Hi all, Someone on Twitter who I want to help was asking for more detailed information on the work of FOOs. Anyone have suggestions? Were there any training pamphlets produced? Thanks in advance
Try this for starters Royal Artillery Methods in World War 2 This website had I thought had disappeared. I found it by googling Forward Observer then selecting the WW2t link. I think that this is the best option as the link seems to work. I used it a lot in the past.
You might gather from the recommendations received that the job of FOO (Forward Observation Officer) was something special. However pretty well every officer in a Field Regiment took turn to be one at some time or other. The FOO is the man who goes forward with the infantry keeping pace with their movements but equally as important is the OPO (Observation Post Officer). He does the same job as a FOO but is in a static position, usually a vantage point on a hill or in a tall building. His job is exactly the same The main people designated as Observation Officers are Battery Commanders (Major) or Troop Commanders (Captains) otherwise most officers would jump in when needed. However they have to be relieved so are replaced by any officer available. Normally their immediate lower rank. They all maintained contact with the GPO's (Gun Position Officers) who turned their instructions into actions on the gun positions. They were perfectly capable of doing the Observers job but were equally as important to keep the guns firing on target along with the Battery CPO (Command Post Officer) and his assistant. Who co ordinated the gunfire from their Battery. I have never come across a manual for this appointment, most of the men carrying out this work are trained during their time at OCTU or in the field during times out of the line. From a letter posted in Tunisia 1943: "Apart from my technical role of shooting the guns and doing my turn in the O.P. (I’ve already had a crack at several targets and destroyed an enemy ammunition dump) I have a 24 hours a day job of keeping the troop well fed and cheerful".
The Battle for Gueriat el Attach was not untypical in its consumption of Observation Officers. This was the Good Friday message with which the 2IB and the 67th FOO’s went into battle. The Gordons were to attack point 144 on the right with Major Shepherd and Lt France. (266 Bty) The Loyal’s to attack 156 with Major Kerr and Lt Rose. (265 Bty) The 2nd North Staffs to attack 174 with Capt Whitehouse and Lt Hartley. (446 Bty) The FOO’s went forward over Banana Ridge with the infantry at 0200 crossing the main Tunis road moving up to point 101. They then split 265 left, 266 right and 446 centre. 266 established their OP’s on 144 with the Gordons being ceaselessly mortared and counter attacked. They clung on stubbornly for 48 hours. Lt Rose went to support the Loyals on the left flank, supported by tanks to attack Point 156. An urgent message for Major Kerr and Col Hobson to attend an emergency meeting was received from Brigadier Moore of 2IB. The DWR (3IB) were brought forward under 2IB command, Lt Hartley went up with the Dukes. As they approached the crest of the hill he went forward to observe the reverse slope and was severely wounded. Major Kerr and Capt Whitehouse went up to take his place and get him down. The Dukes had withdrawn slightly as the Bosche were putting in a heavy counter attack assisted by a Tiger Tank. Lt Hartley was brought down on a stretcher but he was beyond help. On Sunday 25th 446 Battery took over direct support of the Foresters on 174 Lt Carter went up to the OP. They were subjected to very heavy mortar fire all day and Lt Carter was wounded in the back. Capt Mennell went up from the West Lancs with Capt Roberts, the lack of officers was beginning to tell. Major Flay, was away, Capt Bullivant was mobile OP with the tanks. Major Whatley was commanding the Regt and Col Hobson the group Artillery at Brigade HQ. Capt Atkinson and Lt Carter were wounded and Lt Hartley was killed. Capt Wells moved from the West Lancs to help Major Shepherd. Extracts from my notes using letters and contributing families documents (work in progress).
Chris George Blackburn, MC was a FOO. In response to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's documentary " The Valour and the Horror " Blackburn wrote his memoirs: Where are the Guns The Guns of Normandy The Guns of Victory. Probably one of the best battlefield memoirs of WW2 in my humble opinion.
