Airborne artillery

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  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    AIRBORNE ARTILLERY

    The Royal Artillery provided specially equipped and trained units for the airborne role. This
    page includes the Headquarters RA in the Airborne Division plus Air Landing Regiment RA,
    Forward Observer Unit RA (airborne), Air Landing LAA Battery, Air Landing AT Regiment
    and Air Landing AT Battery.

    Also included are Airborne Engineers but these are incomplete.


    AIRBORNE FIELD ARTILLERY


    Headquarters RA, Airborne Division. War Establishment I/115/2. January 1945
    Headquarters Air Landing Regiment RA. War Establishment 1/165/2. April 1944
    Air Landing Battery. War Establishment 1/163/3. April 1944
    Air Landing Light Regiment. War Establishment 1/167/1. January 1945
    Forward Observer Unit RA (Airborne). War Establishment 1/166/1. June 1944.
    Forward Observer Unit RA (Airborne). War Establishment 1/166/2. February 1945.

    HEADQUARTERS RA, AIRBORNE DIVISION
    War Establishment I/115/2 with an effective date of January 1945

    Brigadier, Commander RA
    Brigade Major
    Staff Captain
    Captain Intelligence Officer

    Warrant Officer Class I Clerk RA clerks section
    serjeant clerk RA clerks section
    clerk trained in artillery staff duties
    2 X batman
    4 X batman driver
    driver mechanic
    motorcycle orderly
    bombardier QM and MT dutyman

    Attached
    Chaplain
    Medical Officer RAMC
    Captain REME
    instructor APTC

    Transport
    3 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2 open
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 3ton 4 x 4 GS
    3 X lightweight trailer
    1 X water trailer

    Motorcycle 1
    orderly
    Motorcycle 2
    Chaplain
    Motorcycle 3
    Captain REME

    Car 4 seater 4 X 2 open
    instructor APTC, batman driver, clerk

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Brigadier, Intelligence Officer, clerk, batman driver
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Brigade Major, Staff Captain, clerk, batman driver
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    Medical Officer RAMC, batman, batman driver
    Tows a trailer
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    bombardier QM and MT dutyman, batman, driver mechanic
    Tows a water trailer
    Carries a Bren lmg

    Note: The car 4 seater 4 X 2 open carries the note that ‘until this vehicle is available a car 4seater 4 X 4 will be issued in lieu’. This suggests that the car is not the normal Humber Tourer which was readily available.




    HEADQUARTERS, AIRLANDING LIGHT REGIMENT RA
    War Establishment 1/165/2 with an effective date of April 1944

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

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    duty serjeant

    bombardier
    12 X gunner (including 4 X lance bombardier) including:
    1 X batman
    4 X batman driver
    2 X driver IC
    2 X medical officers orderly (trained as driver IC)
    2 X orderly
    1 X storeman

    12 X tradesman including:
    5 X battery surveyor
    1 X serjeant clerk RA
    3 X clerk (including two trained as driver IC)
    1 X driver mechanic
    1 X serjeant storeman, technical
    1 X vehicle mechanic

    Medical Officer RAMC
    instructor APTC
    3 X cooks ACC (including 1 for officers mess.)

    Total 38


    When the headquarters is commanding three light batteries the following additional personnel are allotted.
    1 X staff serjeant
    2 X serjeant
    1 X lance serjeant
    3 X bombardier
    4 X lance bombardier
    All the above will be repair tradesmen.

    Vehicles.
    Airborne
    8 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater
    7 X jeep
    5 X lightweight trailer

    non airborne
    1 X car 2 seater
    1 X car 4 seater
    1 X 15cwt GS
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X water trailer

    In addition to personal weapons the following were allocated
    1 X Bren lmg
    1 X 2” mortar, airborne
    2 X signal pistol



    Headquarters
    Motorcycle 1
    Major, second in command
    Motorcycle 2
    vehicle mechanic
    Motorcycle 3
    battery surveyor
    Motorcycle 4
    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Motorcycle 5
    instructor APTC
    Motorcycle 6
    orderly
    Motorcycle 7
    orderly
    Motorcycle 8
    orderly

    Car 2 seater
    Lieutenant Colonel, batman, clerk (trained as driver IC)
    This vehicle must be a light utility for use as a command vehicle. As this War Establishment is dated May 1944 it must be the one actually used in NW Europe. There is no indication that it is for base use, on the contrary it is specifically listed as being airborne.

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    duty serjeant, batman driver, seat for Commanding Officer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Adjutant, serjeant clerk, clerk, batman driver
    Tows trailer with office equiment
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    Subaltern, 2 X battery surveyor,
    Tows a trailer with survey stores
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    Quartermaster, Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, batman driver
    Tows a trailer with quartermaster stores
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    Medical Officer, 2 X medical orderlies
    Tows a trailer with medical stores
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
    2 X cook, driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer with cooking sets and rations.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 7
    2 X battery surveyors.
    Carries survey stores

    Non Airborne. Note that these are classed as non airborne and not as base only. The tactical nature of the vehicles and the specialist loads they carry suggest that the vehicles were intended to join the unit by sea or land as soon as possible.
    2 seater car
    batman driver
    For the use of the second in command.
    4 Seater car 4 X 4 (Heavy Utility)
    clerk (trained as driver IC)
    Office and Command vehicle.
    15cwt truck GS
    serjeant technical storeman, cook,
    Carries rations
    Tows a water trailer
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries Quartermaster stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries MT stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    3 X storeman
    Carries petrol and anti gas stores.


    Air Landing Battery
    War Establishment 1/163/3 with an effective date of April 1944

    Personnel
    Major
    3 X Captain
    8 X subaltern

    3 X Battery Serjeant Major
    battery quartermaster serjeant

    signal serjeant
    8 X serjeant, gun number 1

    42 X tradesman including

    bombardier clerk (trained as driver IC
    clerk (trained as driver IC)
    23 X driver operator
    9 X driver mechanic
    equipment repairer
    2 X gun fitter
    technical storeman
    4 X vehicle mechanic

    126 non tradesman (including 14 X bombardier)
    8 X ammunition number
    12 X batman
    4 X command post officers assistant
    24 X driver IC
    40 X gun number
    4 X Gun Position Officer Assistant.
    5 X Observation Post Assistant
    5 X orderly
    22 X signaller
    storeman
    water dutyman

    Transport
    62 X folding bicycle
    17 X motorcycle
    11 X lightweight motorcycle
    38 X car 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X light tank
    32 X lightweight trailer

    non airborne
    1 X car 2 seater
    3 X 15cwt
    1 X 15cwt water
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    Weapons in addition to personal weapons.
    5 X Bren lmg
    3 X 2” mortar (airborne)
    10 X signal pistol
    8 X pack howitzer


    Organisation.

    Battery Headquarters
    Folding cycle 1
    water dutyman
    Folding bicycle 2
    storeman
    Folding bicycle 3
    batman
    Folding bicycle 4
    batman
    Folding bicycle 5
    batman
    Folding bicycle 6
    batman


    Motorcycle 1
    Battery Serjeant Major
    Motorcycle 2
    battery quartermaster serjeant
    Motorcycle 3
    signalman serjeant
    Motorcycle 4
    observation post assistant
    Motorcycle 5
    vehicle mechanic
    Motorcycle 6
    orderly
    Motorcycle 7
    orderly
    Motorcycle 8
    orderly


    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Major, 2 X driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Captain, signaller, 2 X driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    Subaltern Command Post Officer, 2 X command post officers assistants, 2 X driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a trailer with Command Post equipment.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    Subaltern Assistant Command Post Officer, command post officers assistant, 2 X driver operator
    Carries a wireless set
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    3 X signaller, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer and cable reels.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
    command post officers assistant, 2 X clerk
    Tows a trailer with office equipment
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 7
    technical storeman, equipment repairer, vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Tows a trailer with vehicle mechanics tools.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 8
    2 X cook, driver IC
    Tows a trailer with cooking sets and rations.

    Light tank
    driver operator, driver mechanic.

    Note that the personnel listed will often not fit into the vehicles and are presumable carried in the trailer. It is known that some signal trailers had seats for the signallers and that the wireless sets were carried in the trailer rather than in the vehicle. However jeep 2 has a crew of four, two wireless sets and no trailer.


    Non Airborne vehicles
    Car 2 seater
    driver IC
    Battery Commanders car
    15cwt truck GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries petrol
    15cwt truck GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries cooking set and rations
    15cwt truck GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries fitters tools
    15cwt truck water
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries QM stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    driver IC
    Carries anti gas stores.


    Troop
    There were two troop which were identical and each of which had two sections of two guns to give a total of eight X 75mm howitzers.

    Folding bicycle 1
    batman
    Folding bicycle 2
    batman

    Motorcycle 1
    Battery Serjeant Major
    Motorcycle 2
    gun fitter
    Motorcycle 3
    signaller
    Motorcycle 4
    observation post assistant
    Motorcycle 5
    observation post assistant
    Motorcycle 6
    gun position officers assistant
    Motorcycle 7
    gun position officers assistant
    Motorcycle 8
    orderly


    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Captain, 2 X signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Subaltern, 2 X driver operator
    Carries wireless set
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    2 X signaller, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer and cable reels.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    2 X signaller, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer and cable reels.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    2 X cook, vehicle mechanic
    Tows a trailer

    Section 1
    Folding bicycle 1
    batman
    Folding bicycle 2
    serjeant (gun number 1)
    Folding bicycle 3
    serjeant (gun number 1)

    Motorcycle
    signaller

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Subaltern, 2 X driver operator
    Carries wireless set
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer
    Tows a 75mm howitzer


    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    2 X ammunition numbers, driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer
    Tows a 75mm howitzer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    driver IC
    Tows two trailers
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    driver IC
    Tows two trailers

    10 X gun numbers travel in the 5cwt cars 4 X 4 (jeep). The organisation table does not assign them to specific vehicles but jeep 2, 4 and 5 each have three spare seats and jeep 3 has one spare seat.

    Section 1
    Folding bicycle 1
    batman
    Folding bicycle 2
    serjeant (gun number 1)
    Folding bicycle 3
    serjeant (gun number 1)

    Motorcycle
    signaller

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Subaltern, 2 X driver operator
    Carries wireless set
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer
    Tows a 75mm howitzer



    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    2 X ammunition numbers, driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer
    Tows a 75mm howitzer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    driver IC
    Tows two trailers
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    driver IC
    Tows two trailers

    10 X gun numbers travel in the 5cwt cars 4 X 4 (jeep). The organisation table does not assign them to specific vehicles but jeep 2, 4 and 5 each have three spare seats and jeep 3 has one spare seat.



    AIRLANDING LIGHT REGIMENT RA
    War Establishment 1/167/1 with an effective date of January 1945
    This was a new War establishment table which superseded War Establishment 1/163/3 (headquarters Airlanding Light Regiment RA) and 1/165/2 (Airlanding Light Battery RA).

    Apart from combining the two previous establishments this new organisation recognised that Airborne troops were no longer raiding forces but may be required to stay in the front line for much longer periods than previously planned for.

    Lieutenant Colonel – Commanding Officer
    Major – second in command
    3 X Major
    Captain, Adjutant
    6 X Captain
    26 X Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    9 X Battery Serjeant Major

    3 X battery quartermaster serjeant
    3 X signalling serjeant
    survey serjeant
    duty serjeant
    24 X serjeant No1 of gun

    6 X artificer or gun fitter
    6 X battery surveyor
    clerk RA clerks section
    9 X clerk
    25 X driver mechanic
    72 X driver operator
    3 X equipment repairer
    serjeant technical storeman
    3 X storeman technical
    13 X vehicle mechanic
    33 X technical assistant

    32 X ammunition numbers
    23 X batman
    19 X batman drivers
    butchery dutyman
    72 X driver IC
    120 X gun numbers
    medical officers orderly
    12 X orderly
    4 X storeman
    66 X signallers
    4 X sanitary dutyman
    4 X water dutyman

    Attached
    Medical Officer RAMC
    4 X nursing orderly
    armourer serjeant REME
    Instructor APTC
    4 X officers mess cook ACC
    serjeant cook
    3 X corporal cook
    23 X cook


    Vehicles.
    36 X folding bicycle
    92 X motorcycle
    4 X car 2 seater
    2 X car 4seater 4 X 4
    123 X jeep
    3 X 15cwt water
    28 X 3ton 4 X 4
    123 X lightweight trailer
    1 X water trailer


    Headquarters
    Motorcycle 1
    survey serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    vehicle mechanic
    Motorcycle 3
    orderly
    Motorcycle 4
    orderly
    Motorcycle 5
    orderly
    Motorcycle 6
    duty serjeant
    Motorcycle 7
    serjeant storeman, technical
    Motorcycle 8
    serjeant instructor APTC

    Car 2 seater
    Quartermaster, batman driver

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Commanding Officer, subaltern, driver IC.
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Major Second in Command, driver IC
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    Medical Officer, medical officers orderly, batman driver
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    Subaltern survey officer, 2 X battery surveyors
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    lmg number, 2 X battery surveyors
    Tows a trailer
    Carries a Bren lmg
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
    clerk, 2 X battery surveyors
    Tows a trailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 7
    serjeant armourer, clerk, batman driver.
    Tows a trailer
    Carries a PIAT
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 8
    Adjutant, serjeant clerk, driver IC
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 9
    Regimental Serjeant Major, clerk, driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer

    Although no longer listed as such the following are not airborne.
    4 Seater car 4 X 4 (Heavy Utility)
    driver IC)
    This vehicle for the use of the Commanding Officer
    4 Seater car 4 X 4 (Heavy Utility)
    batman, batman driver
    This vehicle for the use of the Second in Command

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, storeman, driver IC
    Carries Quartermaster stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    storeman technical, sanitary dutyman,driver IC
    Carries MT stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    butchery dutyman, 3 X cook ACCC, water dutyman, driver IC
    Carries cooking sets and rations
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    batman, lmg number, driver IC
    Carries Petrol
    Carries a Bren lmg


    3 X Battery
    Organisation.

    Battery Headquarters
    Motorcycle 1
    Battery Serjeant Major
    Motorcycle 2
    signalman serjeant
    Motorcycle 3
    vehicle mechanic
    Motorcycle 4
    orderly
    Motorcycle 5
    orderly
    Motorcycle 6
    orderly
    Motorcycle 7
    technical assistant RA
    Motorcycle 8
    technical assistant RA
    Motorcycle 9
    technical assistant RA
    Motorcycle 10
    technical assistant RA

    Car 4 X 2 light utility
    Cook ACC, batman driver
    This vehicle for the distribution of cooked food

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Major, 2 X driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Captain, 2 X driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    Subaltern Command Post Officer, technical assistant, 2 X driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    Subaltern Assistant Command Post Officer, technical assistant RA, 2 X drive operator
    Carries wireless set
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    2 X signaller, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer and cable reels.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
    clerk, nursing orderly, driver IC
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 7
    2 X signallers, batman driver
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 8
    2 X ammunition numbers, sanitary dutyman, batman driver
    Tows a trailer
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries a PIAT
    Note; The ammunition numbers also man the Bren gun.

    15cwt truck water
    water dutyman, driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    3 X ammunition number, 3 X batman, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a PIAT
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    3 X ammunition number, 3 X batman, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a PIAT
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    2 X ammunition numbers, batman, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    battery quartermaster serjeant, clerk, storeman, driver IC
    Carries Quartermaster stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    storeman technical, equipment repairer, vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries MT stores.
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    corporal cook ACC, 2 X cook ACC, driver IC
    Carries cooking sets and rations.


    Troop
    There were two troops which were identical and each of which had two sections of two guns to give a total of eight X 75mm howitzers.

    Motorcycle 1
    Battery Serjeant Major
    Motorcycle 2
    signaller
    Motorcycle 3
    signaller
    Motorcycle 4
    signaller
    Motorcycle 5
    vehicle mechanic
    Motorcycle 6
    technical assistant RA
    Motorcycle 7
    technical assistant RA
    Motorcycle 8
    technical assistant RA
    Motorcycle 9
    artificer or gun fitter


    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Captain, 2 X driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a trailer
    Carries a PIAT
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Subaltern Gun Position Officer, 2 X driver operator
    Carries wireless set
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    2 X signaller, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer and cable reels.
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    2 X signaller, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer and cable reels.
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    cook, batman driver
    Tows a trailer
    Carries a PIAT

    Section 1
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Subaltern, signaller, 2 X driver operator
    Carries wireless set
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer
    Tows a 75mm howitzer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer
    Tows a 75mm howitzer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    3 X gun number, driver IC
    Tows a trailer
    Carries a Bren lmg
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    3 X gun number, driver IC
    Tows a trailers
    Carries a Bren lmg

    Section 2
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Subaltern, signaller, 2 X driver operator
    Carries wireless set
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer
    Tows a 75mm howitzer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
    Tows a trailer
    Tows a 75mm howitzer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    3 X gun number, driver IC
    Tows a trailers
    Carries a Bren lmg
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    3 X gun number, driver IC
    Tows a trailers
    Carries a Bren lmg



    Forward Observer Unit RA (Airborne)
    War Establishment 1/166/1 with an effective date of June 1944. War Establishment I/166/2 was sufficiently different to be shown in full below.

    Major, Officer Commanding
    18 X Captain, Forward Observation Officer (Airborne)
    Subaltern, Intelligence Officer

    1 X serjeant observation post assistant
    15 X tradesman including
    1 X clerk
    12 X driver operator
    1 X technical storeman
    1 X vehicle mechanic
    58 X non tradesman including
    9 X batman
    1 X batman driver
    5 X driver IC
    6 X observation post assistant
    44 X signaller

    The tradesmen and non tradesmen include
    1 X lance serjeant
    6 X bombardier
    7 X lance bombardier
    51 X gunner

    All personnel may be parachutists.


    Vehicles
    36 X folding bicycle
    12 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    3 X 15cwt cable layer
    1 X 15cwt office
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    8 X lightweight trailer.

    Weapons (in addition to personal weapons)
    4 X Bren lmg
    5 X signal pistol


    Organisation

    Headquarters
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Major, signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    Tows a trailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Intelligence officer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    Tows a trailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    2 X signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    2 X signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    2 X signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
    2 X signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.

    15cwt Office
    serjeant observation post assistant, clerk, 2 X signaller, batman driver
    3ton 4 X 4 1
    vehicle mechanic, technical storeman, signaller, driver IC
    Carries stores
    Carries Bren lmg and 100 rounds of ammunition.
    3ton 4 X 4 2
    3 X cook signaller, driver IC
    Carries cooking sets and rations

    Section 1
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    15cwt truck GS
    driver operator, 2 X observation post assistants, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer.
    Carries signal stores.
    Carries a Bren lmg and 1000 rounds.


    Section 2
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    15cwt truck GS
    driver operator, 2 X observation post assistants, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer.
    Carries signal stores.
    Carries a Bren lmg and 1000 rounds.



    Section 3
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    15cwt truck GS
    driver operator, 2 X observation post assistants, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer.
    Carries signal stores.
    Carries a Bren lmg and 1000 rounds.

    The following are carried in divisional transport
    4 X Captain Forward Observers
    8 X signallers
    3 X batman



    FORWARD OBSERVER UNIT RA (AIRBORNE) 1945
    War Establishment I/166/2 with an effective date of February 1945.

    Major, Officer Commanding
    18 X Captain, Forward Observation Officer (Airborne)
    Subaltern, Intelligence Officer

    1 X Battery Serjeant Major
    15 X tradesman including
    1 X clerk
    12 X driver operator
    1 X technical storeman
    6 X technical assistant RA (including 3 X lance bombardier)
    1 X vehicle mechanic
    58 X non tradesman including
    9 X batman
    1 X batman driver
    5 X driver IC
    44 X signaller

    The tradesmen and non tradesmen include
    1 X lance serjeant
    6 X bombardier
    7 X lance bombardier
    51 X gunner

    All personnel may be parachutists.

    Vehicles
    6 X folding bicycle (2 per section)
    15 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) (including one per section fitted for cable laying)
    1 X 15cwt office
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    15 X lightweight trailer.

    Weapons (in addition to personal weapons)
    4 X Bren lmg
    5 X signal pistol

    Organisation
    Headquarters
    Motorcycle
    signaller
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Major, signaller, driver operator
    Tows a trailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Intelligence officer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    Tows a trailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    2 X signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    2 X signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    2 X signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    Tows a trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
    2 X signaller, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set.
    Tows a trailer


    3ton 4 X 4 1
    Battery Serjeant Major, clerk, 2 X signaller, batman driver
    3ton 4 X 4 2
    vehicle mechanic, bombardier technical storeman, driver IC
    Carries Q stores
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 3
    corporal cook, 2 X cook, 3 X signaller, driver IC
    Carries cooking sets and rations

    Section 1
    Motorcycle
    signaller

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    driver operator, 2 X technical assistants RA, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer.
    Carries signal stores.
    Carries a Bren lmg


    Section 2
    Motorcycle
    signaller

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    driver operator, 2 X technical assistants RA, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer.
    Carries signal stores.
    Carries a Bren lmg

    Section 3
    Motorcycle
    signaller

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Captain Forward Observer, signaller, driver operator
    Carries 2 X wireless set
    Tows a tailer.
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    driver operator, 2 X technical assistants RA, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer.
    Carries signal stores.
    Carries a Bren lmg

    The following are carried in divisional transport
    4 X Captain Forward Observers
    7 X signallers
    3 X batman

    First reinforcements
    3 X Subaltern
    1 X lance bombardier
    2 X technical assistants RA
    4 X signaller

    Rather ominously the following note has been added
    In addition to fist reinforcements the following personnel will be held to replace trained parachutists after an operation.
    1 X Captain
    3 X Subaltern
    4 X technical assistants RA
    8 X signaller


    Notes
    Later a counter mortar officer was added to headquarters.

    In November 1944 Fire Liaison Parties were formed. There were four of these, similar in organisation, personnel and function to the forward observation teams. It was the function of these parties to co ordinate fire of artillery units outside the Airborne Division. In the Rhine Crossing in particular the airborne drops were within range of RA units on the near side of the Rhine and could call on them for fire support.

    In March 1945 a jeep mounted sound ranging section and a jeep mounted radar section were added.

    Also in March 1945 a section of two 25pdr guns were added. These were to fire coloured smoke shells to mark targets for RAF support units.




    AIR LANDING LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY

    War Establishment I/164/2 with an effective date of February 1945

    Headquarters
    Major
    Captain
    Subaltern

    Battery Serjeant Major
    battery quartermaster serjeant
    2 X clerk
    clerk for pay duties
    driver mechanic
    driver operator
    equipment repairer
    2 X gun fitter
    vehicle mechanic

    2 X batman
    batman driver
    butchery dutyman
    2 X motorcyclist
    medical officers orderly
    sanitary dutyman
    3 X storeman
    water dutyman (trained as a driver IC)

    ranks included
    3 X bombardier
    4 X lance bombardier
    5 X gunner

    Transport
    3 X folding bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    2 X lightweight motorcycle
    2 X light utility
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    2 X 15cwt water
    12 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X lightweight trailer


    3 X Troop

    Headquarters
    Captain
    2 X Subaltern

    Battery Serjeant Major
    clerk
    3 X driver operator
    gun fitter
    vehicle mechanic

    2 X batman driver
    2 X motorcyclist
    corporal cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    Transport
    5 X folding bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    4 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 15cwt GS
    2 X Tractor 4 X 4 Light AA
    1 X lightweight trailer

    sub section 1
    serjeant
    driver mechanic
    10 X gun numbers

    2 X folding bicycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 40mm LAA

    sub section 2
    serjeant
    driver mechanic
    10 X gun numbers

    2 X folding bicycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 40mm LAA

    sub section 3
    serjeant
    driver mechanic
    10 X gun numbers

    2 X folding bicycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 40mm LAA

    sub section 4
    serjeant
    driver mechanic
    10 X gun numbers

    2 X folding bicycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 40mm LAA

    sub section 5
    serjeant
    driver mechanic
    10 X gun numbers

    2 X folding bicycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 40mm LAA

    sub section 6
    serjeant
    driver mechanic
    10 X gun numbers

    2 X folding bicycle
    1 X lightweight motorcycle
    1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 40mm LAA

    Total weapons
    28 X Bren lmg
    48 X 20mm AA
    18 X 40mm AA
    72 X signal pistol
    4 X 2” mortar airborne



    AIR LANDING ANTI TANK UNITS

    Air Landing Anti Tank Battery. War Establishment 1/162/3. April 1944.
    Air Landing Anti Tank Battery. War Establishment 1/162/4. January 1945.
    Headquarters, Air Landing Anti Tank Regiment. War Establishment 1/168/1. March 1945.

    AIR LANDING ANTI TANK BATTERY
    War Establishment 1/162/3 with an effective date of April 1944. War Establishment 1/162/4 with an effective date of January 1945 had only four amendments which are shown in the text.
    Personnel
    Major
    2 X Captain
    5 X subaltern

    Battery Serjeant Major
    battery quartermaster serjeant
    8 X serjeant gun number 1
    4 X serjeant

    26 tradesman including
    2 X clerk
    16 X driver mechanic
    3 X gun fitter
    3 X vehicle mechanic
    equipment repairer
    technical storeman

    27 X bombardier
    78 X gunner including
    8 X bombardier gun No 1
    batman
    7 X batman driver
    9 X driver IC
    64 X gun number
    6 X motorcycle orderly
    medical officers orderly
    6 X signaller
    sanitary dutyman
    storeman
    water dutyman

    Attached
    officer mess cook ACC
    4 X cook

    Total 158

    Transport
    Airborne
    30 X motorcycle
    27 X jeep
    11 X trailer

    Non Airborne
    1 X two seater car
    2 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    Note:
    By January 1945 the following amendments had been made
    Two 15cwt GS and one driver IC were deleted
    One Light Utility was added.

    Battery Headquarters
    Airborne
    Motorcycle 1
    Captain Q
    Motorcycle 2
    Subaltern
    Motorcycle 3
    Battery Serjeant Major
    Motorcycle 4
    orderly
    Motorcycle 5
    orderly
    Motorcycle 6
    gun fitter

    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Major, signaller, gun fitter, batman driver
    Carries Wireless set
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a lightweight trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    Captain G, signaller, gun fitter, batman driver
    Carries a Wireless set
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a lightweight trailer
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    battery quartermaster serjeant, vehicle mechanic, cook, batman driver
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a lightweight trailer with rations.

    Non Airborne
    Car 2 seater
    vehicle mechanic
    15cwt truck GS 1
    equipment repairer, vehicle mechanic
    Carries cooking sets and rations
    15cwt truck GS 2
    clerk, technical storeman, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    15cwt water truck
    water dutyman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 1
    storeman, medical officers orderly, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
    Carries Quartermasters stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 2
    driver IC
    Carries MT and anti gas stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 3
    driver IC
    Carries ammunition


    Troop
    There were four identical troops
    Headquarters
    Motorcycle 1
    orderly
    Motorcycle 2
    serjeant
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    Subaltern, signaller, batman driver
    Carries a wireless set
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a lightweight trailer with ammunition
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    driver IC
    This vehicle also a cook from Battery Headquarters.
    Carries a bren lmg
    Tows a lightweight trailer with ammunition

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2 in any two of the four troops also carries either a clerk or a batman for battery headquarters.

    Subsection 1
    Motorcycle
    serjeant gun number 1
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    4 X gun number, driver mechanic
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a 6pdr AT gun

    Subsection 2
    Motorcycle
    bombardier gun number 1
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    4 X gun number, driver mechanic
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a 6pdr AT gun

    Subsection 3
    Motorcycle
    serjeant gun number 1
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    4 X gun number, driver mechanic
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a 6pdr AT gun

    Subsection 4
    Motorcycle
    bombardier gun number 1
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    4 X gun number, driver mechanic
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a 6pdr AT gun



    HEADQUARTERS AIR LANDING ANTI TANK REGIMENT
    War Establishment 1/168/1 with an effective date of March 1945.

    This headquarters was introduced to command air landing anti tank batteries for the Rhine Crossings.

    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    Captain, Adjutant
    Subaltern, Liaison Officer

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    serjeant clerk RA clerks section

    batman
    2 X batman driver
    clerk
    4 X driver operator (including one lance bombardier)
    bombardier driver IC
    cook ACC

    Transport
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
    3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    3 X lightweight trailer

    Organisation
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4
    batman driver
    This vehicle for the use of the commanding officer and adjutant
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Lieutenant Colonel, batman, 2 X driver operator
    Carries a wireless set
    Tows a lightweight trailer
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Adjutant, serjeant clerk, 2 X driver operator
    Carries a wireless set
    Tows a lightweight trailer
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Liaison Officer, Regimental Serjeant Major, cook ACC, batman driver
    Tows a lightweight trailer
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    clerk, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg

    Left at base
    clerk

    Light Aid detachment Type B is attached.






    AIRBORNE DIVISIONAL ROYAL ENGINEERS

    In common with normal divisions the airborne division had a headquarters CRE, a field squadron per brigade and a field park squadron

    The Parachute Brigades each had a Parachute Field Squadron
    The Airlanding Brigade had an Airlanding Field Company.
    The War Establishments for these have not yet been found. Presumably they became effective before March 1943 and were not superseded.


    HEADQUARTERS, AIRBORNE DIVISIONAL ENGINEERS
    War Establishment I/187/1 with an effective date of March 1943. War Establishment I/187/2 with an effective date of March 1945 had the following four amendments
    An Instructor APTC was added
    PIATs replaced anti tank rifles
    A 15cwt 4 X 4 replaced a 15cwt 4 X 2
    A signal pistol was added.

    Lieutenant Colonel, Commander RE
    Captain, Adjutant
    Subaltern, Intelligence Officer

    serjeant clerk
    2 X clerk
    topographical draughtsman
    2 X motorcyclist
    3 X driver of vehicles
    2 X batman
    batman driver

    Airborne transport
    2 X folding bicycle
    2 X folding motorcycle
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    2 X trailer 10cwt

    Base transport
    1 X bicycle
    4 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS

    Weapons
    5 X .45” automatic pistol
    10 X .3.3” rifle
    1 X anti tank rifle



    FIELD PARK COMPANY RE (AIRBORNE)
    War Establishment 1/189/1 with an effective date of March 1943.

    Headquarters
    Major
    Captain

    Company Serjeant Major
    transport serjeant

    lance serjeant sapper class
    corporal sapper class
    8 X sapper
    corporal driver class
    lance corporal driver calss
    8 X driver

    Trades included
    4 X clerk
    draughtsman, mechanical
    driver mechanic
    motor mechanic
    4 X motor cycle orderlies
    2 X storeman
    4 X driver of vehicle
    2 X batman
    sanitary dutyman

    Attached
    officers mess cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC

    Transport
    11 X bicycle
    6 X motorcycle
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    2 X trailer
    3 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS for base use only



    Workshop section
    Subaltern
    Staff Serjeant Mechanist, machinery
    Serjeant
    2 X corporal sapper class
    3 X lance corporal sapper class
    24 X sapper
    lance corporal driver class
    6 X driver

    Traded included
    2 X blacksmith
    bricklayer
    5 X carpenter and joiner
    driver mechanic
    2 X electrician, maintenance
    3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps
    engine fitter, mechanical equipment
    2 X engine hand
    equipment repairer
    2 X fitter
    painter and decorator
    storeman
    2 X plumber and pipe fitter
    2 X sawyer
    2 X sheet metal worker
    2 X welder, acetylene and electric
    5 X driver of vehicle
    batman

    Transport
    28 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 x 4
    1 X trailer generating set
    1 X trailer machineryu
    1 X trailer circular saw
    1 X trailer, lightweight, stores, binned
    2 X trailer compressor

    Stores section
    Subaltern

    serjeant
    lance serjeant sapper class
    corporal sapper class
    3 X lance corporal sapper class
    17 X sapper
    lance corporal driver class
    8 X driver

    Trades included
    driver mechanic
    3 X motor mechanic
    2 X motorcycle orderly
    2 X storeman
    15 X general dutyman
    7 X driver of vehicle
    batman

    Transport
    22 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    5 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    3 X light tractor
    5 X trailer, lightweight, stores, binned

    Total weapons
    15 X .45” automatic pistol
    73 X .303” rifle
    15 X machine carbine
    3 X Bren lmg
    3 X anti tank rifle

    Technical equipment
    12 X assault boat
    48 X reconnaissance boat
    20 X RAF ‘J’ type dinghy
    30 X RAF ‘M’ type dinghy

    First reinforcements
    1 X serjeant
    10 X sapper

    An Air Landing Light Aid Detachment REME Type B was attached
     
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