Heavy anti aircraft artillery

HEAVY ANTI AIRCRAFT ARTILLERY

Heavy anti aircraft units were state of the art, with superb guns, advanced radars and
computers, and good communications. They were intended for defence of base areas and
while some were deployed for the defence of Brussels many were used in other roles and
some were re trained as infantry.


HEAVY ANTI AIRCRAFT UNITS

Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery, 3.7” mobile. War Establishment III/219/2. August 1944.
HQ Mixed Heavy AA Regiment, 3.7” Static, Overseas. War Establishment III/332/1. November 1944
Mixed Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery, 3.7” Static, Overseas. War Establishment III/333/1. November 1944

Anti aircraft firing presented many technical problems. Gunner officers were well versed in mathematics and could do trigonometry in their heads. They also had books of tables and trained personnel to maintain plotting tables etc. However all of this was too elementary and too slow for anti aircraft work. Field artillery needed to know only the bearing and range of a target to fire accurately. Anti aircraft artillery also needed to know the altitude since overcoming gravity plays a large part in determining anti aircraft performance. Further the anti aircraft gunner must fire at a target where the range and bearing are constantly changing, and perform all the calculations before the target disappears. As aircraft flew ever faster it became impossible to perform all the calculations using paper and tables, far less transmit the answers to the guns in time.

The predictor was a machine, either mechanical or electronic which was fed the basic information regarding height, range and bearing, added in temperature, air pressure, wind speed and direction, and then calculated the aircrafts speed and course before predicting where the target would be when a shell arrived. This information was continuously updated as the predictor crew tracked the target. A constant problem however was getting this information to the guns. The original telephone or megaphone left much to be desired and the information could be out of date by the time it had been used to lay the gun. Later cables were laid from the predictor to the bearing and elevation dials on the gun. The dial had two pointers, one for information from the predictor and one for the gun. When the two pointers coincided the bearing and elevation were correct.

Although the range was not required to aim the gun it was essential for setting the fuse. There was such a negligible chance of actually hitting an aircraft with a shell that contact fuses were not used. The shell had a time fuse which needed to be set immediately before firing so that it would explode close to the target. This information was also constantly changing and could also be calculated by the predictor and transmitted directly to the gun. The greatest cause of variation and therefore error was in the time taken for the crew to set the fuse, load the shell and fire the gun. This had to be built into the calculation but tended to vary from crew to crew, and over time in a long action.

Radar was increasingly used to continuously track targets, and to give a constant flow of information regarding speed, height, range and course of a target. However the full advantage of radar was not utilised until the US Radar NoIII Mk 5 linked to Predictor No10 was introduced. This radar was capable of continuously plotting a target with great accuracy while the Predictor No10 was electronic and very fast. In order to take full advantage of this new equipment the Predictor nor only sent information direct to the guns but used electric power to remotely aim and lay the gun, set the fuse, load the shell and finally fire the gun. This solved the problem of variation in crew performance and manpower was now only needed to lift the shells into the power loader.

As always there were more problems to solve. The automatic, power operated system needed to be firmly emplaced and could only be used with the static 3.7” MkIIC gun on its heavy platform which was bolted to a firm base. The arrival of the first V1 flying bombs in June 1944 prompted the rapid design and construction of platforms constructed from railway sleepers and rails.

A final refinement which produced the highest performance for anti aircraft gunnery was the introduction of the proximity fuse. This fuse did not need setting but contained a miniature radar which detected the proximity of a target and exploded the shell at the right moment. Since these shells did not self destruct they were initially not authorised for use over land. However they were authorised for use in the defence of Antwerp and Brussels against the V1 flying bomb. Partly the danger of the port being disabled outweighed the danger of shells falling on friendly territory, and the targets came from a known direction so that at least one could predict where shells might fall.



ANTI AIRCRAFT HEADQUARTERS UNITS

Headquarters GHQ Anti Aircraft Troops. War Establishment XIV/151/1. May 1944
Headquarters GHQ Anti Aircraft Troops. War Establishment XIV/151/2. December 1944
Anti Aircraft Defence Headquarters. War Establishment XIV/450/1. June 1944
Identification Troop. War Establishment XIV/433/1. November 1944
AA Practice Camp. War Establishment XIV/453/1. October 1944
AA Practice Camp. War Establishment XIV/453/2. March 1945
Group Control Centre AA Liaison Unit. War Establishment XIV/457/1. March 1945
Group Operations Room AA Liaison Unit. War Establishment XIV/458/1. March 1945
Local Warning (Radar) AA Troop. War Establishment XIV/454/1. November 1944.



HEADQUARTERS GHQ ANTI AIRCRAFT TROOPS.
War Establishment XIV/151/1. May 1944

Major General, Commander

Staff
General Staff
General Staff Officer 1st Grade, Operations
General Staff Officer 1st Grade, Training and Equipment
General Staff Officer 2nd Grade, Operations
General Staff Officer 2nd Grade, Coast Artillery
General Staff Officer 2nd Grade, Training and Equipment
2 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade, Operations
General Staff Officer 3rd Grade, Training and Equipment
2 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade, Intelligence
Staff Lieutenant

Warrant Officer Class I Clerk RA
3 X staff serjeant clerk RA
2 X serjeant clerk RA
5 X bombardier Clerk RA
6 X lance bombardier clerk RA
5 X clerk, general duties
corporal draughtsman topographical RE

Attached to the General Staff
6 X Major, Instructor in Gunnery, AA
Major, Instructor in Fire Control, AA
Major, Instructor in Searchlights
6 X Captain, Instructor in Gunnery, AA
12 X Warrant Officer Class II, Assistant Instructor in Gunnery, AA
2 X staff serjeant, technical instructor in fire control, AA

Branch of Adjutant General
Deputy Assistant Adjutant General
Staff Captain (Legal)
corporal clerk RASC

Local Administrative Appointments
Captain, Camp Commandant
Battery Serjeant Major
battery quartermaster serjeant
duty serjeant
bombardier clerk
officers mess cooks
serjeants mess cooks
2 X cook
2 X vehicle mechanic
6 X batman
8 X batman driver
3 X driver IC
corporal driver operator
6 X driver operator
5 X general dutyman
serjeant officers mess steward
serjeant mess caterer
officers mess orderly
3 X office orderly
3 X telephone orderly
sanitary dutyman
storeman
water dutyman
8 X motorcyclist

16 X motorcycle
3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
3 X car 4 X 2 Light Utility
1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
1 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS
2 X 15cwt 4 X 2 FFW
1 X 15cwt 4 X 2 Water
2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
1 X 10cwt trailer



HEADQUARTERS GHQ ANTI AIRCRAFT TROOPS.
War Establishment XIV/151/2. December 1944

Major General, Commander
Lieutenant, Personal Assistant to the Commander
Brigadier, Second in Command
Warrant Officer II Class, Personal Assistant to Second in Command

Staff
Colonel
staff serjeant, personal assistant

General Staff
2 X General Staff Officer 1st Grade, Operations
General Staff Officer 1st Grade, Technical
General Staff Officer 1st Grade, Operations
General Staff Officer 2nd Grade, Training
General Staff Officer 2nd Grade, Staff Duties
General Staff Officer 2nd Grade, Analysis
General Staff Officer 2nd Grade, Intelligence
2 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade, Operations
General Staff Officer 3rd Grade, Training
2 X General Staff Officer 3rd Grade, Intelligence

Warrant Officer Class I Clerk RA
2 X staff serjeant clerk RA
3 X serjeant clerk RA
6 X bombardier Clerk RA
5 X clerk RA
6 X clerk, general duties
serjeant draughtsman topographical RE
corporal draughtsman architectural RE


Attached to the General Staff
6 X Major, Instructor in Gunnery, AA
Major, Instructor in Fire Control, AA
Major, Instructor in Searchlights
6 X Captain, Instructor in Gunnery, AA
Captain, Instructor in Fire Control, AA
12 X Warrant Officer Class II, Assistant Instructor in Gunnery, AA
2 X staff serjeant, technical instructor in fire control, AA

General Staff Officer Grade 2, RS
General Staff Officer Grade 3, RS
corporal clerk RS
clerk RS


Adjutant Generals Branch
Assistant Adjutant General
Deputy Assistant Adjutant General
Deputy Assistant Director ATS
Staff Captain
serjeant clerk
corporal clerk
3 X clerk
corporal clerk ATS
clerk ATS

Quartermaster Generals Branch
Assistant Quartermaster General
Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General
Staff Captain
staff serjeant clerk RA
serjeant clerk RA
2 X bombardier clerk RA
4 X clerk RA
clerk general duties

Ordnance
Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services

Westex Recording Section
11 X Subaltern
11 X serjeant
11 X driver IC
11 X 3ton 4 X 4 Recorder AA MkI

Local Administrative Appointments
Captain, Camp Commandant
Battery Serjeant Major
battery quartermaster serjeant
duty serjeant
serjeant clerk for pay duties
3 X clerk
2 X officers mess cooks
2 X serjeants mess cooks
corporal cook
2 X cook
corporal vehicle mechanic
vehicle mechanic
9X batman
25 X batman driver
7 X driver IC
14 X general dutyman
serjeant offices mess steward
serjeant officers mess caterer
3 X officers mess orderly
6 X office orderly
sanitary dutyman
storeman

4 X motorcycle
8 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
8 X car 4 X 2 Light Utility
2 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
1 X car 6 seater 4 X 2
9 X 15cwt 4 X 2 GS
1 X 15cwt 4 X 2 Water
2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
2 X 3ton 4 X 4 Caravan
3 X 10cwt trailer



ANTI AIRCRAFT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS 21 ARMY GROUP.
War Establishment XIV/450/1. June 1944

Brigadier
General Staff Officer Grade 2, Operations
General Staff Officer Grade 2, Training
Major, Instructor in Fire Control
Staff Captain
Captain, Staff Officer Royal Signals
Captain of Lieutenant, Intelligence Officer

2 X batman
2 X batman driver
7 X clerks RA clerks section including
Warrant Officer Class 1
serjeant
2 X bombardier
3 X lance bombardier
2 X cook ACC
driver IC
duty serjeant
orderly
storeman, technical,
surveyor RA
Staff Serjeant Technical Instructor in Fire Control

1 X motorcycle
1 X 2 seater car 4 X 2
1 X 4 seater car 4 X 2
1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4



IDENTIFICATION TROOP RA
War Establishment XIV/433/1. November 1944
This applies to 1 Identification Troop RA.

No indication of the duties of this unit is given in the War Establishment table. However the troop is listed with AA units in the 21 Army Group Order of Battle. It is assumed that it was to identify aircraft flying into the 21 Army Group area. Various radars could spot and track aircraft but could not positively identify them. At this time there would be a variety of friendly aircraft over flying including tactical aircraft, transport aircraft ferrying supplies and evacuating wounded, and bombers flying to or from Germany. There were of course US planes flying over the area also. Such an organisation existed in the BEF 1940 when the army provided the observers, who reported to the RAF.

Captain
Subaltern, Intelligence Officer, for Tracking Duties
serjeant for Q duties
clerk
2 X batman driver
14 X driver
14 X bombardier
42 X gunner

Attached
draughtsman (topographical) RE
Captain RS
Subaltern RS
serjeant RS
4 X electrician RS
corporal instrument mechanic RS
14 X lance corporal operator wireless and line RS
28 X operator wireless and line RS
14 X driver mechanic RS
2 X batman driver RS
driver RS
2 X cook ACC

Transport RA
2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
14 X 15cwt GS
2 X 10cwt trailer

Transport RS
6 X motorcycle
1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X light utility
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
14 X 3ton 4 X 4 FFW
1 X 10cwt trailer
4 X water trailer

Headquarters
Captain
Subaltern, Intelligence Officer, for Tracking Duties
serjeant for Q duties
clerk
2 X batman driver

Attached
draughtsman (topographical) RE
Captain RS
Subaltern RS
serjeant RS
4 X electrician RS
corporal instrument mechanic RS
2 X batman driver RS
driver RS
2 X cook ACC

Transport RA
2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
2 X 10cwt trailer

Transport RS
6 X motorcycle
1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X light utility
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 10cwt trailer
4 X water trailer

14 X Detachment
driver
bombardier
3 X gunner
lance corporal operator wireless and line RS
2 X operator wireless and line RS
driver mechanic RS

1 X 15cwt GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Fitted For Wireless



AA PRACTICE CAMP.
War Establishment XIV/453/1. October 1944

Units rotated through the camp for training and instruction in new equipment and techniques. Units using the camp were self supporting, having their own weapons, vehicles, messing equipment and cooks. The Practice Camp supplies Instructors for six batteries, three HAA and three LAA.

Major
Captain or Subaltern, Administrative Officer
Subaltern, Adjutant
Subaltern, Range Officer
Quartermaster

Instructional Staff
Major, Senior Instructor in Gunnery (AA)
2 X Major, Instructor in Gunnery (AA).
4 X Captain, Instructor in Gunnery (AA)
2 X Major, Instructor in Fire Control (AA)
4 X Captain, Instructor in Fire Control (AA)
Warrant Officer Class I, Assistant Instructor in Gunnery (AA)
6 X Warrant Officer Class II, Assistant Instructor in Gunnery (AA)
Warrant Officer Class II, Technical Instructor in Fire Control (AA)
5 X Staff Serjeant, Technical Instructor in Fire Control (AA)

serjeant clerk, RA clerks section
bombardier clerk, RA clerks section
lance bombardier clerk, RA clerks section
3 X clerk, general duties
driver mechanic
serjeant operator, fire control (AA)
bombardier operator, fire control (AA)
lance bombardier operator, fire control (AA)
7 X operator, fire control (AA)

Battery Serjeant Major
battery quartermaster serjeant
bombardier ammunition storeman
3 X ammunition storeman
3 X batman driver
2 X driver IC
butchery dutyman
duty serjeant
7 X general dutyman
lineman
officers mess orderly
serjeants mess orderly
mess orderly
medical orderly
motorcyclist
serjeant officers mess steward
3 X serjeant staff instructor HAA
3 X serjeant staff instructor LAA
6 X range party
bombardier ration storeman
ration storeman
serjeant recorder
2 X bombardier recorder
2 X lance bombardier recorder
28 X recorder
sanitary dutyman
bombardier storeman
3 X storeman

Attached
Staff Serjeant Armament Artificer, Instrument AA REME
3 X telecommunication mechanic HAA REME
2 X electrician, control equipment REME
instrument mechanic AA REME

officers mess cook ACC
2 X serjeants mess cook ACC
corporal cook ACC
2 X cook ACC

12 X bicycle
6 X motorcycle
2 X jeep
1 X 15cwt water
3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X Tractor 4 X 4 Medium



AA PRACTICE CAMP.
War Establishment XIV/453/2. March 1945
This establishment differs from the previous one in that it has some administrative roles filled by ATS personnel, and a pilotless target aircraft section is added.

Major
Captain or Subaltern, Administrative Officer
Subaltern, Adjutant
Subaltern, Range Officer
Quartermaster

Instructional Staff
Major, Senior Instructor in Gunnery (AA)
2 X Major, Instructor in Gunnery (AA).
4 X Captain, Instructor in Gunnery (AA)
2 X Major, Instructor in Fire Control (AA)
4 X Captain, Instructor in Fire Control (AA)
Warrant Officer Class I, Assistant Instructor in Gunnery (AA)
6 X Warrant Officer Class II, Assistant Instructor in Gunnery (AA)
Warrant Officer Class II, Technical Instructor in Fire Control (AA)
5 X Staff Serjeant, Technical Instructor in Fire Control (AA)

serjeant clerk, RA clerks section
bombardier clerk, general duties
driver mechanic
serjeant operator, fire control (AA)
5 X operator, fire control (AA)

Battery Serjeant Major
battery quartermaster serjeant
bombardier ammunition storeman
3 X ammunition storeman
7 X batman
3 X driver IC
butchery dutyman
duty serjeant
7 X general dutyman
lineman
officers mess orderly
serjeants mess orderly
mess orderly
medical orderly
motorcyclist
serjeant officers mess steward
3 X serjeant staff instructor HAA
3 X serjeant staff instructor LAA
6 X range party
bombardier ration storeman
ration storeman
serjeant recorder
2 X bombardier recorder
2 X lance bombardier recorder
15 X recorder
sanitary dutyman
bombardier storeman
2 X storeman

Pilotless aircraft detachment
Subaltern
serjeant gun fitter
gun fitter
2 X vehicle mechanic
carpenter and joiner
2 X operator, fire control

Dome teacher detachment
Bombardier
2 X gunner

ATS
bombardier clerk
3 X clerk
bombardier operator, fire control AA
6 X operator, fire control AA
3 X driver IC
ration storewoman
3 X storewoman
4 X telephonist

Kine theodolite detachment
Junior Commander
Serjeant
2 X bombardier
20 X operator


Attached
Warrant Officer Class II Armament Artificer, Radio
Staff Serjeant Armament Artificer, Instrument AA REME
bombardier armourer
4 X telecommunication mechanic HAA REME
2 X electrician, control equipment REME
instrument mechanic AA REME
2 X vehicle mechanic

officers mess cook ACC
2 X serjeants mess cook ACC
corporal cook ACC
2 X cook ACC

12 X bicycle
6 X motorcycle
2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS
3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Machinery Type Z
1 X Tractor 4 X 4 Medium
1 X 180 gallon water trailer



GROUP CONTROL CENTRE AA LIAISON UNIT.
War Establishment XIV/457/1. March 1945
This was for attachment to an RAF Group Control Centre where AA and RAF aid defence activities were coordinated.

Major,
Captain
2 X Subaltern

serjeant
clerk trained as teller
bombardier
2 X teller, including one trained as a driver IC
2 X batman driver
driver IC

Attached
corporal radio mechanic RS
2 X corporal operator RS
4 X operator RS
2 X driver operator RS

cook ACC

2 X jeep
1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS
2 X 15cwt 4 X 4 Wireless House
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS


GROUP OPERATIONS ROOM AA LIAISON UNIT.
War Establishment XIV/458/1. March 1945
This was for attachment to an RAF Group Operations Room where AA and RAF air defence were coordinated.

Major,
3 X Captain
4 X Subaltern

serjeant
clerk
4 X bombardier
8 X teller
2 X batman driver
driver IC
cook ACC

2 X car, light utility
1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS

A signal section is attached.



LOCAL WARNING (RADAR) AA TROOP RA
War Establishment XIV/454/1. November 1944.

This organisation is for a troop of two sections each of two detachments. Each detachment had one Radar AA No4 MkV and two Radar AA No4 MkIII.

Captain
Subaltern, Intelligence Officer for tracking duties
2 X Subaltern, section officers

staff serjeant technical instructor in fire control AA
serjeant for Q duties
65 X tradesman
21 X gunner

Attached
2 X topographical draughtsman RE
5 X cook ACC

Trades
12 X driver operator
4 X driver mechanic
4 X serjeant operator fire control
8 X bombardier operator fire control
4 X lance bombardier operator fire control
32 X gunner operator fire control

4 X batman driver
9 X driver IC
8 X motorcyclist

9 X motorcycle
4 X jeep
4 X 15cwt GS
8 X 15cwt light warning (minus Wireless set No22)
5 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
4 X tractor HAA
4 X 10cwt trailer
3 X 180 gallon water trailer
4 X generator trailer 15KVA
4 X radar AA No3 MkV

Note:
Radar AA No3 MkV was the US fire control set. Radar No4 MkIII was a light warning set used for locating targets for the No3 MkV to track. No wireless No22 was required since the light warning set sent information direct by line to the larger radars displays.

Detachment
3 X driver operator
driver mechanic
serjeant operator fire control
2 X bombardier operator fire control
lance bombardier operator fire control
8 X gunner operator (includes two trained as driver IC)
2 X driver IC
2 X motorcyclist

2 X motorcycle
1 X 15cwt GS
2 X 15cwt Light Warning
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
1 X Tractor HAA
1 X generator trailer 15KVA
1 X trailer radar AA No3 Mk5



HEAVY ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY, RA (3.7” MOBILE)
War Establishment III/219/2 with an effective date of August 1944.
The battery had a headquarters and two troops.

Headquarters
Personnel
Major
Captain

Battery Serjeant Major
battery quartermaster serjeant
serjeant

Trades
Artificer, RA
bombardier clerk for pay duties
driver mechanic
bombardier driver operator
lance bombardier driver operator
4 X driver operator
equipment repairer
gun fitter
3 X vehicle mechanic

Non tradesmen
2 X batman driver
3 X driver IC
motorcyclist
sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC)
storeman (trained as driver IC)
water dutyman (trained as driver IC)

Attached
2 X cook ACC


Organisation
Motorcycle 1
commanding officers orderly
Motorcycle 2
second in commands orderly
Motorcycle 3
Battery Serjeant Major
Motorcyclist 4
lance bombardier telephonist and linesman


Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Major (commanding officer), batman driver

15cwt truck GS 1
Captain, clerk for pay duties, batman driver
Carries baggage
Carries twin AA lmg and a PIAT
15cwt truck GS 2
4 X telephonist and linesman, driver IC
Carries signal stores and cable

15cwt truck FFW 1
3 X driver operator,
Carries wireless set No22
15cwt truck FFW 2
3 X driver operator,
Carries wireless set No22

15cwt truck water
water dutyman, sanitary dutyman

3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1
serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic, gun fitter driver IC
Carries petrol, height finder and reserve SAA
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2
battery quartermaster serjeant, artificer RA, equipment repairer, storeman, driver IC
Carries stores, predictor, telescope identification, junction box and cable
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3
vehicle mechanic, 2 X cook ACC, driver IC
Carries blankets and rations
Tows a water trailer


Gun troop of 4 guns equipped with Radar AA No1
Personnel
Captain
2 X Subaltern
Battery Serjeant Major
4 X serjeant

Trades
Artificer RA
clerk
6 X driver mechanic
4 X gun fitter
2 X serjeant fire control operator
lance serjeant fire control operator
2 X bombardier fire control operator
lance bombardier fire control operator
9 X gunner fire control operator
4 X technical assistants RA
2 X vehicle mechanic

Non tradesman
4 X AA lmg numbers
4 X batman driver
9 X driver IC
32 X gun numbers
3 X height takers
2 X motorcyclists
8 X predictor numbers
2 X telephonists (trained as drivers IC)
sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC)
storeman (trained as driver IC)
2 X telescope identification numbers

Spare numbers
9 X gun numbers
6 X predictor numbers
3 X height takers
2 X telescope identification numbers

Attached
corporal cook ACC
3 X cook ACC

Vehicles
4 X motorcycle
2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
8 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
6 X Tractor 4 X 4 HAA
1 X trailer 10cwt GS
2 X trailer 2 ton GS
1 X trailer AA command post
1 X trailer 2ton generator
1 X trailer 5ton 4 wheeled Radar AA No1 Receiver
1 X trailer 5ton 4 wheeled Radar AA No1 Transmitter

Organisation
Motorcycle
motorcyclist
Motorcycle
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 3
Subaltern
Motorcycle 4
Subaltern

Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Subaltern (troop leader), 2 X technical assistants RA, batman driver
Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Captain, 2 X technical assistants RA, batman driver
These two jeeps seem to be overloaded, especially since they also carry baggage.

3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1
8 X predictor numbers, 2 X AA. Lmg numbers, spare predictor number, batman driver, driver IC
Carries predictor, junction box, batteries and cables
Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2
Battery Serjeant Major, 6 X spare gun numbers, 2 X spare predictor numbers, 3 X height takers, driver IC
Carries height finder and baggage
Tows trailer command post
3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3
spare telescope identification number, telephonist and linesman, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 4
4 X cook ACC, batman driver, 3 X spare gun numbers, driver IC
Carries cooking equipment, rations, medical stores and baggage
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 5
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 6
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 7
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 8
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition

3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X lmg numbers, spare predictor number, clerk, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
Carries AA lmg and PIAT
Tows a generator trailer

Tractor 4 X 4 1
8 X operators fire control, gun fitter, storeman, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic
Carries stores
Tows Radar GL Receiver trailer
Tractor 4 X 4 2
7 X operator fire control, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic
Carries stores and medical stores
Tows Radar GL Transmitter trailer
Tractor 4 X 4 3
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, 2 X telescope identification numbers, spare telescope identification number, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun
Tractor 4 X 4 4
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, spare height taker, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun
Tractor 4 X 4 5
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, spare height taker, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun
Tractor 4 X 4 6
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, spare height taker, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun




Gun troop of 4 guns equipped with Radar AA No1 and Radar AA No3 MkII
Personnel
Captain
2 X Subaltern
Battery Serjeant Major
4 X serjeant

Trades
Artificer RA
clerk
7 X driver mechanic
4 X gun fitter
2 X serjeant fire control operator
lance serjeant fire control operator
2 X bombardier fire control operator
lance bombardier fire control operator
12 X gunner fire control operator
4 X technical assistants RA
2 X vehicle mechanic

Non tradesman
4 X AA lmg numbers
4 X batman driver
8 X driver IC
32 X gun numbers
3 X height takers
2 X motorcyclists
8 X predictor numbers
2 X telephonists (trained as drivers IC)
sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC)
storeman (trained as driver IC)
2 X telescope identification numbers

Spare numbers
9 X gun numbers
6 X predictor numbers
3 X height takers
2 X telescope identification numbers

Attached
corporal cook ACC
3 X cook ACC

Vehicles
4 X motorcycle
2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
6 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
7 X Tractor 4 X 4 HAA
1 X trailer 10cwt GS
2 X trailer 2 ton GS
1 X trailer AA command post
2 X trailer 2ton generator
1 X trailer 5ton 4 wheeled Radar AA No1 Receiver
1 X trailer 5ton 4 wheeled Radar AA No1 Transmitter
1 X trailer 5ton 4 wheeled Radar AA No3 MkII


Organisation
Motorcycle
motorcyclist
Motorcycle
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 3
Subaltern
Motorcycle 4
Subaltern

Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Subaltern (troop leader), 2 X technical assistants RA, batman driver
Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Captain, 2 X technical assistants RA, batman driver
These two jeeps seem to be overloaded, especially since they also carry baggage.

3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1
8 X predictor numbers, 2 X AA. Lmg numbers, spare predictor number, batman driver, driver IC
Carries predictor, junction box, batteries and cables
Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2
Battery Serjeant Major, 6 X spare gun numbers, 2 X spare predictor numbers, 3 X
height takers, driver IC
Carries height finder and baggage
Tows trailer command post
3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3
spare telescope identification number, telephonist and linesman, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 4
4 X cook ACC, batman driver, 3 X spare gun numbers, driver IC
Carries cooking equipment, rations, medical stores and baggage
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 5
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 6
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition

3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
Tows a generator trailer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2
2 X lmg numbers, 2 X spare predictor number, clerk, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
Carries AA lmg and PIAT
Tows a generator trailer

Tractor 4 X 4 1
8 X operators fire control, gun fitter, storeman, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic
Carries stores
Tows Radar GL Receiver trailer
Tractor 4 X 4 2
7 X operator fire control, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic
Carries stores and medical stores
Tows Radar GL Transmitter trailer
Tractor 4 X 4 3
3 X spare predictor numbers, 3 X operator fire control, driver mechanic
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
Tows Radar R/T trailer
Tractor 4 X 4 4
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, 2 X telescope identification numbers, spare telescope identification number, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun
Tractor 4 X 4 5
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, spare height taker, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun
Tractor 4 X 4 6
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, spare height taker, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun
Tractor 4 X 4 7
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, spare height taker, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun




Gun troop of 4 guns equipped with Radar AA No3 and Radar AA No4
Personnel
Captain
2 X Subaltern
Battery Serjeant Major
4 X serjeant

Trades
Artificer RA
clerk
5 X driver mechanic
4 X gun fitter
2 X serjeant fire control operator
lance serjeant fire control operator
2 X bombardier fire control operator
lance bombardier fire control operator
9 X gunner fire control operator
4 X technical assistants RA
2 X vehicle mechanic

Non tradesman
4 X AA lmg numbers
4 X batman driver
8 X driver IC
32 X gun numbers
3 X height takers
2 X motorcyclists
8 X predictor numbers
2 X telephonists (trained as drivers IC)
sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC)
storeman (trained as driver IC)
2 X telescope identification numbers

Spare numbers
9 X gun numbers
6 X predictor numbers
3 X height takers
2 X telescope identification numbers

Attached
corporal cook ACC
3 X cook ACC

Vehicles
4 X motorcycle
2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X 15cwt Light Warning
8 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
5 X Tractor 4 X 4 HAA
1 X trailer 10cwt GS
2 X trailer 2 ton GS
1 X trailer AA command post
1 X trailer 2ton generator
1 X trailer 5ton 4 wheeled Radar AA No3 MkII



Organisation
Motorcycle
motorcyclist
Motorcycle
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 3
Subaltern
Motorcycle 4
Subaltern

Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Subaltern (troop leader), 2 X technical assistants RA, batman driver
Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Captain, 2 X technical assistants RA, batman driver
These two jeeps seem to be overloaded, especially since they also carry baggage.

15cwt Light Warning
3 X operator fire control

3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 1
8 X predictor numbers, 2 X AA. Lmg numbers, spare predictor number, batman driver, driver IC
Carries predictor, junction box, batteries and cables
Carries 2 X Bren lmg and a PIAT
3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 2
Battery Serjeant Major, 6 X spare gun numbers, 2 X spare predictor numbers, 3 X height takers, driver IC
Carries height finder and baggage
Tows trailer AA command post
3 ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 3
spare telescope identification number, telephonist and linesman, 4 X operator fire control, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 4
4 X cook ACC, batman driver, 3 X spare gun numbers, driver IC
Carries cooking equipment, rations, medical stores and baggage


3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 5
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 6
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 7
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
3ton lorry 4 X 2 GS 8
spare predictor number, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition

3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X lmg number, spare predictor number, clerk, vehicle mechanic, driver IC
Carries 104 rounds of ammunition
Carries AA lmg and PIAT
Tows a generator trailer

Tractor 4 X 4 1
8 X operators fire control, gun fitter, storeman, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic
Carries stores
Tows Radar R/T trailer
Tractor 4 X 4 2
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, 2 X telescope identification numbers, spare telescope identification number, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun
Tractor 4 X 4 3
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, spare height taker, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun
Tractor 4 X 4 4
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, spare height taker, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun
Tractor 4 X 4 5
serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, spare height taker, driver mechanic
Carries gun stores and 20 rounds of ammunition
Tows HAA gun



Gun troop of 4 guns equipped with Radar AA No3 MkV

This organisation was as for the troop with Radar AA No3 MkII and Radar AA No4 except for

1 X Trailer, 5ton, 4 wheeled, Radar AA No3 MkV, receiver/transmitter replaced the Trailer 5ton 4 wheeled Radar AA No3 MkII receiver/transmitter.
1 X Trailer, 2 ton 4 wheeled predictor AA No10 was added
1 X Trailer, 3ton 4 wheeled generator was added
The 15cwt Light Warning was deleted.
Four predictor numbers were deleted

Some units had a predictor AA No10 which was not trailer mounted in which case it had
1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS and 1 X driver IC added.



THE RADARS
Anti aircraft artillery used several radars belonging to several generations. Development of radar was rapid and dramatic. There were still some older long wave sets in service. Newer microwave sets were the norm for gun laying, and the new US built radar was in a new class altogether.

Radar AA No3 MkII.
Radar AA No3 MkII was the standard gun laying set in 1944, being a 10cm mobile radar for the accurate fire control of heavy anti aircraft guns. It was mounted on a four wheeled trailer with twin rear wheels and three point jacks. There was on jack in the centre of the rear of the chassis and two folding arms at the front. A steel cabin mounted the aerials and contained the display units. Two four foot parabaloid aerials were mounted on a rotor unit which could be rotated 360 degrees. The aerial dishes could also be tilted on the rotor arm.

The control cabin contained two 6” display tubes, one for course range and one for fine range. The target could be selected on the coarse range tube and the range then determined for the fine range tube. It could transmit continuous information the range, bearing and elevation to a predictor, which could then further transmit information to individual guns. It was in volume production in 1943 and by April 1945 876 sets had been delivered, including 50 for Russia.

This radar was used in conjunction with Radar AA No1 MkII or Radar No4 MkII which were early warning and tracking sets. (see below).

Radar AA No3 MkII was also used for counter mortar work.

Radar AA No1 MkII.
This was an older but reliable set for early warning and continuous tracking. It was in fact a two vehicle set, each set being mounted on a trailer. Operating on 5m wavelength it had a transmitter on a rotating house body, and a receiver on a similar body. Information was transmitted to the radar No3 MkII control cabin, together with IFF information, so that targets could be selected.

Radar AA No4 MkII.
This was a light warning set and putter on. These were mounted in house type bodies on 15 cwt trucks. They used compact yagi aerial displays and were accurate but lacked the range of the No1 MkII radars.

Radar AA No4 Mk5
This was a special version of which twenty two were produced in May and June 1944 for 21 Army Group, presumably for use in the D Day landings. They seem to have been as for No4 MkII but with provision for tactical control.

Radar AA No3 MkV.
This was the US SCR 584 set. When linked with electronic Predictor No10 this radar was capable of continuously plotting a target with great accuracy and speed. In order to take full advantage of this new equipment the Predictor nor only sent information direct to the guns but used electric power to remotely aim and lay the gun, set the fuse, load the shell and finally fire the gun. This solved the problem of variation in crew performance and manpower was now only needed to lift the shells into the power loader.



HEAVY AA REGIMENTS IN A GROUND ROLE.
Heavy Anti Aircraft Artillery Regiments were increasingly used in a field artillery role. As the Allies gained air superiority there was little work for such units. The alternative was to convert the Heavy Anti Aircraft units to Field regiments, or even to infantry which was much in demand. There was therefore some pressure on them to find a new role. They could readily return to their primary task if the enemy came up with a new weapon, although when the V1 attacks on Antwerp began the static 3.7” guns were moved from the south of England.

The high velocity and flat trajectory of the Heavy Anti Aircraft gun was the opposite of the heavy guns of the Army Group Royal Artillery, and the shells used fixed charges so that shells could not be lobbed. This made accurate ranging against ground targets difficult and the zone in which shell landed would be long and narrow. At first there were no sights suitable for ground fire but these were issued in late 1944 and with suitable tables gunners could engage ground targets with reasonable success. The guns were heavy and difficult to emplace but once they were emplaced they could engage targets rapidly using their all round traverse and electronic fire control. One great advantage was the high rate of fire, twenty rounds a minute with power loading.

The 3.7” AA gun proved very useful in the counter battery role. The shells were rather light but their considerable range and high rate of fire, coupled with air burst time fuses made them ideal for suppressing enemy fire. They might not destroy the enemy guns but they could clear the gun site of personnel and spoil their concentration.

The 3.7” air bursts were also very effective against personnel and vehicles in the open. An added advantage was that the high velocity meant that the shells arrive without warning.

The AA 3.7” gun had a horizontal range of 20,600 yards but because of the flat trajectory this had to be in line of sight, with no obstacles between the gun and the target. It had a 360 degree traverse.

The shell weighed 28lb
The standard charge was 8lb 8oz in a brass case fixed to the shell. A reduced charge was available for firing against ground targets. An anti tank round was made available for self defence.

Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiments were formed into brigades similar to Army Groups Royal Artillery. They had a headquarters, three or four regiments, signals and ammunition platoons RASC. However individual regiments were attached to AGRAs and batteries were organised and equipped for independent action and could be dispersed to divisions.

Tractors were either AEC Matador 4 X 4 Medium Artillery Tractor or FWD SU COE 4 X 4 Medium Artillery Tractor. Both had identical wooden bodies.




HEADQUARTERS MIXED HEAVY ANTI AIRCRAFT REGIMENT, RA (3.7” STATIC, OVERSEAS)
War Establishment III/332/1. November 1944
Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding)
Captain, Adjutant
Subaltern
Quartermaster

Regimental Serjeant Major
serjeant technical instructor in fire control
serjeant RA clerks section
2 X batman
3 X batman driver
driver IC
4 X dutyman
3 X motorcyclist

ATS
Senior Commander
serjeant technical instructor in fire control
serjeant PT instructor
serjeant
serjeant clerk
5 X clerk
2 X officers mess cook
2 X serjeants mess cook
3 X cook
general dutywoman (casualty)
2 X general dutywoman
officers mess orderly
serjeants mess orderly
2 X mess orderly
3 X telephonist

5 X motorcycle
3 X car 4 X 2 light utility
1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS





MIXED HEAVY ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY, RA (3.7” STATIC, OVERSEAS)
War Establishment III/333/1. November 1944
The battery had a headquarters and two gun sites.

Headquarters
Personnel
Major
2 X Captain

Battery Serjeant Major
battery quartermaster serjeant

Trades
clerk for general duties
bombardier clerk for pay duties
2 X driver mechanic
equipment repairer
3 X gun fitter (one may be an artificer RA)
vehicle mechanic

Non tradesmen
4 X batman driver
driver IC
3 X motorcyclist
4 X general dutyman (one trained in water duties)

ATS
Junior Commander
Company Serjeant Major

Trades
4 X operator fore control (listed as casualties ie spare)
2 X cook (casualties)
4 X clerk for general duties
2 X clerk for pay duties
2 X officers mess cooks
serjeant cook
3 X cook
hairdresser

Non trades
6 X instrument numbers (casualties)
telephonist (casualties)
general dutywoman (casualty)
3 X mess orderly
2 X storewoman
3 X telephonist

Transport
2 X bicycle
3 X motorcycle
2 X light utility
2 X 15cwt GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
2 X Tractor 4 X 4 Medium
2 X AA transporter trailer
1 X 1ton water trailer
4 X 2ton 15 KVA generator trailer
2 X 5ton Radar AA No1 Receiver trailer
2 X 5ton Radar AA No1 Transmitter trailer
2 X 5ton Radar AA No3 MkII Receiver/ Transmitter trailer

4 X Bren lmg


2 X Gun site of 4 guns
Personnel
2 X Subaltern
4 X serjeant

Trades
3 X engine attendants

Non trades
2 X batman
49 X gun number
4 X gun position officers assistant
2 X kitchen porters
medical officers orderly

ATC
2 X subaltern
serjeant

Trades
2 X officers mess cook
2 X serjeants mess cook
corporal cook
3 X cook
serjeant fire control operator
lance serjeant fire control operator
2 X corporal fire control operator
23 X fire control operator

Non trades
2 X assistant cook
50 X instrument number
medical orderly
6 X mess orderly
sanitary dutywoman
9 X telephonist



The layout of a 3.7” static AA site is described in the REME War History. This was developed to combat the V1 Flying bomb in the South East of England and then the same layout was used in Belgium.

- Radar AA No3 MkV was used to give early warning of the approach of a target and also to give accurate fire of control of the guns when the target was within range.
- Tracker Unit. When the target was visible the tracker unit it received slant range information from the Radar and then tracked the target visually and produce information on the present position of the target.
- Altitude Converter. This converts the slant range or height information into information that can be read electronically by the predictor.
- AA No10 Predictor Computer. This receives information on the present target position from the radar or the tracker unit. It then makes the necessary calculations, corrections and predictions to convert the information into gun bearings, gun elevation and fuse setting.
- Target Rate Indicator. This computes the rate of change of the target position from information supplied by the Computer and displays it as speeds in yards per second.
- Electronic Plan Position Indicator. This unit receives information on the present and future position of the target and displays it as blips on a screen.
- Retransmission Unit. Information on the predicted future position of the target in terms of gun bearing and gun elevation is transmitted to this unit from the computer. It can then be used to smooth out the information before it is passed on to the guns.
- Remote Power Control. This allows the guns to be trained in bearing and elevation by means of motors automatically operated by electrical signals. These signals train the guns on the future position of the target in accordance with information from the computer via the retransmission unit.
- Machine Fuse Setter No 11. This accurately sets the fuses on shells to coincide with the settings received from the computer via the retransmission unit.
- Generating Unit M7. This is a 35KVA, 125 volt generator for supplying power to the radar and the predictor.
- Power Rectifier Unit. This regulates the AC input from the generator and rectifies it to give the DC voltages required for sending information to the computer.
- Generator 30KVA. This supplies the power to operate the four 3.7” guns and for lighting in the command post. There is an identical back up generator.
- Box terminal 24 way. One of these is supplied for each gun to enable rapid and accurate connection of all the cables to the guns.
- Box Junction Main AA No 9. This is a junction box for accepting the cables for power and information to each gun. Power and/or information circuits can be switched off here.

In order to provide a firm base for the static guns a special platform was designed. This was simple to transport and construct on site. Ten railway sleepers supported six lengths of standard rail track. On top of these rested a further six lengths of rail and right angles and supported on a double layer of sleepers. The sleepers could be dug into the ground. A frame with holding down bolts was fitted at the intersection of the two sets of rails and the gun was bolted down to it.



A CALIBRATION TROOP RA.
Personnel
Captain
Subaltern

Trades
bombardier clerk (also for duty as recorder)
driver mechanic
2 X serjeant surveyor
2 X bombardier surveyor
lance bombardier surveyor
9 X surveyor

Non trades
2 X batman driver
3 X driver of vehicle
motorcycle orderly

Plus attached
corporal telecommunications mechanic (field) REME
cook ACC

Transport
1 X motor cycle
1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
1 X 15cwt GS
1 X 15cwt Office
2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
1 X 3ton 4 X 2 Processing
1 X 10cwt trailer GS

2 X Bren lmg


Motorcycle
orderly

Car 5cwt 4 X 4
Subaltern, batman driver

Truck 15cwt GS
Captain, 4 X surveyor RA, driver IC
Truck 15cwt Office
bombardier clerk, surveyor RA, driver IC
Carries office and computing equipment

Lorry 3ton 4 X 2 GS
6 X surveyor RA, telecommunication mechanic REME, driver IC
Carries a Bren lmg
Carries technical calibration stores
Lorry 3ton 4 X 2 GS 2
serjeant surveyor RA for Q duties, surveyor RA as recorder, cook ACC, driver IC
Carries Q stores
Lorry 3ton 4 X 2 Processing RDMV
surveyor RA, driver mechanic


This unit was used in conjunction with Calibration Flights RAF. Planes flew at a predetermined height and speed to allow radar sets and optical instruments to be calibrated.