Filebird Folder: Medium

1940

Medium regiments were organised into 2 gun batteries each of 2 Troops of 4 guns each. Guns were either 6 inch 26 cwt Howitzers or 60 pdr Guns. This table is based on a 6 inch regiment, establishments were slightly different for 60 pdr regiments. There are also slight differences between units using Medium Dragons and those using Heavy Tractors to tow the pieces.

1944

With the introduction of the 4.5 inch Gun in 1941, followed by the 5.5 inch a little later, the older guns were phased out, although the 6 inch remained in service in the Far East until the end of the war. The regiment was organised into 2 gun batteries each of 2 Troops of 4 guns each. At first, regiments would usually have a battery each of 4.5 and 5.5 inch Guns. The 4.5 inch was not popular because although it had a greater range it did not have sufficient weight of shell compared to the 5.5 for its role. Towards the end of the war, most regiments had both batteries with 5.5 inch Guns.

The following organisation is for both batteries equipped with the 5.5 inch Gun. Regiments having one battery of each equipment would have 4 less 3 ton trucks and drivers and 22 less gunners for ammunition handling.

The information for a Medium Gun Battery 1944 is based on War Establishment III/10/5 dated 7 January 1944. The organisation is for two batteries each of eight guns.

Battery Commander’s Party

	Light Tank Observation Post	Battery Commander, Observation Post Assistant, Driver Operator, Driver Mechanic
	Car 5 cwt 4×4	Batman/Driver – For Battery Commander when required
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 FFW	Command Post Officer, CPO Assistant, 2 x Driver Operators
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2	6 x Signallers, Driver – Mechanical cable layer
	Motorcycle	Battery Commander’s Orderly
	Motorcycle	Command Post Officer’s Assistant
	Motorcycle	Command Post Officer’s Orderly

 

“O” Party

	Armoured Observation Post	Forward Observer (Captain), Observation Post Assistant, Driver Operator, Driver Mechanic (RC in 2nd battery)
	Motorcycle	Signaller
	Armoured Observation Post	Forward Observer (Captain), Observation Post Assistant, Driver Operator, Driver Mechanic (RD in 2nd battery)
	Motorcycle	Signaller

 

“G” Party

	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 FFW	A Troop Gun Position Officer, GPO Assistant, 2 x Signallers, 2 x Driver Operators (GC in 2nd battery)
	Car 5 cwt 4×4	A Troop Sergeant Major, Artificer RA (JC in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2	4 x Signallers, 2 x Batmen, Driver
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 FFW	B Troop Gun Position Officer, GPO Assistant, 2 x Signallers, 2 x Driver Operators (GD in 2nd battery)
	Car 5 cwt 4×4	B Troop Sergeant Major, Artificer RA (JD in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2	4 x Signallers, 2 x Batmen, Driver

 

Battery HQ Party

	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 FFW	Assistant Command Post Officer, 2 x CPO’s Assistants, Driver
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 FFW	Battery Captain 2i/c (BK), Driver Operator
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2	Clerk, 2 x LMG numbers, Driver
	Motorcycle	Signals Sergeant
	Motorcycle	Battery Captain’s Orderly

 

Gun Group

	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 FFW	A Troop Leader, Gun Position Officer’s Assistant, Signaller, 2 x Driver Operators (TLC in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2	3 x Signallers, 2 x LMG numbers, Batman, Vehicle Mechanic, Driver
	Tractor 4×4 Medium	Gun crew numbers 1-10, Driver Mechanic, Driver – carries 40 rounds. Tows a gun (CA in 2nd battery)
	Tractor 4×4 Medium	Gun crew numbers 1-10, Driver Mechanic, Driver – carries 40 rounds. Tows a gun (CB in 2nd battery)
	Tractor 4×4 Medium	Gun crew numbers 1-10, Driver Mechanic, Driver – carries 40 rounds. Tows a gun (CC in 2nd battery)
	Tractor 4×4 Medium	Gun crew numbers 1-10, Driver Mechanic, Driver – carries 40 rounds. Tows a gun (CD in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 FFW	B Troop Leader, Gun Position Officer’s Assistant, Signaller, 2 x Driver Operators (TLD in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2	5 x Signallers, 2 x LMG numbers, Batman, Vehicle Mechanic, Driver
or	Tractor 4×4 Medium	Gun crew numbers 1-10, Driver Mechanic, Driver – carries 40 rounds. Tows a gun (DE or DA in 2nd battery)
or	Tractor 4×4 Medium	Gun crew numbers 1-10, Driver Mechanic, Driver – carries 40 rounds. Tows a gun (DF or DB in 2nd battery)
or	Tractor 4×4 Medium	Gun crew numbers 1-10, Driver Mechanic, Driver – carries 40 rounds. Tows a gun (DG or DC in 2nd battery)
or	Tractor 4×4 Medium	Gun crew numbers 1-10, Driver Mechanic, Driver – carries 40 rounds. Tows a gun (DH or DD in 2nd battery)
	Car 5 cwt 4×4	Battery Sergeant Major, Vehicle Mechanic

 

Ammunition Group

	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Ammunition numbers, Driver – carries 80 rounds 4.5 inch or 50 rounds 5.5 inch
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Ammunition numbers, Driver – carries 80 rounds 4.5 inch or 50 rounds 5.5 inch
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Ammunition numbers, Driver – carries 80 rounds 4.5 inch or 50 rounds 5.5 inch
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Ammunition numbers, Driver – carries 80 rounds 4.5 inch or 50 rounds 5.5 inch
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Ammunition numbers, Driver – carries 80 rounds 4.5 inch or 50 rounds 5.5 inch
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Ammunition numbers, Driver – carries 50 rounds 5.5 inch
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Ammunition numbers, Driver – carries 50 rounds 5.5 inch
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Ammunition numbers, Driver – carries 50 rounds 5.5 inch
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Ammunition numbers, Driver – carries 50 rounds 5.5 inch
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	3 x Batmen, Driver – carries 80 rounds 4.5 inch or 30 rounds 5.5 inch
	Tractor 4×4 Medium	Driver Mechanic, Driver – Spare tractor
	Travelling platform	20 mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
	Travelling platform	20 mm Anti-Aircraft Gun

 

B Echelon

	Truck 3 ton 4×4	Battery Quartermaster Sergeant, Clerk, Storeman, Driver
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	Storeman Technical, Equipment Repairer, Vehicle Mechanic, Electrician Royal Signals, Driver
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	Driver – Petrol
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	4 x Cooks Army Catering Corps, Sanitary Dutyman, Driver
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	3 x Cooks Army Catering Corps, 2 x LMG numbers, Driver
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 Water Tank	Water Dutyman, Driver

 

The information for a Regimental Headquarters 1944 is based on War Establishment III/10/5 dated 7 January 1944. The organisation is for two batteries each of eight guns.

The War Establishment for ‘An Independent Regiment RA Signal Section (1943) R Signals’ WE III/297/1 effective date 21 December 1943 covers the Royal Signals attached troops.

The War Establishment for ‘Light Aid Detachment Types A and B REME’  WE III/100/3 effective date 10 December 1943 (Type B for non armoured formations) covers the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers attached.

Regimental HQ Party

	Car 4 seater 4×4	Commanding Officer, Subaltern, Driver
	Car 4 seater 4×4	Second in Command, Operator Royal Signals, Driver Carries Wireless set No 22
	Truck 15 cwt Personnel	Operator, Driver Operator Royal Signals – 2 x Wireless set No 19
	Truck 15 cwt Wireless House	2 x Operators, Driver Operator – Wireless set No 22
	Car 5 cwt 4×4	Survey Officer, Battery Surveyor
	Motorcycle	Commanding Officer’s Orderly
	Motorcycle	2 i/c’s Orderly
	Motorcycle	Despatch Rider Royal Signals

 

Adjutant’s Party

	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 Personnel	Adjutant, Sergeant Clerk, 2 x LMG numbers, Batman, Driver
	Truck 15 cwt 4×4 Personnel	Corporal Operator, 2 x Operators, Driver Mechanic, Royal Signals – Wireless sets No 19 & 19 HP
	Motorcycle	Adjutant’s Orderly
	Motorcycle	Signals Sergeant Royal Signals
	Motorcycle	Despatch Rider Royal Signals

 

Survey Party

	Car 5 cwt 4×4	2 x Battery Surveyors
	Car 5 cwt 4×4	2 x Battery Surveyors
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2	2 x Battery Surveyors
	Motorcycle	Survey Sergeant
	Motorcycle	Battery Surveyor

 

Regimental HQ Group

	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 Office	Regimental Sergeant Major, 2 x Clerks, Duty Sergeant, Driver
	Car 5 cwt 4×4	Medical Officer, Batman/Driver
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2	Medical Officers Orderly, Sanitary Dutyman, Driver
	Truck 15 cwt Wireless House	2 x Operators, Driver Operator, Royal Signals – Wireless set No 22
	Car 5 cwt 4×4 & Trailer 10 cwt	Corporal Linesman, 2 x Linesmen, Driver, Royal Signals – Cable layer
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Corporal Operators, 4 x Operators, 2 x Linesmen, Driver, Royal Signals
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	Corporal Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Operator, Driver Mechanic, Royal Signals, Cook Army Catering Corps
	Car 5 cwt 4×4	3 x Linesmen Royal Signals
	Car 5 cwt 4×4	Despatch Rider Royal Signals
	Motorcycle	Despatch Rider Royal Signals

 

B Echelon

	Car 5 cwt 4×4	Quartermaster, Batman/Driver
	Truck 15 cwt 4×2 Water	Water Dutyman, Driver
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	Sergeant Armourer REME, Cook Army Catering Corps, 3 x Batmen, Driver
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	2 x Cooks Army Catering Corps, Batman, Butcher, 2 x LMG numbers, Driver
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant, Storeman, Clerk, Artificer RA, Driver
	Truck 3 ton 4×4	Sergeant Storeman Technical, Storeman Technical, Vehicle Mechanic, Artificer RA, Driver
	Travelling platform	20 mm Anti-Aircraft gun
	Travelling platform	20 mm Anti-Aircraft gun

 

Light Aid Detachment Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME)

Car 4 seater 4×2	WO1 Armament Artificer, Sergeant Vehicle Mechanic
Motorcycle	Storeman
Truck 3 ton 4×4	Storeman, Fitter, Driver Mechanic
Truck 3 ton 4×4	Electrician (Vehicle & Plant), Welder, Fitter, Driver Mechanic
Truck 3 ton 6×4 Breakdown	Fitter, Driver Mechanic

 

 

 

 

	Truck 8 cwt	A Troop Commander, Observation Post Assistant, Signaller, Driver (RC in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt	A Troop Leader (WOIII), Signaller, Artificer RA, Orderly, 2 x RAF W/T Operators, Driver – RAF W/T set (TLC in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt	3 x Signallers (Observation Post Telephonist & 2 Maintenance), Orderly, Driver
	Motorcycle	A Troop Signaller
	Motorcycle	Orderly
	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (CA in 2nd battery)
	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (CB in 2nd battery)
	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (CC in 2nd battery)
	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (CD in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt	B Troop Leader (WOIII), Signaller, Artificer RA, Orderly, 2 x RAF W/T Operators, Driver – RAF W/T set (TLD in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt	3 x Signallers (Observation Post Telephonist & 2 Maintenance), Orderly, 2 x AA LMG Gunners, Driver
or	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (DE or DA in 2nd battery)
or	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (DF or DB in 2nd battery)
or	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (DG or DC in 2nd battery)
or	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (DH or DD in 2nd battery)
	Motorcycle	Battery Sergeant Major
	Motorcycle	Artificer RA

Continue reading “Medium Gun Battery 1940”

The information for a Medium Gun Battery 1940 is based on two publications. The establishment is based on War Establishment III/1931/10A/1 dated 3 May 1939. The organisation is taken from Artillery Training Volume 1, Pamphlet No. 2A 1940. RHA, Field & Medium Regiments – Battle Drill and Manœuvre for the Reconnaisance and Occupation of Positions dated 6th March 1940. This is slightly different from the War Establishment tables.

Recce Group

 

	Truck 8 cwt	Battery Commander, Observation Post Assistant, 2 x Signallers, Driver
	Truck 8 cwt	Battery Captain (2i/c), Batman, Driver
	Truck 15 cwt	Command Post Officer, CPO Assistant, 3 x Surveyors, Driver
	Truck 8 cwt	Surveyor (Range Taker), 2 x Gun Position Officers or GPO’s Assistants, Driver – Rangefinder No. 13
	Motorcycle	Battery Commander’s Orderly
	Motorcycle	Signaller
	Motorcycle	Command Post Officer’s Orderly
	Motorcycle	Battery Signals NCO
	Motorcycle	WLO
	Motorcycle	A Troop Sergeant

 

“O” Party

 

	Truck 8 cwt	B Troop Commander, Observation Post Assistant, Signaller, Driver (RD in 2nd battery)
	Motorcycle	Signals NCO B Troop
	Motorcycle	Signaller

 

“G” Party

 

	Truck 8 cwt	Gun Position Officer or Assistant GPO A Troop, 2 x Signallers, Driver (GC in 2nd battery)
	Truck 8 cwt	Gun Position Officer or Assistant GPO B Troop, 2 x Signallers, Driver (GD in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt	5 x Signalers (3 Command post, 2 maintenance), Driver – 2 x 10 line switchboards, hand cable layer
	Truck 8 cwt	2 x Signallers, Clerk – Battery Office equipment
	Motorcycle	Signaller – Line link
	Motorcycle	Signals NCO A Troop
	Motorcycle	Signaller – Line link
	Motorcycle	B Troop Sergeant

 

Gun Group

 

	Truck 8 cwt	A Troop Commander, Observation Post Assistant, Signaller, Driver (RC in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt	A Troop Leader (WOIII), Signaller, Artificer RA, Orderly, 2 x RAF W/T Operators, Driver – RAF W/T set (TLC in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt	3 x Signallers (Observation Post Telephonist & 2 Maintenance), Orderly, Driver
	Motorcycle	A Troop Signaller
	Motorcycle	Orderly
	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (CA in 2nd battery)
	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (CB in 2nd battery)
	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (CC in 2nd battery)
	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (CD in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt	B Troop Leader (WOIII), Signaller, Artificer RA, Orderly, 2 x RAF W/T Operators, Driver – RAF W/T set (TLD in 2nd battery)
	Truck 15 cwt	3 x Signallers (Observation Post Telephonist & 2 Maintenance), Orderly, 2 x AA LMG Gunners, Driver
or	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (DE or DA in 2nd battery)
or	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (DF or DB in 2nd battery)
or	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (DG or DC in 2nd battery)
or	Tractor Medium Artillery	Sergeant, 9 x Gun crew, 2 x Drivers – Tows gun & carries 40 rounds of ammunition (DH or DD in 2nd battery)
	Motorcycle	Battery Sergeant Major
	Motorcycle	Artificer RA

Continue reading “Medium Gun Battery 1940”

The information for a Regimental Headquarters 1940 is based on two publications. The establishment is based on War Establishment III/1931/10A/1 dated 3 May 1939. The organisation is taken from Artillery Training Volume 1, Pamphlet No. 2A 1940. RHA, Field & Medium Regiments – Battle Drill and Manœuvre for the Reconnaisance and Occupation of Positions dated 6th March 1940. This is slightly different from the War Establishment tables.

Commanding Officers Group

	Car 4 seater	Commanding Officer, Trumpeter, Driver
	Truck 8 cwt	Major 2i/c, Signals Officer, NCO Linesman, Driver
	Truck 8 cwt	Adjutant, Bombardier Clerk, Orderly, Driver
	Truck 8 cwt	Signals section – wireless set
	Motorcycle	Orderly
	Motorcycle	Orderly
	Motorcycle	Survey Officer
	Motorcycle	Survey Sergeant
	Motorcycle	Despatch Rider Royal Signals

 

Recce Group

	Truck 8 cwt	Orderly Officer – wireless set
	Truck 8 cwt	2 x Regimental Surveyors
	Truck 8 cwt	2 x Survey Assistants
	Truck 8 cwt	Signals section – wireless set
	Truck 8 cwt	Signals Officer
	Motorcycle	Battery Sergeant Major
	Motorcycle	Signals Sergeant Royal Signals
	Motorcycle	Despatch Rider Royal Signals
	Motorcycle	Linesman Royal Signals

 

Regimental HQ Group

	Truck 15 cwt Office	RSM, Clerk, 2 x Batman, Driver
	Truck 15 cwt	Bombardier & Gunner local defence, 2 x RAF W/T Operators & set, Driver
	Truck 30 cwt	Medical Officer, Medical Orderly, Batman, Motor Mechanic, Sanitary Dutyman, Driver
	Truck 15 cwt	Cable laying
	Truck 30 cwt	Signals Office
	Truck 30 cwt	Spare cable laying & stores
	Motorcycle	Electrician Royal Signals

 

HQ Maintenance Group

	Truck 30 cwt	Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant, Clerk, Storeman, Gunner, Driver – Quartermaster stores
	Truck 30 cwt	Battery Quartermaster Sergeant, Sergeant Technical Storeman, Technical Storeman, Gunner, Driver – Motor Transport stores
	Motorcycle	Motor Mechanic

 

HQ B Echelon

	Truck 8 cwt	Quartermaster, Clerk, Batman, Driver
	Truck 15 cwt	4 x Batmen, Driver – Officers Mess
	Truck 15 cwt Water Tank	Water Dutyman, Driver
	Truck 30 cwt	Sergeant Cook, Butcher, Cook, 2 x Gunners local defence, Driver
	Car 2 seater	Chaplin, Batman/Driver