These were units that relied on horse transport. For details see the establishment and organisation of the Bridging Trains or Pontoon Parks
1st Bridging Train (later called 1st Pontoon Park)
The war diary of this unit is held at the National Archives under reference WO95/243.
Based at Aldershot when war was declared. Landed at Boulogne in France on 19 August 1914. Worked on bridges over the River Aisne in October 1914, before moving north and arriving at Saint-Martin-au-Laert (near St. Omer) on 20 October. Remained there until 14 August 1915 when it moved to Molinghem (near Isbergues). Sections worked at Verquigneul, Croix du Bac, Bethune, La Gorgue, and other locations in the Lys valley and in the rear of the Neuve Chapelle, Festubert and Loos sectors. Over time, sections were increasingly dispersed and can only be followed in meaningful detail by reference to the war diary. In early April 1917 relocated further south to the Rebreuve and Ecoivres areas behind the Vimy Ridge sector. Moved to Cologne in Germany in April 1919.
2nd Bridging Train (later called 2nd Pontoon Park)
The war diary of this unit is held at the National Archives under reference WO95/558.
Based in Ireland when war was declared. Landed at Le Havre in France on 20 August 1914. Evetually located at Clairmarais until moved to Steenwerck on 6 July 1916. Remained for a lengthy period until moving to Vlamertinghe on 30 September 1917. Moved as a result of German offensive in April 1918, settling at Winnezeele and then St- Sixte by the end of the month. Then had some weeks at Hamhoek and Lederzeele before moving south in July 1918, eventually arriving at Erny St. Julien. On 25 September 1918 moved to Mazinghem and to Seclin on 30 October 1918. Relocated to Hem in December 1918.
5th Bridging Train (later 5th Pontoon Park)
The war diary of this unit is held at the National Archives under reference WO95/4058.
At Eggbuckland, Plymouth, when it received orders to proceed to France. Departed from Devonport on the ship “North Western Miller” on 17 March 1916, and landed next day at Le Havre. Proceeded to Talmas and moved to Allonville on 27 March. Later during 1916 at Vadencourt, Beauval, Heilly, Morlancourt, Bresle, Warloy, Corbie. Remained in Somme area through the 1916 offensive, mainly supporting II Corps. Moved to Montauban and near Bouzincourt in late stages of offensive. Finally left the area in February 1917, relocating to Forest-Montiers and Nouvion area near the Somme estuary. Sections went off for work in Canchy, Crecy-en-Ponthieu and other locations.
5th Pontoon Park moved to Italy in late 1917. Its war diary for this period is WO95/4210 (not online).
Links
The establishment and organisation of the Bridging Trains or Pontoon Parks