22nd Field Regt RA

Thank you

 

No can do I'm afraid. A friend of mine very kindly spent days transcribing the War Diary for me many years ago in London.
From going to Nigel's site though, and reading what "Mike", "Uncle" etc targets were, I think you are more than likely correct; that "Morky" should be "Mike".

Many thanks for this, I shall now edit my Dad's "history"!

John

 

John, just to confuse things further... the term 'Monkey' was in use by the RA at the time your war diary entry was written. 'M' targets could be registered by OPs or FOOs, and since (I believe) the old pre-war phonetic alphabet was still in use at that point, would be called in as 'Monkey Three' etc.

The file attached below is the best example I have. It's part of the 'Monkey' target list for 130th Field Regiment from their March 1943 diary. The Regiment had been in constant action for three months against the Japanese bunker network and trench system at Donbaik, so as you can see there were an awful lot of registered targets, ranging from strong points and suspected gun positions through to track junctions and cookhouses.

The 'Monkey' number related to a precise map reference, enabling any number of 130 Field's guns (from a subsection to the whole regiment) to be put on the target for neutralising or harassing fire. Diaries from the infantry, machine gunners and engineers at Donbaik show them using the Monkey numbers assigned by the artillery as a battlefield shorthand ("two platoons attacked strong point M16" for example).

On Nigel's page that Owen linked to, I think that the section on 'Registered Targets' might relate to your war diary entry, where 'M' (for 'Monkey') is the regimental-level target numbering format.

 

To confirm what PackRat has said here is part of an aide-memoire issued to my father sometime between 1939 and 1942. M=Monkey.
Richard

 

Good heavens and thank you.

What to do now? I think I may leave the word "Morky" in, in my Dad's story, but add all of the above in an explanation as to what this word could be, at the end of the file, and let a future reader make of it what she or he will. It saves me making a wrong guess and knowing what the word should be, is a curiosity - it makes no difference to his story methinks. Although learning about what the word could be has been interesting.

On looking at the notes my friend sent me in 2013 of 22nd Fld Rgt's diary, I had forgotten that not all the diary was transcribed. Endless days of training, guarding, maintenance etc were not transcribed. However I do have 7 or 8 pages of notes from May 1940 until 1944 before the regiment went to Greece. Does anyone think that this thread would be interested in reading them, or is this not the place for this sort of thing?

Regards,

John

 

John,

You may noticed the forum laps up all manner of information. Behind the lines items included - the one million men of the RA were not always in combat or close by. So, yes please post them.

 

Ok. Shall I post the notes directly to here, so that anyone who comes across this thread can see them, or shall I upload a separate file, so that only members can see them?

Whatever the answer is, I shall send it in a few hours, I am just having supper, hic, and have to edit the notes a bit, hic.

John.

 

Post here.

 

Notes taken from the 22nd Field Regt War Diary:-

In March 2013 J went to the Royal Artillery Library, Woolwich, to have a look at, and to make notes of, the War Diary of 22nd Field Regiment, R.A., on my behalf, and to specifically look for mentions of my Dad, John Ellerton. ....... Sorry to be so one minded, but I hadn’t anticipated anyone else being interested.

email:
RE: 22 Field Regt

23 March 2013

……….

I have to say this does not look much, 22 pages of notes reduced to this little document of just 8, and it certainly does not reflect about 6 hours of reading and scribbling, but hope it is of some use. I just asked for the one copy as it did give all the “opening” names – many of which Ja and I remember meeting over the years – I guess mainly at Larkhill Races!!


The trouble is that ….. the Regimental diary does not bother fill in happy details between actions and then all those missing days between actions merely state ‘resting’ or ‘exercising’ often not even where! And I guess it depended on who was doing the actual writing, whether they could be bothered or if the CO checked ….. etc.

………

J

22nd Field Regiment Royal Artillery Diary 1940 - 1944


1940

March: Training

April: Standby

9th May: to Belgium and on 15th dug in at a place called Crainhem.

14th May: 32/33 Bty withdrew through Brussels, refugees having been diverted

16th May: withdrew to Villebroeck and occupied position in support 12 Infantry Brigade (IB). The Belgians started falling back. Firing on many targets all through 17th and continued harassing fire through the night, but ordered to withdraw to Boschkant and cover the River Escaut on 18th

19th May: Morning recce Kloosterhoek area and noon occupied support position to 10 IB under Brig. Barker. At 1400 moved to Paapestraat to hold west bank of Escaut. 32/33 Bty covering 6th Surreys and 36/55 Bty 2DCLI.

20th May: Enemy contact first light and through day until 0300 on 21st 10 IB withdrew and 0750 Enemy crossed river in boats and at bridge on right flank. 10 IB attacked to try to regain ground, but finally in evening withdrew.

22nd May: Enemy pressure at Rugge Bridge, 2000 hrs. RHQ moved to Hoogstraat

23rd May: More pressure, 1600 withdrew to Roncq and then at night over the French/Belgian border at Dronkaard

24th May: in support of 12 IB and 25th Enemy approaching Menin which they entered on 26th.

27th May: Belgian army falling back. At noon Regt to Ploogstreert and then 1800 withdrawing

28th May: Noon recce NW Vlamertinghe. Thunderstorm and then 1600 withdrew to Fournes. First signs of wholesale destruction of stores and equipment. 2330 Col. Young received orders to go to Nieuport. Half Regt. crossed canal only to find bridges further on have already been blow, so they re-crossed just before this bridge blown - Belgians incorrectly assembled the fuse happily, so they made it.

29th May: Action Oost Dunkerke area. RHQ about 1 mile NW the village. 32/33 Bty on left with OP overlooking Nieuport-Baines, good observation over coast and approaching roads. 36/55 on right overlooking Nieuport town. At 1200 4 Div. took over, isolated shelling but not much pressure. Rations and ammunition uncertain, so parties sent out to search. Belgian civilians not really co-operating but some fresh bread and preserved rations did appear

30th May: Pressure increasing, hostile aircraft active, telecommunications very difficult through shelling and sabotage. Both batteries under both shellfire and bombing, one Sergeant in 32/33 killed. During day the enemy made several unsuccessful attempts to cross the bridges in Nieuport (area was dubbed Piccadilly Circus). 32/33 fired on columns approaching Nieuport-Bains, but later in day one gun per troop was destroyed.

30/31st May: During night pressure increased and by 1000 hours the enemy was across the bridges at Piccadilly Circus. 1200 bomb from aircraft fell about 25 yards from RHQ and four killed; CO (Young), Capt. RS Hudson and two others wounded. Message from 4 Div. awarding Col Young immediate DSO.

31st May (contd): Preliminary orders received to withdraw to La Panne, gradually destroying all guns and personal kit except backpacks. All equipment and stores except sights to be destroyed except for that of one troop per battery, being those under 2/Lt Babington, Captains Lucas and Fisher who had to remain in action until 0130 on 1st June.

At 2115 hours moved to La Panne and all vehicles parked in the streets and on beach and then destroyed. Beach was shelled and Maj. J Whitworth (SC RA 4 Div.) was killed. Division’s embarkation point, consisting of two piers improvised out of motor lorries, is about a mile west of La Panne, however:

1st June: Piers found to have been bombed and could not be used, though the ships close enough to be seen. Eventually orders received to move along the beach towards Dunkirke and about 0100 hrs. after about three miles more ships were seen and attempts were made to communicate with torches. After some time, replies received and on strength of which our column joined by other units and all continued along the beach.

2nd June: 0400 Regt took refuge in sand dunes. 0600 small steamers and destroyers came in close and sent off boats and rafts on which some got away. It became clear they were inadequate so those ships drew off to avoid dive bombers. Regt. continued towards Dunkirke and embarked from the pier.


For a short period from October 26th to 19th November 1941 the Regt was alerted to mobilise, but nothing came of it and they went through endless training and exercising until early 1943


1943 - Lockerbie

Mar 1st: Preparatory orders for overseas move and on 3rd was followed by inspection by Maj. Gen. Hawksworth & on 5th went south to Kettleholm for visit by the King, George VI

Mar 8th: Orders to ‘a Port’ for embarkation and on 11th entrained at Lockerbie for Glasgow.

Mar 12th – 20th: Embarked and sailed on 16th. At sea with no incidents until 20th

Mar 21st: First sight on land, being North Africa to starboard and later Spain became visible to port.

Mar 23rd: at 0230 were attacked by torpedo bombers in bright moonlight, one ship in the convoy was hit. The Regt. was in action, having been responsible for AA defence of the ship during the whole voyage,

Regt. disembarked and the Vehicle Party was sent on by another ship under Maj. Nicolls (appointed 2/IC just -before the Regt. left Scotland in place of E T Willey who had gone to 14 A/Tk.) And Maj. Hutt came from 14 A/Tk to command 33 Bty with Maj. Fisher as vice. Capt. DS Lucas took command of 36/55 Bty.

Regt went to billets in farms near Rouiba

Mar 24th – 27th: Training until 28th when entrained at Rouiba.

Mar 28th - 30th: halted at Setif, then via Krouba, Guelma, Duvivier, Souk Amras to Guardimiao where detrained.

Mar 31st: Maj. Nicolls arrived with news that MT ship from Glasgow, containing all our guns and 96 vehicles had been sunk.

Apr 1st: CO went to HQ 1st Army to arrange re-equipping, but at 1600 before he returned, Adjt. was summoned to HQ 10 IB and received orders to move to Bone to refit

Apr 2nd – 5th: Training

Apr 6th: message from camp commandant that air & sea attacks may be expected tonight. Precautions taken but nothing happened

Apr 7th – 10th: CO and Bty Captains visited 4 Div front and stores began arriving

Apr 16th: obtained 24 guns, 17 tractors, 73 lorries. Teleprint arrived from 1st Army to move into the line on 18th

Apr 18th: Regt. moved out of No 4 Transit Camp, Bone, to hide area at Guardiniao with 14 guns. Remainder to be brought up later by rear party under Capt. Ellerton and further equipment under a second rear party under Lt. Knox.

Apr 19th: Capt. Ellerton arrived with the remaining 10 guns, we drew sufficient vehicles to be able to tow all guns and carry all equip

Apr 20th: All day a US armoured division has been moving into our hide area. 1830 Regt. started to move up to Medjez el Bab (recce parties having left in the morning).

Apr 21st: 0400 Regt. arrived in forward area, met by guides under Lt. Lorimer. On arrival confused situation, enemy having made breakthrough during the night and occupied our proposed gun area. Most of Regt. stopped and posted in a hide near Sloughia. Recce parties, however, engaged in confused fighting through the night and all escaped successfully except Lt. Lorimer and Ensign Rawlings were killed and Gnr. Atkins, Signalmen Searle and Murphy were wounded. Gnr. Atkins is missing, suspected POW

Apr 22nd: During the day all the enemy were driven back and at 2100 moved to the original post

Apr 23rd: Barrage in support of 10 IB attack as preliminary to main 5 Corps attack. Rest of day in preparation for big offensive, Operation Vulcan

Apr 24th: 0800 initial attack of 2RF (Royal Fusiliers) had failed. During morning 1 & 6 Armoured Divisions of 9 Corps observed moving north. 1030 CO went up north to establish an OP for 12 IB. He drove over crest of a hill into full view of the enemy pill box and was killed by machine gun fire. His OP signalman was wounded and captured, but later escaped and his driver escaped unhurt. Body not recovered until 26th. Maj. J.H. Nicolls assumed command.

Apr 25th: The initial attack of the whole of 12 IB having failed a new plan, in a different direction commenced at 2200 hours with the Regt. in support of 2RF and this was more successful

Apr 26th: by 0900 6BW had captured Sidi Mediene but failed their objectives across the road. By same time 2RF had captured their objectives at Oued el Azabi and Nufoo (?). Capt. Cave Bigley put down a number of observed regimental concentrations to prevent a counter attack. Capt. Greenwood established an OP to relay orders of Capt. Cave Bigley, the latter being with 2RF. During the day, the ground was held but we were unable to push on to the 3rd phase of attack owing to enemy artillery at Sidi Salem and Sidi Abdallah

Apr 27th: Regt. had a number of officers out with our infantry – Capt. Cave Bigley with 2RF did some excellent work through the morning, relieved by Capt. Yu in the afternoon, who did some fine shooting as did Capt. Bowers. “Morky” targets came fast and furious.

Apr 29th – 30th: Situation static, strong enemy defence at Sidi Abdallah. Maj. Fisher re-joined from UK

May 1st – 5th: Maj. RE Brocklehurst (Brock) posted as 2 I/C, Maj. Fisher assumed command 33 Bty, Maj. Hutt posted to 166 Field Regt. Some digging in and then on 5th we were issued a formulated plan of attack, objective to expel the enemy from Tunis

May 6th: 0300 attack commenced, guns fired continuously for three hours and the attack was a complete success and the Regt. advanced

May 7th & 8th: Advanced but no contact as the enemy were withdrawing so fast.

May 9th: Moved to hide near Hamman. Left scouting parties to collect enemy stragglers and deal with pockets of resistance. Brock appointed Lt. Colonel and posted to 30th Field Regt. Maj. CHF Coaker posted to Regt. as 2 I/C.

Rest of May: enemy completely routed and no further contact. Regt. located at Korba. Maintenance.

June 1st – 2nd: ‘D’ Troop under Capt. Cave Bigley attached to Allied Battle School. Regt. represented at Allied Victory Parade in Tunis

June 6th: Detachment under Maj. Lucas moved to Souk-el-Khamis

June 18th: Regt. inspected by HM King at Grombalia

June 27th - 29th: Regt. moved to Bougie Area

July 1st – 3rd: Much time spent salvaging enemy equipment and vehicles

July 10th: Capt. Hepworth ceased as Adjt. and T.G. McNish appointed in his place

July 17th – 24th: Exercises

July 26th: Capt. Gee re-joins

July 28th: Maj. E.D Rea posted to 14 A/Tk Regt. and Maj. W.P.L. Lawson assumed command of 32 Bty

August through to mid-December the Regiment was training or resting

Dec 17th: Advance party leaves and on 22nd through to 26th the rest of Regt. follows and embarks on HMS Scythia

1944

Jan 2nd: Regt. to be found at Kabrit (about 20 miles north of Suez)

Feb 15th – 24th: Embarked at Alexandria and sailed for Italy, disembarking at Naples on 21st and going to Teamo. On 24th relieved 71st Field Regt.

Mar 1st - 19th: In action Sujo area. Capt. Chard wounded and will not be re-joining

Mar 20th: Move to concentration area near Gurliano and on 24th move again to San Marco

Mar 28th – 29th: move to Acquafondata and into action.

Mar 30th - 31st: Move to east of Cassino in support of 10 IB

April there is new diary format and it started with very little information: I am guessing that the officers supposed to complete the diary were overworked, hurt or moved and so it was last on the list

Apr 1st – 7th: in support of 10 IB

Apr 8th – 22nd: in support of 28 IB

Apr 23rd – 25th: In support of NZ Brigade

Owing to enemy observers at Acqua, to east of Cassino road, movement along this in daytime was restricted and most of supplies came by night

In May the Regt. took part in the crossing of the Liri River, the Battle of Cassino and the subsequent advance up the Liri Valley

May 2nd: in action

May 11th: at 2300 commenced fire plan in support of 10 IB who were crossing the river. Approximately two battalions made it, but all attempts to construct a bridge of rafts failed and they had to tuck down. Due to heavy artillery fire and the dampness of the river valley, visibility was at times down to 20 yards. Support called in from 2RHA, 17 Field Regt. and 78 Med. Regt and counter attacks were broken without our infantry being penetrated. Capt. Greenwood was awarded MC.

May 12th – 13th: RE (Sappers) finally succeeded in bridging the river and FOOs crossed over, including Maj. Ellerton, Capt. E.G. Smith, Capt. K. Peters, Maj. Fisher, Capt. Greenwood and Capt. Carmell. Maj. Ellerton and Capt. Peters were both wounded.

May 16th: Supported DCLI, who took their objective and Regt. helped repel the counter-attack

May 17th: Beds & Herts pushed forward north and that night the enemy started to scramble out of Cassino.

May 19th: Advanced to the Hitler Line

June 4th: moved to Alife area

June 6th: Orders to move in support of 10 IB and into action west of Tivoli, then moving on up the east bank of the Tiber. Country has deep ravines and is very thick with high corn and vineyards. Over next two months there were a succession of attacks against strong rear guards holding prominent features. Often FOOs had to take wireless when with the infantry

June 11th - 18th: out of line and then to Viterbo

June 24th: Attacking strong position to west of Lake Trasimene. 36/55 Bty. received unfortunate burst of medium shellfire which caused the biggest number of casualties sustained by Regt. in one day

June 27th: In support of 10 IB and 2 DCLI on Casamaggiore Ridge. Maj. Lucas had accident, broken leg

June 28th: 2 DCLI reached objective in Nardelli, but were pinned down and support tanks came under Anti-tank fire. Capt. Sharpe, FOO, got into squadron commanders tank and this was knocked out and burst into flames. In evening, attack by 1/6 Surreys with Maj. Cave Bigley and Capt. Earle as FOO attacked Casamaggiore along the ridge and, supported by our fire plan, was a success

June 29th: Surreys continued towards Petrignano and, with barrage support, reached objective. Due to heavy shelling, enemy began to withdraw before dusk.

JULY. The high ground on both sides of Civitella in Val di Chiana so dominated the Arno Valley that cover was difficult to find, so all positions were shelled at one time or another. Three officers and 16 other ranks were wounded and two of the latter killed during the month

15th – 16th July: Enemy started withdrawing from round Civitella late 15th and 10 IB followed them under heavy fire from the north bank, but continued to advance through the foothills on the south bank. Regt. moved along the ridge in the rear of the infantry and went into action south of Puergine. Found that all roads from here were under enemy observation and were blown up in so many places that it was unlikely they were passable for at least 36 hours. However, late afternoon a track was found – passable for 15 cwt's and it was decided to move the Regt. forward this way during the night.

20th July: Attacked across the country south of Montevarchi and route 69

21st July: Capt. J.H.L. Parker, FOO with Beds & Herts, was pinned down in very isolated position. Other companies, with Capt. E.G. Smith, got held up about 1000 yards short of San Giovanni and all under heavy shelling. So, the entire resources of AGRA, together with such Regts. as were already in action, were called on to fire on targets in suspected enemy gun areas and, after a busy half hour or so, they were virtually silenced. Enemy mortar and regular fire continued to hold us up, so we consolidated the positions we had reached and 10 IB remained there, resting, while 28 Bde. went on along the high ground to the left.

22nd July: Regt. moved north of Cavriglia to support 28 Bde. and then took over from 98 Field Regt. in support of 12 IB on the west main ridge. 36/55 were in support of the North Irish Horse.

Aug 3rd: 10 IB preparing an attack across the Arno east of Florence. Capt. G Thornton was sent to establish OP on near bank, though his efforts were frustrated by enthusiasm of the locals, all welcoming him. Then 10 IB told to clear the high ground to right of bend in Arno as quickly as possible and was given the full resources of all the Artillery. 2 Beds & Herts, with Lt. Lowell and Capt. Parker RA, moved to east and were allowed to advance and then pinned down.

Aug 8th: Lt. Col. Nicolls was given the task of using the artillery available to assist, but also to allow the infantry to advance without indicating the direction of the attack – it was a success and the entire garrison was captured

Aug 9th: Enemy withdrew and this ended

Remainder of August were at rest and then the Regt. was transferred to the east coast area

Sep 11th – 14th: In action in Misano area. An extensive fire plan in support of attack on Coriano Ridge and over the River Mariano. On 13th 28 IB attacked the Baglia feature and this went on until 17th – 18th.

Sep 17th – 18th: 2 DCLI extended ground already captured to complete the capture of the ridge and 6 Surreys moved through during the night to capture a point and reached objective without opposition. After dawn they were in a gap between enemy positions and there was extensive sniping. Capt. M.C. Camell RA had represented the Army in rifle competitions and he took and active part in the sniping, too

Enemy finally withdrew and 28 IB advanced unopposed to the river Marrechio. Heavy rain caused a dam to break and all stuck in the mud, so leave was allowed

Oct 1st: Moved into action in support of Canadian Corps north of Santa Angelo. Heavy rain delayed the attack for 10 days and on 11th Oct Regt. moved into action in hilly country south of Roncofriddo, supporting 10 IB. This division, augmented by 43 Gurkha Bde. moved forward so fast that the Regt. was not required to fire

Oct 19th: Came into line at Cesena and moved into action two miles southeast of the town.

Oct 20th – 23rd: 12 IB stranded on west bank of river Savio until night of 23rd when bridge was completed and 10 IB went through. Enemy had withdrawn and 1/6 Surreys, with Capt. Peter and Maj. Greenwood, made rapid advance to just short of Bertinoro

Oct 25th – 26th: 2 DCLI went through with Capt. Hannah Clark and Maj. Goode, and advanced rapidly to Selbagnone. Short battle and enemy was pushed across the Ronco. No time to recce so 2 DCLI and 51 Royal Tank Regt. also crossed in the night to form a bridgehead. Then two companies of infantry crossed on 26th and pushed enemy out, who immediately counter-attacked. Regt. fired a lot of DF in support of Capt. H. Clark and went over the river with the second company. The leading tank was knocked out as it entered the river crossing so the rest could not follow up and two or more enemy Tigers moved in and proceeded to demolish houses. Capt. Clark was hurt by falling debris but was able to get back across the river to report and the area was smothered with smoke to tell all to fall back. River rose preventing about 127 men from returning

Oct 29th: moved to south of Forlimpopoli, but the weather stopped further chances of crossing the river

Nov. 7th: In support of 10 IB, crossing the Ronco. Fire plan on all known positions, including bombing and shelling, and enemy fire was considerably reduced.

Nov 7th: 6 Surreys attacked airfield buildings, which had been bombed by fighter bombers as well as shelled 72 Howitzer. At 2250 the howitzers had been continuing every two minutes or so on the nearest blog and, as the infantry attacked, the howitzer moved along to the next building and the next and the next, ahead of the infantry

Nov 8th: At 0400 2 Kings and 2 Somerset LI of 28 IB passed through 2 DCLI south of the aerodrome but were held up by the Tigers at Cutler. One of these was shooting at upper storey of Cara Bordi, in which Capt. G. Thornton had OP. The storey was practically demolished, but Thornton succeeded in spotting where the Tigers were located and, eventually, when our infantry cleared Thornton was able to direct medium artillery on to the targets

Nov 10th: Regt. ordered across the Ronco at short notice and at dusk were in action on the southeast outskirts of Forli. 12 & 28 IBs continued to advance north of Forli until reaching the river.

Nov 14th: Regt. moved south of Torne, but due to wet weather the proposed attack on 19th was cancelled.

Nov 20th: Another try, but succession of mishaps prevented success.

Nov 22nd – 24th: Regt. joined fire plan to support 28 Bde. crossing Cosina. On 23rd, the enemy withdrew and Capt. Thornton accompanied patrol across but no opposition.

December: well I think this about covers it. The Regt. had bit of a rest and were then shipped to Greece to help with the civil war that was developing.

 

I just inadvertently discovered this thread and was amazed to learn the 22nd Field Regiment, R.A., were involved in the combats that took place in my backyard (La Panne - Coxyde - Oostduinkerke - Nieuport) during the last days of May 1940.

Though fairly well documented on those events, I must admit that, until now, I never encountered anything regarding the 22nd Field Regt. I knew of course that British artillery had shelled the Ganzepoot (a.k.a. 'Piccadilly Circus') and its surroundings, but had no idea which unit had been involved nor from where they had been firing or even if they had managed to make it back to Britain.

The information regarding their positions, however, doesn't allow me to identify them with absolute certainty. The clues provided by John, however, allow for some educated guesses.

I think the RHQ must have been located on or nearby the 'Koninklijke Baan' (a.k.a.' Albert I avenue'), somewhere between Saint-André and Witte Burg. Some of the costal villa's and hotels boarding that road had telephone, a rare commodity at the time, which would have been an interesting asset for a RHQ. Also, this location, on the main road leading to La Panne, would have allowed for fast evacuation.

I surmise there must have been not one, but two OPs: one covering Nieuport-Bains (left - 32/33 Bty) and another overlooking Nieuport itself (right - 36/55 Bty). Indeed, it would have been hard to find one OP covering Nieuport-Bains, Nieuport and all the approaching roads from one single spot. Also keep in mind that any OP should have been in (cable) range of a field telephone line. As to the first OP, I have a fairly good idea as to where it could have been located, but it's only a hunch. The second though could have been located in the church at Oostduinkerke-village, which was heavily shelled and consequently destroyed by the Germans. Indeed, from this spot, anyone could not only overlook Nieuport and to road leading to it, but also Wulpen and the Furnes-Nieuport canal (that the Germans attempted to cross).

I have no idea though as to where the batteries were positioned, possibly in the dunes where German counter-artillery fire would be far less effective.

As you can see, for now I have a lot of conjectures but unfortunately very little certainties. I would therefor welcome more details as to ascertain my speculations. However, should any additional clues come to surface, I'm confident I could now fairly easily make progresses. Finding a field-sketch would, of course, be ideal. It would also help to know what kind of guns (QF 25-pounders?) and MT (Quads?) they used.

KR,
Christian

 

Christian,

I may, repeat may, be able to get a bit more information which may be of interest, and I shall post it here if and when I get it.

John.

 

BTW. i am certain the regiment had 25 pounders.