Hello Gary, I have several sheets similar to this as part of the War Diaries for 39th LAA Regiment, do you think this might be something to do with AFHQ at Caserta? Curious that's all. Kind regards Ann
In Hamilton's Monty, master of the Battlefield, Major William (Bill) Mather, who ran Montgomery's Tac HQ is quoted. "We had this sort of Tactical Headquarters overlooking the Sangro and it was a very simple tactical headquarters - just tents and the two caravans and the ACV." The staff state tells a slightly different story - nearly 150 people , a small defence company, G staff, Camp "Mess facilities?" and signals. All to support Monty's very simple Tac HQ. What was the unrelated TNA file? My guess is that this sub-unit sized HQ was supplied and administered from some unit, based in the Sangro at that time which would have had a reason to hold its staff state. Montgomery himself would leave after Christmas for the UK and take command of 21 Army Group.
39 Light AA were part of 62 AA Brigade deployed under command Fifth US Army. They were mainly deployed in airfield defence and then in a dual AA ground role. I cannot find anything that links them to AFHQ Caserta. Perhaps a Tac element from 15 Army Group deployed, perhaps for the visit by the King in July/August 1944?
Thanks for posting this. Looking at the Staff officers pencilled in, of the top of my head, the G2-Ops are Bill Mather and Dick Vernon. Would you possibly have the next page? There are a few familiar names on the 13 Corps Staff List that I can see underneath.