53 (Bolton) Field Regiment RA (TA)

Formed as 3 East Lancashire Brigade Royal Field Artillery (TF) in February 1920. It became 53 (East Lancashire) Brigade Royal Field Artillery (TA) in 1921. The Brigade was re-named as 53 (Bolton) Brigade RFA (TA) in 1922. The designation changed again in June 1924. The Brigade became 53 (Bolton) Field Brigade RA (TA). The Regiment was redesignated 53 (Bolton) Field Regiment RA (TA) from 53 (Bolton) Field Brigade in November 1938 on a two battery basis. A third battery was formed in March 1941. 53 (Bolton) Field Regiment RA (TA) was re-organised in November 1945 as 53 (Field) Holding Regiment RA (TA). It was placed in suspended animation in June 1945 and was reconstituted as 253 (Bolton) Field Regiment RA (TA) in January 1947.

Illustrations of the formation badges under which a unit served or supported are given. This is no guarantee that the unit used this formations badge.

3 Sep 39 42 (East Lancashire) Infantry Division 53 field regiment 42 (East Lancashire) Infantry Division Bolton, Lancashire, UK
May 40 42 (East Lancashire) Infantry Division 53 field regiment 42 (East Lancashire) Infantry Division France
Nov 41 76 Infantry Division 53 field regiment 76 Infantry Division UK
Aug 42 Middle East Land Forces Middle East Forces N Africa
Jan 43 8 Indian Infantry Division 8 Indian Division Iraq
May 43 8 Indian Infantry Division 8 Indian Division Syria
Sep 43 8 Indian Infantry Division 8 Indian Division Italy
May 44 8 Indian Infantry Division 8 Indian Division Cassino, Italy
Jul 45   Home Forces UK

Batteries

1921 209, 210, 211, 212
Nov 38 209, 210 (East Lancashire) – 211 & 212 Batteries to 111 Field Regiment
Mar 41 209, 210, 438

Equipment

Sep 39 18 pdr Guns

 

The Royal Artillery 1939-45