NEARLY

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  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    NEARLY

    Some units were formed specifically for 21 Army Group but were not in the event sent
    overseas. Some other units were available if required.


    CONTENTS
    Headquarters of a Super Heavy Regiment RA . War Establishment III/IIG/3. March 1944.
    Super Heavy Battery RA equipped with two 9.2” guns on railway mountings. War Establishment III/IIC/3. March 1944.
    Super Heavy Battery RA equipped with two 12” howitzers on railway mountings. War Establishment III/IIE/3. March 1944
    Super Heavy Battery RA with one 18” howitzer on railway mounting. War Establishment III/288/2. March 1944.
    Super Heavy Regiment RA with two 12” howitzers, tractor drawn. War Establishment III/315/1. March 1944.
    Super Heavy Battery RA equipped with two 12” howitzers on railway mountings, with two 9.2” guns on railway mountings as alternative weapons. War Establishment III/316/1. March 1944.
    Super Heavy Battery RA equipped with two 9.2” guns on railway mountings. War Establishment XIV/522/1. September 1944.
    Super Heavy Battery RA with one 18” howitzer on railway mounting. War Establishment XIV/524/1. September 1944.


    Headquarters of a Mountaineer Battalion. War Establishment III/277/1. November 1943.
    Mountaineer Company . War Establishment III/278/1. November 1943.

    Heavy AA Battery (3” Mobile). War Establishment III/247/1. July 1943.



    SUPER HEAVY ARTILLERY

    Super Heavy Artillery up until 1944 was of World War I origin. Some of the actual guns were built after World War I had ended but the designs were intended to provide artillery which could operate without relying on the poor and overcrowded roads of the time. Railway guns were the ideal answer, although road mobile guns remained in service.

    Many of the Super Heavy guns went to France in 1940 and were left there since they were too difficult to evacuate. Those that remained in the UK were used for anti invasion duties.

    In early 1944 thought was being given to the provision of Super Heavy Artillery to support 21 Army Group in the Invasion of Europe. It was hoped that the US would be able to supply new equipment but this was proving slow to develop and produce. By March 1944 none were available for the US Army never mind the British. Thus a number of new War Establishment tables were produced in order to make the best use of Super Heavy guns that had so far been idle, although fully maintained and manned, in the UK.

    The reference for the Headquarters of a Super Heavy Regiment RA was War Establishment III/IIG/3. This was designed to command three or more Super Heavy Batteries.

    The reference for a Super Heavy Battery RA equipped with two 9.2” guns on railway mountings was War Establishment III/IIC/3.

    The reference for a Super Heavy Battery RA equipped with two 12” howitzers on railway mountings was War Establishment III/IIE/3.

    The reference for a Super Heavy Battery RA with one 18” howitzer on railway mounting was War Establishment III/288/2.

    The reference for a Super Heavy Regiment RA with two 12” howitzers, tractor drawn, was War Establishment III/315/1. This was only a cadre for training. Further personnel would be required if the battery was mobilised for overseas service.

    The reference for a Super Heavy Battery RA equipped with two 12” howitzers on railway mountings, with two 9.2” guns on railway mountings as alternative weapons was War Establishment III/316/1. This battery actually had two 12” howitzers but was equipped and trained to man the 9.2” guns if these were required instead.

    All the above had an effective date of 31 March 1944.

    In the event none of these units went overseas. In September 1944 a new set of War Establishments was produced. This had a larger organisation and included a Headquarters Super Heavy Group RA which included both rail mounted batteries and road mobile batteries. The road mobile batteries were now to be equipped with US super heavy guns and howitzers.


    The reference for the Headquarters of a Super Heavy Group RA was War Establishment XIV/520/1.

    The reference for the Headquarters of a Super Heavy Regiment RA was War Establishment XIV/521/1.

    The reference for a Super Heavy Battery RA equipped with two 9.2” guns on railway mountings was War Establishment XIV/522/1.

    The reference for a Super Heavy Battery RA (road mobile) was War Establishment XIV/523/1.

    The reference for a Super Heavy Battery RA with one 18” howitzer on railway mounting was War Establishment XIV/524/1.

    The prefix XIV would indicate that these units were formed on establishments designed to suit the needs of 21 Army Group. In the event only the Group Headquarters and two road mobile regiments went overseas. The rail mounted batteries were not required. Partly there was not much demand for super heavy artillery. Most of the demand could be met by tactical air formations. Although air strikes could be limited by bad weather they were almost free from enemy intervention. Partly rail guns were not used because the rail network of France and the Low Countries was already loaded to capacity.


    Headquarters of a Super Heavy Regiment RA
    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    Major, Second in Command
    Captain, Adjutant
    Subaltern

    duty serjeant (also responsible for Q duties)
    2 X bombardier
    2 X lance bombardier
    12 X gunner
    10 X tradesmen listed below
    Total 31

    Plus attached
    RE Transportation personnel
    Captain RE
    2 X Subaltern RE
    Quartermaster Serjeant RE
    company quartermaster serjeant RE
    serjeant locomotive inspector RE
    lance corporal blockman RE
    5 X blockman RE
    lance serjeant boilermaker RE
    corporal clerk, railway
    clerk, railway
    storeman, technical

    corporal instrument mechanic RS
    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    Total including attached 51

    Tradesmen
    clerk, general duties
    serjeant clerk, RA clerks section
    6 X driver operator
    equipment repairer
    vehicle mechanic

    Non tradesmen
    5 X batman
    2 X batman driver
    driver IC trained in water duties
    4 X driver IC
    3 X motorcycle orderly
    sanitary dutyman

    Total vehicles
    9 X motorcycle
    1 X jeep
    2 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
    2 X truck 15cwt GS
    1 X truck 15cwt office
    2 X truck 15cwt FFW
    2 X lorry 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 10cwt trailer
    1 X 15cwt water trailer

    3 X Bren lmg
    1 X PIAT




    A Super Heavy Battery with two 9.2” guns on railway mountings.
    Major, Officer Commanding
    Captain
    3 X Subaltern
    Battery Serjeant Majors
    battery quartermaster serjeant
    signalling serjeant
    2 X serjeant No1 of guns
    lance serjeant
    6 X bombardier
    7 X lance bombardier
    58 X gunner
    10 X tradesman listed below
    Total 106

    Plus attached
    RE Transportation personnel
    corporal brakesman and shunter
    3 X brakesman and shunter
    carriage and wagon repairer
    4 X fireman (locomotive)
    lance corporal fitter, steam engine
    corporal platelayer
    lance serjeant railway engine driver
    lance corporal railway engine driver
    2 X railway engine driver
    staff serjeant traffic operator
    2 X staff serjeant armament artificer REME
    corporal cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    Tradesmen
    4 X battery surveyor
    clerk
    4 X driver operator
    vehicle mechanic

    Non Tradesmen
    16 X ammunition number
    5 X batman
    2 X driver IC
    2 X gun position officers assistant
    22 X gun number
    3 X motorcycle orderly
    2 X observation post assistants
    10 X signaller
    5 X storeman
    5 X water dutyman

    Transport
    5 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS fitted with hand cable layer
    1 X 15cwt FFW
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 10cwt trailer
    1 X water trailer

    2 X steam locomotive
    2 X mountings, 9.2” gun
    2 X spade wagon fitted with 2 ½ ton derrick
    2 X 12 ton shell wagon
    2 X cartridge van
    1 X command post van (carries wireless sets)
    2 X gun stores van
    1 X artificers shop and signal stores van
    2 X quartermaster stores van
    1 X kitchen van
    12 X sleeping van
    1 X serjeants mess van
    1 X officers mess coach
    2 X French flats
    2 X brake vans (also for transportation stores)

    6 X bren lmg
    4 X PIAT

    Note;
    2 X 20mm guns are also listed. The carriages are not listed.




    A Super Heavy Battery with one 18” howitzer on railway mounting.
    Major, Officer Commanding
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern

    Battery Serjeant Majors
    battery quartermaster serjeant
    signalling serjeant
    serjeant No1 of gun
    lance serjeant
    5 X bombardier
    6 X lance bombardier
    48 X gunner
    9 X tradesman listed below
    Total 73

    Plus attached
    RE Transportation personnel
    corporal brakesman and shunter
    5 X brakesman and shunter
    electrician (diesel electric locomotive)
    lance corporal fitter, (locomotive, diesel)
    corporal platelayer
    lance serjeant railway engine driver
    lance corporal railway engine driver
    4 X railway engine driver
    staff serjeant traffic operator

    Warrant Officer Class II armament artificer REME
    corporal cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    Tradesmen
    2 X serjeant artificer
    3 X battery surveyor
    clerk
    4 X driver operator
    gun fitter
    vehicle mechanic

    Non Tradesmen
    8 X ammunition number
    4 X batman
    2 X driver IC
    gun position officers assistant
    23 X gun number
    2 X motorcycle orderly
    2 X observation post assistants
    8 X signaller
    5 X storeman
    sanitary dutyman
    5 X water dutyman


    Transport
    5 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS fitted with hand cable layer
    1 X 15cwt FFW
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 10cwt trailer
    1 X water trailer

    3 X locomotive diesel electric
    1 X mountings, 18” howitzer
    1 X shell truck, 18” howitzer
    2 X cartridge van
    1 X command post van (carries wireless sets)
    2 X gun stores van
    1 X artificers shop and gun stores van
    1 X signals stores van
    2 X quartermaster stores van
    1 X kitchen van
    11 X sleeping van
    1 X serjeants mess van
    1 X officers mess coach
    2 X French flats
    2 X brake vans (also for transportation stores)

    3 X bren lmg
    2 X PIAT

    Note;
    2 X 20mm guns are also listed. The carriages are not listed.



    A Super Heavy Battery with two 12” Howitzers on railway mountings
    Major, Officer Commanding
    Captain
    3 X Subaltern

    Battery Serjeant Majors
    battery quartermaster serjeant
    signalling serjeant
    2 X serjeant No1 of gun
    lance serjeant
    6 X bombardier
    7 X lance bombardier
    55 X gunner
    10 X tradesman listed below
    Total 73

    Plus attached
    RE Transportation personnel
    corporal brakesman and shunter
    3 X brakesman and shunter
    carriage and wagon repairer
    4 X fireman (locomotive)
    lance corporal fitter, (locomotive, steam)
    corporal platelayer
    lance serjeant railway engine driver
    lance corporal railway engine driver
    2 X railway engine driver
    staff serjeant traffic operator

    2 X staff serjeant armament artificer REME
    corporal cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    Tradesmen
    4 X battery surveyor
    clerk
    4 X driver operator
    vehicle mechanic
    Non Tradesmen
    16 X ammunition number
    5 X batman
    2 X driver IC
    2 X gun position officers assistant
    26 X gun number
    motorcycle orderly
    2 X observation post assistants
    10 X signaller
    storeman
    sanitary dutyman
    5 X water dutyman


    Transport
    5 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS fitted with hand cable layer
    1 X 15cwt FFW
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 10cwt trailer
    1 X water trailer

    2 X locomotive steam
    2 X mountings, 12” howitzer
    4 X spade wagon (fitted with 2 ½ ton derrick)
    2 X cartridge van
    1 X command post van (carries wireless sets)
    2 X gun stores van
    1 X artificers shop and signal stores van
    2 X quartermaster stores van
    1 X kitchen van
    12 X sleeping van
    1 X serjeants mess van
    1 X officers mess coach
    2 X French flats
    2 X brake vans (also for transportation stores)

    6 X bren lmg
    4 X PIAT
    Note;
    2 X 20mm guns are also listed. The carriages are not listed.

    12” Railway Howitzer.
    This was a WWI weapon which had not been improved on between the wars. The railway mounting made the weapon easier to move but also made it even less suitable for mobile warfare

    12” howitzer Mk5 on Carriage Mk3 was the type assigned to 21 Army group. Earlier versions had a very limited traverse and really needed a specially laid curved track to allow accurate aiming.The elevation for firing was between 20 degrees and 45 degrees. Traverse was 120 degrees either side of the centre line and the gun could be fired at any angle within those limits. The traverse was achieved by having movable outrigger arms which spread the load and gave stability.

    A 750lb shell could be fired to a range of 14,350 yards, with a minimum range of 4,100 yards. This range made the guns vulnerable to enemy counter battery fire. Their bulk plus their being tied to a railway track meant that they were relatively easy to locate.

    Shells were limited to
    Shell HE Mk10 with Shell Common Mk1 for hard targets

    The propellant charge was in two portions which provided eleven increments.
    Portion1 was the short range portion consisting of a base charge (Charge 1) and five increments.
    Portion2 was the long range portion consisting of a base charge (Charge 7) and four increments.


    A Super Heavy Battery RA with two 12” Howitzers, tractor drawn
    Major, Officer Commanding
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern

    Battery Serjeant Majors
    battery quartermaster serjeant
    2 X serjeant No1 of gun
    lance serjeant
    5 X bombardier
    6 X lance bombardier
    33 X gunner
    19 X tradesman listed below
    Total 73

    Plus attached
    2 X staff serjeant armament artificer REME
    2 X cook ACC

    Tradesmen
    clerk
    14 X driver mechanic
    equipment repairer
    storeman technical
    2 X vehicle mechanic

    Non Tradesmen
    4 X batman driver
    9 X driver IC
    4 X gun position officers assistant
    20 X gun number
    3 X motorcycle orderly
    4 X signaller
    sanitary dutyman


    Transport
    6 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4seater 4 X 4
    3 X 15cwt GS
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    12 X 6 X 4 Heavy Artillery Tractor
    2 X 6 X 4 Heavy Breakdown Tractor
    1 X 1ton trailer
    1 X water trailer

    3 X bren lmg
    2 X PIAT




    A Super Heavy Battery with two 12” Howitzers on railway mountings with two 9.2” guns on railway mountings as alternative weapons.
    Major, Officer Commanding
    Captain
    3 X Subaltern

    Battery Serjeant Majors
    battery quartermaster serjeant
    signalling serjeant
    2 X serjeant No1 of gun
    lance serjeant
    7 X bombardier
    8 X lance bombardier
    54 X gunner
    10 X tradesman listed below
    Total 73

    Plus attached
    RE Transportation personnel
    corporal brakesman and shunter
    3 X brakesman and shunter
    carriage and wagon repairer
    4 X fireman (locomotive)
    lance corporal fitter, (locomotive, steam)
    corporal platelayer
    lance serjeant railway engine driver
    lance corporal railway engine driver
    2 X railway engine driver
    staff serjeant traffic operator

    2 X staff serjeant armament artificer REME
    corporal cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    Tradesmen
    4 X battery surveyor
    clerk
    4 X driver operator
    vehicle mechanic

    Non Tradesmen
    16 X ammunition number
    5 X batman
    2 X driver IC
    2 X gun position officers assistant
    26 X gun number
    3 X motorcycle orderly
    2 X motorcycle orderly (increment for two 9.2” guns)
    2 X observation post assistants
    10 X signaller
    storeman
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman


    6 X bren lmg
    4 X PIAT
    Note: 2 X 20mm guns are also listed. The carriages are not listed.



    Increment for two 9.2” guns
    Subaltern
    2 X serjeant No1 of gun
    bombardier
    13 X gunner
    2 X brakesman and shunter
    2 X fireman (locomotive)
    2 X railway engine driver
    cook

    gun fitter
    batman
    driver IC
    8 X gun number
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    2 X bren lmg
    1 X PIAT
    Note: A 20mm guns is also listed. The carriage is not listed.


    Transport
    5 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS fitted with hand cable layer
    1 X 15cwt FFW
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 10cwt trailer
    1 X water trailer

    2 X locomotive steam
    2 X mountings, 12” howitzer
    4 X spade wagon (fitted with 2 ½ ton derrick)
    2 X cartridge van
    2 X 10 ton open wagon
    1 X command post van (carries wireless sets)
    2 X gun stores van
    1 X artificers shop and signal stores van
    2 X quartermaster stores van
    1 X kitchen van
    12 X sleeping van
    1 X serjeants mess van
    1 X officers mess coach
    2 X French flats
    2 X brake vans (also for transportation stores)

    Increment for two 9.2” guns
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X 15cwt GS

    1 X locomotive steam
    2 X mountings, 9.2” gun
    2 X shell wagon 12 ton
    2 X open wagon 10 ton
    2 X cartridge van
    2 X gun stores van
    1 X artificers shop and signal stores van
    2 X quartermaster stores
    3 X sleeping van
    1 X passenger coach with luggage compartment
    1 X officers mess coach
    1 X French flat
    2 X brake vans (also for transportation stores)







    MOUNTAINEER UNITS

    The 52nd (Lowland) Division was a Territorial Army division which did not see action until the final year of the war. Recruited from the Lowlands of Scotland its battalions included those from Glasgow and Edinburgh. It was trained as a Mountain Division and trained in the Highlands of Scotland in preparation for an expedition to Norway. This never happened and the 52nd Division joined 21 Army Group in the Low Countries in the Autumn of 1944.

    Part of the establishment of the Mountain Division was the Mountaineer Battalion and Mountaineer Companies. Like the Commandoes these troops were specially trained for their task and had a minimum of motor transport. It is not clear how they were recruited but presumably they were volunteers from the various battalions of the 52nd Division. They were never used in the role for which they were intended and trained.

    The mountain artillery regiment and a special reconnaissance unit were retained and did go to NW Europe, although the mountain artillery did not take its mules.

    The reference for the Headquarters of a Mountaineer Battalion is War Establishment III/277/1 with an effective date of 12 November 1943.

    The reference for a Mountaineer Company is War Establishment III/278/1 with an effective date of 12th November 1943.

    An assortment of articised CMP vehicles was ordered in late 1943, presumably for the Norwegian Expedition. There were 1200 vehicles which had minor modifications to allow them to operate in extreme low temperatures. All of these vehicles were Chevrolet.
    - All greases and lubricants were to a low temperature specification
    - Electrical cable insulation and other rubber parts were of neoprene to prevent cracking
    - Induction manifold priming systems were fitted to aid starting
    - Engine oil dilution systems were installed
    - Fan assisted cab heater and defroster was fitted
    - Flock insulation was sprayed on cab interiors to aid insulation and prevent condensation
    - An under chassis heater was supplied
    - Special batteries were supplied and stored in insulated boxes.
    - Snow chains were supplied for all four wheels and the cab was raised to give sufficient clearance for the front wheel chains.



    A MOUNTAINEER BATTALION

    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    Major, second in command
    Captain, Adjutant
    Captain
    4 X Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    Company Serjeant Major

    company quartermaster serjeant
    intelligence serjeant
    orderly room serjeant clerk
    provost serjeant
    pioneer serjeant
    medical serjeant
    signal serjeant
    transport serjeant
    4 X serjeant section commander
    4 X lance serjeant
    18 X corporal
    13 X lance corporal
    143 X private

    Total 202

    Attached
    Medical officer RAMC
    shoemaker, RAOC
    serjeant armourer REME
    officers mess cook
    corporal cook
    4 X cook

    Tradesmen
    bricklayer
    4 X carpenter and joiner
    5 X clerk
    equipment repairer
    3 X technical storeman
    3 X vehicle mechanic
    3 X batman
    7 X batman driver
    butchery dutyman
    11 X driver IC
    4 X intelligence personnel
    52 X lmg numbers (including 13 corporals)
    lance corporal medical officers orderly
    6 X orderly
    11 X pioneer
    postman
    3 X regimental police
    sanitary dutyman
    42 X signaller
    2 X storeman
    16 X stretcher bearer


    Transport
    4 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4seater 4 X 4
    7 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt Office
    1 X 15cwt water
    7 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS


    Battalion Headquarters

    Personnel

    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    Major, second in command
    Captain, Adjutant
    Subaltern, Intelligence Officer

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    intelligence serjeant
    orderly room serjeant clerk
    provost serjeant
    2 X clerk
    2 X batman
    2 X batman driver
    4 X intelligence personnel
    3 X regimental police
    13 X private

    Total 21

    Attached
    Medical officer RAMC


    Transport
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4seater 4 X 4
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt Office



    Headquarters Company
    Company Headquarters
    Captain
    Company Serjeant Major

    company quartermaster serjeant
    medical serjeant
    clerk
    batman driver
    lance corporal medical officers orderly
    storeman
    16 X stretcher bearers
    Total 24

    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4


    Signal platoon
    Subaltern
    signal serjeant
    batman driver
    4 X corporal signaller
    38 X signaller
    storeman
    Total 46

    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 x 4


    LMG Platoon
    Subaltern
    batman driver
    6 X orderly
    4 X serjeant section commanders
    13 X corporal
    39 X lmg number
    Total 64

    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    13 X Bren lmg

    No organisation is given but it is assumed that there are four sections each with a serjeant and three Bren lmg teams. There will be one surplus Bren team.

    Each team will have a corporal, three privates and a bren lmg.


    Pioneer platoon
    Subaltern
    pioneer serjeant
    bricklayer
    4 X carpenter and joiner
    batman driver
    4 X corporal pioneer
    7 X pioneer
    Total 19

    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4



    Administrative platoon
    Quartermaster
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    Company Serjeant Major
    transport serjeant
    2 X clerk
    equipment repairer
    3 X technical storeman
    3 X vehicle mechanic
    batman
    batman driver
    butchery dutyman
    11 X driver IC
    postman
    sanitary dutyman

    Total 25

    Attached
    shoemaker, RAOC
    serjeant armourer REME
    officers mess cook
    corporal cook
    4 X cook


    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    7 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    The following footnotes are attached to the War Establishment table

    - A Scottish Battalion was allowed one extra serjeant as pipe major and five pipers.
    - When a Mountaineer Battalion had more than three companies the following additional personnel were allowed for each additional company
    lance corporal stretcher bearer
    3 X stretcher bearer
    corporal signaller
    12 X signaller
    It is assumed that this is the scale on which battalion headquarters personnel are detached to companies.
    - The driver of the water truck is trained in water duties
    - One man in each company is trained to repair boots as a part time employment under the supervision of the shoemaker RAOC. He may be paid at the craftsman’s rates on the days he is employed on craftsman’s duties.
    - When a battalion has five or more companies the corporal clerk in the administrative platoon will be a serjeant.


    A Mountaineer Company
    Major, company commander
    Captain
    3 X Subaltern
    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    3 X serjeant
    4 X batman
    batman driver
    clerk
    driver IC
    equipment repairer
    orderly
    3 X observer
    9 X sniper
    2 X lance serjeant mountaineer
    7 X corporal mountaineer
    73 X mountaineer

    Total 113

    Attached
    officers mess cook
    corporal cook
    2 X cook

    The total mountaineers and snipers includes ten lance corporals


    Transport
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    No organisation is given but it is assumed that there will be a company headquarters and three platoons.

    Note that the following will be attached to the company from battalion headquarters.
    lance corporal stretcher bearer
    3 X stretcher bearer
    corporal signaller
    12 X signaller






    HEAVY AA BATTERY (3” MOBILE)
    War Establishment III/247/1. July 1943.
    It was thought that the 3” HAA gun could be useful in an operational theatre since it was lighter and more mobile than the 3.7” gun and could give AA protection in more forward areas. It could also fill a gap between the 3.7” HAA and the 40mm LAA guns. In the event there was no demand for 3” HAA guns and they did not go overseas with 21 Army Group.

    The battery had a headquarters and four sections. This establishment assumes that two sections have radar and two do not.

    Personnel
    Major
    3 X Captain
    10 X Subaltern
    Battery Serjeant Major
    battery quartermaster serjeant
    9 X serjeant

    Trades
    artificer
    bombardier clerk for pay duties
    lance bombardier clerk
    clerk
    12 X driver mechanic
    bombardier driver operator
    5 X driver operator
    equipment repairer
    4 X gun fitter
    2 X serjeant fire control operator
    2 X lance serjeant fire control operator
    2 X bombardier fire control operator
    2 X lance bombardier fire control operator
    22 X gunner fire control operator
    7 X vehicle mechanic

    8 X AA lmg numbers
    14 X batman driver
    28 X driver IC
    12 X gun position officers assistants
    80 X gun numbers
    20 X height takers
    10 X motorcyclists
    48 X predictor numbers
    9 X telephonists (trained as drivers IC)
    sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC)
    storeman (trained as driver IC)
    water dutyman (trained as driver IC)
    12 X telescope identification numbers
    Total 333

    Attached
    2 X corporal cook ACC
    10 X cook ACC
    corporal radio mechanic REME


    Vehicles
    1 X bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    2 X 15cwt GS
    2 X 15cwt FFW
    1 X 15cwt water
    3 X 3ton 4 X 2


    Organisation
    Motorcycle 1
    commanding officers orderly
    Motorcycle 2
    second in commands orderly
    Motorcycle 3
    Battery Serjeant Major
    Motorcyclist 4
    telephonist- linesman

    2 seater car
    major (commanding officer), clerk, batman driver

    15cwt truck GS 1
    Captain, clerk, batman driver
    Carries baggage
    Carries twin AA lmg and a PIAT
    15cwt truck GS 2
    4 X telephonist-linesman, driver IC
    Carries signal stores and cable

    15cwt truck FFW 1
    3 X driver operator,
    Carries wireless set No22
    15cwt truck FFW 2
    3 X driver operator,
    Carries wireless set No22

    15cwt truck water
    water dutyman, clerk

    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1
    serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries petrol, height finder and reserve SAA
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2
    battery quartermaster serjeant, artificer, corporal radio mechanic REME, equipment repairer, storeman, driver IC
    Carries stores, predictor, telescope identification, junction box and cable
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3
    vehicle mechanic, 2 X cook ACC, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
    Carries blankets and rations
    Tows a water trailer


    4 X Gun section.
    2 X Section with radar.
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist
    Motrorcycle 3
    Subaltern

    2 seater car
    Subaltern, 2 X gun position officers assistant, batman driver
    4 seater car 4 X 4
    Captain, gun position officers assistant, batman driver

    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1
    10 X predictor numbers, 2 X AA. Lmg numbers, driver IC
    Carries predictor, junction box, batteries and cables
    Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
    3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2
    5 X height takers, 3 X telescope identification numbers, driver IC
    Carries height finder and baggage
    3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3
    telephonist-linesman, driver IC
    Carries 232 rounds of ammunition
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 4
    batman driver, driver IC
    Carries 232 rounds of ammunition
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 5
    vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries 232 rounds of ammunition

    3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
    corporal cook ACC, 2 X cook ACC, 2 X predictor number, driver IC
    Carries cooking sets, rations, antigas reserves, medical stores and GL screens
    Tows a generator trailer

    Tractor 4 X 4 1
    serjeant, 10 X gun numbers, gun fitter, driver mechanic
    Carries gun stores and 44 rounds of ammunition
    Tows HAA gun
    Tractor 4 X 4 2
    serjeant, 10 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
    Carries gun stores and 44 rounds of ammunition
    Tows HAA gun
    Tractor 4 X 4 3
    8 X operators gun control, driver mechanic
    Carries stores
    Tows Radar GL Receiver trailer
    Tractor 4 X 4 4
    7 X operator gun control, driver mechanic
    Carries stores
    Tows Radar GL Transmitter trailer


    2 X Section without radar.
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist
    Motrorcycle 3
    Subaltern

    2 seater car
    Subaltern, 2 X gun position officer’s assistant, batman driver
    4 seater car 4 X 4
    Captain, gun position officer’s assistant, batman driver

    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1
    10 X predictor numbers, 2 X AA. Lmg numbers, driver IC
    Carries predictor, junction box, batteries and cables
    Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
    3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2
    5 X height takers, 3 X telescope identification numbers, driver IC
    Carries height finder and baggage
    3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3
    2 X cook ACC, 2 X predictor number, driver IC
    Carries cooking set, rations, anti gas reserves and medical stores
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 4
    telephone linesman, driver IC
    Carries 232 rounds of ammunition
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 5
    batman driver, driver IC
    Carries 232 rounds of ammunition
    3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 6
    vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries 232 rounds of ammunition

    Tractor 4 X 4 1
    serjeant, 10 X gun numbers, gun fitter, driver mechanic
    Carries gun stores and 44 rounds of ammunition
    Tows HAA gun
    Tractor 4 X 4 2
    serjeant, 10 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
    Carries gun stores and 44 rounds of ammunition
    Tows HAA gun




    RAFT EQUIPMENT PLATOON.
    The effective date of the War Establishment for a Raft Equipment Platoon was April 1943. It was superseded by the War Establishment for Raft Equipment Type B Platoon on June 9th 1944. Both bear the same reference III/229. It seems likely that the Batwing raft equipment did not go overseas but it could have done so if required.

    Headquarters
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    administrative corporal who also drove a relief vehicle
    4 X driver of vehicles
    batman driver
    motorcyclist
    3 X lmg detachment
    12 X relief drivers
    water dutyman

    Plus attached
    2 X cook ACC
    storeman, technical RE
    2 X pioneer RE

    Note: Relief vehicles represent 10% of the task vehicles in the platoon. They are to replace task vehicles undergoing service and maintenance and are not to be regarded as spare vehicles or replacement vehicles.

    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist

    Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS
    lance corporal, lmg gunner, driver IC
    Carries Bren gun and PIAT
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC
    Tows water trailer
    3ton 6 X 4 GS
    administrative corporal
    Relief vehicle
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 1
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 2
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle

    Section 1 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 6 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries Batwing raft roadbearers
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 1
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 2
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 3
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 4
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 5
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons

    Section 2 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 6 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries Batwing raft roadbearers
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 1
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 2
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 3
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 4
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 5
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons

    Section 3 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 6 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries Batwing raft roadbearers
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 1
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 2
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 3
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 4
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 5
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    Section 4
    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 6 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries Batwing raft roadbearers
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 1
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 2
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 3
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 4
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons
    3ton 6 X 4 Pontoon 5
    driver IC
    Carries 2 X Batwing raft pontoons



    FOLDING BOAT EQUIPMENT TYPE A PLATOON.
    It is not clear if this unit was ever formed. The War Establishment was issued and the semi trailers tested. There is no evidence of quantity production of the semi trailers and no record of the use of this equipment.

    Headquarters
    Subaltern
    serjeant
    administrative corporal who also drove a relief vehicle
    3 X driver of vehicle
    batman driver
    motorcyclist
    3 X lmg detachment
    8 relief drivers
    water dutyman

    Plus attached
    2 X cook ACC
    storeman, technical RE
    2 X pioneer RE

    Note: Relief vehicles represent 10% of the task vehicles in the platoon. They are to replace task vehicles undergoing service and maintenance and are not to be regarded as spare vehicles or replacement vehicles.

    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist

    Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS
    lance corporal, lmg gunner, driver IC
    Carries Bren gun and PIAT
    3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC
    Tows water trailer

    6ton 4 X 2 - 2 1
    administrative corporal
    Relief vehicle
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 2
    driver IC
    Relief vehicle

    Section 1
    Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries 8 rolls of Sommerfield track
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 1
    driver IC
    For landing stage unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 2
    driver IC
    For landing stage unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 3
    driver IC
    For landing stage unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 4
    driver IC
    For landing stage unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 5
    driver IC
    For floating bay unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 6
    driver IC
    For floating bay unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 7
    driver IC
    For floating bay unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 8
    driver IC
    For floating bay unit

    Section 2 Motorcycle
    corporal
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries 8 rolls of Sommerfield track
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 1
    driver IC
    For landing stage unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 2
    driver IC
    For landing stage unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 3
    driver IC
    For landing stage unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 4
    driver IC
    For landing stage unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 5
    driver IC
    For floating bay unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 6
    driver IC
    For floating bay unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 7
    driver IC
    For floating bay unit
    6ton 4 X 2 – 2 8
    driver IC
    For floating bay unit
     
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