Struggling to find much out about the above,My step-Dad was with them during the Blitz, before transferring to the Far East, used to have a great picture of him with the King on a HAA site in 1940. Just now trying to track down their sites or rosters. many thanks Have been in touch with their museum, but no reply as of yet, just hoping a member may have some information.
I would check the 166 series of war diaries at Kew. The 167 series (BEF in France) lists 1 HAA, 2 HAA and then jumps to 4 HAA.
Thanks Drew, when i entered the terms as 3 HAA etc, i kept just getting WW1 records, so thats a big help to look into. cheers Si
Seems that 3rd Battalion, The London Scottish was converted into 97th (London Scottish) HAA Regiment RA. From here: For the first two years of the war all three battalions were engaged in training and defence duties, the most satisfying service falling to the 3rd Bn which was in action throughout the Battle of Britain and subsequently air offensives as part of the AA defences of London. The 3rd Bn was converted from static to mobile HAA and left for Egypt in December, 1942. It subsequently fought through the Sicilian and Italian campaigns often being employed in a ground role instead of AA. It took part in the actions at Cassion, Poggibonsi, Arezzo and San Archangelo where 298 Battery was in direct support of the 1st Bn. If your step-father was later sent to the Far East than he was there with some other unit.
Hi Sol, yes saw that on their website, he was attached Indian Army in India-Burma, just want to know about the 3rds time in London during the Blitz, he did tell me the only thing his crew shot down was a Hurricane chasing a bomber.
Hi Sol, yes saw that on their website, he was attached Indian Army in India-Burma, just want to know about the 3rds time in London during the Blitz, he did tell me the only thing his crew shot down was a Hurricane chasing a bomber. Do you know what the date was for this? I may have some info on it.
Drew, as far as i can remember it was late September early October during the day, he said they were firing at a bomber (more than one in the sky, but they were after this one) he said An suddenly a Hurricane came screaming in and they shot it down, he did say the Hurricane was hit by a burst close by not a direct hit. As far as i recall,the Hurricane wasnt meant to be there?? Besides that ive not much more information, which is why im after whereabouts in London they were based??
Hi Gliderrider 3 HAA did go to the Far East and were captured after the fall of Singapore. About 340 of their men died in captivity. Another member may have some information. I'll ask him to contact you. Regards - Rob.
Ramacal, Thank You!! Now im wondering if my Step-Father went out there and moved to India before the fall of Singapore? I bitterly regret not taking more interest, but well we didnt exactly get on. Many thanks
Another member may have some information. I'll ask him to contact you. Gliderrider That other member is me - Rob has alerted me to this thread. I'll send you a private message about it, but I can't promise that it'll be today. Hopefully tomorrow. Richard
Gliderrider, are you searching info for 3rd HAA Regiment RA or about 97th (London Scottish) HAA Regiment RA created from 3rd Battalion, The London Scottish? 3rd HAA Regiment RA was in Malaya during the war, it didn't take part in the Battle of Britain.
I think the only way for Gliderrider to find out for sure is to apply for his Dad's service records. As Sol states, 3 HAA went to the Far East in 1939, so it looks as though he was in 97 HAA (3 Bn London Scottish) and possibly somewhere else as well.
Aha 97 HAA (3 Bn London Scottish) that might be the case, I do know he was in UK in 1940, and also involved in BoB, he did say that he went to India Late 40, will try for his records, but many thanks to all for your help, just shows that when you have the chance you Should listen and ask questions!!!!
