The Battery Diary

France with the B.E.F September 1939

JUNE and JULY 1940

JANUARY 1941

Early in January the Regiments was reorganised into three Batteries.  The Battery became the 19th FIELD BATTERY R.A. with Major Radford still in command.  The other officers were :- Capt J.S. Mac Naghten, Capt J.E Thomas, Lt C.E Dibden, 2Lts A.L. Figgis, A.R. Conan, C.E.S. MacRae, E.C. Pearson, P. Harmer and R.C Holmes.  During reorganisation four 75mm guns were handed to the new Battery.

At this time the phrase ' Troop Training ' typified the activities of the Battery, Because from the disastrous days of DUNKIRK until March 1942, when the Battery once more moved overseas we were stationed in the UK-for the most  part at CASTLE COOLE, INNISKILLEN, NORTH IRELAND.   as was only to be expected preparing as intensively as possible for that inevitable day when we would be on active service again.  through the next year the Battery was engaged on frequent occasions on shemes in support of the 17th Infantry Brigade, and 3rd Corps.  These exercises seemed to have as a cause the IRA menace in ULSTER.  Where it was considered that a GERMAN invasion of ULSTER was imminent, and which, if certain of success, would have probable support of the IRA.  To combat such a situation the exercise was carried out under the realistic conditions of gascapes, eye-shields, and imaginary mustard gas.

JANUARY 1942

In January, 1942 preparations were started for the move aboard.  the Regiment temporarily moved to ADDINGTON, SURREY, and was soon placed under orders for overseas.  Training and stocking of equipment continued without a break.  On the 12th March, the Regiment marched to KESTON for an inspection of Divisional Artillery by HIS MAJESTY THE KING.

On the 19th March the Regiment moved to LIVERPOOL and on the following day embarked on the SS  (DUCHESS OF ATHOLL)

She set sail on the 23rd.  Routine fatigues, precautions, PT and classes were carried on daily.  We arrived at FREETOWN on the 7th April, staying there for two days.  On moving south we soon found ourselves "crossing the line" and it was here, as always, that the normal routine was interrupted by the arrival of KING NEPTUNE and his Court.

The Battery later excelled itself, by winning the Ship's Tug-of-War tournament.  We arrived on the 22nd at DURBAN, where nearly all the Battery's equipment and personnel was transferred to HMS 'BACHAGUERA' together with a RE and Infantry detachment.  our final destination was COURIERS BAY, MADAGASCAR, (5th May) and after some difficulty, all equipment and men were landed on "RED BEACH".  Vain efforts were made to find the road for MANGORKY.  On being ordered to proceed to DIEGO SUAREZ, the Battery came under fire from a French Sloop, identified as the "D' ENTRECASTEAUX".  On return of fire, both 'A' and 'B' Troops scored numerous hits, causing considerable damage.  The Batteries first casualty occurred when 2Lt F.G Wigett was killed, and one driver wounded by fire from a sloop while the Battery was engaging an enemy Battery.  The enemy were engaged for thirty minutes, and prisoners were taken.  While stores were being brought up from RED BEACH to DIEGO SUAREZ, members of the Battery showed their ingenuity in salvaging and repairing a sunken motor launch, while henceforth was adopted as the Battery Launch.  This became very useful for transferring stores.

On the 12th the Battery moved to Camp DANKORIKA and linked up with the rest of the Regiment, and the Brigade , having been separated when we transferred to the HMS 'BACHAQUERA'.  The rest of the month was spent in maintenance and digging (including slit trenches on the bivouac area and in the alternative Battery area)  On the 30th May the first mail was received since leaving ENGLAND.

After having moved from our positions in Camp D'ANKORIKA on 21st July, the process of consolidation and digging was repeated in the new position of CAP DIEGO.  During the months that the Battery was stationed at MADAGASCAR little or no action can be said to have taken place.  Major A.M. INGRAM took the command of the Battery (in November), which had now left CAP DIEGO and was now in position  at TAMATAVE.  Normal routine and training were once again the Key-words of everyday life.  This was the situation over Christmas and the New Year, although the traditional festivities were given added spice by the whisper that the Regiment was once again on the move. 

February 1943   

February 1943 found the Battery in INDIA, having dis-embarked at BOMBAY.  A temporary halt was called at AHMEDMAGAR, where the whole of the month was spent in replacing and repairing all equipment damaged during the journey.  this accomplished, the whole Regiment was once again on the move in March and by the 15th was established in GAMHARIA area, camping in mixed wattle huts and tents on a small plain of paddy fields.  Two days after arrival  the unit was visited by BRA Easton Army, CCRA & CRA.  For the rest of the month, and indeed right through August, time was occupied mainly with training.  Seven-a-Side Hockey Tournament provided amusement and exercise, and there was visits to a local Circus in RANCHI, but apart from games there was little for the men to do in their spare time, and this got worse as the year progressed.  Though leave was promised, arrangements for it were constantly altered.  Health on the whole was fair, but malaria was fairly recurrent.  

The submission of War Diaries actually ceased in May 43.  On instruction from 39 INDIAN LIGHT DIVISION., with whom the Regiment was then serving, but from other sources we were able to ascertain that the Regiment remained with that Div until it was turned into a training Div in August.  A period of uncertainty followed, during which the Regiment became for 2 days a JUNGLE FIELD REGIMENT with the establishment of 2 x 37 HOWITZER BATTERIES and one MORTAR BATTERY.  This was soon cancelled and the Regiment joined 20 INDIAN DIVISION also in RANCHI area.  A period of intensive training in methods of Jungle War-f followed, combined with demonstration smoke blankets on Japanese type bunker positions, and firing for the local Platoon Comds School.  In addition there was a complete change of vehicles, which included the issue of extra Quads and Trailers.  This new establishment of vehicles made plain the interesting, if not surprising fact that only the essential personnel and stores could be carried - the remainder to walk or be dumped.

In November the Regiment moved via PAMDL to TAML, having an appalling journey over the hill road from PAMDL, which had been subjected to a heavy down poor and was not only slippery but nine inches deep in mud in parts.  The safe arrival of all guns was something of an achievement.  Moved into action on TAML-MAMMAW ROAD in BURMA.   By Christmas the Battery was generally prepared for Battle, in affiliation with the 4/10 GHURKA BATTALION

 .

JANUARY 1944   

January - the month was chiefly concerned with the attack on the JAP bunker position at KYAUKCHAW.  This was to be carried out by the 1st NORTHAMPTONS with mortars from 114 FIELD REGIMENT RA and two Batteries of 23 MORTAR REGIMENT.  Although the Battery was not directly concerned, the high ground to the south and west of the JAP positions was the responsibility of the 4/10 GHURKAS and  an OP at their patrol base was maintained and an FOO sent with a party who were to lay an ambush on the KYAUKCAW-DATHWEKYAUK Track.  Both the FOO and the OP however were concerned chiefly with passage of information,  since the Battle was not within the effective range of our guns. The attack was proceeded by Bombing which had to be put off several times due to rain and the inability of the Bombers to keep to the programme.  

The pace quickened considerably during the next month, starting with engagement of a bunker position on DATHWERYAUK KYAUKCHAW track. Captain EDWARDS took over FOO but apart from registering SOS tasks, he engaged no targets.  Meanwhile the main OP Sappers Folly was attacked by about 45 JAPS, who proceeded to dig themselves in, their fire causing casualties to the extent of 2 Bdrs killed, 1 Bdr and 26 Gnrs wounded.  Infantry were not offensive and would only allow mortars to fire for the first few days.  When finally the OPO was allowed to call on 25pdrs, he engaged three close targets and harressed the JAPS day and night, with fire that what was so effective, that the cries of the wounded were often heard and many blood patches and bandages were later found, after the JAPS had packed up and moved away, leaving 17 dead behind.  The OPO Capt JOHNSON-FERGUSON thank the Battery for their hard work and accuracy of laying when a switch of 30 minutes at 10,000x would mean rounds landing on the OP.  The GHURKAS said that our fire was magnificent, and the following extract is taken from aletter recieved by the OC from the Commanding Officer:-

" I would like the following paragraph from the report of the OPO at Sapper's Folly during the recent Jap attack to be brought to the notice of all Layers and Nos1 "

' Laying was first class and I had every confidence in ordering several rounds of gunfire within 50 yds of the OP without previous check-up '

The accurate laying enabled the OPO to make use of close shooting and so chase and harry Japs from position to position, that in the end he gave up and went away.

Early in the month the Regiment was visited by SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER, ADMIRAL LORD LOUIS MOUNTBATTEN.  The Battery was represented by 10 Officers and 10 NCO's and men.

During the month of March, numerous Jap Patrols were engaged.  The effectiveness of fire  very close to our own Infantry was realised, together with their discovery that they liked to have it right on top of them.  Occasional enemy shelling and aircraft action made everyman fully aware of the value of digging.

The Battery remained in action until half way through April, but for the remainder of the month, while in support of 100 Brigade there was very little to do, except occasionally moving to alternative position at KAKCHING.  This state of affairs continued through May.  Apart from normal maintenance work, the only firing was for registration purposes.  June however, saw a heighting of the Battle.  Throughout the month the forward position were frequently coming into contact with the enemy.  The Battery being required to bring down continual harassing fire, and fire in support of relief parties to the OPs and other forward positions.  Soon after, in July, we experienced the exhilarating sensation of an advance, and new  positions had to be occupied in the wake of rapid retreat of the JAPS. 

Infantry often bumped into isolated parties of 30-50 Japs.  There were a few counter attacks, but these were more in the form of desperate bids to escape than organised operations, and  there were now indications of the enemy's lack of ammunition and supplies.  This was a period of heavy fire, and heavy casualties were caused by the shell fire which was brought down to cover the advance as we moved up to LOCHAO, near KHONGKHANG .

In contrast, after a visit by Field Marshall WAVELL in August, a lull in the fighting set in, which continued through the next four months.  The Battery moved back to consolidate at WANGJING, and good advantage was taken of the pause in improving the Battery Lines, maintenance on Guns and equipment, specialist and other  classes and normal training, together with practice shoots.  All the time the work was conducted in close co-operation with the Infantry, with such targets and to help the Infantry keep direction.  Th months were marked by visits of the GOC andthe MGRA.

When finally another move was made in December, we almost had to make our own route through the Jungle to WETYE.  All available personnel were ordered onto road maintenance - mainly trenching the sides of roads, filling in large ruts, levelling - gravelling with shingle from river beds.

We were delayed at KADO, because rain during the early morning and intermittently all day had made the road impassable.  We arrived finally at WETYE on 9th January.  Once here the process of digging in started again, and during January and February the Battery was intermittently in action in the YEZIN and CHEYADAW areas.

In early March, Major INGRAM RA was killed in action at INYA, the same shell killing the Brigade Commander, 1Coy, and wounding one OP Signaller.

 Throughtout the month the Battery was continually on the move advancing through MAGYI, SEGIN, SAGATE, THUMGOBA, to TODALL, cappturing as they went an assortment of supplies which included a JAP Instrument Stand and Dial Sight, and a 37mm Anti-Tank Gun.  Following the death of Major INGRAM, Major H.B. FREEMAN assumed command of the Battery.  At this time the Battery was visited by  C in C, A.L.F, S.E.A., who managed to find time to speak to all men.  It was in April too, that we learned that Captain STEEL had been honoured by the award of the M.C.

More time could now be given to recreation and relaxation generally, which included frequent Cinema Shows, (which were also only too frequently rained off) and sight seeing visits to MANDALAY.  Captain STEEL, however, experienced a more unique form of diversion, manning the OP he was surprised to see 6 bullock carts approaching - surprise that was in no degree lessened when the carts turned out to be manned by the JAPS.  The skirmish caused no casualties on our side, ending with nine JAPS killed, and for better or worse six carts and four BURMESE captured.  Captain I. Ferguson was awarded the Bar to the M.C and Captain S.P.M SIMONDS the MC.

In May the warning to move was received.  The Battery returned to THARRAWADDY, preparations to move were made and June found us in RANGOON, in accommodation prepared in WHITEWAY LAIDLAW'S BUILDING.  All vehicles less 24 gun trailers, seven 3 tonners and one breakdown lorry were handed over to V.R.G. RANGOON or transferred to other units. On the 19th - 22nd  the Battery was en-routed to MADRAS.  Now that the BURMA CAMPAIGN had come to an end, it would be appropriate to include as a final word the following letter received on the departure of the Regiment to INDIA.

To:     All Ranks

          9th Field Regiment RA.

Thanks to the grand fighting qualities of our Infantry and the magnificent support given by our gunners to them, no tactical disaster has befallen on 20 INDIAN DIVISION since it started to fight the Japs in October 1943.  Now a major tragedy has taken place - the transfer of 9th Field to INDIA out of the Division.

This is as big a blow to me personally as it is to you all, and units in the Division.

I told you personally after the end of the Battles of MADALAY and IRRAWADDY, you have again given of your best and we can ask for no better that the best of the '9' FIELD.  Most of you will be going home soon, and you thoroughly deserve to go.  You can go with the satisfaction in your hearts of a job very well done, and with the thanks and gratitude of your BRITISH, GHURKA and INDIAN Comrades at arms of 20 DIVISION (and for a short time 23 DIVISION,) who have been proud of you always.

I wish you all God's Speed, a happy home coming, and a prosperous future.

                                                            (sgd)   D.D. GRACEY,  Major General.

                                                                       Commander 20th Indian Division.

By the end of July the Regiment had completely moved to CLEMENTS TOWN, United Provinces, where we remained for the next six months, reorganising and re-equipping, with Captain (later promoted to Major) J.F. TURRAL in Command of the Battery, as it was during the months January to September 1946 when we moved to NOWSHERA (N.W.F.P.) during this time, the war in Europe having ended, and indeed the war against JAPAN all but closed no important events occurred.  In fact Demobilization and repatriation were to most men the all important happenings of the time.  It however interesting to note that in April the Troops worked for the first time in conjunction with RADAR Units, while the next month saw exchange of all guns for the new MK II types.  Morale was on the whole good, although the heat was intense (in July 6 men to hospital suffering from heat exhaustion.)  In spite  of this the usual games were played with surprising energy while the now well-known TOMBOLA was first instituted  on the 15th March.

January 1947

The Regiment moved to SALKOT, training was resumed. In March the Battery officially changed its title from 19 FIELD BATTERY to 49 FIELD BATTERY RA.

49 Field Battery went to LAHORE in May 1947, complete with guns.  They were present during part of the massacre of SIKHS by the MUSLIMS, carried out as just retribution for the many acts of treachery, rape and murder by SIKHS all over INDIA.  It was practice at that time for roving bands of armed SIKHS to approach MUSLIM villages.  If even one man in the village had firearms, the SIKHS would usually withdraw.  If the village was unarmed, they would massacre all within.

in August 1947, the Regiment took ships for ENGLAND, for a period home duty which turned out to last for only one year and nine months.

ENGLAND - OCTOBER 1947 - 12 JUNE 1949  

The Regiment, reduced almost to cadre, and without vehicles, guns or equipment, was sent to PENHALE CAMP, near NEWQUAY, CORNWALL in winter, a foam splashed hutment on a bleak cliff top, and not seen by the Regiment in summer. Here many changes in Officers were made, and reinforcements posted in.  The Battery was lucky in being able to hold a hard core of the BSM and a number of SGT's and NCO's who had served with the Battery for some time.  All the Officers changed, without exception.  Early in March 1948 the Regiment moved up to ROLLESTONE CAMP, near LARKHILL.  This had been the old Balloon School.  After about two months, the Regiment again moved (less 50 Field Battery) (at WARMINSTER) to WEST DOWN CAMP, TILSHEAD.

During the summer of 1948 the Batteries main activity was the provision of a fire Troop or Battery for the Territorial Practice Camps.  territorial Regiments came to a one week's camp, with no guns ect of their own.  Their average strength (for a Regiment) was 20 Officers and 45 other ranks.  Territorial personnel were fitted into the Battery where possible, and territorial officers conducted shoots at OP.  It was a hard working and enjoyable summer, and the Battery received many tributes for the keen co-operation with the T.A. by all ranks.  In the autumn came the harvest, and labour shortage.  At one time 80 men in the Battery were on potato lifting, apart from transport details. In addition a very skeleton Battery trained with 7 Royal Tank Regiment and 1 Camerons.  On the lighter side the Battery produced a "Quick Action" demonstration by a    4 gun troop at the SALISBURY Battle of Britain Tattoo, and at  number of flower - shows and other rural functions.

The Battery was fortunate at TILSHEAD in being able to do a considerable amount of shooting, both for TA Camps, and various range details for the school of Artillery, which were always readily undertaken . Thus, in spite of a high proportion  of National servicemen and many outside tasks, the Battery always remained in a very workman like condition.

On 10 February 1949 the Regiment was visited by the CIGS, FIELD MARSHAL SIR WILLIAM SLIM.  The Regiment had previously severed under him when C in C 14th Army.  He spent half a hour with the Battery, and the excellent display of "Bull" was enhanced by an unusually sunny day. 

APRIL 1949

The Battery was again detailed to act as a Depot Battery to the TA Practice Camp in the summer of 1949.  men were posted over strength for this purpose.  However, on 28th April 1949 a warning order was received for 27 INDEPENDENT INFANTRY BRIGADE GROUP, of with 23 Field Regiment formed a part to proceed to Hong Kong.

At the time Chinese Communist Forces were advancing rapidly South and had reached a point on the coast 400 miles North of HONG KONG.  It was considered possible that they might make a bid to capture HONG KONG which at this time was Garrisoned by one Brigade Group.

The Regiment was sent out on the LE but slightly over strength .  This meant two three gun troops in each Battery (in post-1945 peace conditions) carriers were removed and the Battery given a total of ten jeeps.  National Servicemen with six months or more to serve accompanied the Battery which was to prove a source of weakness when their releasestarted and reinforcements were not received in adequate numbers

 .

The Regiment embarked at SOUTHAMPTON on the "HMT EMPIRE TROOPER" on 11 June 1949 after an initial delay through boiler trouble.  The following Officers and WO's, Sergeants accompanied the Battery:-  Major R.C. ROSE, Capt H.J. WYNNE, Capt F.D. PRITCHARD, Capt M JOHNSON-SMITH MC, 2Lt P.A.E FETHERSTONE-GODLEY, 2Lt  J.D.C BUCKLEY.  BSM GARFITT F.W., BSM McCLEARY T.P., BSM JAMES C.  BQMS BUSHEN H.J.   SGT's, SERGEANT H.J., PARKER J.H., JONES T., KELLY W. ABBOTTS J.W., CONROY P., LOLYD S., SKIDMORE F.W., NEWELL R.A.F, MILNE D.J., GASSLER M. and YOUNG C.J.E.

A signal  was received from the Colonal in Chief HM KING GEORGE VI, before embarkation, EMPIRE TROOPER was an ex-GERMAN 'Strength through Joy' Ship.  Although bunks and cabins were quite good and the mens cafeteria was very good, it was not an enjoyable voyage.  The main troubles were inadequate deck space and the decrepit engines.  The ship could make only 12 knots even when all was well and further engine troubles during the voyage made her even slower.  Calls were made at PORT SAID, ADEN, COLOMBO, and SINGAPORE.  As much training as possible was carried out during the voyage, also classes in Laying, MT Theory, Signalling and Small Arms took place daily.

The unit disembarked at KOWLOON on 18th July 1949 after a voyage lasting 36 days.  The guns and MT had arrived in a separate ship on the previous day.  The Regiment moved into the Gun Club Hill Barracks, KAOLOON.  These barracks are normally occupied by the Field Regiment of the regular garrison.  They were designed for RHQ and two Batteries only, it having been custom to keep one Battery stationed in the New Territories.  Consequently accommodation was rather tight but nevertheless we were very lucky to have permanent buildings and the advantage of electric light and fans during July and August when the weather is very hot and sticky and the rainfall is heavy.  From Gun Club Hill the Regiment carried out intensive training in the new territories and, by the time we moved out , the Battery was in good order.

Meanwhile the Communists continued their advance southwards and captured CANTON (approx 80 miles NW of HONG KONG in October 1949.)  Communist guerrillas  took over on the NORTH of the frontier of the colony and relations remained calm throughout.  A feature of the fighting between Nationalists and Communists in SOUTH CHINA was the avoidance  of unnecessary bloodshed.  An example of this was observed from the Batteries OP during practice  firing on CASTLE PEAK RANGE.  Four miles across the bay to the NW, the Nationalists were carrying out a minor DUNKIRK from NAM TAU peninsula, using all manner of small craft to reach a steamship and several large junks.  In all over 6,000 troops were evacuated with no Communist interference.  Two or three days later gun fire was heard from the NNAM TAU peninsular and it was learnt that the Chinese Communist Army had been carrying out "mopping up operations".

The Regiment occupied QUARRY CAMP, PING SHAN on 10th September 1949.  The previous day there had been a typhoon which necessitated the lowering of all tents and completely soaked them in heavy rain which accompanied the wind of 80 - 100 mph.

Intensive training continued with 27 Infantry Brigade which was now part of 40 Infantry Division  formed from 26 Infantry Brigade  (previously in HONG KONG) and 28 Infantry Brigade which was landed some two months after us.  Also under HQ Land Forces HONG KONG  was  3 Marine Commando Brigade, 58 Medium  Regiment RA and a number of AA ancillary troops.  After the fall of CANTON and the occupation of the frontier by uniformed Communist Police and troops, British Forces partially manned a defence line for a time.  This however was soon considered unnecessary as a permanent  measure and reliance was placed on a network of permanently manned Artillery and Infantry OP's.  For some weeks the Battery occupied one such OP near Chick Bridge over which all road traffic to CHINA passed.  Valuable OP training was received and various useful tips on smuggling methods were acquired.

In early February 1950 a big draft was sent home to UK on account of 'Python Protection' i.e. those who had less than 18 months in Europe after a previous tour in the East of over three years.  Included were Major R.C. ROSE (BC since January 1948) Capt M JOHNSON-SMITH MC, BQMS BUSHEN and SGT'S PARKER, JONES and KELLY.  Command of the Battery devolved on Capt H.J WYNNE. 

The latter half of February and the first two weeks of March were spent mainly in preparing for a Ceremonial Parade at which the whole of 40 Infantry Division were drawn up and inspected by HE the governor, SIR ALEXANDER GRANTHAM.  After the inspection the Division was addressed by HE and then marched past.  Guns and Vehicles were bought up to a very high standard for this parade and the Battery acquitted itself well.

SPORTS

The Regimental sports were held on the 24th January and the Battery did well, coming second and failing to win by only a very narrow margin.  We won the tug-of-war cup but unfortunately this event did not score points in the main competition, otherwise we should have won that also, the following in particular did well

LBdr Davey       1st in 100yds and 220yds.

Bdr Bradley       2nd in 100yds.

Bdr Holloway    1st in 440yds.

Sgt Abbott        3rd in 880yds.

Gnr Deazley      1st in Shot and Discus.

Gnr Perry D      1st in High Jump.

LBdr Perry K    2nd in High Jump.

Tug- of- War Team  Sgt Abbotts, Bdr Bradley, Sgt Thorton, Bdr Darnell, Gnr's Martin,  Deazley,  Forsyth,  Krawiec,  Coach : BSM McCleary.

The Battery won the Regimental Rugby 7-a-side competition beating, 50 Battery 9-3, 69 Battery 12- nil, RHQ 8-nil

The team was:- Capt H.J WYNNE RA, 2Lt P.A.E. FEATHERSTON-GODLEY RA, 2Lt J.D.C BUCKLEY RA, Bdr Bradley, LBdr Davey, LBdr UBSWORTH, LBdr HANNAH .

The Battery supplied six of the Regimental Rugby XV that had a very good season indeed losing only one match and winning the inter- Regimental Competition. 2Lt FEATHERSTON-GODLEY, LBdr DAVEY and Capt WYNNE had Army trials and the first two played for the Army.

2Lt FEATHERSTON-GODLEY AND 2Lt BUCKLEY were part of the Regimental Golf Team.

2Lt BUCKLEY was in the Regimental Squash Team that won the Land Forces inter-Regimental Competition.

2Lt BUCKLEY, 2Lt McALISTER and LBdr Holloway were in the Regimental Hockey Team.

At Soccer the Battery produced a very good team and got as far as the semi-finals in the Div Arty inter-troop league, B Troop were worthy winners, not losing one game.

HISTORICAL NOTES

49 FIELD BATTERY ROYAL ARTILLERY

This is the senior Battery of 23 Field Regiment RA and traces its history back to 1779, having held eight titles during that period.  It has been equipped with gradually heavier and better guns - 7, 9, 12, 15 pounders in succession, then 18 pounders in 1909 with which and with 4.5 inch howitzers it shot during the '14 - 18' war.  25 pounders replaced these and were fired throughout the last war.  The Battery had seen service in many countries and climates ranging from CANADA in 1812 to HONG KONG in 1950.  It fought under Wellington in FLANDERS in 1815 and at the battles of ALMA and INKERMAN in the Crimea.  In 1879 it was fighting against the ZULUS in SOUTH AFRICA and returned there during the Boer war.  After crossing to CANADA in 1862 in a sail cum-steam ship of which the crew during a hurricane "exhibited great want of spirit and had to be kept to their posts by the troops, it was stationed there for eight years and performed mainly "IS" duties. 1914 saw the Battery fighting in FRANCE to which it returned in 1918 after two years in MESOPPTANIA.  In 1940 the guns were in action in FRANCE, in 1942 in MADAGASCAR and from 1943 to 1945 throughout in BURMA.  The name was changed from 19 FIELD BATTERY RA to its present one and the Battery returned from INDIA to ENGLAND in1947.  There are few really old members of the Battery, but its record and the insignia of a Beaver on a Maple log (gained when the Battery was with the CANADIANS in the "Great War") which is displayed, among other places, on jeep window screens, are cherished with pride by old and new members alike.

APRIL 1950

At this time the following were members of the Battery:-

Major H.O GRAVES RA                                                                 BC (wef 28th March)

Capt H.J WYNNE RA                                                                     Battery Captain

Capt F.D PRITCHARD RA                                                             Tp Comd 'A' Tp

2Lt P.A.E FEATHERSTON-GODLEY RA                                     GPO 'A' Tp

Capt The Hon T BROOKE RA                                                        Tp Comd 'B' Tp

Lt M.R COOKE RA                                                                        CPO

2Lt D.N McALISTER RA                                                                ACPO

BSM  F.W GARFITT                                                                       BATTERY-SERGEANT-MAJOR

BSM J JAMES                                                                                 'A' Tp SERGEANT- MAJOR

BSM  T.P  McCLEARY                                                                   'B' Tp SERGEANT-MAJOR

May

News was received of the future role of the Regiment.  This was to be largely an IS Battery, and gunner training was now abandoned.  The Battery took its turn in manning CREST HILL OP, a semi-operational OP overlooking the frontier.

June - July

Moving to STANLEY FORT early in June, IS training was carried out in conjunction with the HONK KONG Police, and street fighting, house clearance and searches were practised.  A Gun Drill and Signal exercise was carried out weekly, and TARA training continued.

In July BSM GIBBONS joined 'A' Tp and BSM JAMES was posted to GHQ Farely, Documentation Team.  The Regiment returned to QUARRY CAMP, at the end of July.  BSM McCleary left the Battery for 69 Battery, having been a member since early 1947.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1950

These months were spent in settling down in QUARRY CAMP and some individual and Troop training was carried out.  However, early in August, Battle positions were again manned for three days and CREST HILL OP for seven days.  Capt PRITCHARD left for combined Services HQ.  In September the Battery took over FAR EAST CAMP for a fortnight as rear party for 27 Infantry Brigade who had left hurriedly from KOREA.  Capt MacFADYEN RA arrived and took command of 'A' Troop.  Lt COOKE left for UK, having completed a "PYTHON" tour.

Individual and Troop training continued and Battery classes were run for:-  Gun Nos, Signals, TARAs and Drivers.

In December a three day exercise (Ex FORTHRIGHT) involved the manning of battle positions.  In October Capt WYNNE left for CAMBERLEY after a short attachment to HQRA.  Capt BROOKE and Mc FAYDEN returned to UK as a result of illness.

1951

In early January the manning of a permanent Battery position by the Regiment was introduced.  We took over on the first tour of duty on the position on 12th January, and continued throughout the quarter to man the position in turn with the other two Batteries.  In March  it was reduced to a Troop position.

At the end of January the Batteries took over Force Guards for a period of two weeks and supplied guards for the following:- Government House, Flag Staff House and HQ Combined Services & Murray Barracks.  During February individual training was carried out, also Battery classes were run for:- Gun Nos, TARA, Signals and MT (Drivers).

A permanent OP on AU TAU was dug  and completed, and when the 1st Battalion Wiltshires  were given a new operational position in March, work was started on another OP overlooking Route 2. 

In February the Battery won the Open Darts Cup at the "Nine Dragons Servicemen's Club" the consisting of :-  Bdr Bradley, LBdr Spicer, Gnr's Sanderson, Hardman, Gibson and Hunnisett.

In March, priority was given to SA training and the annual Range Course was fired.  Results were as follows :-

1st Class shots   10%, 2nd Class shot   46%,  3rd Class shot   32%,   Failed to Classify   12%

In view of the limited time and equipment available, these results were not discreditable.  BSM THURLEY left for the RAOC in February 1951.

At the Regiment Athletics meeting held at BOUNDARY STREET Sports Grounds on 1 March, the Battery Team was narrowly beaten by RHQ Troop, the result depending on the last race.

A large number of Officers arrived and left during this quarter so that on 1st April 1951, the Battery was staffed as under:-

Major AH ROSE RA             BC wef 19 March 1951

Major HO GROVES RA       Battery Captain

Capt   RR JEFFREYS           'A'  Tp  Commander.

2Lt CK HAMPHRYES         'A'  Tp  GPO

Lt   DN MacALISTER           'B'  Tp  Commander

2Lt  N   FREND                     'B'  Tp  GPO  

Lt  JC BUCKLEY                   CPO

WOII  FW GARFITT              Battery Sergeant-Major

WOII  J  GIBBONS                 'A' Tp Sergeant-Major

Sgt  J THORNTON                  'B' Tp Sergeant-Major

May - August 1951

On 31st August the 1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, to which the Battery was affiliated sailed for KOREA.  The following message was sent. "" BC and all ranks 49 Field Battery RA wish the CO and all ranks of the 1st Bn A & SH God Speed and a safe return".

In July 2Lt BOTWOOD RA arrived from the UK and took over GPO 'A' Tp from 2Lt HUMPHRYES who went to 50 Bty.  BSM GC WILLIAMS arrived from BURMA Military Mission and became BSM of 'A'Tp, relieving BSM GIBBONS who returned to the UK.  BQMS HUGHES arrived from RHQ.

In May, Lt JD BUCKLEY and Gnr PERRY played for the Regiment Cricket side which won the inter - unit shield.  Lt Buckley also played for the RA in the Army Cricket week and scored a century.  In addition, The Regiment won the Army Soccer Cup after playing the 1st Wilts twice in the semi - final, the last time winning 5 to 2.

In the Final the team was unchanged and the match was played at Boundary Street Police Ground, the opposing team being the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, the Regiment winning 5 goals to 2 again.  The pitch was almost flooded and most of the game was played in the rain.  Players in the team from the Battery were as follows :- Bdr Fritzgerald, LBdr Davey, Gnr's Capper, Tomlinson, Miller, Hardman and Draisey, the reserve Goalkeeper was Bdr Bradley.

September - December 1951

During this period the 1st Battalion The Wiltshire Regiment moved into the NEW TERRITORIES having been diverted from MALAYA.  The Battery became affiliated to them.  This Battalion took over positions on the West of the TAU cross roads and the village of PING SHAN.  The Battery became responsible for OP's at PING SHAN and on the AUTAU HILL.

In September, the Battery Captain Major GROVES left for 25 Field Regiment and was replaced by Captain H.M.R JONES RA who had been the Adjutant.

In December Lt Linn MC arrived from the CAMERONIAN'S, MALAYA on attachment and relieved 2Lt FREND as GPO 'B'Tp.  2Lt FREND went to RHQ.  Captain M de ALLIX RA was posted to the Battery and took command of 'B' Tp, Lt MacALISTER being posted to HY AA in the UK.

HISTORICAL REPORTS - 1ST JANUARY 1952 - 31ST DECEMBER 1952   

On the 1st January the Battery was stationed at QUARRY CAMP in the new TERRITORIES, HONG KONG.  Major ARTHUR RA was Commanding the Battery.

The Battery was employed in training and had two operational commitments.  One week in six one troop was deployed on Frontier Observation. 

At mid - day on the 1st March  Rioting broke out in ROWLOON, and by 1600 hrs the Rioting was considered to be serious.  At 2200hrs all troops in the NEW TERRITORIES were ordered to "Stand To" as a precautionary measure.  All married personnel living out were ordered to return to barracks.  The Battery loaded vehicles and lined up ready to move into it's operational positions.  S.A.A was issued and ammo Vehicles  and Gun Limbers loaded with 25 Pounder Ammunition.  By 1500 hrs on the 2nd March, the situation was quieter and the Battery was ordered to "stand down" and the situation reverted to normal.

The Battery was due to return to the UK in May 1952.  Training continued and the Battery made preparations to hand over it's equipment and accommodation to the relieving Battery.

On the 19th April, the Advance Party under the Command of Capt H.R.M JONES RA left for the UK yet again on the HMT EMPIRE TROOPER.  During the 2nd week in May the Battery handed over it's guns and vehicles and equipment to 20 Field Regiment RA.  On the 20th May, the Battery moved down to Chatham Road Transit Camp, KOWLOON in preparation for embarkation.  On the 16th May, the Battery embarked on the HMT EMPIRE KEN, arriving at SOUTHAMPTON on the 26th  June.  The advance party had arrived in the UK on the 21st May and had taken over Mathew Barracks, TIDWORTH in preparation for the arrival of the Battery.    

On the 27th June the Battery arrived at TIDWORTH by special train and on the same day were off on  dis-embarkation leave.  In June, July and August the Battery's equipment was being taken on charge.  By the 9th September leave was over and full training started.

On 21st September the Battery did a fortnight Practice Camp at Tilshead.  After Practice Camp individual training commenced and continued until Christmas leave period.  The main body of the Battery spent Christmas at home with their families.  The rear party spent their Christmas in camp in traditional style.  At the close of the year the Battery was commanded by Major A.H ARTHURS RA.

1953

January

After the Christmas leave period was over, individual training restarted.  The Regiment was then stationed in Mathew Barracks, TIDWORTH.  During this month, Capt J.E.EN VINCENT MBE TD RA joined the Regiment and was posted to the Battery.

February

On the 7th, the Regiment was put on twenty-four hour notice to move to the East Coast for flood relief duties.  At 4am on the 8th, word came from HQ 51 BRIGADE that we were to move soonest to ESSEX, using all available transport, the Battery moved off as part of the Regimental column.  Driving through snow and sleet, the Battery arrived at RAF CHIGWELL where they were billeted.  Their work was to repair the breached sea wall at PORFLEET some twenty miles away on the coast.  They were to work all night and move in Regimental Transport there and back each evening and morning.  The weather was extremely cold and all the men were issued with protective clothing and there was a nightly rum ration.  on the 22nd, their work finished, they returned to TIDWORTH.

March

During this month, all three Regiments of 56 LONDON ARMOURED DIVISION  (TA) carried out training in the area, using the Batteries Transport and Equipment.  The Battery Standard Gun L/22855 was absolutely calibrated and the others received comparative calibrations.  Towards the end of the month we moved into ALIWAL BARRACKS at the other end of TIDWORTH.  These barracks had just been entirely renovated and a good deal of new building carried out.

April

Lt J.T. CHARLESWORTH RA on short service commission joined the Regiment and was posted to 49 Field Battery RA.

May

Regimental Training took place on LARKHILL and IMBER RANGES, for a few days.  On 12th a composite troop equipped with four SP 25Pounders (SEXTONS) left for PORTSMOUTH to take part in the Amphibious Warfare Demonstration - RUNAGROUND IV.  the troop was quartered in EASTNEY BARRACKS, PORTSMOUTH with the ROYAL MAINES, and did six assault landings.   The Officers were :- Troop Commander Lt JDA LINN MC RA, GPO 2Lt IM WALLACE RA, TSM WOII GC WILLIAMS.

The troop returned to from EASTNEY on 22nd May.  During this month a full dress rehearsal for the Coronation Day ceremony was held, the Battery having been selected, as Senior Field Battery serving in ENGLAND, to fire a 41 gun salute in HYDE PARK on 2nd June.  At the end of the month Lt JDA Linn received his regular commission in the Regiment and was SOS Attachment and TOS the unit.

June

On the 2nd of this month Her Majesty Queen ELIZABETH II was crowned in Westminster Abbey.  A 41 gun salute was fired in Hyde Park by a troop from the Battery at 12.33pm the actual moment of crowning. The Officers were:-

Tp Commander Capt RR Jefferys RA, GPO Capt MN Morris RA, Lt Section Comdr 2Lt FS Dolman RA, Tp Leader Lt Linn MC RA, BSM WOII F Garfitt, BQMS F Hughes.

Afterwards the troop went in to LONDON and took part in the general celebrations.  The King's Troop RHA, were our hosts at St John's Wood, and proved most kind and considerate.  Immediately following this event, came the School of Artillery's demonstration - Ambassador IV.  The coronation troop was on show, and the Battery also shot in the programme.  This event necessitated a very quick shift from NO1 Dress to Denims, and the Battery charging ground at speed. 

July

Gunner training this month was in abeyance.  The Battery moved to BISLEY,  where they lived under canvas and provided range parties for the National Rifle Association weeks.  At the end of the month, the Regiment staged a demonstration for the Coy Comdr's course at the School of Infantry, WARMINSTER.

August

The month was spent preparing for practice camp, AER personnel came on strength for various periods, loading tables were completed, minor repairs executed.  On 27th the Regimental Column moved off to drive to OTTERBURN in NORTHHUMBERLAND.  The journey took two days, overnight staying being carried out at OLLERTON and BARNARD CASTLE.

September

A month of rain, wind, and OTTERBURN Ranges.  A month of BC'S Exercises, CO'S Exercises, CRA'S Exercises.  At the end of it almost everyone had a good practical education in winching and digging.  In December, a future Battery Xmas Card was to record the sight of one the Troops completely bogged, guns, limbers, tractors, George and Mike trucks, yes even the motor cycle.  A day's antitank shooting at Rose Links was a pleasant interlude, as were evenings spent at the Percy Arms.

The inter-troop quick action competition was won by 'B' Tp commanded by Capt JEN VINCENT, TD RA..  During this time the Battery carried out ammunition tests for ICI, firing by day and night.  The inter-troop, seven-a-side soccer tournament was played and won by BHQ TROOP.

On the25th September, the Regiment returned to TIDWORTH, taking only two days this time.

October

The first part of the month was spent settling in and firing at LARKHILL for the School of Artillery.  During the middle of the month, the sudden strike of petrol workers found the Battery providing all its drivers to run tankers in order to maintain sufficient petrol supplies for essential services.

November

It was in this month that the Battery was warned for service in the Middle East.  The destination was still unknown but the provisional sailing date was give as 1st July 1954.

December

Brigadier GL PETHICK DSO RA, the new CRA designate of 3 Div visited the Regiment and spoke to Officers and men of the Battery.  On the 4th the Battery took part in the annual St Barbara's Day Church and marched past the Brigade Commander afterwards.  Xmas day was spent in the traditional fashion, the sergeants serving 'gunfire' to the men in the early morning and the Officers serving out lunch meal.

At the end of the year the Battery staff were as follows.  BC Major AH ARTHUR RA, BK Major DBB JANISCH RA, BHQ Lt JDA LINN MC RA, 'A' Troop Capt MN MORRIS RA, Lt JT CHARLESWORTH RA, 2Lt McLELLAND, 'B' Troop Capt JEN VINCENT MBE TD RA, 2Lt IM WALLACE RA, 2Lt GB HEATLEY RA, BSM WOII GARFITT, BQMS SMALE.

1954

January

Individual training started again, and a troop went to the School of Artillery to fire for the Y.O'S course.  It was decided that until the move, as much emphasis as possible would be placed on IS and Infantry Training.

February

During this month the annual Administrative Inspection was held.  This was followed by the Regimental Rammer Competition, which was won by 'C' Sub, 'E' Sub being second.  Thus the rammer passed out of the hands of 50 Fd Bty RA into our keeping.

March

During this month Exercise NOVA TESTUDO was held at LARKHILL RANGES.  Its purpose was to demonstrate the firing of a fireplan, timed and on call support, an impromptu shoot, and a VT (T97) shoot to determine the effect of this fuze on prepared positions.  The Battery deployed the previous day, on the ranges, in extremely wet weather and spent the night in bivouac tents.  The next day the exercise took place, the Battery firing over three hundred rounds.  Immediately after this, came exercise MARCH HARE, carried out by 1st Battalion THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT, the Batteries direct support Battalion.  BC'S and OP parties took part.

April

Major AC FRYER RA joined the Battery to take over command from Major AH ARTHUR RA, who retired to an island in the HEBREDIES (SOAY).  Exercise Smash Hit V took place, and Easter leave was granted.  Capt JEN VINCENT RA left to take up appointment as Adjutant of the LOTHION and BORDER HOUSE TA.  "The Battery lost the Battery Football Cup to 69 Bty having won this every year since 1948"

May

Embarkation leave started, the Regiment date for leaving was confirmed as 1st July, 2Lt DF SANDERS joined, and was posted to 'B' Tp.  For the second year running, a self propelled troop was provided for the Amphibious Exercise RUNAROUND V at PORTSMOUTH from 12-21st of the month.  It is interesting to note that the task of water proofing involved 168 man hours per vehicle.  Once again the troop was commanded by Lt JDA LINN MC RA, the GPO that time being 2Lt CWB CLARK RA.

June

The advance party left for MELF under Capt MN MORRIS RA.  The Regiment's task was now made clear, to relieve 33 Parachute Field Regiment RA at EL BALLAH in the Canal Zone.  Most of the time now, was spent listing and packing the G1098 stores.  The guns too left by rail for the dockside.  They would precede us to our new destination.  On the 23rd we held a Regimental farewell parade and open day.  Visitors and relatives took the opportunity to see the parade, and later have tea in the dining hall with the men.  The colour film of the Batteries part in the Coronation was shown, and the day concluded with an all ranks dance in the NAAFI.

On the 30th June, the Regiment formed, on the square at ALIWAL.  At 0845 hrs in the morning they moved off to TIDWORTH station headed  by the ALAMEIN BAND of the RTR.  Southampton was reached at 1130 am, and by 1300hrs, the Regiment had embarked.  It was perhaps significant that the ship was HMT EMPIRE KEN, which had brought us home from HONG KONG in 1952.  Even more coincidental was the fact that the Regiment was embarking two years to the day of arriving in ENGLAND, and from the same port.  of the Officers and Warrant Officers who had been with the Battery, only two remained :- Lt JDA Linn MC RA and BSM WOII GC WILLIAMS.  At 1500 hrs on a warm sunny afternoon the ship pulled away from the quayside.  As the the mounted band of the Royal Artillery struck up  the men on board fell silent, watching the figures of the friends on the dock grow smaller.  Once more the Battery was "going foreign !"

June/July

The voyage was uneventful; all the usual activities taking place.  The Battery won the inter sub-unit tug of war from 50 Bty in the final.  The KEN called at ALGIERS on the 5th July and most passengers took a few hours ashore.  We disembarked at PORT SAID at 0800 hrs 10th July and moved in RASC Transport to GORDON CAMP, EL BALLAH.  Stores and baggage were unloaded the same day and by about 0200 hrs on 11th July all boxes had been unloaded at EL BALLAH, except for one lorry-load which unfortunately deposited in the Sweet Water Canal by a sleepy driver.  The next two weeks were devoted to unpacking and transforming the camp.  Individual training then began in preparation for practice camp in October.  From now on we were committed to various IS duties, which slightly complicated life.  The agreement with the Egyptian Government was initialled towards the end of July, and IS duties tended to diminish gradually from then onwards.

August

This month the Battery provided a detachment under Lt JDA LINN MC RA to assist 69 Field Battery RA in guarding 9 BAD at ABU SULTAN from 16th to 30th.  Individual training continued.  The Battery is now affilliated to 1 BOARDER REGIMENT (PORT SAID).  Early in the month full  calibration of the guns was carried out under the direction of Major CJ JAGO RA  (69 BTY).  This was later to prove a highly successful calibration.  On the 13th 'B' Tp began a fortnight's troop training.  More than half the time was spent out of camp getting accustomed to desert conditions in the training area five miles west of EL BALLAH.  Battle of BRITAIN Sunday was observed on the19th.  On the 25th the Battery staged a small demonstration for 1st Battalion BORDER REGIMENT, followed by a weekend in PORT SAID.  On the 27th 'A' Tp began it's fortnight of troop training along the same lines as 'B' Tp.  The Battery CP joined both troops for certain exercises.

October

The first half of the month was spent in preparation for camp.  The main pre-occupation being with MT.  Finally the Battery moved, with only one vehicle short, to Practice Camp on 17th.  The initial bivouac  area was near the SUEZ - CAIRO road some 15 miles from SUEZ and in a training area.

Programme

19th         Course Shooting

20/21st     Battery Exercise set by CO on Range III

22nd         Battery Fire and Mov Ex assisted by members of 1 BORDER REGT.  A quick withdrawal smoke screen was fired by 'A' Tp.

23rd         Quick Action Competition (won by 'F' Tp with 'B' Tp 2nd and 'A' Tp 3rd, separated by only 15 seconds)

24th          Free day - Swimming at EL KABRIT.

25th           Move to No 1 Range to take part in Field Training Exercise HIGHLIGHT MINOR with 1st SOUTH  STAFFORD REGIMENT. (CO Lt Col JC CUMMINGS OBE).  OP's carried out a rehearsal.  The EX is based on an attack by Infantry in APC's following the explosion of an Atomic Bomd on the objective.

26th           Exercise HIGHLIGHT MINOR, the Battery is the only Artillery unit taking part, 150 rds were fired.

27/28th      The whole Regiment took part in the rehearsing for Exercise HIGHLIGHT MAJOR with 1st WELSH GUARDS this time providing the Infantry element.

29th           Exercise HIGHLIGHT MAJOR was fired.  On conclusion the Battery returned to camp taking the direct route involving 22 miles over the desert.

Members of the Battery at this time are:- Major AC FRYER RA (BC), Major RR WIGGINS RA (BK), WOII GG WILLIAMS (BSM), Lt JDA LINN MC RA (GPO), 2Lt DP HENRY RA (AGPO National Service)

'A' Tp, Capt WTE HARRISON RA, 2Lt CWB CLARKE RA, 2Lt JK WILSON RA, BSM JL GIBBONS.

'B' Tp, Lt RJ CROSSLEY RA, 2Lt LFW HARTIN RA (National Service), 2Lt DF SANDERS RA (National Service), BSM FJ GREEN.

November

Preparations for the Annual  Administrative Inspection and for the "Rammer Competition" were now begun.  A three week Signal Class was run within the Battery.

A Battery Athletics meeting was held on Nov 6th followed by a Regimental meeting.

The 9th November was observed as a Battery Holiday in honour of the Centenary of the winning by Capt ANDREW HENRY of the V.C.

The programme was as follows:-

1140hrs             Battery Parade & reading of the citation and brief account of his actions.

1200-1230hrs   Service of commemoration in the Church (for order of service see below)

1330hrs             Battery leaves for MOASCAR.

1800HRS          Battery Supper in MOASCAR NAAFI

The Regiment qualified in various Athletic meetings (19th MOASCAR GARRISON) and 27th Canal Zone North for the Army Egypt meeting in December.

15 men joined from 73 HY AA Regiment which had disbanded.

ORDER OF SERVICE 9th November 1954

Hymn 438, Lesson Ecclesiasticus 44       1-4 & 7-15 (read by BSM Williams).

Prayers

Address - 4 min

Hymn 439  omit verses 3 & 4.

December

On the 1st December the Regiment passed from command 3 Inf Div to command of CRA 1 Inf Div

The Administrative Inspection was carried out on the 7th Dec by Major General JB CHURCHER CB DSO, GOC 3 Inf Div.  This was not an unqualified success and he returned on the 9th Dec to carry out a further inspection of the Regiment on parade.

On the 8th December the " Rammer" competition was judged by Brig MUNN (CRA 1 Inf Div). This was won by 'F' Troop.

At the Army Egypt Athletic meeting the Regiment came last.

Individual training of layers, TARA's and Drivers occupied the rest of the month.  Several members of the Battery flew home for Christmas leave.  Christmas passed off uneventfully and a successful Battery smoking concert was held on 28th December.

1955

January

The unit has now completed six months in the Canal Zone and up to now no National Service men have left owing to the necessary adjustments being made before leaving the UK.  A steady stream of National Service men now began to leave.

Early in the month Lt Col AP TREVOR DSO RA handed over command of the Regiment to Lt Col P HARTLEY RA (from MONS OCTU).

BSM WILLIAMS who was in the UK for Christmas was posted to Depot RA at the end of the month for the last six months of his service.  He did not, therefore, rejoin the Battery after leave.  He was replaced by WOII FJ GREEN of 'B' Troop.

The Battery was responsible for finding the MOASCAR guards for a fortnight  from 17th January and this absorbed the whole Battery as a well as a small detachment from each other the other Batteries. 

February

A form of Officer's patrol was instituted to check upon Mauritian, ect, guards who had apparently disposed of considerable amounts of stores from neighbouring camps which they were guarding.  The patrol was christened 'Checkfire'.

The Battery won the Artillery Match of the BTE Rifle Meeting on the 18th February, which produced a handsome cup and £1 for each member of the team.

The team was:- Bdr Scott, Lbdr Menzies, Lbdr Batley, Gnr's Roberts, Bliss and Bell, Team Captain 2Lt JK Wilson, Team Coach Sgt Slim.

March

The Regiment carried out a weeks desert training from 1st to 7th March and ended with some firing on Range III and I (Fayid and Gebel Iweibid).  40 members of the Battery visited CAIRO in a bus on the 12th and a small draft of National Service (6 men) was received on the same day.  The Battery mounted one of the MOASCAR Guards under 69 Field Battery RA from 14th March - 4th April and also a guard at GEBEL MARYAM for several short periods.

On 26th March a torrential rainstorm lasting four hours flooded many parts of the camp.  Fortunatley no serious harm was done in the Battery lines.  Arty R Firing for the RAF was carried out on the 29th and 30th March on Range III and 300 rds were disposed of.

April/May

A certain amount of useful training was carried out in this month.  On 3rd April BC's and OP parties joined 2 Grenadier Guards at BIR'ODEIB and on the 4th, started a four day Battalion exercise.  All phases of war were covered and we returned to barracks on the 8th April (Good Friday).  On Easter Monday (11th) the Battery moved complete to join 2 Grenadier Guards in a concentration area near BIR'ODEIB to start a Brigade exercise on the 13th, this finished on the 16th.

During the next two months a large number men went on leave locally or to Cyprus.  On the 9th May the Battery became responsible for the Guard on 10 BOD, ABU SULTAN, the main element of which was formed of East Africans.  Nothing was lost during our stay there as far as was known.  Wehanded over to 1Y&L on the 16th May.

After a heavy spell of domestic guards and duties about 40 men occupied the Regiment Rest Camp at BIR'ODEIB from 28th May -3rd June.

Lt JDA LINN MC RA was married on 4th June to a member of the Staff at FAYID Hospital.  On the same day the Battery assumed responsibility for the MOASCAR Guards, handing over to 1 IG on the 13th May 1955.

On the 24th the Battery took part in an 'Open Day' series of demonstrations and flying displays at the RAF Station ABU SUEIR.  'A'  Troop was shown coming into action and engaging a target with blank and gun cotton.  Between 25th and 30th June a small party was again at the Regimental Rest Camp at BIR'ODEIB.

A Regiment Junior NCO'S Cadre was run during the month and training of Layers and Drivers continued in the Battery.  2Lt LFW HARTIN RA ( National Service) left the Battery on the 27th.  He had performed the Duties of TL 'B', GPO 'B', ACPO and CPO he had a good record for 16 months with the Battery.

On the 28th June information was received that the Title " INKERMAN " had been awarded to the Battery.

July

A Regimental NCO'S Cadre was run from 4th - 18th July.  A draft of eight men was received on the 9th.  Three inspections took place during the month by outside inspection teams.

Small Arms        19th

UMI        23rd/27th

Documentation     25th

From the 25th to the 8th August the Battery (with 50 Bty) provided the MOASCAR Guard.  2Lt GB INGLIS RA (National Service) joined on  the 29th from UK.      

August

2Lt J PRESCOTT RA (National Service) left on the 8th.  The month was entirely devoted to local guards and preparation for the Annual Administrative Inspection.  Many practice parades and inspections of all kinds took place.

The Battery was warned for guard duties at ABU SULTAN (10 BAD) for the 8th September.  It was learned that the Regiment had earned a grading of "GOOD" on the UMI and "EXCELLENT" on the SA Inspection.

September

The Annual Administrative Inspection of the Regiment was carried out by CRA 1 Inf Div Brigadier AG MUNN DSO MC RA on the 6th.  This passed of satisfactorily.  On the 7th the Battery was warned for guard duty at TEL EL KEBIR and to be at 24hrs notice.  These duties were taken over (instead of those at ABU SULTAN) from 1st Battalion South Stafford Regiment at midday the 9th September.

Initially the Battery (with 50 Bty under comd) lived in a tumble-down camp in TEK but by degrees the 1st Battalion South Stafford Camp was taken over on the departure of this Battalion for CYPRUS.  Duties at TEK were continuous but not on the whole very arduous.  24hrs on and 24hrs off was the order of the day until leaving TEK on the 3rd October, being relieved by the 1st Battalion the Welsh Guards.  A draft of 18 men the last one to be received in MELF arrived on the 12th September.

The Advance Party left on the 26th September.  The Battery was originally to have been represented by Capt WTE HARRISON RA.  At the last minute it was learned that he had been selected  to study Hungarian.  He therefore left the Battery on the 26th September, his place on the advance party being taken by Lt PC BUCKLEY RA.

October 

On 12th, 13th & 14th the Battery fired on FAYID Ranges, being accommodated by 10 BOD, GENEIFA.  A composite 4 gun troop was all that could be mustered for this.  Twosuccessful Course Shooting were carried out (one day Officers in the OP, next day all WO's and Sgt's).  On the third day, troop fire and movement was carried out ending with an emergency smoke screen, when a troop of ' C ' Sqn 1 Royal Tanks attacked the gun position.

This shoot was the last occasion on which TOWED GUNS fired  in the Canal Zone - and this from the "hooked-in" position!

The rest of the month was devoted to musketry and classification was carried out on the 27th October at MOASCAR.

November

    On the 31st the Regiment assumed responsibility for the MOASCAR guard duties for the last time; until 21st November.  The Battery remained responsible throughout for the ABU SULTAN Wharf guard; together with other guards in MOASCAR during the first week.  November 5th was marked with appropriate noises and conflagration.  A Remembrance Day Service was held 6th November.

Owing to the guards commitments INKERMAN Day was observed later in the month.

A farther rifle classification was carried out at EL BALLAH on the 25th.

Packing of stores continued throughout the month and vehicles were disposed of.  The Officers Mess held a cocktail party on 25th, followed by a farewell ball held by the WO's and Sgt's.

Major RR WIGGINS RA sailed for the UK on 2nd after 18 months as Battery second-in-command and BK.

December

On the 3rd BSM GREEN left for the UK on compassionate posting.  At this date the following were on the strenght of the Battery and sailed for ENGLAND with it :-  BC Major AC FRYER RA, BSM JL GIBBONS, BQMS CJE YOUNG.

'A' Troop :- Lt CWB CLARK RA, 2Lt DC GRIFFITHS RA, Tp Sgt  Sgt GF SLIM.

'B' Troop :- Lt JDA LINNMC RA, 2Lt RIL MARSH RA, 2Lt CF OUTRAM RA, BSM FA WHITBREAD.

'BHQ' Troop :- Lt PC BUCKLEY RA, 2Lt GB INGLIS RA, Tp Sgt and AI Sig's Sgt P WALSH.

The Battery was very depleted in OR's, the strength (including 12 with advance party) being :- 9 Sgt's, 8 Bdr's, 11 LBdr's and 61 Gnr's.

The Regiment embarked on HMT "LANCASHIRE" on the 6th December and sailed on the 7th, calling at FAMAGUSTA and GIBRALTAR.  After a not unpleasant voyage we disembarked on the 22nd December and proceeded on leave.  Movement of baggage from LIVERPOOL to BARTON STACEY was left to the Adv Party. 

1956

January

Major DJ O'SULLIVAN RA was posted as Battery Captain and the Battery assembled slowly from leave during the month.  Two small drafts were received - one in December and one in January.  Unpacking was completed by the end of the month and a start made on scraping guns for the "Rammer" Competition.

February

Capt HR WALKER RA was posted to command 'A'Tp.  Lt JDA LINN MC RA left the Regiment on posting to Hvy AA in Germany after over 4 years in the Battery.  The Battery is now affiliated to 1 DW Regiment and contact was established with them.  Regiment training of TARA's and Signallers  began and new Vehicles were issued.  The main effort was directed to repainting of the guns.

March

The Rammer competition on 15th March was won by 'A' Sub Section (Bdr Stark), Sgt Slim 'B' Sub had third best gun and Sgt Stephenson 'C' Sub was sixth.  'A' therefore won the competition for best Troop as well as the Rammer. 'B' Troop came 5th.

On the 16th/17th March the Battery moved (with 50 Bty) to CASTLEMARTIN CAMP, PEMBROKE to become part of the permanent staff there to run TA Camps.  Chaos ensued for a few days, but by the end of the first week things began to settle down.  Every man virtually became Regimentally Employed and worked under the control of the Camp PS

April

Major JAC BURCHER RA joined the Battery and took over command from Major AC FRYER RA who left to take up a staff appointment at the Ministry of Defence.  During this month a draft of 13 other ranks arrived, but the Battery was required to post the same number of men to 16 LAA Regiment, which had been warned for overseas service.

May/September

the Battery continued to carry out it's task with the TA Camps, and in spite of this, a certain amount of individual training was carried out.  Lt AV Claydon RA joined during June and took command of 'B' Troop.  Two attachments to TA Units at Practice Camps were arranged as follows :-

2Lt Marsh and six men to 302 Fd Regt (Pembroke Yoemany).  WOII Young and six men to 345 Med Regt (Berkshire Yeomanry).  The Commanding Officer of both these Regiments wrote letters of appreciation and the training was of considerable value to the men concerned.

At the beginning of July, 17 men were posted to the Battery, which made up for the slow drain due to demobilisation.  During September it was discovered that Capt Henry's Victoria Cross was the property of the RA Institution and a request was made for the loan of the medal.

The Battery re-joined the Regiment at BARTON STACEY on 26th September.

October/November

Immediately on return from CASTLEMARTIN the Battery was ordered to prepare itself for Internal Security Duties.  No gunner training was carried out and all ranks concentrated on small arms shooting, marching and duties in aid of the civil power.  numerous reinforcements were drafted in and the strength of the Battery at one time passed 160 all ranks.  2Lt PH MAY joined the Battery during September and took over the duties of A/CPO from 2Lt GB INGLIS RA who left on demobilisation shortly afterwards.

INKERMAN Day was celebrated on 5th November, the programme being as follows:-

0900-0905   Battery Parade and reading of the Citation.

0915-1000   Lecture on Battery History and Battle of Inkerman

1030-1200   Obstacle Races (Section Teams)

1430-1530    Football (Troop Teams)

1930              Battery Party

The Victoria Cross was borrowed for the occasion; it was on display at the party and subsequently in the Officers Mess.

On the 26th November some gunner training was started although we were ordered to keep fit for Internal Security work with all that it entails. At a Regiment Cross Country Run held on 22nd November 'B'Tp came first, 'A' Tp third and BHQ Tp seventh out of eleven teams.

December

The Battery went on block leave from 15th December to 31st December.  At the end of the year the senior members were as follows :-

Battery Commander Major JAC BURCHER RA, Battery Captain Major DJ O'SULLIVAN RA, BSM WOII JL GIBBONS, BQMS A CLOUGH.

'A' Troop :- Captain HR WALKER RA, Lt CWB CLARK RA, WOII DG THOMPSON.

'B' Troop :- Lt AV CLAYDON RA, Lt RIL MARSH RA, WOII CJE YOUNG.  

BHQ Troop :- Captain PC BUCKLEY RA, 2Lt MAY RA, Sgt PH WALSH.

Just before Christmas orders were received for the Battery to find 2 Officers and 72 other ranks to reinforce 21 Medium Regiment in CYPRUS.  This was a grievous blow and the party, which included Major O'SULLIVAN, 2Lt MAY and four Sergeants left on the 17th January. Finding such a large draft at short notice greatly hindered our effort in preparing for the Annual Administrative Inspection. However, this took place in two parts with the inspection of equipment on 30th January and a Ceremonial Parade with the RA Mounted Band on 6th February.  The CRA, Brigadier G.S COLE CBE expressed himself well satisfied with the turnout and bearing of the Battery.

During January and February, a number of reinforcements joined the Battery.  These included 2Lt R.D PERRY, 2Lt F.P. GARRETT and 2Lt HUGHES.  In spite of the arrival of several NCO's, the Battery strength by the end of February was just over one hundred other ranks.  Gunner training began again in earnest, with a June Practice Camp in view.  Unfortunately for a time low numbers forced us to operate  with troops of only two guns, although there were nine Sergeants and eight full Bombardiers on the strength at this time.

1957

March

On the 4th March we calibrated a new gun ('F' Sub) comparatively against our standard ('C' Sub) and on 9th and 10th March the Battery provided Four Guns to shoot for 881 Amphibious Battery (TA) at LARKHILL.  The guns shot together well and the "Amphibions" were grateful for our service.

Troop and Battery training continued and on 4th/5th April we went to LARKHILL for more firing.  The Battery fired two hundred rounds from one position, carried out a night occupation and the next morning fired a further hundred rounds.  Bearing in mind the fact the Battery had not fired as such for two years, the results were most satisfactory.

April

During April a draft of ten recruits joined the Battery and 2Lt GARRETT left to join a Photographic Interpretation Unit.  BQMS CLOUGH also left and was replaced by BQMS JONES.

The Regiment took block leave at Easter from 18th-29th April, but before this, several competitions were held in which the men of the Battery did remarkably well:-

Regimental Small Arms meeting ' A' Tp won the Inter-Troop Falling Plate Match, The Battery won the Rifle Team Match.

Inter Tp Seven-a-side Knock Out  'BHQ' Tp won this Regimental Soccer Event.

Battery Laying Competition  Which was won by 'G' Section consisting of :-  Sgt Callaghan, Bdr Brunskill and LBdr Cashford.

May

Immediately on return from Block Leave, the Battery recommenced intensive training for the laying part of the Rammer Competition.  In this we did particle well, having the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Best Guns in the Regiment.   Although we had not achieved very good marks in the "turnout" part of the competition, our lead on the laying was so great that we won both the Rammer and the cup for best troop.  On the 3rd May Lt CLARK and Sgt McGRANDLES  ('B' Troop) were awarded the prizes.

Training for camp now became first priority, though we managed to do quite well at the Regimental Athletics Meeting, winning the Tug of War Shield, the BC and BSM being two members of the team.  At the end of May a draft of fifteen recruits joined and shortly afterwards we took part in a non-firing exercise set by the CRA, (Ex JACKDAW).

June

On the 1st June, Capt P.C. BUCKLEY RA was married at ALDERSHOT.  All the Officers of the Battery attended the ceremony and a full Guard of Honour, with swords, was provided.  Capt J.D.C. BUCKLEY RA brother of the groom, also a former CPO of the Battery, was the best man.

The next day the Regiment left for Practice Camp at WESTDOWN.  During the fortnight that followed the Battery was exercised in course shooting, fire and movement, and deployment.  In this we were remarkably successful at no time were we late in arriving, did we fire a "loose round" or failed to get through by wireless.  During the firing of Regimental targets, we were almost invariably "first up" and consequently the ranging Battery.  This result was a most satisfying climax to the training season.

After camp we were involved in training our recruits, shooting for the Air OP (26th June), and sending certain men on leave.  We had already been informed that the Battery had been chosen to shoot at LARKHILL for the Annual Demonstration by the School of Artillery (AMBASSADOR) and afterwards would be required to run a CCF Camp at WINDMILL HILL.

July

On the 17th July a party left for LARKHILL to take part in the AMBASSADOR Demonstration.  It consisted of a composite troop, which carried out a quick action firing display.  After many rehearsals , the Demonstration was given on 24th July to 1200 CCF Cadets and on 25th July to the RMA Sandhurst.  A congratulatory letter was later received from the Commandant of the School of Artillery, expressing his entire satisfaction with the performance of the Battery.

By the end of the week the whole Battery had assembled at WINDMILL HILL to help run a CCF Camp.  We were made responsible for one Battalion of Cadets, who arrived on 29th July.  This proved to be very hard work but gratifying results were obtained and was evidenced by a letter from the Deputy District Commander Brigadier R.N.M. JONES CBE, ADC.

On 17th August a party left for attachment to 299 Field Regt RA (TA), during their annual camp.  They were most welcome and enjoyed the training, the men concerned being the last joined TARA's and Signallers.  On the same day, the remainder of the Battery, less a rear party, went on two weeks block leave.

It was decided at this time to institute a Battery Tie.  from first investigations it seemed that it would prove too expensive to have a design of our own and so permission was obtained to use the same tie as the INKERMAN Company RMA Sandhurst.  This tie incorporated the letter "I" and crossed swords; the letter being taken by us to represent those with which Company Sgt HENRY and Gnr TAYLOR defended the guns during the battle.  The tie was advertised in the "RA Regimental News" and the "Gunner" as being obtainable from Farrell & Sons Ltd, CAMBERLY.  Shortly afterwards we managed to obtain a tie of improved design and quality from F.M ARNOLD Esq, Mottram St Andrew, Nr MACCLESFIELD, CHESHIRE. - The maker being the father of a Gnr in the Battery.

Inkerman day was celebrated on the 5th November in the usual manner, the programme being the same as in 1956, with Skill at Arms contest in place of  Obstacle Races.  This contest took the form of competitions to find the best Sub-Section, Battery ties being awarded as prizes. 

The Regimental Rammer Competition was held in accordance with the last years rules-Turnout on the 31st October and Laying on the 8th November.  As usual we excelled on the laying, having four out of the six best laid guns in the Regiment.  Our Turnout marks were somewhat disappointing, so the Rammer went to 'F' Sub of 69 Battery.  'A' Tp did however , win the Best Troop Cup for the third year in succession and 'b' Troop were third. Overall, therefore we did much better than the other two Batteries ie: 50 Fd Bty and 69 Fd Bty.

Our annual Administrative Inspection was by the CRA, Brig G.S COLE CBE on the 29th October and the rest of the year was devoted to individual training; 9th-18th December being entirely devoted to Civil Defence matters.

During the second half of 1957 several Officers of the Battery changed.  Major CHEVALIER, 2Lt WHEATLEY and 2Lt KEMP joined, while Lt CLARK, 2Lt HUGHES and 2Lt PERRY left.  WOII ENGLISH replaced WOII THOMPSON, who left the Army after many years service.

1958

January

It had previously been rumoured and now became official, that the Battery was to take part in certain Mobility Trials in 1958.  This meant that the Battery would move to WATCHET in SOMERSET to join the 1st Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment as part of a Battalion Group.  We were ordered to hand in our 25pdrs and drew up 4.2 mortars during January and carry out the move, complete with families early in March.

In accordance with this plan, we handed in our 25pdrs on the 15th January and drew up six 4.2 Mortars six days later.  From 27th to 31st January, instructors from 33 Para Lt Regiment ran a Nos 1 Course on the 4.2 mortar for all the Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants of the Battery.

February

Afterwards, from the 3rd February, all Gunners and Drivers were put through two weeks gun drill, while all Signallers concentrated on operating sets on man packs.

On the 21st February Major JAC BURCHER RA left to take up an appointment at the War Office and handed over Command of the Battery to Major PJH CHEVALIER RA.

March   

The Battery moved by road to WATCHET on the 3rd March.  Very good billets had been allotted by the 1st Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment, whilst a disused LAA firing site near DONIFORD Camp had been completely re-furbished by RE Works to accommodate the Guns, Vehicles, Signals and 'Q' Stores.  In addition the Battalion Commander Lt Col EM GOODDALE, DSO had reserved two Officers Quarters and 12 OR Quarters for the Battery thus enabling all married personnel to be united within a fortnight of the move.

April

The Battery was re-organized into three sections, each capable of working independently as part of a Coy Group.  Several postings occurred about this time and on the 1st April the senior appointments were:

Bty Comd      Major PHJ CHEVALIER RA                                BHQ Troop: Tp Comd     Major CH THORNE  RA 

BTY CAPT    Major MEG SPENCER RA                                                                   TSM     WOII ENGLISH J

BSM              WOII GIBBONS JL                                                                    NCO i/c Sigs    Sgt WALSH P

BQMS           BQMS HAWKER S                                                                            MT Sgt     Sgt CALLERY

Chief Clerk     Sgt GREGORY A

Gun Troop:     Tp Comd                      Capt AV CLAYDON RA

                       TSM                            WOII YOUNG CJE

                         Right Section GPO      Lt DD EVANS RA

                         A Sub No 1                Sgt HARRIS J

                         B Sub No 1                Sgt PICKARD DN

                         Centre Section GPO   2Lt P WHEATLEY

                         C Sub No 1                Sgt STEPHENSON R

                         D Sun No 1                Sgt WOOLLEY J

                         Left Section GPO       2Lt CB KEMP RA

                         E Sub No 1                Sgt McGRANDLES WJ

                         F Sub No 1                 Sgt SHERWOOD CW

The following Officers were posted away, 1st April Capt HR WALKER RA to Guided Weapons Course, 14th April Capt BUCKLEY RA to Adjt 257 Field Regiment RA (TA) BRIGHTON.

On the 14th-15th April the Battery moved to OKEHAMPTON to fire its first bombs from the 4.2 Mortars, although all NCO's had attended a short course and fired the mortars at the School of Artillery in March.  The shooting was very much more accurate than anticipated and all mortars shot well together.

May

The Battery went to a short Practice Camp at SENNYBRIDGE from the 11th-16th May.  Owing to the main camp being overloaded with the Divisional Artillery we required to run our own tented camp near  the Druids Arms.  Despite appalling weather, the Battery carried out to days course shooting and three days Fire and Movement on a trolley basis.  On the final day fire was successfully integrated with 25pds of the other two Batteries and the Battery was in action, after marching 4 miles, before  the first Troop of 25pds.

The following extract from the IG's Practice Camp report must serve to summarise this camp. 

"The shooting of the Battery was most impressive.  Fire was quick and the fall of shot from the six mortars accurate and consistent"

June

This month was devoted to Company Group Training; the affiliations being :- Right Section with 'A' Coy, Centre Section with 'C' Coy and Left Section with 'B' Coy.   River crossing techniques were also developed at BRIDGEWATER and later demonstrated to Coy Commanders.

July

The Battalion group moved to OKEHAMPTON Battle Camp on the 29th June for further Company and Battalion Training.  Mainly River Crossing exercises were carried out on the river EXE at EXETER using the floatation gear on the trolleys.  This training period ended with a Fire Power Demonstration on 18th July, parts of which were televised for BBC documentary film of DARTMOOR.  Again the shooting was impressively accurate.

On the 18th July a draft of 25 men were ordered to join 25 Field Regiment who had been warned for overseas.

On the 21st July, at the start of a Battalion exercise on EXMOOR the 1st NORTHAMPTONS were put at 7 days notice for service overseas, as a result of the developing situation in the Middle East.  Every effort was made by GOC 1 Inf Division and Commander 2 Inf Brigade  to get the Battery to go as part of the Battalion Group - without success.

August/September

On the 28th August the Battery moved with the Battalion to commence Battalion Group Training to familiar country - WESTDOWN CAMP, TILSHEAD.  The period 9th-17th September was devoted to rehearsals for a demonstration to be given by GOC 1 Inf Division at MIDDLE WALLOP Airfield to a high-powered gathering of Senior Officers.

The demonstration comprised :-

1. A physical comparison of a normally equipped Inf Bn and Fd Bty with the trolley-borne 1st Northamptons Gp

2. Air loading of suitable tactical loads into a Hastings, Beverly and Valetta aircraft.  A complete Section of the Battery with FOO was loaded into a Hastings in 11 minutes.     

3. After an obstacle course had been negotiated with trolleys by one Coy Gp, the remainder of the Bn Gp demonstrated a tactical Bn attack with the SP Weapons finally coming into action in front of the spectators.  Ammunition re-supply and casualty evacuation was then carried out by Whirlwind Helicopters.

The whole demonstration was an unqualified  success and in a letter to the Battery Commander the GOC Maj Gen GP GREGSON CB OBE, DSO, MC said:-

"What an excellent show your chaps put up - it was all great fun and could not have gone off better.  Will you please thank everybody for me"

October

On the 9th October the Battery took part in a Battalion river crossing at EAST HUNTSPILL.  The river (35yrds wide) was crossed by the Battery in 15 minutes using no special bridging other then flotation bags attached to the trolleys; but for one capsize, the time would have been much faster.

On the 10th October at a Battalion guest night the Bn Comd (Lt Col EM GOODDALE DSO) thanked the Battery for their gift of a mounted Battery Standard presented to commemorate their affiliation with the Battalion.  After many generous remarks about the Battery's support throughout the Trials he announced that a presentation trolley was being made for the Battery.

15th October, Ex 'Rock and Roll'.  The Battalion Group embarked at PLYMOUTH and PORTSMOUTH in three of HM Frigates - ORWELL, REDPOLE and STARLING.  Twelve hours and two seasickness pills later we were on GUERNSEY at ST PETERS PORT and the adjoining bay, to take over the Island in an Internal Security Role.  We were re-embarked on the 18th October after two very enjoyable days leave which followed the exercise, having received very hospitable treatment from the Islanders.   The Customs were equally kind on arrival in ENGLAND.

This was the Battery's Swan Song as an experimental unit and preparation for disbandment commenced on the 20th October.  The Battery's INKERMAN Day Smoker was brought forward to the 22nd October.  The Battery Commander read out the HENRY Citation, according to custom, and announced an innovation which he hoped would be continued by his successors.  In future it is proposed to lay a wreath on ANDREW HENRY'S grave at PLYMOUTH on the 5th November each year.  The wreath to be in the shape of the Victoria Cross, of the colour as the ribbon, and laid by the Battery Sergeant Major accompanied by the Battery Captain (BOOTHBY was second Captain and commanded the Demi-Battery of 'G' Battery 2nd Division).  When the Battery is overseas there are always Gunners at the Royal Citadel who would gladly perform this commemorative act for them.

November

On the 5th November Major CHEVALIER and BSM YOUNG travelled to PLYMOUTH and laid the first Battery wreath on Captain HENRY'S grave.  The inscription attached to the wreath read:-  "This wreath was laid in proud memory of Captain ANDREW HENRY V.C. on the anniversary of the Battle of INKERMAN by 49th INKERMAN Field Battery Royal Artillery whose Honour Title commemorates his act of gallantry on 5th November 1854.  UBIQUE, Quo fas et Gloria Ducunt".

1959  

January

During November all ranks of the Battery were posted to Units World Wide and on the 1st January the title of 49 (Inkerman) Field Battery passed to 87 Field Battery which had on the same day been placed in suspended animation.  The Battery thus became part of 42 Field Regiment in the Royal Citadel, in PLYMOUTH.  This Regiment was the first all regular Regiment in the Post War British Army.

The Officers of the Battery were as follows

Battery Commander               Major A.B. HOWARD MC. RA.

Battery Captain                      Capt T. PETHERICK RA.

Troop Commanders               Capt D.F. WILLIAMSON RA.

                                              Lt P.N. MILLER RA.

Section  Commanders             Lt D.L. JAMES RA.

                                              Lt A.R. HAZLERIGG RA.

                                              2Lt A.E. BUSH RA.

BSM's                                   WOII SPENCER F.

                                              WOII YOUNG CJE.

                                              WOII REEVE E.

February

The Battery took part in Exercise "White Night" an exercise run by 2 Independent Inf Bde designed to train members of the S.A.S. in how to escape and evade capture behind enemy lines and if captive how to counteract interrogation methods.

This exercise took place on Dartmoor, the escaped POW's were dropped near SHAUGH PRIOR and had to find their way to OKEHAMTON.  The "enemy" was provided by 42 Regiment.  It was an entirely non Gunner exercise and although the weather was foul, it was at least in retrospect, enjoyed by most.  

The fact that the Regiment was detailed to staff the ARA and NRA meetings at BISLEY in June and July meant that practice camp was now put forward to early May and consequently all periods of training were shortened and intensified .

The three weeks Battery training were from 16 Feb to 9 Mar ending in the Battery test exercise on BODMIN MOOR during the week 9-14 March.

On 3 Feb the DRA Major General ANDERSON visited the Regiment.  On 6 Feb the Battery fired a salute of 21 guns on the occasion of the anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty Queen ELIZABETH II.

April   

From 3 April to 23 April the Regiment were hard at it training for practice camp, This training took us to RINGMOOR, OKEHAMPTON and BODMIN, all three of which areas we learnt to know well.  Except for the last day the weather was unkind - sometimes very unkind - and our farewell to BODMIN was through a thick sheet of driving rain which had been pouring down all day.

On Monday 20 April there was held a foreshortened competition for the silver rammer consisting of peg driving, winching, camouflaging, gun drill and a limber gunners test.  This was won by "B" Sub (Sgt Annette) closely followed by "D" Sub (Bdr Maynard).

On 25 April the Commanding Officer Lt Col WEBSTER RA bid farewell to the Regiment.  He left on promotion as CRA Home Counties Division.  On the same day the new Commanding Officer Lt Col B.A.B.TAYLOR MBE, RA assumed command.

On 21 April the Battery fired a salute of 21 guns on the occasion of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen ELIZABETH II.

May  

The Regiment moved to Practice Camp at WESTDOWN  on 3 May and returned on 14 may.  while there, the following senior officers visited the Battery:-

Brigadier J.W. WAINWRIGHT CBE                   BRA

Brigadier R.L.T.BURGESS DSO                         CRA 3 Inf Div

Brigadier G.H LEA                                               Comd 2 Inf Bde Gp

The weather served us well and the sun shone.  On the last day of camp the Battery was awarded the newly constituted and much coveted "Commanding Officers Trophy".

June

Early in June the Regiment moved to BISLEY where it remained until the end of July.  All ranks slept under canvas.

The duties were varied but consisted mainly of preparing the camp, (WOII YOUNG who was i/c Tent Party estimated that his party put up 350 tents during the first two weeks), of administering the Army Competitors during the ARA meeting, and, most important of all, of providing markers in the butts and staff on the firing points during all three meetings.

N.S.R.A  Meeting                    14 June - 20 June

A.R.A. Meeting                        22 June - 6 July

N.R.A Meeting                         6 July - 22 July

Fortunately the weather remained fine and warm and this made our task much easier than it would otherwise have been.  So warm was it in fact that the butt markers were able to work stripped to the waist.

The Regiment returned to PLYMOUTH on 24 July.  Latter received from the Chairman of the various rifle associations were full of praise and thanks for the way the Regiment had performed its duties.

At the end of May just before we left for Bisley Sgt CHAPMAN left the Battery ON POSTING TO 288 Fd Regt RA (TA). Whilst at BISLEY the Battery paid a visit to the Royal Tournament.

August

On 4th August the Battery fired a Salute of 21 Guns on the occasion of the Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Later in the month all ranks - except a small rear party when on block leave for three weeks.

September

On return from leave Lt AR HAZLERIGG RA left the Battery on cross posting to 68 Field Battery as CPO. During September the first of three drafts of recruits joined the Battery. They were all either 6 or 9 year soldiers and were the first of the new intakes from OSWESTRY who had only done 2 weeks training before joining the Regiment. On 28 September the Regiment was addressed by the Divisional Commander, Major General GC GORDON LENNOX CB. CVO. DSO. who was leaving to take up his new appointment as Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

October

On 5th October the Battery fired a 21 Gun Salute to celebrate the anniversary of Portugese Independance Day. This was due to the fact that there were two Portugese Naval Ships in Harbour.

During the week 6 - 10 October the Battery Calibrated its Guns at WESTDOWN.

November

On 5th November INKERMAN Day was celebrated by all members of the Battery. After a short service in the chapel of Saint Katherine - within - the Citadel conducted by the Padre the Rev A.H COOKE, CCF, all ranks gathered for an address by the Battery Commander. He gave a detailed account of the  Battle of Inkerman and of the gallant actions of ANDREW HENRY which won for him the Victoria Cross. Later in the morning all ranks were present at the grave of Andrew Henry where in a short ceremony of Remembrance the Citation was read, a trumpet sounded the last post and Reveille, and a wreath of Poppies shaped in a cross was laid against the headstone.

An all ranks dance was held in the evening, which the Commanding Officer and other Battery Commanders attended.

On 9th November the Annual Inspection of Vehicles, Guns and Equipment started.

On 24th November the Regiment underwent its Annual Administrative Inspection. the Guns and Vehicles were paraded on the Hoe for inspection by the CRA 3rd Infantry Division, Brigadier R.L.T. Burges DSO. The Regiment then drove past. The CRA carried out further inspections of the Barrack Rooms, Kit, Gun Parks and Stores. He complimented the Regiment on its turnout.

Captain D.F. WILLIAMSON RA left the Battery on posting as Troop Commander to the Guided Missile Range in the OUTER HEBRIDES.

December

On the 5th December the Regiment travelled to BULFORD to take part in the Royal Artillery Third Division Parade. This took place on St Barbara's Day 6 Dec on THRUXTON Airfield. The salute was taken by the Master Gunner, General Sir Cameron Nicholson, and the following Major Units took part.

3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

25 Field Regiment Royal Artillery

26 Field Regiment Royal Artillery

42 Field Regiment Royal Artillery

to be continued