British artillery soldier - weapons carried?

Discussion in 'Royal Artillery' started by JimmyC1983, Jul 28, 2018.

  1. JimmyC1983

    JimmyC1983 Member

    Hello

    My grandfather served in the British Artillery (53rd (Bolton) Field Regiment. He took part in the opening artillery barrage at El Alamein. I believe the 53rd were attached to the Desert Rats at this time.

    I’d like to buy a ‘Desert Rat’ toy soldier and would like one as accurate as possible to my grandfather’s uniform/equipment. Can anyone tell me whether he would have carried a rifle/hand gun as an artilleryman, as its difficult to find a soldier in desert uniform that isn’t carrying a gun.

    Thanks

    James
     
  2. Sheldrake

    Sheldrake All over the place....

    Are you sure you have the right unit? 53 Bolton Field Artillery were part of 8th Indian Division and IRRC did not take part in the battle of El Alamein. The unit is famous as the home of the wartime Wanderers. I was the historian with their expedition to Italy a couple of years ago.

    If you want to model a Gunner in the western desert you have the interesting option of depicting him near naked - one common order of dress. ;) He should have had a personal; weapon. In 1942 it was likely to have been a no 4 rifle
     
  3. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    War Establishment for 1944.
    All personnel were armed.
    - Officers and RSM carried pistols
    - Warrant Officers, drivers, motorcyclists and Bren gun Number 2 carried Sten guns
    - Everyone else carried a rifle.

    Sten guns were not available in 1942.

    There are always exceptions, amendments etc but a rifle would be correct.

    Mike
     
  4. JimmyC1983

    JimmyC1983 Member

    Hi - yes pretty sure. And I remember my Grandad telling me he was there and his service records indicate the 53rd (Bolton) Field Regiment. I just pulled the attached from a website about the Desert Rats. Thanks for the weapon/uniform info.

    James
     

    Attached Files:

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  5. paul n morris

    paul n morris New Member

    The Bolton Artillery did indeed take part in the battle at El Alamein. My Father Edward Morris served throughout the war with them and described the opening barrage of Alamein to me whilst watching the world at war some years ago. He served with Harry Goslin who was killed in Italy before Cassino. I have my dads pay book signed multiple times by Harry.
     
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  6. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

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  7. redtop

    redtop Well-Known Member

    From my fathers Journal he was with 5 Royal Horse Artillery at Alemain

    .
    We wore only shorts and shoes but carried our rifle everywhere even going
    for a tom tit
    .
     
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  8. Sheldrake

    Sheldrake All over the place....

    You are right. 53 Regiment are listed in the El Alamein supplement to Jocelyn's Orders of Battle CAB 44/56 &57.
     
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