Hi all I am seeking information on the '8 Field Regiment RA', in particular its participation during North Africa November 1941. my own research (google) as proved fruitless. My interest stems from a family member reported killed(?) November 24th and buried at the 'Knightsbridge cemetary'. Any and all feedback will be greatly appreciated..
This is probably who you are after. Gunner HAROLD SHARPLES (982157) died Monday, November 24, 1941. Age 21. VIEW RECORD According to RA Casualty records, he was in 8th Field Regiment, born in Droylesdan Manchester and lived in Openshaw before the war. He was killed in Action on the western desert. Hope this helps Gus
Hi. Yes that is the guy I am referring too. Its the engagement (or circumstances) that resulted in his death that I am eager to unearth. I have read previously that the 8th may have been recatergorised as a survey regiment. A very loose connection may have had him attached to 3RHA at the battle of sidi reghazi(?). Thanks for your speedy response though
Hi Ian This looks to be the War Diary for the regiment Reference: WO 169/1447 Description: Royal Artillery: 8 Field Regiment (Fd Regt RA) Date: 1941 Jan.- Dec. Held by: The National Archives, Kew Legal status: Public Record(s) Closure status: Open Document, Open Description Access conditions: Closed For 29 years TD Added It may well be worth obtaining his service records to know who he was with at the time so you can make sure you read the correct War Diary Request records of deceased service personnel - GOV.UK
Here is my summary history of the 8th Field Regiment, RA: 8th Field Regiment, RA Station: Lucknow, India Batteries: ‘V’, ‘W’, ‘X’, ‘AA’ The regiment formed part of 6th Indian Infantry Brigade at the start of the war. It left India on 25 August 1940 and arrived in Egypt on 13 September 1940. It was then reorganized with ‘V/AA’ and ‘W/X’ Batteries on 18 September. It then moved to Mersa Matruh in the desert. The regiment was located at Buq Buq on 26 April 1941 with ‘B’ and ‘D’ Troops while ‘A’ and ‘E’ Troops were located at Sidi Barrani. It held Halfaya Pass in May 1941 and served under 22nd Guards Brigade in the Battle-Axe offensive in June. The regiment replaced 51st Field Regiment on 16 September 1941 under 1st South African Brigade. It served under 8th Army until it joined 2nd Armoured Brigade on 2 January 1942. It then came under 5th Indian Infantry Brigade on 12 February 1942. It joined 70th Infantry Division on 28 February 1942, when it embarked for India in Egypt. It arrived in India on 10 March 1942 and remained in India with the division until 30 September 1943.It was reorganized with ‘V/AA’, ‘W’ and ‘X’ Batteries on 9 November 1942 and then reorganized as 8th Jungle Field Regiment on 24 October 1943. It was located in the Ranchi area on arrival. It moved to Calcutta on 27 April 1942 and to Bangalore on 14 July 1943. It came under command of RA Southern Army on 1 October 1943 and then joined 25th Indian Infantry Division on 11 November 1943. It moved to the Arakan by way of Madras and Chittagong on 21 March 1944 with the division. It served in the Arakan until 28 May 1945, when it left Rangoon for Bangalore. It reorganized as 8th Field Regiment on 15 July 1944. It joined 26th Indian Infantry Division there on 4 June 1945. It left the division for 36th Infantry Division in Poona on 20 July 1945, where it remained for the rest of the war.
