The corps was established on 1 February 1923. It included three Permanent Force ordnance depots and three Active Citizen Force supply companies. Reorganisation was in progress when the World War II broke out. In November 1939 the SA Ordnance Corps, the SA Service Corps and the SA Administrative, Pay and Clerical Corps were replaced by the Technical Services Corps and the 'Q' Services Corps.

The 'Q' Services Corps expanded out of all recognition during the war. It was renamed 'Administrative Services Corps' in 1949, and disbanded in 1975. One of its successors is the present South African Ordnance Services Corps.

The Technical Services Corps, initially referred to as 'T' Services, acquired responsibility for all technical equipment, from rifles to the heaviest weapons, and for maintenance of vehicles, tanks, guns, etc