No.5 A.S.P

**Steve Smith** · 22nd October 2019, 17:08

Hi,

Can anyone explain what No.5 A.S.P was / were based in May 1940 France please.

TIA

Steve

**malcolm_raf** · 22nd October 2019, 19:13

Hi Steve

5 ASP was No 5 Air Stores Park, part of the AASF but SD161 doesn't give a location.

Malcolm

**CZ_RAF** · 22nd October 2019, 19:33

Hi Steve,

Sturtivant Ray, Hamlin John - RAF Flying Training and Support Units since 1912, pg. 56:
No. 5 Air Stores Park, formed 26.8.39 at St. Athan 16.9.39 embarked Southampton, 18.9.39 Puisaux in Advanced Air Striking Force suplying No. 75 Wing, 23.11.39 Verzenay, 16.5.40 Mery-sur Seine, 31.5.40 Chennegy, 3.6.40 La Chapelle en Cherrie near Vendome, 5.6.40 Meslay, 14.6.40 La Collonne 16.6.40 embarked SS Vienna at Brest, 17.6.40 arrived Plymouth, ...

HTH

Pavel

**Martin Gleeson** · 22nd October 2019, 19:53

Steve,

Frome the No. 5 A.S.P. ORB (AIR 29/781).
During May 1940 it was based at;
Verzenay (Marne, 14 km SE of Reims) May 1st to 16th,
Mery-sur-Seine (Aube, 27 km NW of Troyes) May 16th to 31st,
Chennegy (Aube, 18 km SW of Troyes) May 31st.

Information on the function and operation Air Stores Parks in France 1939-40 is very difficult to find, although at least six slim ORBs exist. From what I can determine they held supplies of spares for aircraft and vehicles, perhaps some ammunition and fuel too. Some appeared to carry out repairs to aircraft and vehicles, collected and delivered same (disassembled). I am not sure if they held aircraft in reserve for issue to units as they were mostly based at places with no airfields nearby. I note too that No. 5 A.S.P. seemed to be based throughout their stay in France with another unit titled No. 2 S. & T. (Supply and Transport ?). I can find nothing on the latter but presume the work of one complemented the other.
If anyone knows more on the specific function of ASPs I would love to know.

It will probably interest you that the No. 5 A.S.P. ORB records on 9 April 1940 that three Battles of 218 Squadron carried out a mock air raid on the unit at Verzenay at 10.45 a.m. which lasted 20 minutes. It was to test their procedures and organization in the event of the real thing occurring. No other details.

Regards,

Martin.