Divisional anti tank artillery

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  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    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.
     
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