72 (Northumbrian) Field Regiment RA (TA)

Formed as 1 Northumbrian Brigade Royal Field Artillery (TF) in February 1920. Became 72 (Northumbrian) Brigade RFA (TA) in 1921. It changed title again in June 1924 to 72 (Northumbrian) Field Brigade Royal Artillery (TA). 72 (Northumbrian) Field Regiment RA (TA) was re-designated from 72 Field Brigade in November 1938 on a two battery basis. In November 1941 it changed to a three battery set up. 72 (Northumbrian) Field Regiment RA (TA) was reduced to a cadre due to casualties and posted home in September 1942. Post war it was re-constituted in January 1947 as 272 (Northumbrian) Field Regiment RA (TA).

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 50 (Northumbrian) Infantry Division 72 (Northumbrian) Field 50 Infantry Division Newcastle on Tyne, UK
Oct 39 50 (Northumbrian) Infantry Division 72 (Northumbrian) Field 50 Infantry Division Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, UK
Jan 40 50 (Northumbrian) Infantry Division 72 (Northumbrian) Field 50 Infantry Division France
May 40 50 (Northumbrian) Infantry Division 72 (Northumbrian) Field 50 Infantry Division Arras, France
Jun 40 50 (Northumbrian) Infantry Division 50 Infantry Division Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, UK
Jun 41 50 (Northumbrian) Infantry Division 50 Infantry Division Egypt
Jul 41 50 (Northumbrian) Infantry Division 50 Infantry Division Cyprus
Nov 41   150 Infantry Brigade Group N Africa
Feb 42 50 (Northumbrian) Infantry Division 50 Infantry Division N Africa
Jun 42   Reduced to cadre  

 

Batteries

1921 285, 286, 287, 288
Nov 38 285 (1st Northumberland), 286 (2nd Northumberland) – 287 & 288 Batteries to 124 Field Regiment
Nov 41 285, 286, 451
Apr 42 285, 286, 451, 259 Anti-Tank Battery

Equipment

Sep 39 12 x 18 pdr Guns, 12 x 4.5 inch Howitzers

 

 

 

The Royal Artillery 1939-45