FIELD REGIMENT RA
Field Regiment. War Establishment II/190B/1. December 1943
Field Battery, Self Propelled, 105mm. War Establishment II/189/1. August 1943.
Field Regiment SP 25pdr RAM. War Establishment II/190A/2. May 1944
Field Regiment SP 25pdr RAM. War Establishment XIV/540/1. March 1945.
FIELD REGIMENT RA
War Establishment II/190B/1. December 1943
Note: This establishment table covers field regiments in both infantry divisions and armoured divisions. Previously there were two separate tables.
In early 1945 additional vehicles were authorised as follows
Regimental Headquarters
1 X jeep added to give the Commanding Officer greater mobility
Each battery Headquarters
1 X jeep added for the Battery Commander to carry additional Observation Post staff and wireless.
1 X 15cwt for additional signallers
Each troop
1 X jeep added for the Troop Commander to carry additional Observation Post staff and wireless.
If the Field Artillery Regiment was operating with an armoured brigade or a tank brigade it could draw on the pool of eight Observation Post tanks held at Brigade Headquarters. These were for the use of Commanding officers and observers as required. They were tanks of the type used by the brigade. Drivers were RAC and the main armament was retained although ammunition stowage was reduced to make more space for extra wireless sets, mapboards etc.
Personnel
Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
Major, Second in Command
3 X Major, Battery Commanders
Captain, Adjutant
9 X Captain
20 X subaltern
Quartermaster
Regimental Serjeant Major
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
9 X Battery Serjeant Major
3 X battery quartermaster serjeant
duty serjeant
3 X signalling serjeant
survey serjeant
24 X serjeant, No 1 of guns
15 X lance serjeant
48 X bombardier
33 X lance bombardier
325 X gunners
150 X Tradesman (see below)
Total 656
Plus attached
Medical Officer RAMC
armourer serjeant REME
4 X officers mess cooks ACC
3 X corporal cook ACC
14 X cook ACC
Total 673
Tradesmen
7 X Artificer RA or gun fitter
8 X battery surveyor
serjeant clerk, RA clerks section
9 X clerk
42 X driver mechanic
3 X driver mechanic AFV
54 X driver operator
3 X equipment repairer
5 X technical storeman (including a serjeant at regimental headquarters)
18 X vehicle mechanics
Non tradesmen
15 X ammunition numbers
35 X batman
2 X batman driver
butchery dutyman
12 X command post officer’s assistants
90 X driver IC
120 X gun number
12 X gun position officer’s assistants
28 X lmg numbers
medical officers orderly
12 X motor cycle orderly
9 X observation post assistants
4 X sanitary dutyman
72 X signaller
4 X storeman
4 X water dutyman
26 X motorcycle
2 X car 4seater 4 X 4
17 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
17 X 15cwt truck GS
1 X 15cwt truck office
1 X 15cwt truck personnel
21 X 15cwt truck FFW
4 X 15cwt truck water
24 X lorry 3ton 4 X 4
36 X field artillery tractor
6 X armoured observation post
3 X tank observation post
48 X trailer, artillery (ammunition limbers)
8 X travelling platforms for 20mm guns
24 X 25pdr.
ORGANISATION
Motorcycle 1
survey serjeant
Motorcycle 2
battery surveyor
Motorcycle 3
commanding officers orderly
Motorcycle 4
second in commands orderly
Motorcycle 5
adjutants orderly
4 seater car 4 X 4
Commanding Officer, subaltern, driver IC
4 seater car 4 X 4
Second in Command, driver IC
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 1
Medical Officer, batman driver
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 2
Subaltern (survey officer), battery surveyor
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 3
2 X battery surveyor
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 4
2 X battery surveyor
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 5
Quartermaster, batman driver
15cwt truck GS 1
2 X battery surveyor
Carries survey stores
15cwt truck GS 2
medical officers orderly, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
15cwt truck Office
Regimental Serjeant Major, 2 X clerks, driver IC
15cwt truck personnel
Adjutant, serjeant clerk, duty serjeant, 2 X lmg numbers, vehicle mechanic, driver IC
Carries 2 X Bren gun
15cwt truck water
water dutyman, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1
cook, 5 X batman, butchery dutyman, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC
Carries cooking sets, and rations
Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, storeman, clerk, 2 X cook, driver IC
Carries Quartermaster stores.
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 3
2 X vehicle mechanic, serjeant technical storeman, technical storeman, artificer RA, serjeant armourer REME, driver IC
Carries MT stores and petrol
Travelling platforms 1 and 2
The Batteries (X3)
Each of the three batteries was identical and organised as follows.
Command
Motorcycle 1
signalling serjeant
Motorcycle 2
orderly
Motorcycle 3
orderly
Motorcycle 4
orderly
Motorcycle 5
command post officers assistant
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 1
Battery Serjeant Major, vehicle mechanic
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 2
Batman, driver IC
15cwt truck FFW 1
Command Post Officer, 2 X command post officer’s assistant, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set
Carries Command Post Officers stores
15cwt truck FFW 2
Captain, 2 X driver operator, signaller, observation post assistant
Carries Wireless set
15cwt truck FFW 1
Assistant Command Post Officer, command post officer’s assistant, clerk, driver IC
Carries Assistant Command Post Officers Stores
Either Light Tank Observation Post (Infantry Division only)
Major, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 2 X Wireless set
Or Carrier Armoured Observation Post (Armoured Division only)
Major, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 3 X Wireless set
Administration
15cwt truck water
water dutyman, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1
5 X ammunition number, driver IC
Carried 184 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2
3 X batman, driver IC
Carried 184 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 3
vehicle mechanic, sanitary dutyman, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC.
Carries 112 rounds of ammunition plus camouflage stores.
Carries 2 X Bren guns and a PIAT
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 4
vehicle mechanic, driver IC
Carries petrol
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 5
battery quartermaster serjeant, clerk, storeman, driver IC
Carries quartermaster stores.
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 6
storeman (technical), equipment repairer, driver IC
Carries MT stores
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 7
corporal cook, 5 X cooks, driver IC
Carries cooking sets and rations
2 X travelling platform
Troop
Each battery has two troops
Motorcycle 1
signaller
Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Battery Serjeant Major, Artificer RA or gun fitter
15cwt truck GS 1
5 X signaller, 2 X lmg numbers, batman, driver IC
Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
15cwt truck GS 2
4 X signaller, vehicle mechanic, observation post assistant, driver IC
15cwt truck FFW 1
Subaltern (gun position officer), gun position officer’s assistant, batman, 2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set
15cwt truck FFW 2
Subaltern (troop leader), gun position officer’s assistant, batman, 2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set
Either Armoured Observation Post Carrier (Infantry Division only)
Captain, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic.
Carries 2 X Wireless set
Or Light Tank Observation Post (Armoured Division only)
Captain (troop commander) 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic.
Carries 3 X Wireless set
Section1 Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
2 X gun number 5, 2 X gun number 6, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows 2 X trailer with 64 rounds of ready ammunition
Section2 Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
2 X gun number 5, 2 X gun number 6, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows 2 X trailer with 64 rounds of ready ammunition
The above organisation applied to
3 Royal Horse Artillery 7 Armoured Division
6 Field Regiment 3 AGRA
7 Field Regiment 3 Division
25 Field Regiment 8 AGRA attached to US 7 Armoured Division 10/44
33 Field Regiment 3 Division
55 Field Regiment Guards Armoured Division
61 Field Regiment 59 Division
69 Field Regiment 49 Division
70 Field Regiment 52 Division
74 Field Regiment 50 Division to 49 Division
76 Field Regiment 3 Division
79 Field Regiment 52 Division
80 Field Regiment 52 Division
81 Field Regiment 53 Division
83 Field Regiment 53 Division
86 Field Regiment 50 Division to 5 AGRA then Guards Armoured
90 Field Regiment 50 Division to 7 AGRA
91 Field Regiment 5 Division
92 Field Regiment 5 Division
94 Field Regiment 43 Division
98 Field Regiment 5 Division to 2 Army then 1 Canadian Armoured Brigade
110 Field Regiment 59 Division to 2 Army
112 Field Regiment 43 Division
115 Field Regiment 59 Division
116 Field Regiment 59 Division to 2 Army
124 Field Regiment 50 Division
126 Field Regiment 51 Division
127 Field Regiment 51 Division
128 Field Regiment 51 Division
131 Field Regiment 15 Division
133 Field Regiment 53 Division
143 Field Regiment 49 Division
147 Field Regiment 2 Army
150 Field Regiment 4 AGRA
151 Field Regiment 11 Armoured Division
156 Field Regiment 5 Division
174 Field Regiment 2 Army
179 Field Regiment 43 Division
181 Field Regiment 15 Division
185 Field Regiment 49 Division
186 Field Regiment 52 Division
190 Field Regiment 15 Division
Notes:
Batteries were usually lettered P, Q and R. This came about because on reorganisation in the late 1930s letters below those applied to Royal Horse Artillery batteries.
Each battery contained two defence teams with Bren guns which could be mounted for Anti Aircraft defence or ground defence. Each team also had a PIAT anti tank weapon. Regimental Headquarters had two such teams.
All personnel were armed.
- Officers and RSM carried pistols
- Warrant Officers, drivers, motorcyclists and Bren gun Number 2 carried Sten guns
- Everyone else carried a rifle.
In action batteries were positioned 1000 to 2000 yards apart. Troops were positioned 200 to 400 yards apart. This was close enough to allow easy communication and ammunition supply while being sufficiently dispersed to give protection from counter battery fire.
Ammunition supply was ensured by having the following.
- each tractor carried 24 rounds plus 8 anti tank rounds for use in emergency
- each limber, two per gun, carried 32 round of ready use ammunition. One limber parked alongside the gun and was the primary source of ammunition.
- when empty the limber was replaced by the spare and towed away for refilling.
- the ammunition lorries carried a total of 480 rounds which were used to replenish the limbers. At this point the ammunition was removed from boxes and placed in ready use trays. Each tray held two shells and two charges.
- When empty the ammunition lorry was replenished by a lorry from the ammunition platoon RASC. This operated under divisional headquarters but was permanently assigned to ammunition supply.
It was a principle of ammunition supply that it should be automatically replaced as it was expended. It did not have to be indented for and unit transport did not have to go back for it.
Organisation for Manoeuvre and Deployment.
The following is from the Military Training Pamphlet.
For tactical purposes the regiment formed a number of groups which could move separately. This organisation might be changed to suit circumstances but it was considered important that there should be standard drills at all levels.
The Regimental Headquarters Party
This contained those vehicles and personnel essential to the tactical planning of the unit. If the regiment was under the orders of a brigade then the Commanding Officer (CO) would take this group forward to the Brigade Headquarters to receive his orders. He would then select a site for the regimental tactical headquarters close to Brigade Headquarters. The Commanding Officer would then establish Observation Posts and the other officers in the group would disperse to implement their part of the plan.
- The Second in Command (2ic) was responsible for the gun area and for the day to day running of the regiment. He would go to supervise the establishing of the gun positions.
- The Signal Officer would make his signal plan and then establish communications between command posts and batteries and to the observation posts. At first these would be by wireless but as soon as possible telephone lines were laid.
- The Survey Officer would carry out his survey and establish a zero line.
Z 4 seater car 4 X 4
Commanding Officer, subaltern, driver IC
S2 15cwt truck 4 X 4 Royal Signals
driver operator, operator
Carries 2 X Wireless set no19.
MC1 Motorcycle
commanding officers orderly.
S1 5cwt car 4 X 4 Royal Signals
Signal Officer, batman driver
* Motorcycle Royal Signals
Despatch rider
Z2 4 seater car 4 X 4
Second in Command, operator Royal Signals, driver IC
Carries Wireless set No22
MC2 motorcycle
second in commands orderly
SUR1 5cwt car 4 X 4
Survey Officer, battery surveyor.
Note:
- Orderlies were gunners attached to senior officers as messengers. Despatch riders were Royal Signals.
- Drivers IC were gunners trained to drive Internal Combustion engines. It was necessary originally to distinguish these from the large numbers of horse drivers that existed pre war.
- Batmen were officers servants. Senior officers had their own batman who might be a batman driver trained to drive small vehicles such as jeeps and staff cars. Junior officers shared batmen.
- Battery surveyors were gunners trained to use the survey equipment within the regiment. They were so called to distinguish them from surveyor which was the basic rank for private soldiers in the Royal Artillery Survey Regiments and from other specialist surveyors.
The Adjutants Party
The Adjutant was the regimental staff officer and was responsible for the Regimental Headquarters. He would be selecting a site for the regimental command post while the Commanding Officer was at Brigade Headquarters. It was a matter of policy that the command post be in the forward area.
A1 15cwt truck
Adjutant, serjeant clerk, duty serjeant, 2 X lmg numbers, vehicle mechanic,
driver IC
Carried 2 X Bren gun and a PIAT for local defence.
MC3 Motorcycle
adjutants orderly
S3 15cwt truck 4 X 4 Royal Signals
corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
Carried Wireless sets No 19 and No 19 HP
* Motorcycle Royal Signals
signal serjeant
* Motorcycle Royal Signals
despatch rider
The Survey Party.
This would be called up by the Survey Officer when he had received his orders at Brigade Headquarters. A survey would be carried out before the guns arrived as it was important to know the precise location of the observation posts and gun positions to allow indirect fire to be put down.
MC4 Motorcycle
survey serjeant
MC5 Motorcycle
battery surveyor
SUR2 5 cwt car 4 X 4
2 X battery surveyor
SUR3 5cwt car 4 X 4
2 X battery surveyor
SUR4 15cwt truck
2 X battery surveyor
Carries survey stores.
The Regimental Headquarters group
This was responsible for the administration of the regiment. It would normally be kept to the rear.
A2 15cwt truck Office
Regimental Serjeant Major, 2 X clerks, driver IC
A3 5cwt car 4 X 4
Medical Officer, batman driver
A4 15cwt truck
medical officers orderly, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
Carries medical stores.
S7 15cwt truck wireless house Royal Signals
2 X operators, driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22
S4 5cwt car 4 X 4 Royal Signals
corporal linesman, 2 X linesman, driver IC
Tows 10cwt trailer
S5 3ton lorry 4 X 4 Signal Office Royal Signals
2 X corporal operators, 4 X operators, 2 X linesman, driver IC
S6 3ton lorry 4 X 4 Royal Signals
corporal electrician, instrument mechanic, operator, cook ACC, driver mechanic
S8 5cwt car 4 X 4 Royal Signals
3 X lineman
S9 5cwt car Royal Signals
despatch rider
* Motorcycle Royal Signals
despatch rider
The B Echelon
This provided supply and maintenance for regimental headquarters units. Batteries have their own B echelon vehicles and personnel but these, or a portion of them, might be placed under the command of regimental headquarters.
Q1 5cwt car 4 X 4
Quartermaster, batman driver
Q2 15cwt truck water
Water dutyman, driver IC
Q3 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
cook, 5 X batman, butchery dutyman, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC
Carries cooking sets, and rations
Carries 2 X bren guns and a PIAT for local defence.
Q4 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, storeman, clerk, 2 X cook, driver IC
Carries Quartermaster stores.
Q5 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X vehicle mechanics, serjeant storeman, storeman, artificer RA, serjeant armourer REME, driver IC
Carries MT stores and petrol
The establishment also lists two 20mm gun platforms but these were not used in NW Europe.
The Batteries.
Each of the three batteries was identical and organised as follows.
The Battery Commanders party.
This was intended to be the tactical headquarters for the battery. Having received his orders the Battery Commander would normally establish his observation post near to the headquarters of the battalion being supported. The Command Post Officer would then go to the gun position area and lay out the command posts and gun positions.
X1 Armoured Observation Post Carrier
Major, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No38
X2 5cwt car 4 X 4
observation post assistant, batman, driver
MC1 Motorcycle
battery commanders orderly
H 15cwt truck FFW
Command Post Officer, 2 X command post officers assistant, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No19
M1 15cwt truck GS
4 X signaller, driver IC
MC2 Motorcycle
command post officers assistant
MC3 Motorcycle
command post officers orderly
The Observation Party
When the battery commander had received his orders and made his plan he would call forward the Observation Party and supervise the establishment of observation posts, and communications between them and the gun positions. When the battery was in a static position the troop officer was termed Observation Post Officer, when in a more mobile situation he was termed Forward Observation Officer. In either case he could control the fire of more than just his own troop. He could routinely control the fire of the battery and regiment. If given the authority he could order an Uncle target which would employ all guns in the division, plus any gun within range.
RA Armoured Observation Post Carrier
Captain (A troop commander) 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic.
Carried Wireless set No19 and Wireless set no38.
MC4 Motorcycle
Signaller
RB Armoured Observation Post Carrier
Captain (B troop commander) 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic.
Carried Wireless set No19 and Wireless set no38.
MC5 Motorcycle
signaller
The G Party.
This was called up by the Command Post Officer and was responsible for reconnoitring the gun position and establishing command and communications. Gun Position Officers were responsible for the actual gun position for the troop.
GA 15cwt truck FFW
Gun Position Officer (A troop), subaltern, gun position officers assistant, batman, 2 X driver operator.
Carries Wireless set No19
JA 5cwt car 4 X 4
troop battery serjeant major, artificer RA
M2 15cwt truck
4 X signaller, observation post assistant, driver IC
GB 15cwt truck FFW
Gun Position Officer (B troop), subaltern, gun position officers assistant, batman, 2 X driver operator.
Carries Wireless set No19
JB 5cwt car 4 X 4
troop battery serjeant major, artificer RA
M2 15cwt truck
4 X signaller, observation post assistant, driver IC
The Battery Headquarters Party
This was the administrative headquarters and provided logistic support to the battery. The Battery captain commanded this party and established a track plan for vehicles in the battery area, chose the wagon line area where vehicles would be parked and then arranged local area defence
Y 15cwt truck FFW
Subaltern, gun position officers assistant, clerk, driver IC
MC6 Motorcycle
signaller serjeant
K1 15cwt truck FFW
Captain, 2 X driver operator
Carries wireless set No19
MC7 Motorcycle
captains orderly
K2 15cwt truck GS
4 X signaller, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC
Carries 2 X bren gun and a PIAT for local defence.
The Gun Group
This group centred around the guns and their tractors. The guns were not sent for until everything was ready. The guns should be capable of opening fire immediately on arrival. Guns were positioned and the tractors withdrawn to the wagon lines.
A troop
TLA 15cwt truck FFW
Subaltern (A troop leader), gun position officers assistant, 2 X driver operator.
Carries Wireless set No19
M4 15cwt truck GS
5 X signaller, 2 X lmg numbers, batman, driver IC
Carries 2 X Bren gun and a PIAT for local defence.
Section1 A Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer No27 with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
B Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer No27 with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
AB Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 5 and 6, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows 2 X trailer No27 with 64 rounds of ready ammunition
Section2 C Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer No27 with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
D Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer No27 with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
CD Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 5 and 6, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows 2 X trailer No27 with 64 rounds of ready ammunition
B troop
TLB 15cwt truck FFW
Subaltern (B troop leader), gun position officers assistant, 2 X driver operator.
Carries Wireless set No19
M5 15cwt truck GS
5 X signaller, 2 X lmg numbers, batman, driver IC
Carries 2 X Bren gun and a PIAT for local defence.
Section1 E Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer No27 with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
F Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer No27 with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
EF Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 5 and 6, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows 2 X trailer No27 with 64 rounds of ready ammunition
Section2 G Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer No27 with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
H Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 1 - 4, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows trailer No27 with 32 rounds of ready ammunition
Tows 25pdr gun
GH Tractor 4 X 4 Field Artillery
Gun numbers 5 and 6, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 24 rounds of ammunition plus 8 rounds anti tank
Tows 2 X trailer No27 with 64 rounds of ready ammunition
J 5cwt car 4 X 4
Battery serjeant major, vehicle mechanic.
The Ammunition Group
This normally travelled with the guns and carried a first reserve of ammunition to replenish the limbers. They were parked in the wagon lines and tractors towed full limbers up to the gun positions and returned with empty ones. In practice ammunition was often dumped at the gun position, especially if prolonged fire was expected.
Amn1 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
5 X ammunition number, driver IC
Carried 184 rounds of ammunition
Amn2 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
5 X ammunition number, driver IC
Carried 184 rounds of ammunition
Amn3 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
vehicle mechanic, sanitary dutyman, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC.
Carries 112 rounds of ammunition plus camouflage stores.
Carries 2 X Bren guns and a PIAT for local defence.
Note:
If necessary a battery could form extra observation teams from gun position personnel.
The B echelon
This was responsible for administration and supply in the battery. It was normally kept under the control of regimental headquarters and vehicles sent forward as required.
Q1 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
battery quartermaster serjeant, clerk, storeman, driver IC
Carries quartermaster stores.
Q2 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
storeman (technical), equipment repairer, electrician Royal Signals, driver IC
Carries MT stores and charging set.
Q3 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
vehicle mechanic, driver IC
Q4 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
corporal cook, 5 X cooks, driver IC
Carries cooking sets and rations
Q5 15cwt truck water
water dutyman, driver IC
The Light Aid Detachment REME
This was normally to be found with the regimental B echelon.
LAD1 Car 4 seater 4 X 2
WO Class I armament artificer, serjeant vehicle mechanic
LAD2 Motorcycle
storeman
LAD3 3ton lorry 4 X 4 stores
storeman, fitter, driver mechanic
Carries MT stores
This lorry was usually an Albion fitted with bins and wire mesh security screens
LAD 4 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
electrician, welder, fitter, driver mechanic
Carries tools and personal baggage.
LAD5 3ton lorry 6 X 4 breakdown
fitter, driver mechanic
This was usually an Austin K6 but there were earlier 6 X 4 still in use. Some units had CMP 4 X 4 wreckers
A note on the RAF Meteorological section.
This section provided meteorological information which was required by field artillery in order to correct the range and bearing when firing. Wind strength and direction obviously affected the flight of shells and these winds varied at different altitudes. Air temperature and barometric pressure also affected the flight of the shells and could also affect the performance of the propellant. The RAF section received information from higher formations but was also equipped to take local readings. Barometric pressure, temperature and wind direction and strength at ground level required only basic instruments. Wind direction and strength at different altitudes was measured by releasing balloons and tracking them with theodolites. This was done at higher formations such as AGRA or Survey Regiment. Later in the campaign balloons could be tracked by redundant anti aircraft radars.
Information was sent out regularly by telegram to batteries. In NW Europe there were not the dramatic changes of climate found in some theatres but data was updated regularly, every four hours if it was thought necessary. The information was not sent as raw data but in a user friendly form which could be used in conjunction with tables to work out deviations in range and bearing for the guns.
- pressure was given in clear thus 3060 = 30.60 inches
- temperature and pressure were sent as data relating to the time of flight and were sent in two groups thus
1535 2130 = time of flight 15 seconds, mean temperature 35 degrees, wind speed 21 feet per second, wind direction 230 degrees. This information was sufficient to form a basis for using tables. Thus if the time of flight was not 15 seconds the tables gave the adjustments.
The RAF Meteorological section vehicle and driver were supplied by the Field Regiment.
RAF personnel in NW Europe should have worn army khaki battledress with RAF badges. They usually kept their own headwear. In practice many RAF personnel wore RAF battledress.
MARKINGS
The Royal Artillery had a very comprehensive system of tactical signs which were virtually unchanged throughout the war. The list of vehicles under Organisation for Manoeuvre gives the letter and numbers generally assigned to each vehicle. These numbers and letters were shown in white on the vehicles tactical sign. These signs were squares, generally half the size of the Arm of Service sign and generally displayed above the top right hand corner of the Arm of Service Sign. Some were displayed elsewhere on the vehicles front and rear.
- Regimental headquarters used a square divided red over blue as for the Arm of Service sign
- P Battery had a blue square with the top right hand quarter in red.
- Q Battery had a blue square with the bottom right hand corner in red
- R Battery had a blue square with the bottom left hand corner in red.
The letters and numbers could be placed in various styles but were consistent throughout a regiment
- some units placed then centrally
- some units placed them only in the blue portion
- some units placed them with the number underneath the letter
- at least one unit placed them only on the red part.
The combination of battery square with letters and numbers ensured that every vehicle in the regiment could be identified.
The Arm of Service sign was carried by all vehicles, usually on the offside. They were red over blue for artillery.
The senior field regiment in an infantry division carried number 42 in white
The second field regiment in an infantry division carried number 43 in white
The third field regiment in an infantry division carried number 44 in white.
Commander Royal Artillery and his staff carried number 40 in white.
The attached Royal Signals usually carried blue and white signals Arm of Service square with the number of the artillery regiment in red. A Royal Artillery tactical sign was usually carried by signals vehicles and these were red over blue with letters/numbers S1 to S9. Some units had a blue and white tactical sign with the letters/numbers in red.
The attached REME LAD usually carried a REME blue/yellow/red Arm of Service square with the artillery regiments number in white. A red over blue artillery tactical sign with the numbers/letters LAD1 etc. was usually carried but some had the tactical sign in REME colours.
FIELD BATTERY, SELF PROPELLED.
War Establishment II/189/1. August 1943.
There were a number of Field Regiments RA which had batteries equipped with self propelled guns for the D Day landings. Field Regiments of 3rd and 50th Divisions, which were assault divisions, had one or more towed batteries equipped with Priest 105mm self propelled guns. This was because, in order to keep the landing beaches clear, only tracked vehicles were allowed to land in the first eight hours of D Day. Also towed artillery would have been very vulnerable on the beaches. The self propelled guns remained in service until a lull in the fighting allowed them to be replaced by towed 25pdr guns.
The organisation varied from that of a self propelled regiment with Sexton 25pdrs in many small ways but the main differences were
- the gun was the US built 105mm Priest
- the Priest carried only 69 rounds of ammunition and thus required more 3ton 4 X 4 ammunition lorries.
- the regiment did not use trailers and thus required more 3ton lorries in the B echelon
- the Priest carried a gun crew of five and thus there was no ammunition number on the ammunition halftrack.
Personnel
Major
3 X Captain
6 X Subaltern
3 X Battery Serjeant Majors
battery quartermaster serjeant
signalling serjeant
8 X serjeant No1 of guns
20 X bombardiers
108 X gunner
corporal electrician REME
officer’s mess cook ACC
corporal cook ACC
4 X cook ACC
Total 210
Tradesmen
Artificer RA or gun fitter
2 X clerk
23 X driver mechanic
18 X driver operator
equipment repairer
4 X vehicle mechanics
technical storeman
Non tradesman
5 X ammunition number
10 X batman
4 X command post officer’s assistants
24 X driver IC
40 X gun number
4 X gun position officer’s assistants
8 X lmg number
3 X motorcycle orderlies
observation post assistant
sanitary dutyman
24 X signaller
storeman
water dutyman
Transport
13 X motorcycle
1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X 15cwt truck GS
2 X 15cwt truck personnel
3 X 15cwt truck fitted for wireless
1 X 15cwt truck water
6 X 15cwt halftracked
12 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
6 X armoured observation post
4 X tank observation post
1 X carrier starting and charging
8 X self propelled 105mm
2 X travelling platform for 20mm gun
Organisation
Command
Motorcycle 1
Battery Serjeant Major
Motorcycle 2
signalling serjeant
Motorcycle 3
orderly
Motorcycle 4
orderly
Motorcycle 5
orderly
Motorcycle 6
command post officers assistant
Car 5cwt 4 X 4
batman, driver IC
Battery Commanders car
15cwt truck GS
2 X lmg numbers, clerk, command post officer’s assistant, driver IC
Carries a Bren lmg and a PIAT
15cwt truck FFW
Captain, signaller, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set
Armoured Observation Post 1
Major, observation post assistant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 2 X Wireless set
Armoured Observation Post 2
Subaltern (Command Post Officer), command post officer’s assistant,
driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set
Carries Command Post Officers stores
Armoured Observation Post 3
Subaltern (Assistant Command Post Officer), command post officer’s assistant, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries Command Post Officer’s Stores
Armoured Observation Post 4
2 X signaller, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carrier, tracked, starting and charging
corporal electrician REME, driver mechanic, driver IC
The war establishment table states that the Carrier tracked and starting towed two travelling platforms for 20mm guns.
Administration
Motorcycle 7
vehicle mechanic
15cwt truck water
water dutyman, driver IC
15cwt halftracked 1
ammunition number, driver mechanic
Carries 44 rounds of ammunition
15cwt halftracked 2
ammunition number, driver mechanic
Carries 44 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1
ammunition number, gun number, driver IC
Carries 94 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2
ammunition number, gun number, driver IC
Carries 94 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 3
ammunition number, 2 X gun number, driver IC
Carries 93 rounds of ammunition and camouflage stores
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 4
2 X gun numbers, driver IC
Carries 93 rounds of ammunition and camouflage stores
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 5
gun number, driver IC
Carries 93 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 6
gun number, driver IC
Carries 93 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 7
gun fitter, 4 X signaller, 2 X batman, driver IC
Carries petrol
Carries a Bren lmg
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 8
2 X lmg numbers, 3 X signaller, batman, driver IC
Carries fuel for SP mountings
Carries a Bren lmg
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 9
2 X lmg numbers, 4 X signallers, vehicle mechanic, driver IC
Carries fuel for SP mountings
Carries a Bren lmg
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS10
battery quartermaster serjeant, clerk, storeman, 2 X batman, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
Carries Q stores
Carries a Bren lmg
3 ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 11
technical storeman, equipment repairer, 4 X batman, driver IC
Carries MT stores
Carries a Bren lmg
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 12
2 X lmg numbers, corporal cook, 5 X cook, driver IC
Carries cooking sets and rations
Carries a Bren lmg and a PIAT
Troop X 2
Motorcycle 1
Battery Serjeant Major
Motorcycle 2
signaller
Motorcycle 3
vehicle mechanic
15cwt truck personnel
2 X signaler, driver IC.
15cwt truck FFW
Subaltern, gun position officer’s assistant, driver operator, driver IC
Carries a wireless set
Carries a PIAT
Armoured Observation Post
2 X signaller, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries signaling stores
Tank Observation Post 1
Captain, observation post assistant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 3 X wireless set
Tank Observation Post 2
Subaltern (Gun Position Officer), gun position officer’s assistant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 3 X wireless set
Section 1
15cwt truck halftrack
driver mechanic
Carries 44 rounds of ammunition
Self Propelled 105mm Gun 1
serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 60 rounds of ammunition plus 12 rounds HEAT
Carries a wireless set
Self Propelled 105mm Gun 2
serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 60 rounds of ammunition plus 12 rounds HEAT
Carries a wireless set
Section 2
15cwt truck halftrack
driver mechanic
Carries 44 rounds of ammunition
Self Propelled 105mm Gun 1
serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 60 rounds of ammunition plus 12 rounds HEAT
Carries a wireless set
Self Propelled 105mm Gun 2
serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 60 rounds of ammunition plus 12 rounds HEAT
Carries a wireless set
Note: The following armoured observation posts will not be fitted with wireless
Armoured Observation Post 3 at battery headquarters
Armoured Observation Post 4 at battery headquarters
Armoured Observation Post 1 at each troop headquarters
Organisation for Movement and Manoeuvre
Battery Commanders Party
X1 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
Major, observation post assistant, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19HP
X2 5cwt car 4 X 4
command post assistant, batman, driver IC
MC1 Motorcycle
battery commanders orderly
H 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
Command Post Officer, 2 X command post officer’s assistant, 2 X river operator
Carries Wireless set No19
M1 15cwt truck GS
4 X signaller, driver IC
MC2 Motorcycle
command post officer’s assistant
MC3 Motorcycle
command post officer’s orderly
The Observation Party
The officers could function as Observation Post officer when static, or more likely in this type of unit they could function as Forward Observation officers, moving with the headquarters of the armoured unit being supported.
RA Tank Observation Post
Captain (A troop commander) observation post assistant, driver operator,
driver mechanic
Carried Wireless set No19 and Wireless set no38.
MC4 Motorcycle
signaller
RB Tank Observation Post
Captain (B troop commander), observation post assistant, driver operator,
driver mechanic
Carried Wireless set No19 and Wireless set no38.
MC5 Motorcycle
signaller
The G Party
This was called up by the Command Post Officer and was responsible for reconnoitring the gun position and establishing command and communications. Gun Position Officers were responsible for the actual gun position for the troop.
GA Tank Observation Post
Gun Position Officer (A troop), Subaltern, gun position officer’s assistant, driver
operator, driver mechanic
Carries 2 X Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No38
JA 5cwt car 4 X 4
troop battery serjeant major, driver IC
M2 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
4 X signaller, vehicle mechanic, batman, driver IC
GB Tank Observation Post
Gun Position Officer (B troop), Subaltern, gun position officer’s assistant, driver
operator, driver mechanic
Carries 2 X Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No38
JB 5cwt car 4 X 4
troop battery serjeant major, driver IC
M2 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
4 X signaller, vehicle mechanic, batman, driver IC
Battery Headquarters Party
This was the administrative headquarters and provided logistic support to the battery.
Y 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
Subaltern, command post officer’s assistant, batman, driver IC
MC6 Motorcycle
signaller serjeant
K1 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
Captain, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set No19
MC7 Motorcycle
captain’s orderly
K2 15cwt truck GS
command post officer’s assistant, clerk, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC
Carries 2 X Bren lmg
M4 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
4 X signaller, driver IC
The Gun Group
A Troop
TLA 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
Subaltern (A troop leader), gun position officers assistant, batman,
2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 19
M5 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
5 X signaller, artificer RA, driver IC
Section A A Self Propelled gun mount Priest 105mm
gun numbers 1 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 69 rounds of ammunition
Carries a Wireless set No19
B Self Propelled gun mount Priest 105mm
gun numbers 1 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 69 rounds of ammunition
Carries a Wireless set No19
AB 15cwt truck, halftrack
driver mechanic
Carries 44 rounds
Section A C Self Propelled gun mount Priest 105mm
gun numbers 1 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 69 rounds of ammunition
Carries a Wireless set No19
D Self Propelled gun mount Priest 105mm
gun numbers 1 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 69 rounds of ammunition
Carries a Wireless set No19
CD 15cwt truck, halftrack
driver mechanic
Carries 44 rounds
B Troop
TLB 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
Subaltern (B troop leader), gun position officers assistant, batman,
2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 19
M5 15cwt truck, halftrack, FFW
5 X signaller, artificer RA, driver IC
Section A A Self Propelled gun mount Priest 105mm
gun numbers 1 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 69 rounds of ammunition
Carries a Wireless set No19
B Self Propelled gun mount Priest 105mm
gun numbers 1 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 69 rounds of ammunition
Carries a Wireless set No19
AB 15cwt truck, halftrack
driver mechanic
Carries 44 rounds
Section A C Self Propelled gun mount Priest 105mm
gun numbers 1 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 69 rounds of ammunition
Carries a Wireless set No19
D Self Propelled gun mount Priest 105mm
gun numbers 1 to 5, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 69 rounds of ammunition
Carries a Wireless set No19
CD 15cwt truck, halftrack
driver mechanic
Carries 44 rounds
MC8 Motorcycle
Battery Serjeant Major
Carrier, Tracked, Starting and Charging
corporal electrician REME, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic, driver IC
Ammunition Group
This normally travelled with the guns and carried a first reserve of ammunition.
Amn1 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
3 X ammunition number, driver IC
Carried 152 rounds of ammunition
Amn2 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
3 X ammunition number, driver IC
Carried 152 rounds of ammunition
Amn3 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X ammunition number, driver IC
Carried 152 rounds of ammunition
Amn4 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X ammunition number, driver IC
Carried 152 rounds of ammunition
Amn5 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X ammunition number, driver IC
Carried 152 rounds of ammunition
B Echelon
This was responsible for administration and supply in the squadron. It was normally kept under regimental control and vehicles sent forward as required.
Q1 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
battery quartermaster serjeant, clerk, storeman, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
Carries quartermaster stores
Q2 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
storeman (technical), equipment repairer, 3 X batman, driver IC
Carries MT stores
Q3 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
vehicle mechanic, batman, driver IC
Carries petrol
Q4 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X lmg numbers, batman, driver IC
Carries petrol
Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
Q5 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X lmg number, driver IC
Carries petrol
Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
Q6 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
corporal cook, 5 X cook, driver IC
Carries cooking sets and rations
Q7 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X lmg number, driver IC
Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
Q8 15cwt water truck
waterdutyman, driver IC
MC9 Motorcycle
vehicle mechanic
FIELD REGIMENT SP 25pdr RAM.
War Establishment II/190A/2. May 1944
Total personnel
Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
Major, Second in Command
3 X Major, Battery Commanders
Captain, Adjutant
Captain, Technical Officer
9 X Captain
20 X subaltern
Quartermaster
Regimental Serjeant Major
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
9 X Battery Serjeant Major
3 X battery quartermaster serjeant
duty serjeant
3 X signalling serjeant
survey serjeant
24 X serjeant, No 1 of guns
15 X lance serjeant
48 X bombardier
33 X lance bombardier
271 X gunners
Total 620
Plus attached
Medical Officer RAMC
armourer serjeant REME
3 X corporal electrician REME
4 X officers mess cooks ACC
3 X corporal cook ACC
14 X cook ACC
Total 646
Tradesmen
6 X Artificer RA or gun fitter
8 X battery surveyor
serjeant clerk, RA clerks section
9 X clerk
15 X driver mechanic
37 X driver mechanic AFV
66 X driver operator
3 X equipment repairer
5 X technical storeman (including staff serjeant)
17 X vehicle mechanics
Non tradesmen
30 X ammunition numbers
36 X batman
2 X batman driver
butchery dutyman
12 X command post officer’s assistants
72 X driver IC
72 X gun number
12 X gun position officer’s assistants
28 X lmg numbers
medical officers orderly
12 X motor cycle orderly
10 X observation post assistants
4 X sanitary dutyman
72 X signaller
4 X storeman
4 X water dutyman
32 X motorcycle
1 X car 4seater 4 X 4
14 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
6 X 15cwt truck GS
1 X 15cwt truck office
1 X 15cwt truck personnel
4 X 15cwt truck water
34 X 15cwt halftrack FFW
12 X 15cwt half track with winch
28 X lorry 3ton 4 X 4
13 X tank observation post
3 X carrier, tracked, starting and charging
15 X 1ton 2 wheeled GS trailer
24 X 25pdr SP mountings
24 X Bren lmg
13 X PIAT
9 X signal pistol
In March 1945 a new establishment was issued. This kept the same total number of personnel but with some reorganisation. Additional vehicles were also authorised. See below.
There exists a photograph, a still from a newsreel, showing Sextons in Normandy being re ammunitioned from an AEC Matador Armoured Ammunition Carrier. The unit is not known but these were rare birds and no other such photo is known at this time.
ORGANISATION
Motorcycle 1
survey serjeant
Motorcycle 2
battery surveyor
Motorcycle 3
orderly
Motorcycle 4
orderly
Motorcycle 5
orderly
4 seater car 4 X 4
Major or Technical Officer, Intelligence Officer, driver IC
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 1
Subaltern (survey officer), battery surveyor
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 2
2 X battery surveyor
Car 5cwt 4 X 2 3
2 X battery surveyor
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 4
Quartermaster, batman driver
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 5
Medical Officer, batman driver
15cwt truck GS 1
2X battery surveyor
Carries survey stores
15cwt truck GS 2
medical officers orderly, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
Carries medical stores.
15cwt truck GS 3
duty serjeant, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC
Carries 2 X Bren lmg
15cwt truck Office
Regimental Serjeant Major, 2 X clerks, batman, driver IC
Carries office equipment
15cwt truck personnel
Adjutant, serjeant clerk, batman, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC
Carries a Bren lmg and a PIAT
15cwt truck water
water dutyman, driver IC
15cwt truck halftracked FFW
Technical Officer or Major Second in Command, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1
cook, 4 X batman, driver IC
Carries cooking sets, and rations
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2
2 X cook, butchery dutyman, driver IC
Carries cooking sets and rations
Tows a trailer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 3
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, storeman, vehicle mechanic, driver IC
Carries Quartermaster stores.
Tows a trailer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 4
staff serjeant technical storeman, technical storeman, serjeant armourer REME, driver IC
Tows a trailer
Tank Observation Post
Lieutenant Colonel, observation post assistant, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 3 X Wireless set
The Batteries (X3)
Each of the three batteries was identical and organised as follows.
Command
Motorcycle 1
Battery Serjeant Major
Motorcycle 2
signalling serjeant
Motorcycle 3
orderly
Motorcycle 4
orderly
Motorcycle 5
orderly
Motorcycle 6
command post officers assistant
Car 5cwt 4 X 4
command post officers assistant, batman, driver IC
Battery Commanders car
15cwt truck GS
2 X lmg numbers, clerk, command post officer’s assistant, driver IC
Carries a Bren lmg and a PIAT
15cwt truck halftrack FFW 1
Captain, 2 X driver operator
Carries Wireless set
15cwt truck halftrack FFW 2
Major, observation post assistant, 2 X driver operator
Carries 2 X Wireless set
15cwt truck halftrack FFW 3
Subaltern (Command Post Officer), command post officer’s assistant,
2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set
Carries Command Post Officers stores
15cwt truck halftrack FFW 4
Subaltern (Assistant Command Post Officer), command post officer’s assistant, driver IC
Carries Command Post Officer’s Stores
15cwt truck halftrack FFW 5
4 X signaller, driver IC
Carrier, tracked, starting and charging
corporal electrician REME, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic, driver IC
Administration
Motorcycle 7
vehicle mechanic
15cwt truck water
water dutyman, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1
3 X ammunition number, driver IC
Carried 152 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2
3 X ammunition number, gun number, driver IC
Carried 152 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 3
vehicle mechanic, batman, driver IC
Carried petrol
Tows a trailer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 4
2 X lmg number, batman, driver IC
Carried petrol
Carries 2 X lmg
Tows a trailer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 5
2 X lmg number, driver IC
Carried petrol
Carries 2 X lmg
Tows a trailer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 6
battery quartermaster serjeant, clerk, storeman, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
Carried Q stores
Tows a trailer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 7
technical storeman, equipment repairer, 3 X batman, driver IC
Carried MT stores
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 8
2 X lmg numbers, corporal cook, 5 X cook, driver IC
Carries cooking set and rations
Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
Troop
Each battery has two troops
Motorcycle 1
signaller
Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Battery Serjeant Major, driver IC
15cwt truck halftrack FFW 1
5 X signaller, artificer or gun fitter, driver IC.
15cwt truck halftrack FFW 2
Subaltern, gun position officer’s assistant, 2 X driver operator
Carries a wireless set
Carries a PIAT
15cwt truck halftrack FFW 3
4 X signaller, vehicle mechanic, batman, driver IC
Carries signalling stores
Tank Observation Post 1
Captain, observation post assistant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 3 X wireless set
Tank Observation Post 2
Subaltern (Gun Position Officer), gun position officer’s assistant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 3 X wireless set
Section 1
15cwt truck halftrack fitted with winch
ammunition number, driver mechanic
Carries 64 rounds of ammunition
Self Propelled 25pdr gun 1
serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 4, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 102 rounds of ammunition
Carries a wireless set
Self Propelled 25pdr gun 2
serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 4, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 102 rounds of ammunition
Carries a wireless set
Section 2
15cwt truck halftrack fitted with winch
ammunition number, driver mechanic
Carries 64 rounds of ammunition
Self Propelled 25pdr gun 1
serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 4, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 102 rounds of ammunition
Carries a wireless set
Self Propelled 25pdr gun 2
serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 4, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 102 rounds of ammunition
Carries a wireless set
FIELD REGIMENT SP 25pdr RAM.
War Establishment XIV/540/1. March 1945.
Total personnel
Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
Major, Second in Command
3 X Major, Battery Commanders
Captain, Adjutant
Captain, Technical Officer
9 X Captain
20 X subaltern
Quartermaster
Regimental Serjeant Major
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
9 X Battery Serjeant Major
3 X battery quartermaster serjeant
duty serjeant
3 X signalling serjeant
survey serjeant
24 X serjeant, No 1 of guns
15 X lance serjeant
47 X bombardier
33 X lance bombardier
188 X gunners
Plus attached
Medical Officer RAMC
armourer serjeant REME
3 X corporal electrician REME
4 X officers mess cooks ACC
3 X corporal cook ACC
14 X cook ACC
Total 646
Tradesmen
6 X Artificer RA or gun fitter
8 X battery surveyor
serjeant clerk, RA clerks section
9 X clerk
32 X driver mechanic
40 X driver mechanic AFV
54 X driver operator
3 X equipment repairer
5 X technical storeman (including staff serjeant)
34 X technical assistant
17 X vehicle mechanics
Non tradesmen
24 X ammunition numbers
36 X batman
2 X batman driver
butchery dutyman
72 X driver IC
24 X gun number
28 X lmg numbers
medical officers orderly
12 X motor cycle orderly
4 X sanitary dutyman
72 X signaller
4 X storeman
4 X water dutyman
44 X motorcycle
1 X car 4seater 4 X 4
9 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
10 X 15cwt 4 X 4 truck GS
1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 truck office
9 X 15cwt 4 X 4 truck FFW
4 X 15cwt 4 x 4 truck water
3 X 15cwt halftrack FFW
9 X 15cwt half track with winch
28 X lorry 3ton 4 X 4
1 X scout car
16 X armoured observation post
10 X tank observation post
6 X GPO vehicle, tracked
3 X carrier, tracked, starting and charging
15 X 1ton 2 wheeled GS trailer
24 X 25pdr SP mountings
24 X Bren lmg
13 X PIAT
9 X signal pistol
This establishment table does not give details of the organisation. It was much as for the previous establishment with the following notable exceptions.
- Gun Position Officers now had a GPO vehicle, Tracked, which was a Sexton without a gun.
- There were 16 Armoured Observation Post Carriers. These did not carry wireless as standard but were provided to carry the increasing amount of equipment required by Observation Posts, and to provide a vehicle for the Forward Observation Officer to use in establishing a forward position, linked to the Observation Post Tank by line or manpack wireless. The AOP Carriers were allotted as follows
- One at Regimental Headquarters
- Three at each battery headquarters (one with wireless)
- One for each troop
- 15cwt Halftracks with winch were reduced to two per troop instead of one per section.
- Many 15cwt Halftrack FFW were replaced by 15cwt 4 X 4 FFW.
The following shows only the armoured vehicles
Regimental Headquarters
Armoured Observation Post, Carrier
driver mechanic
Tank Observation Post
Lieutenant Colonel, observation post assistant, driver mechanic, driver IC
Carries 3 X Wireless set
Troop
Armoured Observation Post
driver mechanic
Tank Observation Post 1
Captain, observation post assistant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries 3 X wireless set
Gun Position Officers Vehicle, Tracked
Subaltern (Gun Position Officer), gun position officer’s assistant, driver operator,
driver mechanic
Carries 3 X wireless set
Section 1
Self Propelled 25pdr gun 1
serjeant, gun number, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator,
driver mechanic
Carries 102 rounds of ammunition
Carries a wireless set
Self Propelled 25pdr gun 2
serjeant, gun number, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator,
driver mechanic
Carries 102 rounds of ammunition
Carries a wireless set
Section 2
Self Propelled 25pdr gun 1
serjeant, gun number, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator,
driver mechanic
Carries 102 rounds of ammunition
Carries a wireless set
Self Propelled 25pdr gun 2
serjeant, gun number, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator,
driver mechanic
Carries 102 rounds of ammunition
Carries a wireless set
MOUNTAIN REGIMENT
Headquarters Mountain Regiment. War Establishment III/234/1. April 1943.
Mountain Battery. War Establishment III/235/1. April 1943
The 1st and 3rd Mountain Regiments formed the artillery component of the 52nd Lowland Division. This was designated and trained as a mountain division. In 1943/44 it was being held in Scotland for a long planned for, but never to happen, landing in Norway.
Because of its light establishment the 52nd Division was deemed to be air portable and held for possible operations with Airborne Forces. Again it did not serve in this role.
1st Mountain Regiment did go overseas to NW Europe with 52nd Division in October 1944. However it did not take its mules but was issued jeeps and other vehicles on a similar basis to that of an Airlanding Light Regiment. In November the Mountain Regiment supported the operations to clear the Scheldt Estuary. In March 1945 the Mountain Regiment (aka 1st Light Regiment) left 52 Division to support the Commando Brigade in the Rhine Crossing.
This War Establishment applies to the two regiments in the UK in 1943
The reference for the Headquarters of a Mountain Regiment RA is War Establishment III/234/1 with an effective date of 30th April 1943.
The reference for a Mountain Battery RA is War Establishment III/235/1.
These two establishments superseded War Establishment III/22L/2
Headquarters of a Mountain Regiment and Ammunition Column
War Establishment III/234/1 April 1943
Regimental Headquarters
Personnel
Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
Major, second in command
Captain, Adjutant
Regimental Serjeant Major
serjeant clerk (RA clerks section)
clerk
batman
3 X batman driver
batman groom
3 X groom
medical officers orderly
motorcycle orderly
orderly
Attached
Chaplain RAChD
Medical Officer RAMC
corporal shoemaker RAOC
Captain, Veterinary Officer RAVC
veterinary officers batman RAVC
officer’s mess cook ACC
cook ACC
Horses
3 X horse for officers
2 X horse for grooms
1 X horse for medical officer
1 X horse for veterinary officer
Vehicles for the regiment are held centrally by the ammunition column. The following motor vehicles were intended for the use of the regimental headquarters
1 X motorcycle
1 X car 4seater 4 X 4
1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X truck 15cwt GS
Regimental Ammunition Column for two batteries
Captain
Subaltern
Battery Serjeant Major
battery quartermaster serjeant
2 X serjeant
carpenter and joiner
clerk
3 X farrier
fitter
motor mechanic
2 X saddler and harness maker
10 X ammunition number
2 X batman groom
9 X driver IC
40 X driver RA, drivers of mules
2 X spare driver RA
6 X lmg numbers
2 X pioneer
sanitary dutyman
storeman
water dutyman
attached
corporal nursing orderly RAMC
serjeant RAVC
corporal cook ACC
2 X cook ACC
Total 94
Mules
32 mules for ammunition with 16 drivers
4 relief mules with 2 drivers
8 mules for charging and batteries with 4 drivers
10 mules for cookers and containers with 5 drivers
2 mules for lmg with 2 drivers
3 mules for office with 3 drivers
1 mule for pioneers with 1 driver
3 mules for signal stores (no drivers listed)
4 mules for tradesmen’s and quartermasters stores with 2 drivers
10 mules for water with 5 drivers
Total 77 mules
Horses
2 X horse for officers
Motor Transport
3 X motorcycle
1 X car 4seater 4 X 4 for regimental commanding officer
3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X 15cwt GS for medical officer
7 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
These vehicles were held for the use of the regimental headquarters and the mountain batteries as well as for the ammunition column. Only the following were for the use of the ammunition column
2 X motorcycle
1 X 3ton 4 x 4 GS
One man will be trained as a chiropodist and one man will be trained as a shoemaker.
Regimental Ammunition Column for three batteries
Captain
Subaltern
Battery Serjeant Major
battery quartermaster serjeant
3 X serjeant
carpenter and joiner
clerk
4 X farrier
fitter
2 X motor mechanic
3 X saddler and harness maker
15 X ammunition number
2 X batman groom
14 X driver IC
59 X driver RA, drivers of mules
3 X spare driver RA
8 X lmg numbers
2 X pioneer
sanitary dutyman
storeman
water dutyman
attached
corporal nursing orderly RAMC
serjeant RAVC
corporal cook ACC
3 X cook ACC
Total 131
Mules
48 mules for ammunition with 24 drivers
6 relief mules with 3 drivers
12 mules for charging and batteries with 6 drivers
15 mules for cookers and containers with 8 drivers
3 mules for lmg with 3 drivers
4 mules for office with 2 drivers
1 mule for pioneers with 1 driver
4 mules for signal stores with 2 drivers
6 mules for tradesmen’s and quartermasters stores with 3 drivers
15 mules for water with 7 drivers
Total 114 mules
Horses
2 X horse for officers
Motor Transport
3 X motorcycle
1 X car 4seater 4 X 4 for regimental commanding officer
4 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X 15cwt GS for medical officer
11 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
These vehicles were held for the use of the regimental headquarters and the mountain batteries as well as for the ammunition column. Only the following were for the use of the ammunition column
2 X motorcycle
2 X 3ton 4 x 4 GS
One man will be trained as a chiropodist and one man will be trained as a shoemaker.
Mountain Battery
War Establishment III/235/1. April 1943
Battery Headquarters
Personnel
Major, Officer Commanding
Captain
Subaltern
Battery Serjeant Major
battery quartermaster serjeant
signalling serjeant
11 X tradesman
2 X bombardier
13 X gunner
tradesman include
artificer RA or gun fitter
2 X clerk
8 X driver operator
batman
2 X batman grooms
groom
6 X driver of mules
rangetaker
3 X signaller
storeman
Attached
corporal nursing orderly RAMC
serjeant RAVC
officers mess cook
corporal cook
5 X cook
attached from divisional signals and not included in the total
instrument mechanic
electricaian
one of which will be a corporal
Mules
Gun line
3 mules for signalling with 3 drivers
1st line
1 mule for RAMC and RAVC with 1 driver
2 mules for signalling with 2 drivers
Horses
3 horses for officers
1 horse for signalling serjeant
The motor transport in the ammunition column includes the following for the use of the battery
1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
One man per battery will be trained as a chiropodist, and one man will be trained as a shoemaker.
Troop
Personnel
Captain
Subaltern
4 X serjeant
9 X tradesman
8 X bombardier
80 X gunner
tradesmen include
carpenter and joiner
4 X driver operator
2 X farrier
2 X saddler and harness maker
2 X batman grooms
50 X driver of mules
2 X spare driver
20 X gun number
gun position officers assistant
4 X lmg number
orderly
rangetaker
5 X signaller
water dutyman
Mules
Gun line
8 mules for ammunition with 8 drivers
16 mules for guns and carriages with 16 drivers
1 mule for lmg with 1 driver
2 mules for pioneers with 2 drivers
4 X relief mules with 4 X driver
4 mules for signaling with 4 drivers
1st line
8 mules for ammunition with 8 drivers
4 bareback mules with 2 drivers
4 relief mules with 4 drivers
1 mule for stores with 1 driver
Horses
2 horses for officers
Each troop has only two 3.7” howitzers, giving a battery four 3.7” howitzers.
Each howitzer can be dismantled into eight loads.
Pack Mules
Pack Mules carried a standard pack saddle, Saddle, PA, Ammunition MkII (PA for Pack Animal). This saddle could be fitted with frames adapted to the various roles. In principle all could carry a top load and a side load on each side. Generally the heaviest component, if any, was carried on top but the important thing was that the loads should be balanced.
The howitzer could be dismantled into eight loads which, together with tools and equipment, were each carried on one pack animal. The heavy gun component was carried on top of a gun carrying frame.
Ammunition mules carried ammunition in tubes on either side of the mule. Canvas carriers were fitted to a frame.
Wireless sets were carried on a specially designed frame. The No22 set was most commonly used. The set itself was carried on the top of a frame with batteries, supply unit, aerial rods and spare valves on the side of the frame. Two further mules were required to carry a charging set with petrol and oil, spare batteries and the many components which make up a wireless station. The frames could be removed from the mule to form racks for a ground station. The set could be operated on the move.
