Hello all, I'm after a little help confirming the type of gun used by the 52nd Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery during 1940 whilst part of the BEF. My current thinking is that it was the 18 Pounder Mk. II but someone has suggested it was the "18/25-pdrs" so I'm a little stuck. (being an ex-infantryman i never did understand artillery!) many thanks Iain
Anti-tank Regiments were using 2-pdr anti-tank guns during 1940. As far as I know of the ten Anti-tank Regts with the BEF, nine were equipped with the 2-pdr and one with the French supplied 25-mm (I don't think I've seen which Regt had the 25-mm). Gary
thanks Gary. much appreciated. I am going to have to get hold of the entire war diary and see if they list the guns/ types. cheers Iain
According to Farndale's "Years of Defeat", the 14th Anti-Tank Regiment was equipped with French 25mm Hotchkiss guns carried in 15 CWT trucks. Assuming Gary's comments are correct, Farndale states that 52nd Anti-Tank Regiment, RA mobilized at Brixton and Potters Bar with a full complement of guns, 48, and sailed to join 5th Division on November 17th. I assume this means a full complement of 2-pounders. Alan Philson, who I worked with in the past, in BEF organizational series, had 52nd Anti-Tank Regiment with 48 2-pounders.
thanks both. frustratingly the war diaries don't record the types of guns, however I have a report from one of their officers who went to visit a french battery and mentions a few times how their weapons compare to his 2 pounders! so i have my answer! many thanks again Iain