to the squadrons.
March 1945
March 1st 1945: 3 officers and 70 enlisted men
March 31st 1945: 3 officers and 72 enlisted men
Automotive Maintenance Section took in 198 jobs of all types for maintenance and repair. 186 of these jobs were completed by March 31st.
Ammunition Section received and stored 1298,7 tons of bombs and ammunition in the ammunition dump and extended 1622,4 tons during March. 67 truck loads of salvage were send back to AAF Station 583 (= Sharnbrook, WWII US Army 2107th Ordnance Ammo Battalion, 2nd Ordnance Battalion; 3rd & 4th Ammo Companies)
Armament Section inspected the aircraft weapons of the 748th, 749th, 750th and 751st BS. The organizational weapons of the 748th, 749th, 750th and 751st BS, Base Defences, 88th Station Compliment, 860th Chemical Company, 1212th Quartermaster Company and the shotgunsof the shoot range were inspected. 3rd Echelon repair was performed on 122 Cal .50 Browning machine guns and 71 pistols Cal .45.
Technical Supply Section issued all parts necessary for the repair and maintenance of all armament and automotive equipment of this station. This section also issued 25 FLAK suits to the squadrons.
April 1945
April 1st 1945: 1 officer and 72 enlisted men
April 15th was the last day the unit was in operation as a unit. It was disbanned per par 1, GO 52, Hq 8th AF, dated 12 April 1945, as follows:
Pursuant to authority contained in letter, TAGO, AG322 (10 Nov 1944) OB-I-AFRPG-M, Subject: “Constitution, Activation, Redesignation and Dusbanment of certain Army Air Force Units in the European Theater of Operations and Reduction of Bulk Alloments”, 22 Nov 1944, WD Cable WARX 62853, 4 April 1945, and letter, Hq United States Strategie Air Forces in Europe, 322, Subject: “Activation and Disbanment of Certain Army Air Forces Units, “ (No 58); 7 April 1945, this organization is disbanded effective 15 April 1945.
Courses, trainings, schools etc.
Field & Truck and Tractor Equipment Maintenance School (AAF station 158)
Bomb Disposal School (RAF station Doncaster)
Cleatrac Maintenance School (AAF station 158)
Bomb Reccon School (AAF station 520)
Vehicle Waterproofing School (RAF station Weston)
Rocket and Grenade Launcher School
Army Orientation Course
Tire Maintenance School (AAF station 103)
Course on Basic Ammunition (AAF station 520)
Course on B-17 Armament (RAF station Kirkham)
Watchmaking (AAF station 572)
Ammunition School (AAF station 521)
Technical Training (RAF station Kirkham)
Course on Browning Vickers Machine Guns
