DIVISIONAL ANTI TANK ARTILLERY Divisional anti tank artillery was intended to be defensive. When a division was holding a line the anti tank unit was fully integrated into the defence. When a division attacked the anti tank guns were rapidly installed to guard against the inevitable counter attack. DIVISIONAL ANTI TANK REGIMENTS Headquarters of an AT Regiment in an Infantry Division. War Establishment II/181/2. January 1944 Anti Tank Battery, Infantry Division. War Establishment II/186C/1. January 1944 Anti Tank Battery, Assault Division. War Establishment II/190/2. January 1944 Headquarters of an AT Regiment in an Armoured Division. War Establishment II/181/2. January 1944 Anti Tank Battery Self Propelled. War Establishment II/188/2. January 1944 Anti Tank Battery, Armoured Division. War Establishment II/186/1. April 1943 Anti Tank Battery. War Establishment XIV/470/1. October 1944 Headquarters of an AT Regiment in an Infantry Division. War Establishment XIV/473/1. March 1945. Anti Tank Battery. War Establishment XIV/471/1. January 1945 Anti Tank Battery. War Establishment XIV/472/1. January 1945 HEADQUARTERS of an ANTI TANK REGIMENT in an INFANTRY DIVISION War Establishment II/181/2. January 1944 The Headquarters of an Anti Tank Regiment was a universal standard organisation capable of commanding three or four anti tank batteries of various types. For some types and combinations of battery the regimental headquarters had increments of personnel and vehicles. Most of the additions or modifications were to the repair and maintenance personnel. The following contains the two modifications for the Infantry Division Anti Tank Regiment Add signalling serjeant Delete motorcycle orderly 1 Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer Major, Second in Command Captain, Adjutant Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant Duty Serjeant tradesman Artificer RA or fitter (gun) serjeant clerk 3 X clerk driver mechanic 6 X driver operator serjeant storeman, technical storeman, technical vehicle mechanic Note- the ranks and appointments for tradesmen varied with the type of battery (and gun) being commanded. These are the subject of supplementary tables. non tradesman 5 X batman batman driver butchery dutyman 11 X drivers IC 4 X lmg numbers medical officers orderly 4 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman 4 X motorcycle 1 X car 4seater 4 X 4 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 4 X 15cwt GS 2 X 15cwt FFW 1 X 15cwt personnel 1 X 14cwt water 3 X 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS Carrier AOP Travelling platform for 20mm gun Note: the 20mm AA gun and its travelling platform appears on all War Establishment tables of the period but was seldom used. 3 X Bren lmg 1 X PIAT 1 X 20mm AA gun ORGANISATION Motorcycle 1 signalling serjeant Motorcycle 2 orderly Motorcycle 3 orderly Motorcycle 4 orderly 4 seater car 4 X 4 Lieutenant Colonel, batman, driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 Medical Officer, batman driver Car 5cwt 4 X 4 2 gun fitter, vehicle mechanic Carries fitters’ stores 15cwt truck GS 1 serjeant technical storeman, duty serjeant, driver IC Carries survey stores 15cwt truck GS 2 Regimental Quartermaster serjeant, clerk, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Carries 2 X Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 3 2 X batman, cook, driver operator, driver IC 15cwt truck GS 4 medical officer’s orderly, driver IC 15cwt truck fitted for wireless Subaltern, 2 X driver operator Carries a wireless set 15cwt truck Office Regimental Serjeant Major, serjeant clerk, clerk, driver IC 15cwt truck personnel Adjutant, clerk, batman, driver IC 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1 storeman technical, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Carries MT stores Carries a PIAT Tows a travelling platform 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X cook, butchery dutyman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations. Carries a Bren lmg 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 3 storeman, sanitary dutyman, staff serjeant armourer REME, driver IC Carries Q stores Universal Carrier Lieutenant Colonel or Major, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a wireless set. Armoured car or Light Reconnaissance car are listed as alternative for Italy. Organisation for Manoeuvre This differs from the organisation shown on the War Establishment tables since the Royal Signals personnel and vehicles are included and the vehicles are arranged by their order of march instead of by type. The vehicles are also shown in their tactical groupings for deploying into action. The letters/numbers are those allotted to the vehicle and were normally displayed on the RA tactical sign attached to the vehicle. R Group. Commanding Officers Reconnaissance Group. The Commanding Officer would place his R Group near to Divisional Headquarters. He would receive orders from the Divisional Commander and his staff or the Commander Royal Artillery. He would accompany the Divisional R Group on a reconnaissance of the divisional front and then carry out his own R Group with battery commanders. Z Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Lieutenant Colonel or Major, batman, driver IC Z2 Carrier AOP driver operator, driver mechanic place for Lieutenant Colonel or Major Carries wireless set J1 15cwt FFW Subaltern, 2 X driver operator Carries a wireless set - Motorcycle 1 orderly O Group This group was commanded by the adjutant and was responsible for planning and for transmitting orders to the batteries. J2 15cwt truck GS/personnel Adjutant, clerk, batman, driver IC S1 15cwt Wireless House Royal Signals corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No22 For rear link - Motorcycle signal serjeant - Motorcycle orderly F Group This group was for administration and maintenance. The various elements would travel together as a group but would then probably be dispersed to carry out their various roles. A1 15cwt truck GS serjeant technical storeman, duty serjeant, driver IC A2 15cwt Office truck Regimental Serjeant Major, clerk, driver IC Carries Office equipment There was a place for the serjeant clerk but normally he was at Headquarters CRA. A3 car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Medical Officer, batman driver A4 15cwt truck GS medical officers orderly, driver IC Carries medical stores Q3 15cwt truck GS 2 X batman, cook ACC, relief driver operator, driver IC Carries officers mess S2 3ton 4 X 4 GS Royal Signals instrument mechanic RS, driver mechanic RS Carries a 1260 kw generator Carries a bren lmg T Group This is the transport group and is responsible for supplies and stores. Note that it is not responsible for the supply of ammunition which is carried on battery transport and replenished from divisional ammunition points. Q1 15cwt FFW Quartermaster, batman, 2 X driver operator Carries a Wireless set Q2 15cwt truck GS Regimental Quartermaster Sejeant, clerk, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Carries 2 X Bren lmg - motorcycle orderly Q4 15cwt water water dutyman, driver IC Q5 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2 X cook ACC, butchery dutyman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Carries a Bren lmg Q6 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS storeman, sanitary dutyman, staff serjeant armourer REME, driver IC Carries Quartermaster stores Q7 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS storeman technical, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Carries MT stores Tows 20mm AA gun on platform Anti tank regiment detachment Royal Signals S1 15cwt wireless house corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries a Wireless set No22 This vehicle for rear link S2 15cwt truck GS corporal electrician, driver mechanic Carries 1,260 watt charging set Note: By 1945 the 15cwt GS was replaced by S2 3ton 4 X 4 GS corporal radio mechanic, driver mechanic Tows a 6Kw generator trailer. Light Aid Detachment Type A (Unarmoured) Warrant Officer Class I, Armament Artificer serjeant vehicle mechanic 3 X driver mechanic electrician, vehicle and plant 3 X fitter 2 X vehicle mechanic acetylene welder, ClassII lance corporal storeman storeman, trained as motor cyclist Total 14 all ranks 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 2 X 3ton stores lorry 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 breakdown gantry AN ANTI TANK BATTERY in an INFANTRY DIVISION Two troops of 17pdr and one troop of 6pdr. War Establishment II/186C/1. January 1944 There were four identical batteries in an Infantry Divisional Anti Tank Regiment. Normally one battery was assigned to each brigade while one battery was held in reserve. When possible the same battery would remain with an infantry brigade semi permanently so that they worked closely together. It was essential that there be a close working relationship since the anti tank guns would need to be positioned in amongst the infantry forward positions, and co ordinate their activities with the anti guns of the battalions. There was also a need for a close working relationship since the infantry looked to the anti tank guns to protect them from enemy tanks while the anti tank gunners relied on the infantry to protect them from enemy infantry. Naturally there was a danger that the infantry would come to regard the anti tank guns as being there solely to protect them while in fact the guns had a wider responsibility and might have different plans imposed on them from the CRA. Headquarters Major 2 X Captain Subaltern Battery Serjeant major battery quartermaster serjeant tradesman clerk driver mechanic 2 X driver operator gun fitter equipment repairer technical storeman 4 X vehicle mechanic non tradesman 3 X batman batman driver 6 X driver IC 3 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman. plus corporal cook ACC 5 X cook ACC vehicles 4 X motorcycle 3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 2 X 3ton 4 X 4 1 X Carrier AOP 1 X travelling platform for 20mm AA Note that most units had the 20mm gun on the establishment but they seem to have been rarely used. 55 Anti Tank Regiment of 49 Division was a typical unit of this type. It landed in France with the organisation shown below. - In January 1945 it received Archer SP 17pdrs and was then organised with each battery having one troop of Archer SP, one troop of towed 17pdr and one troop of 6pdr. - For the Rhine Crossing it had received more Archer SP and was now organised with two complete batteries of Archer SP and two complete batteries with towed 17pdr. No 6pdr remained. This organisation was now very similar to that of an Armoured Division or Corps Anti Tank regiment but used Archer instead of M10 Achilles. Organisation for Manoeuvre of an anti tank battery in an infantry division. Battery Headquarters R Group The Battery Commanders Reconnaissance and Command Group. The Battery Commander would position himself close to the headquarters of the Brigade Commander once he had been briefed by the Anti Tank Regiments Commanding Officer. He would need to agree dispositions with the infantry Brigadier and his staff and then hold a Reconnaissance Group with his troop commanders. Normally once the dispositions were made the Battery Commander had little control over the course of events. He might at any time order a move to alternative positions but would not be in a position to control the fire of troops or individual guns. X Carrier, Universal Major, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X Wireless set J1 Jeep Captain, vehicle mechanic J2 Jeep Subaltern, batman driver - Motorcycle Battery Serjeant Major - Motorcycle orderly - Motorcycle orderly F Group The Captain was responsible for the administration and for the supply of cooked food. In most respects the troops needed to be self sufficient since they operated in widely separated locations. K Jeep Captain, vehicle mechanic Q1 15cwt GS truck 2 X cook ACC, 2 X batman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Motorcycle orderly T Group Q2 15cwt GS truck clerk, batman, cook ACC, driver IC. Carries a Bren lmg For cooked food distribution Q3 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS storeman technical, vehicle mechanic, gun fitter, driver IC Carries technical stores and petrol Q4 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC Q5 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS Battery Quartermaster Serjeant, 2 X cook ACC, vehicle mechanic, storeman, driver IC Carries Q stores Carries Bren lmg and PIAT Q6 Tractor sanitary dutyman, equipment repairer, 2 X lmg number, driver mechanic Carries 2 X Bren lmg Tows 20mm AA gun on platform This vehicle was a spare tractor for 17pdr AT gun A Troop R Group RA Carrier Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries a PIAT J3 Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Section 1 A1 Tractor 4 X 4 serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun A2 Tractor 4 X 4 bombardier, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun A5 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Section 2 A3 Tractor 4 X 4 serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun A4 Tractor 4 X 4 bombardier, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun A6 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg T Group A7 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 gun fitter, driver IC Carries 80 rounds of ammunition Carries anti gas stores A8 3ton 4 X 4 lorry 2 driver IC Carries 120 rounds of ammunition B Troop R Group RB Carrier Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries a PIAT J4 Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Section 1 B1 Tractor 4 X 4 serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun B2 Tractor 4 X 4 bombardier, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun B5 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Section 2 B3 Tractor 4 X 4 serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun B4 Tractor 4 X 4 bombardier, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun B6 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren l T Group B7 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 gun fitter, driver IC Carries 80 rounds of ammunition Carries anti gas stores B8 3ton 4 X 4 lorry 2 driver IC Carries 120 rounds of ammunition C troop R Group RC Carrier Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition Carries a PIAT J5 Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Section 1 C1 Carrier Tracked, Loyd 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows 6pdr AT gun C2 Carrier Tracked, Loyd 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows 6pdr AT gun C3 Carrier Tracked, Loyd 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Gun side shields Carries 2” mortar Section 2 C4 Carrier Tracked, Loyd 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows 6pdr AT gun C5 Carrier Tracked, Loyd 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows 6pdr AT gun C6 Carrier Tracked, Loyd 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Gun side shields Carries 2” mortar T Group C7 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 ammunition number, gun fitter, driver IC Carries 204 rounds of ammunition Carries anti gas stores Carries a Bren lmg As Self Propelled 17pdr Archer anti tank guns became available they were first issued to one troop in an anti tank battery of an anti tank regiment in an infantry division. At the same time the towed 17pdr troop had its 4 X 4 tractors replaced by halftracks with winch. The regimental headquarters remained the same. War Establishment II/181/2. AT BATTERY 21 ARMY GROUP. War Establishment XIV/470/1. October 1944 One troop of four 6pdr, one troop of three 17pdrs and one troop of three 17pdr SP Archer. Major 2 X Captain 4 X Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 3 X serjeant 7 X serjeant No1 of guns 4 X lance serjeant 7 X bombardier 9 X lance bombardier 65 X gunner Attached corporal electrician (vehicle and plant) REME officers mess cook ACC corporal cook 3 X cook 36 X tradesman including clerk, general duties 14 X driver mechanic 3 X driver mechanic AFV 2 X driver operator equipment repairer 4 X gun fitter 3 X gunner mechanic 3 X gunner operator technical storeman 4 X vehicle mechanic Non tradesman 4 X ammunition number 3 X batman 4 X batman driver 17 X driver IC 43 X gun number 2 X lmg numbers 2 X bombardier No1 of gun 3 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman 4 X signaller storeman water dutyman 4 X motorcycle 6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 6 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 7 X 3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4 X carrier universal 6 X carrier tracked towing 1 X carrier starting and charging 3 X SP mountings (Archer) 4 X 15cwt halftrack Notes: The Carrier Universal at Battery Headquarters may be replaced by a Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Tractors 4 X 4 may be issued instead of 15cwt halftracks if the latter are not available. Troop Headquarters Carrier, Universal Major, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X Wireless set Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Captain, vehicle mechanic Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Subaltern, batman driver Motorcycle Battery Serjeant Major Motorcycle orderly Motorcycle orderly F Group The Captain was responsible for the administration and for the supply of cooked food. In most respects the troops needed to be self sufficient since they operated in widely separated locations. Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Captain, vehicle mechanic 15cwt GS truck 2 X cook ACC, 2 X batman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Motorcycle orderly T Group 15cwt GS truck clerk, batman, cook ACC, driver IC. Carries a Bren lmg For cooked food distribution 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS storeman technical, vehicle mechanic, gun fitter, driver IC Carries technical stores and petrol 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS battery quartermaster serjeant, 2 X cook ACC, vehicle mechanic, storeman, driver IC Carries Q stores Carries Bren lmg and PIAT 15 cwt Halftrack sanitary dutyman, equipment repairer, 2 X lmg number, driver mechanic Carries 2 X Bren lmg This vehicle was a spare tractor for 17pdr AT gun Carrier, Starting and Charging electrician 6pdr Troop R Group Carrier Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition Carries a PIAT Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Section 1 Carrier Tracked, Loyd 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows 6pdr AT gun Carrier Tracked, Loyd 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows 6pdr AT gun Carrier Tracked, Loyd 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Gun side shields Carries 2” mortar Section 2 Carrier Tracked, Loyd 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows 6pdr AT gun Carrier Tracked, Loyd 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows 6pdr AT gun Carrier Tracked, Loyd 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Gun side shields Carries 2” mortar T Group 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 ammunition number, gun fitter, driver IC Carries 204 rounds of ammunition Carries anti gas stores Carries a Bren lmg 17pdr Troop R Group Carrier Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries a PIAT Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) serjeant, batman driver 15cwt Truck GS driver IC F Group 15cwt halftrack serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun 15cwt halftrack serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun 15cwt halftrack serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun T Group 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 gun fitter, driver IC Carries 80 rounds of ammunition Carries anti gas stores 3ton 4 X 4 lorry 2 driver IC Carries 120 rounds of ammunition 17pdr SP Troop R Group Carrier AOP Subaltern, batman, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries PIAT Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Archer SP 17pdr mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 39 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Archer SP 17pdr mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 39 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Archer SP 17pdr mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 39 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg T Group 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS gun fitter, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 102 rounds of ammunition Carries a 2”mortar and ten rounds each smoke and illuminating Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS vehicle mechanic, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 102 rounds of ammunition Carries a 2”mortar and ten rounds each smoke and illuminating HEADQUARTERS of an ANTI TANK REGIMENT in an INFANTRY DIVISION. War Establishment XIV/473/1. March 1945. To command three batteries on War Establishment XIV/472/1 and one battery on War Establishment XIV/471/1. By January 1945 the Self Propelled Archer 17pdr was more widely available and a new organisation was introduced. This had the Headquarters Anti Tank Regiment on War Establishment XIV/473/1 with three batteries on War Establishment XIV/472/1, which had one self propelled troop, and One battery on War Establishment XIV/471/1 which was entirely self propelled. Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer Major, Second in Command Captain, Adjutant Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant duty serjeant tradesman Artificer RA or fitter (gun) serjeant clerk 3 X clerk 2 X driver mechanic driver mechanic AFV 6 X driver operator staff serjeant storeman, technical storeman, technical vehicle mechanic Note- the ranks and appointments for tradesmen varied with the type of battery (and gun) being commanded. These are the subject of supplementary tables. non tradesman 6 X batman batman driver butchery dutyman 11 X drivers IC (one trained in water duties) 4 X lmg numbers medical officers orderly 4 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman storeman 4 X motorcycle 1 X car 4seater 4 X 4 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 5 X 15cwt GS 2 X 15cwt FFW 1 X 15cwt office 1 X 15cwt water 3 X 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2 X light reconnaissance car (carrier AOP may be issued in lieu) 1 X tank as COs charger 1 X travelling platform for 20mm gun 2 X 10cwt trailer 2 X 1ton trailer 3 X Bren lmg 1 X PIAT 1 X 20mm AA gun ANTI TANK BATTERY 21 ARMY GROUP. War Establishment XIV/471/1. January 1945 Three troops of three 17pdr SP Archer. Major 2 X Captain 4 X Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 3 X serjeant 9 X serjeant No1 of guns 4 X lance serjeant 3 X bombardier 10 X lance bombardier 50 X gunner Attached corporal electrician (vehicle and plant) REME officers mess cook ACC corporal cook 3 X cook 57 X tradesman including clerk, general duties 5 X driver mechanic 13 X driver mechanic AFV 8 X driver operator equipment repairer 4 X gun fitter 9 X gunner mechanic 9 X gunner operator technical storeman 6 X vehicle mechanic Non tradesman 9 X ammunition number 3 X batman 4 X batman driver 19 X driver IC 27 X gun number 2 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman Note: Sanitary dutyman and water dutyman trained as lmg numbers. 4 X motorcycle 6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 11 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 8 X 3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4 X carrier universal 1 X carrier starting and charging 2 X Valentine tank 9 X SP mountings (Archer) Notes: The Carrier Universal at Battery Headquarters may be replaced by a Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Battery Headquarters Major 2 X Captain Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 12 X tradesman 4 X bombardier 9 X gunner officers mess cook ACC corporal cook ACC 3 X cook ACC corporal electrician REME Trades etc clerk 2 X driver mechanic driver mechanic AFV 2 X driver operator equipment repairer gun fitter technical storeman 3 X vehicle mechanic 3 X batman batman driver 4 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman Carrier, Universal driver operator, driver mechanic Tank, Charger (Valentine) Major, driver operator, driver mechanic AFV, Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Captain, vehicle mechanic Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Subaltern, batman driver Motorcycle Battery Serjeant Major Motorcycle orderly Motorcycle orderly F Group The Captain was responsible for the administration and for the supply of cooked food. In most respects the troops needed to be self sufficient since they operated in widely separated locations. Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Captain, vehicle mechanic 15cwt GS truck 2 X cook ACC, 2 X batman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations T Group 15cwt GS truck clerk, batman, cook ACC, driver IC. Carries a Bren lmg For cooked food distribution 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS storeman technical, equipment repairer, vehicle mechanic, gun fitter, driver IC Carries technical stores and petrol 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS battery quartermaster serjeant, 2 X cook ACC, vehicle mechanic, sanitary dutyman, storeman, driver IC Carries Q stores Carries Bren lmg and PIAT Carrier, Starting and Charging electrician, driver mechanic 3 X 17pdr SP Troop each R Group Tank Valentine Subaltern, driver mechanic AFV, driver operator Carries Wireless set No19 Carrier AOP serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries PIAT Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) batman driver F Group Archer SP 17pdr mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 39 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Archer SP 17pdr mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 39 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Archer SP 17pdr mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 39 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg T Group 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS gun fitter, 2 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 102 rounds of ammunition Carries a 2”mortar and ten rounds each smoke and illuminating Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS vehicle mechanic, ammunition number, driver IC Carries 102 rounds of ammunition Carries a 2”mortar and ten rounds each smoke and illuminating Note: The Battery Commander and the Troop Commander each received a Valentine tank as an Observation Post. This was either a Valentine Mark IX or Mark XI, the difference being a 6pdr gun in the MkIX and a 75mm gun in the MkXI. The Valentine was an obvious choice in that it used the same chassis and engine as the Archer 17pdr SP. It was well armoured, and had overhead protection which the Universal Carrier did not. The Valentine could also defend itself if necessary. However it was not ideal in that it carried only a crew of three, and there was little space in the turret. ANTI TANK BATTERY 21 ARMY GROUP. War Establishment XIV/472/1. January 1945 Two troops of wheeled 17dr and one troop of three 17pdr SP Archer. Major 2 X Captain 4 X Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 3 X serjeant 7 X serjeant No1 of guns 4 X lance serjeant 5 X bombardier 10 X lance bombardier 68 X gunner Attached corporal electrician (vehicle and plant) REME officers mess cook ACC corporal cook 3 X cook 36 X tradesman including clerk, general duties 11 X driver mechanic 5 X driver mechanic AFV 4 X driver operator equipment repairer 3 X gun fitter 3 X gunner mechanic 3 X gunner operator technical storeman 4 X vehicle mechanic Non tradesman 3 X ammunition number 3 X batman 4 X batman driver 22 X driver IC 45 X gun number lmg number 2 X motorcycle orderly 2 X lance serjeant No1 of gun sanitary dutyman 2 X signaller storeman water dutyman Note: Sanitary dutyman and water dutyman trained as lmg numbers. 4 X motorcycle 6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 7 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 7 X 15cwt halftrack with winch 8 X 3 ton 4 X 4 GS 4 X carrier universal 1 X carrier starting and charging 2 X Valentine tank 3 X SP mountings (Archer) Notes: The Carrier Universal at Battery Headquarters may be replaced by a Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Battery Headquarters Major 2 X Captain Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 11 X tradesman 4 X bombardier 11 X gunner officers mess cook ACC corporal cook ACC 3 X cook ACC corporal electrician REME Trades etc clerk 2 X driver mechanic driver mechanic AFV 2 X driver operator equipment repairer technical storeman 3 X vehicle mechanic 3 X batman batman driver 5 X driver IC 2 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman Carrier, Universal driver operator, driver mechanic Tank, Charger (Valentine) Major, driver operator, driver mechanic AFV, Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Captain, vehicle mechanic Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Subaltern, batman driver Motorcycle Battery Serjeant Major Motorcycle orderly Motorcycle orderly F Group The Captain was responsible for the administration and for the supply of cooked food. In most respects the troops needed to be self sufficient since they operated in widely separated locations. Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Captain, vehicle mechanic 15cwt GS truck 2 X cook ACC, 2 X batman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Motorcycle orderly T Group 15cwt GS truck clerk, batman, cook ACC, driver IC. Carries a Bren lmg For cooked food distribution 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS storeman technical, vehicle mechanic, driver IC Carries technical stores and petrol 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS battery quartermaster serjeant, 2 X cook ACC, vehicle mechanic, storeman, driver IC Carries Q stores Carries Bren lmg and PIAT 15 cwt Halftrack sanitary dutyman, equipment repairer, driver IC Carries 2 X Bren lmg This vehicle was a spare tractor for 17pdr AT gun Carrier, Starting and Charging electrician, driver mechanic 2 X Towed 17pdr Troop R Group Carrier Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries a PIAT Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) serjeant, batman driver 15cwt Truck GS driver IC F Group 15cwt halftrack serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun 15cwt halftrack serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun 15cwt halftrack serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun T Group 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 gun fitter, driver IC Carries 80 rounds of ammunition Carries anti gas stores 3ton 4 X 4 lorry 2 driver IC Carries 120 rounds of ammunition 17pdr SP Troop R Group Carrier AOP Subaltern, batman, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries PIAT Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Archer SP 17pdr mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 39 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Archer SP 17pdr mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 39 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Archer SP 17pdr mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 39 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg T Group 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS gun fitter, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 102 rounds of ammunition Carries a 2”mortar and ten rounds each smoke and illuminating Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS vehicle mechanic, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 102 rounds of ammunition Carries a 2”mortar and ten rounds each smoke and illuminating AN ANTI TANK BATTERY in an ASSAULT DIVISION War Establishment II/190/2. January 1944. Battery Headquarters R Group X Carrier, Universal Major, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X Wireless set J1 Jeep Captain, vehicle mechanic J2 Jeep Subaltern, batman driver - Motorcycle Battery Serjeant Major - Motorcycle orderly - Motorcycle orderly F Group K Jeep Captain, vehicle mechanic Q1 15cwt GS truck 2 X cook ACC, 2 X batman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Motorcycle orderly T Group Q2 15cwt GS truck clerk, batman, cook ACC, driver IC. Carries a Bren lmg For cooked food distribution Q3 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS storeman technical, vehicle mechanic, gun fitter, driver IC Carries technical stores and petrol Q4 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC Q5 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS Battery Quartermaster Serjeant, 2 X cook ACC, vehicle mechanic, storeman, driver IC Carries Q stores Carries Bren lmg and PIAT Q6 Tractor sanitary dutyman, equipment repairer, 2 X lmg number, driver mechanic Carries 2 X Bren lmg Tows 20mm AA gun on platform This vehicle was a spare tractor for 17pdr AT gun A troop R Group RA Carrier Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition Carries a PIAT J5 Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Section 1 A1 Carrier Tracked 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows gun A2 Carrier Tracked 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows gun A3 Carrier Tracked 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Gun side shields Carries 2” mortar Section 2 A4 Carrier Tracked 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows gun A5 Carrier Tracked 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows gun A6 Carrier Tracked 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Gun side shields Carries 2” mortar T Group A7 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 ammunition number, gun fitter, driver IC Carries 204 rounds of ammunition Carries anti gas stores Carries a Bren lmg B troop R Group RB Carrier Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition Carries a PIAT J Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Section 1 B1 Carrier Tracked 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows gun B2 Carrier Tracked 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows gun B3 Carrier Tracked 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Gun side shields Carries 2” mortar Section 2 B4 Carrier Tracked 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows gun B5 Carrier Tracked 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 24 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tows gun B6 Carrier Tracked 2 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Gun side shields Carries 2” mortar T Group B7 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 ammunition number, gun fitter, driver IC Carries 204 rounds of ammunition Carries anti gas stores Carries a Bren lmg C troop R Group RC Carrier AOP Subaltern, batman, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries wireless set Carries PIAT J Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Section 1 C1 M10 3” SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg C2 M10 3” SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Section 2 C3 M10 3” SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg C4 M10 3” SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg T Group C5 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 gun fitter, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 72 rounds of ammunition Carries a 2”mortar and ten rounds each smoke and illuminating Carries Bren lmg C6 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 2 vehicle mechanic, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 72 rounds of ammunition Carries a 2”mortar and ten rounds each smoke and illuminating Note: In the assault divisions on D Day the anti tank units were given equipment which would enable them to carry out their roles in the early stages when there was little cover and little time. Moreover only tracked vehicles were to be allowed on the beaches for the first eight hours of the assault. Thus the assault divisions had the following - 17pdr troops had the US M10 3inch self propelled anti tank gun which was tracked, mobile and well armoured. - 6pdr troops had Universal Carriers with specially designed drawbar equipment to tow the guns. The Universal Carrier performed better than the Loyd and had armour protection. The gun side shields were not carried. - Ammunition re supply for the M10 self propelled guns was by Porpoise sledge. These were towed behind the vehicle up the beach and then uncoupled and left at a re supply point. Wheeled ammunition vehicles were landed later in the day. 20 Anti tank Regiment of 3rd division was one such assault unit. It had some M10 3” SP on strength from the end of 1943 and landed on D day with the organisation as detailed above. - In July 1944 it received Crusader AA tanks as Troop Commanders OP vehicles. These still had their twin 20mm guns fitted. - In February 1945 it was re equipped and then had each battery with two troops of towed 17pdrs and one troop of Archer SP 17pdr. The SP troops had retained their M10 SP 3” up to this time, never having them replaced by M10 Achilles 17pdr. SP troop commanders had Valentine IX or XI OP tanks. HEADQUARTERS of an ANTI TANK REGIMENT in an ARMOURED DIVISION War Establishment II/181/2. January 1944. The Headquarters of an Anti Tank Regiment was a universal standard organisation capable of commanding three or four anti tank batteries of various types. For some types and combinations of battery the regimental headquarters had increments of personnel and vehicles. Most of the additions or modifications were to the repair and maintenance personnel. The following additions were made to the basic organisation when the headquarters controlled two batteries on establishment II/186/3 and two batteries on establishment 11/188/2 as in an armoured division. Add a Technical Officer, Captain, together with a batman, a carrier AOP and a driver mechanic Add a Staff Serjeant Storeman (technical) instead of a serjeant storeman (technical). This gave the following Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer Major, Second in Command Captain, Adjutant Captain, Technical Officer Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant duty serjeant tradesman including Artificer RA or fitter (gun) serjeant clerk 3 X clerk 2 X driver mechanic 6 X driver operator staff serjeant storeman, technical storeman, technical vehicle mechanic Note- the ranks and appointments for tradesmen varied with the type of battery (and gun) being commanded. These are the subject of supplementary tables. non tradesman 6 X batman batman driver butchery dutyman 11 X drivers IC 4 X lmg numbers medical officers orderly 4 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman 4 X motorcycle 1 X car 4seater 4 X 4 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 4 X 15cwt GS 2 X 15cwt FFW 1 X 15cwt personnel 1 X 14cwt water 3 X 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2 X Carrier AOP Travelling platform for 20mm gun Note: the 20mm AA gun and its travelling platform appears on all War Establishment tables of the period but was seldom used. 3 X Bren lmg 1 X PIAT 1 X 20mm AA gun First reinforcements trained with the regiment and were intended for it rather than for the general pool. The Regimental Headquarters had the following as first reinforcements. Captain serjeant 2 X bombardier Each battery had the following first reinforcements Subaltern lance bombardier 2 X driver IC 10 X gunner, including 2 X driver IC per battery. ORGANISATION Motorcycle 1 orderly Motorcycle 2 orderly Motorcycle 3 orderly Motorcycle 4 orderly 4 seater car 4 X 4 Lieutenant Colonel, batman, driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 Medical Officer, batman driver Car 5cwt 4 X 4 2 gun fitter, vehicle mechanic Carries fitters’ stores 15cwt truck GS 1 staff serjeant technical storeman, duty serjeant, driver IC Carries survey stores 15cwt truck GS 2 Regimental Quartermaster serjeant, clerk, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Carries 2 X Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 3 2 X batman, cook, driver operator, driver IC 15cwt truck GS 4 medical officer’s orderly, driver IC 15cwt truck fitted for wireless Subaltern, 2 X driver operator Carries a wireless set 15cwt truck Office Regimental Serjeant Major, serjeant clerk, clerk, driver IC 15cwt truck personnel Adjutant, clerk, batman, driver IC 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1 storeman technical, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Carries MT stores Carries a PIAT Tows a travelling platform 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X cook, butchery dutyman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations. Carries a Bren lmg 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 3 storeman, sanitary dutyman, staff serjeant armourer REME, driver IC Carries Q stores Universal Carrier 1 Lieutenant Colonel or Major, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a wireless set. Universal Carrier 2 Captain Technical Officer, batman, driver mechanic Armoured car or Light Reconnaissance car are listed as alternative for Italy. Light Aid Detachment Type C attached to an Anti Tank Regiment RA SP Captain Warrant Officer Class II, Armament Artificer 3 X Staff Serjeant, Armament Artificer 3 X driver mechanic (A) 2 X driver operator electrician, vehicle and plant (AFV) 4 X fitter 2 X vehicle mechanic electric welder, Class I or Class II lance corporal storeman storeman, trained as motor cyclist clerk, technical batman driver driver IC 2 X general dutyman Total 25 all ranks 2 X motorcycle 1 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt Machinery KL 1 X 15cwt Fitted For Wireless 1 X 3ton stores lorry 2 X Tractor 6 X 4 breakdown Anti tank regiment detachment Royal Signals 15cwt wireless house corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries a Wireless set No22 This vehicle for rear link 15cwt GS corporal electrician, driver mechanic Carries Bren lmg 2 X electrician and 2 X 1260 watt charging sets are carried in the regimental transport. Organisation for Manoeuvre This differs from the organisation shown on the War Establishment tables since the Royal Signals personnel and vehicles are included and the vehicles are arranged by their order of march instead of by type. The vehicles are also shown in their tactical groupings for deploying into action. The letters/numbers are those allotted to the vehicle and are normally displayed on the RA tactical sign attached to the vehicle. R Group Commanding Officers Reconnaissance Group. When preparing for an action the Commanding Officer and the R Group would report to the divisional commander and/or a battle group commander to receive orders. The Commanding Officer and the R Group would then remain close to the headquarters of the divisional commander or the battle group commander, relaying orders as necessary to the Regimental Headquarters O Group. If possible the Commanding Officer would carry out a reconnaissance with the divisional or battle group commander and then carry out a reconnaissance with the battery commanders. Z Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Lieutenant Colonel commanding officer, batman, driver IC Z2 Carrier, Universal 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic place for Lieutenant Colonel or Major Carries Wireless set No 19 J1 Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Subaltern, driver IC MC1 Motorcycle 1 orderly O Group The O Group was responsible for the operational control of the regiment. It received orders from the Commanding Officer and was normally sited well forward. S1 15cwt truck FFW Adjutant, batman, driver IC Carries Wireless set No 19 J2 Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Major second in command, driver IC S2 15cwt Wireless House Royal Signals corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries Wireless set No22 For rear link to Divisional HQ MC2 Motorcycle signal serjeant MC4 Motorcycle orderly F Group The F Group was under the control of the second in command. Although the group travelled together it would in action be dispersed to carry out separate duties. A1 15cwt truck GS duty serjeant, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Tows 20mm AA gun platform. A2 15cwt office truck Regimental Serjeant Major, serjeant clerk, 2 X clerk, driver IC Carries office equipment A3 15cwt truck GS Medical Officer RAMC, batman driver A4 15cwt truck GS medical officers orderly, driver IC Carries medical stores A5 Carrier, Universal Captain Technical Officer, batman, driver mechanic Q3 15cwt truck GS 2 X batman, cook ACC, driver IC Carries officers mess S3 15cwt truck GS corporal electrician RS, driver mechanic RS T Group The T Group was under the command of the Quartermaster but acted on the orders of the second in command. Q1 15cwt FFW Quartermaster, batman, 2 X driver operator Carries a Wireless set No 19 Q2 15cwt truck GS Regimental Quartermaster Sejeant, clerk, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Carries 2 X Bren lmg MC3 motorcycle orderly Q4 15cwt water water dutyman, driver IC Q5 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2 X cook ACC, butchery dutyman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Carries a Bren lmg Q6 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS sanitary dutyman, artificer RA, vehicle mechanic, staff serjeant armourer REME, driver IC Carries Quartermaster stores Q7 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS staff serjeant storeman technical, storeman technical, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Note that the above organisation differs from that suggested in the War Establishment table. An appendix to Artillery training Volume 2, Pamphlet 5 ‘Deployment of an Anti Tank Regiment’ gives this organisation. The numbers and types of personnel and vehicles remain the same but more mobility and flexibility has been given to the command and control personnel which would make it more suitable for the mobile operations of an armoured division. Changes include - Carrier Universal Z2 has an extra driver operator to operate the Wireless set No19. This driver operator was originally carried in the 15cwt Q3 as a relief operator, there not being sufficient room in the armoured car or light reconnaissance car originally specified. - The adjutant has been given a 15cwt FFW with a Wireless set No 19 instead of a 15cwt GS/personnel. - The subaltern who originally had the 15cwt FFW now has the jeep originally assigned to the Medical Officer. - The Medical Officer now has the 15cwt GS/personnel originally assigned to the adjutant - The Major, second in command, has the jeep originally assigned to the artificer RA and a vehicle mechanic who now travel in 3ton 4 X 4 Q6 Such variations within the official War Establishment were common, both officially and unofficially. The Organisation section of each War Establishment always contains the words ‘ This table is intended merely as a guide to officers commanding units, and may be varied, within the numbers of ranks, tradesmen and vehicles provided, according to tactical or administrative requirements.’ In short the War Department provides the personnel and vehicles on the establishment table. The organisation can be altered at any level from Army Group downwards. The Training Pamphlet also contains the words ‘These notes are a guide and cater for the normal case; it is for commanders to interpret them in the spirit rather than the letter……..’ An ANTI TANK BATTERY (self propelled) War Establishment II/188/2. January 1944 An anti tank battery RA (three troops 3inch M10 SP) Headquarters Major 2 X captain 4 X subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant signalling serjeant tradesman 2 X clerk 3 X driver mechanic 4 X driver operator equipment repairer 2 X gun fitter technical storeman 4 X vehicle mechanic non tradesman 4 X batman 9 X driver IC 2 X lmg numbers 2 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman. Transport 4 X motorcycle 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt FFW 1 X 15cwt water 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 2 X carrier OP 1 X carrier starting and charging 1 X travelling platform for 20mm gun ORGANISATION Motorcycle 1 vehicle mechanic Motorcycle 2 signalling serjeant Motorcycle 3 orderly Motorcycle 4 orderly Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Battery Serjeant Major, vehicle mechanic 15cwt truck GS 1 Captain, 2 X batman, clerk, driver IC 15cwt truck GS 2 clerk, 2 X batman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations 15cwt truck GS 3 technical storeman, vehicle mechanic, 2 X cook, driver IC For cooked food distribution 15cwt truck GS 4 sanitary dutyman, 2 X cook, 2 X lmg numbers, driver IC Carries 2 X Bren lmg Tows a travelling platform for 20mm gun 15cwt truck FFW Captain, 2 X driver operator Carries a wireless set 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1 vehicle mechanic, gun fitter, driver IC Carried petrol Carries a PIAT 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2 gun fitter, driver IC Carries fuel for SP mountings 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 3 battery quartermaster serjeant, corporal cook, equipment repairer, storeman, driver IC Carries Quartermaster stores Carries a Bren lmg Universal Carrier 1 Major, driver operator, driver mechanic Universal Carrier 2 Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic Carrier, Starting and Charging electrician REME, driver mechanic, driver IC 3 X troop 3” M10 SP Car 5cwt 4 X 4 serjeant, batman driver 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 6 X ammunition number, gun fitter, driver IC Carries 72 rounds of ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Carries a 2” mortar and ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 vehicle mechanic, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 72 rounds of ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Carries a 2” mortar and ammunition Universal carrier Subaltern, signaller, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries a PIAT Section 1 3” SP gun mounting 1 serjeant, gun numbers 2 and 3, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Carries a wireless set 3” SP gun mounting 2 serjeant, gun numbers 2 and 3, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Carries a Wireless set Section 2 3” SP gun mounting 1 serjeant, gun numbers 2 and 3, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Carries a wireless set 3” SP gun mounting 2 serjeant, gun numbers 2 and 3, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Carries a Wireless set Organisation for Manoeuvre Battery Headquarters Battery R Group The Battery Commanders Reconnaissance Group. Having received orders from the regimental commanding officer, and carried out a reconnaissance with him, the Battery Commander would carry out his own reconnaissance with his troop commanders and then remain close to the headquarters of the unit being supported. Orders were transmitted directly to the troops and the Captain in charge of administration and supply. X Carrier, Universal Major, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set no 19 J1 15cwt truck FFW 1 Captain, 2 X driver operator Carries Wireless set no 19 J2 Carrier, Universal Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set no 18 or 38 J3 Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) Battery Serjeant Major, vehicle mechanic - Motorcycle signalling serjeant - Motorcycle orderly Battery F Group K 15cwt GS truck Captain, 2 X batman, clerk, driver IC Q1 15cwt GS truck clerk, 2 X batman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations - Motorcycle orderly Battery T Group Q2 15cwt GS truck storeman technical, vehicle mechanic, 2 X cook ACC, driver IC For cooked food distribution Q3 15cwt GS truck sanitary dutyman, 2 X cook ACC, 2 X lmg numbers driver IC Carries 2 X Bren lmg Tows a 20mm AA gun on platform Q4 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS gun fitter, vehicle mechanic, driver IC Carries a PIAT Carries petrol Q5 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC Q6 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS gun fitter, driver IC Carries fuel for SP mountings Q7 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS Battery quartermaster serjeant, storeman, equipment repairer, corporal cook ACC, driver IC Carries Bren lmg Carries quartermasters stores - Motorcycle vehicle mechanic - Motorcycle orderly Q8 Carrier Staring and Charging electrician REME, driver mechanic, driver IC A troop R Group RA Carrier, Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries PIAT - Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Section 1 A1 M10 3” SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg A2 M10 3” SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Section 2 A3 M10 3” SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg A4 M10 3” SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 54 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg T Group A5 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS gun fitter, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 72 rounds of ammunition Carries 2”mortar and 10 rounds each smoke and illuminating Carries Bren lmg A6 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS vehicle mechanic, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 72 rounds of ammunition Carries 2”mortar and ten round each smoke and illuminating B and C troops were identical to A troop Anti tank Battery equipped with Achilles 17pdr SP. As soon as possible self propelled AT batteries were re equipped with M10 Achilles 17pdr SP guns. This did not need change to the establishment and only small changes in the amount of ammunition carried. Achilles carried only 50 rounds so more was carried on the battery transport. The Carrier Universal was also replaced by an OP tank. This might be a redundant Crusader AA or a Valentine. Corp AT units had Crusader AT tractors and may have used them as OP vehicles as well. A troop R Group RA OP Tank Subaltern, signaller, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 - Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) serjeant, batman driver F Group Section 1 A1 Achilles 17pdr SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 50 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg A2 Achilles 17pdr SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 50 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Section 2 A3 Achilles 17pdr SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 50 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg A4 Achilles 17pdr SP mounting serjeant, 2 X gun numbers, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries Wireless set No 19 Carries 50 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg T Group A5 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS gun fitter, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 80 rounds of ammunition Carries 2”mortar and 10 rounds each smoke and illuminating Carries Bren lmg A6 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS vehicle mechanic, 6 X ammunition number, driver IC Carries 80 rounds of ammunition Carries 2”mortar and ten round each smoke and illuminating B and C troops identical to A troop A TOWED ANTI TANK BATTERY in an ARMOURED DIVISION. War Establishment II/186/1. April 1943 3 X troop 3” 16cwt (17pdr) Personnel Major Captain 5 X Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 3 X serjeant 6 X serjeant No1 of guns 5 X lance serjeant 14 X bombardier 13 X lance bombardier 101 X gunner Trades included clerk 12 X driver mechanic 2 X driver operator 5 X gun fitter 3 X fitter 2 X motor mechanic technical storeman 6 X batman batman driver 19 X driver IC 72 X gun number 6 X motorcycle orderly 6 X bombardier No1 of guns sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman plus corporal cook ACC 5 X cook ACC vehicles 14 X motorcycle 1 X car 2seater 4 X 2 18X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt FFW 1 X 15cwt water 8 X 3ton 4 X 4 12 X gun tractor Organisation Motorcycle 1 Captain Motorcycle 2 Subaltern Motorcycle 3 battery serjeant major Motorcycle 4 gun fitter Motorcycle 5 motor mechanic Motorcycle 6 orderly Motorcycle 7 orderly Motorcycle 8 orderly 2 seater car 4 X 2 Subaltern, batman driver 15cwt truck FFW Major, 2 X driver operator Carries Wireless set 15cwt truck GS 1 2 X cook, 2 X batman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Carries 2 X Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 clerk, batman, driver IC For cooked food distribution 15cwt truck GS 3 storeman, sanitary dutyman, gun fitter, driver IC 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1 technical storeman, motor mechanic, driver IC Carried petrol 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2 battery quartermaster serjeant, corporal cook, 3 X cook, driver IC 3 X troop Motorcycle 1 serjeant Motorcycle 2 orderly 2 seater car 4 X 2 Subaltern, batman, driver 15cwt truck GS 1 Subaltern, batman, fitter, driver IC Carries an AT rifle 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1 gun fitter, driver IC Carries 80 rounds of ammunition and anti gas stores 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2 driver IC Carries 120 rounds of ammunition Section 1 15cwt truck GS 1 gun numbers 6 and 7, driver IC Carries 20 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 gun numbers 6 and 7, driver IC Carries 20 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tractor 4 X 4 1 serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 5, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 20 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun Tractor 4 X 4 2 bombardier, gun numbers 2 to 5, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 20 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun Section 2 15cwt truck GS 1 gun numbers 6 and 7, driver IC Carries 20 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg 15cwt truck GS 2 gun numbers 6 and 7, driver IC Carries 20 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Tractor 4 X 4 1 serjeant, gun numbers 2 to 5, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 20 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun Tractor 4 X 4 2 bombardier, gun numbers 2 to 5, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 20 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun Organisation for Manoeuvre Battery Headquarters R Group The Battery Commanders Reconnaissance Group. Having received orders from the regimental commanding officer, and carried out a reconnaissance with him, the Battery Commander would carry out his own reconnaissance with his troop commanders and then remain close to the headquarters of the unit being supported. Orders were transmitted directly to the troops and the Captain in charge of administration and supply. X Carrier, Universal Major, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X Wireless set Note: In the war establishment organisation vehicle X is a 15 cwt FFW with one wireless set. J2 Jeep Subaltern, batman driver J1 Jeep Captain, vehicle mechanic Motorcycle Battery Serjeant Major Motorcycle orderly Motorcycle orderly F Group K Jeep Captain, vehicle mechanic Q1 15cwt GS truck cook ACC, 2 X batman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Carries a PIAT and a Bren lmg Motorcycle 4 orderly T Group Q2 15cwt GS truck corporal cook ACC, 2 X cook, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations. Q3 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 storeman technical, sanitary dutyman, driver IC Carries technical stores and petrol Q4 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC Q5 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 2 battery quartermaster serjeant, storeman, clerk, driver IC Carries Q stores Carries Bren lmg and PIAT Q6 Armoured 15cwt halftrack with winch 3 X vehicle mechanic, gun fitter, equipment repairer, 2 X lmg number, batman, driver mechanic Carries fitters tools Tows 20mm AA gun on platform This vehicle was a spare tractor and replaces a 15cwt GS on the War Establishment table. The change in vehicles also meant a re arrangement of personnel. A Troop R Group RA Carrier Universal Subaltern, signaller, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set Carries a PIAT J3 Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) serjeant, batman driver Note: The war establishment gives the troop headquarters the following Motorcycle serjeant Motorcycle orderly 15cwt truck GS Subaltern, batman, fitter MV, driver IC Carries PIAT However the war establishment contains a note saying that the two motorcycles could be replaced by a jeep, in which case the jeep would carry a serjeant and a batman driver who replaces an orderly and a batman. F Group Section 1 A1 Armoured 15cwt Halftrack M5 with winch serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun A2 Armoured 15cwt Halftrack M5 with winch bombardier, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun A5 Armoured 15cwt Halftrack M5 with winch 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg Section 2 A3 Armoured 15cwt Halftrack M5 with winch serjeant, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun A4 Armoured 15cwt Halftrack M5 with winch bombardier, 5 X gun numbers, driver mechanic, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Tows 17pdr AT gun A6 Armoured 15cwt Halftrack M5 with winch 2 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries 30 rounds of ammunition Carries Bren lmg T Group A7 3ton 4 X 4 lorry GS 1 gun fitter, driver IC Carries 80 rounds of ammunition Carries anti gas stores A8 3ton 4 X 4 lorry 2 driver IC Carries 120 rounds of ammunition B and C troop identical to A troop OPERATIONS Anti Tank artillery was a new concept at the beginning of WWII. Tanks were previously dealt with by field artillery and by close range infantry anti tank weapons. Anti tank units, Royal Artillery, were not formed until just before the war, and there had been little opportunity to try out tactics and organisation. As new tanks were developed so new anti tank weapons were required and throughout the war the organisation and deployment of anti tank guns continued to change. In the armoured division the anti tank regiment had the following roles - Flank protection. Armoured advances generally meant that the formation had open flanks which were vulnerable to attack. - Supporting the lorried infantry brigade - Establishing and holding start lines or pivots for an attack. Initially anti tank guns were not de centralised to the armoured regiments, but it became the norm to attach self propelled anti tank guns to armoured task forces and all arm combat groups. The tanks would attack and take enemy positions and then, together with infantry, hold them until the self propelled anti tank guns arrived to relieve them. The self propelled guns were themselves relieved by towed guns as soon as possible. Self propelled anti tank guns would also accompany the armoured reconnaissance regiment when it was acting as advanced guard and again hold positions, together with lorried infantry, until further units arrived and the advance continued. There were instances of self propelled guns stalking or attacking enemy tanks but this was not their normal role. Tanks were better suited to this, and self propelled guns required a tank escort if they were to be employed in this way. Normally they would only attack enemy armour when it was attempting to withdraw. Towed anti tank guns were essentially defensive. They were often difficult to position and were vulnerable to artillery fire and infantry attacks. Their normal role was to form defensive positions together with infantry. For the final advance into Germany the towed anti tank batteries of all three armoured divisions were converted to infantry. Precise details are difficult to find and may have been different for each unit but the Guards Armoured division formed the equivalent of an armoured company having - Three rifle troops carried in halftracks - Two 3” mortars (presumably in Carriers) - Two 17pdr AT guns (presumably towed by half tracks) - One Carrier section. Communications. In action control of anti tank fire was a very local responsibility. There was generally no possibility of battery or troop commanders doing more than select appropriate sites for the guns, and usually an alternative site in case of need. After that it was up to the serjeants and corporals commanding each gun. Communications were not on the scale normally found in units of an armoured division. There was a signal detachment to provide a rear link with division. This used a Wireless set No 22. Regimental headquarters had a No19 set with which to communicate with batteries. Self propelled batteries were better equipped with wireless than the towed batteries. Each self propelled gun had a Wireless set No 19 and the troop leader had a wireless set No 19 in his carrier or OP tank. Since the Wireless set No 19 contained two sets, A and B, the troop leader could communicate with battery headquarters on the A set and the individual self propelled guns on the B set. The towed guns had no means of communicating by wireless with either their troop commander or the infantry with whom they were working. Line communication was available and this was normally laid by hand. Infantry No 18 or No 38 sets might be made available for communication between the troop leader and the infantry, otherwise the only communication would be at battery/battalion level where the battery commander positioned his carrier at the infantry battalion headquarters. Signal flags and instructions for their use were issued but it is not clear to what extent they were used.