LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT ARTILLERY Light anti aircraft artillery was intended for use against low flying aircraft, both with forward formations and in base areas. In forward areas they became increasingly self propelled so as to give full protection to mobile troops. They were underemployed much of the time. LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT REGIMENT RA Headquarters of a Divisional LAA Regiment. War Establishment II/179/2. November 1943 Headquarters of a Corps LAA Regiment. War Establishment III/170/1. July 1942. Light Anti Aircraft Battery. War Establishment III/171/2. December 1943 Light Anti Aircraft Battery Mobile. War establishment XIV/455/1. October 1944. Light Anti Aircraft Battery Mobile. War establishment XIV/459/1. March 1945 Light Anti Aircraft Battery PDA. War Establishment XIV/451/1. June 1944 HEADQUARTERS of a LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT REGIMENT WE II/179/2 November 1943 WE III/170/1 July 1942 is identical except that a chaplain, batman/driver and a car 2seater 4 X 2 are attached. The nature of Light Anti Aircraft units meant that the Regimental Headquarters was responsible for the administration of batteries, and for their deployment, but could do little in the way of fire control since low flying aircraft did not give time for central control. The Regiment could have Light Warning Radar sets which gave early warning of approaching aircraft and this information could be sent to the gun batteries. It was also possible to use IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) to identify enemy aircraft, and there were links with the wider air defence system. Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer Major, Second in Command Captain, Adjutant Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major serjeant clerk (RA clerks section) serjeant clerk for QM duties bombardier clerk 2 X clerk vehicle mechanic 11 X driver operator 2 X bombardier driver operator 2 X lance bombardier driver operator 6 X batman driver driver IC medical officer’s orderly 4 X motorcyclist sanitary dutyman storeman plus attached instrument mechanic RS Medical Officer 2 X cooks ACC Total 44 5 X motorcycle 1 X car 4seater 4 X 2 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 15cwt GS 5 X 15cwt FFW 1 X 15cwt Office 2 X 3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1 X water trailer, 180 gallons Organisation for Movement Motorcycle 1 motorcyclist Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 Subaltern Car 4 seater 4 X 2 Lieutenant Colonel, Adjutant, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 Major, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 Quartermaster, clerk 15cwt truck GS Medical Officer, medical officer’s orderly, batman driver Carries medical stores 15cwt Office truck Regimental Serjeant Major, serjeant clerk, 2 X clerk, batman driver Carries office equipment Note that the two clerks are trained as drivers IC 15cwt FFW 1 3 X driver operator Carries a wireless set No 22 This vehicle for rear link 15cwt FFW 2 3 X driver operator Carries a wireless set No 22 This vehicle for command and forward link 15cwt FFW 3 3 X driver operator Carries a wireless set No 22 This vehicle detached to a battery 15cwt FFW 4 3 X driver operator Carries a wireless set No 22 This vehicle detached to a battery 15cwt FFW 5 3 X driver operator Carries a wireless set No 22 This vehicle detached to a battery 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 instrument mechanic RS, sanitary dutyman, batman driver, vehicle mechanic Carries a 1260 kw generator Carries a bren lmg Carries baggage, anti gas reserves, blankets, petrol, reserve SAA ammunition Draws a water trailer Note that the instrument mechanic is attached from divisional signals. 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X cook, storeman, serjeant (QM duties), batman driver, driver IC Carries a bren lmg and PIAT Carries cooking gear, rations, officers mess baggage Weapons 14 X pistol .38” 8 X rifle .303” 18 X sten gun 2 X Bren gun 1 X PIAT Officers, warrant officers, motor cyclists and Bren lmg detachments are armed with pistols. One man per vehicle is armed with a Sten gun All others are armed with a rifle. Any Light Anti Aircraft Regiment (mobile) may have the following attached 15cwt Wireless Light Warning 1 bombardier operator fire control, 2 X lance bombardier operator fire control Carries a Light Warning set, Radar AA No4 MkIII Carries a wireless set No 22 Note that all three personnel are trained as driver IC 15cwt truck GS 1 driver IC 15cwt Wireless Light Warning 2 bombardier operator fire control, 2 X lance bombardier operator fire control Carries a Light Warning set, Radar AA No4 MkIII Carries a wireless set No 22 Note that all three personnel are trained as driver IC 15cwt truck GS 1 driver IC A REME corporal telecommunications mechanic is attached for the maintenance of radar AA No4 MkIII sets. Each vehicle carries two rifles and one sten gun. Light AA Regiment Detachment Royal Signals This detachment is part of H troop of B Squadron, Divisional Signals. 15cwt wireless house corporal operator, operator, driver operator Carries a Wireless set No22 This vehicle for rear link A corporal instrument mechanic, 3 X electrician and 4 X 1260 watt charging sets are carried in the transport of the Light AA Regiment. LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY RA War Establishment III/171/2. December1943 Major 4 X Captain 7 X Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 21 X serjeant 3 X lance serjeant 15 X bombardier 25 X lance bombardier 144 X gunner Attached 3 X corporal cook ACC 7 X cook ACC electrician, signals RS 41 X tradesman bombardier clerk, pay duties bombardier clerk 4 X clerk 19 X driver mechanic 8 X driver operator equipment repairer (trained as driver IC) 3 X gun fitter 4 X vehicle mechanic 12 X batman driver butchery dutyman 11 X drivers IC 144 X gun detachments 3 X medical orderly (trained as driver IC) 7 X motorcyclist sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC) 4 X storeman (trained as driver IC) 4 X water dutyman (trained as driver IC) 20 X motorcycle 8 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 5 X 15cwt GS 3 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt FFW 12 X 3ton 4 X 4 18 X Tractor LAA 1 X water trailer, 180 gallons. 22 X Bren gun 4 X PIAT 19 X signal pistol 18 X Bofors LAA gun Headquarters Major Captain Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 3 X bombardier lance bombardier 12 X gunner Attached cook ACC electrician, signals RS 8 X tradesman bombardier clerk, pay duties (trained as driver IC) bombardier clerk (trained as driver IC) clerk (trained as driver IC) driver mechanic bombardier driver operator, in charge of signals driver operator equipment repairer (trained as driver IC) vehicle mechanic 3 X batman driver butchery dutyman 2 X drivers IC 4 X motorcyclist sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC) storeman (trained as driver IC) water dutyman (trained as driver IC) 5 X motorcycle 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 2 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt FFW 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 1 X water trailer, 180 gallons. 1 X Bren gun 1 X PIAT 1 X signal pistol Motorcycle 1 Battery Serjeant Major Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Car 15cwt 4 X 4 1 Subaltern, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 2 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS 1 battery quartermaster serjeant, cook ACC, water dutyman, butchery dutyman Carries cooking gear and rations 15cwt truck GS 2 sanitary dutyman, equipment repairer, vehicle mechanic Carries PIAT 15cwt FFW 1 Major, 2 X driver operator, batman driver Carries a wireless set No 22 15cwt FFW 2 3 X driver operator Carries a wireless set No 22 This vehicle from regimental headquarters 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 clerk pay duties, driver mechanic Carries anti gas reserves, blankets, reserve SAA ammunition Carries 696 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 29 boxes 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X clerk, driver IC Carries 1032 rounds 40mm ammunition in 43 boxes 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 electrician RS, storeman, driver IC Carries Bren lmg Carries 1260 watt charging engine Carries petrol and technical stores Tows a water tank trailer Note that the electrician and charging engine are from RS detachment. 3 X Troop each Headquarters Captain 2 X Subaltern serjeant 3 X lance serjeant 2 X lance bombardier 8 X gunner corporal cook ACC 2 X cook ACC clerk 2 X driver operator gun fitter vehicle mechanic 3 X batman driver 3 X drivers IC medical orderly (trained as driver IC) motorcyclist storeman (trained as driver IC) water dutyman (trained as driver IC) 5 X motorcycle 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 1 X Bren gun 1 X PIAT Motorcycle 1 motorcyclist Motorcycle 2 Subaltern Motorcycle 3 serjeant Motorcycle 4 gun fitter Motorcycle 5 clerk (troop commanders assistant) Car 15cwt 4 X 4 1 Subaltern, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 2 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS corporal cook ACC, storeman, batman driver Carries cooking gear and rations Carries PIAT 15cwt truck water water dutyman, vehicle mechanic 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 medical orderly, driver IC Carries anti gas reserves, blankets Carries 528 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 22 boxes Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X cook ACC, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 2 X driver operator, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 1 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 2 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 3 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 4 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 5 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 6 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun NOTES: Ammunition includes 48 rounds per gun anti tank ammunition. One car 5cwt may be issued instead of 2 motorcycles at headquarters. One officer and six men per troop will be rained in anti gas duties and decontamination work. In an Armoured Division Troop Headquarters will have one 15cwt FFW instead of one car 5 cwt. LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY (Mobile) RA War Establishment XIV/455/1. October 1944. This establishment was for a battery headquarters and two troops, each of 6 X 40mm AA guns. This is a reduction from the previous three troops. The establishment contains variations for a Corp LAA Battery with all guns towed by a 4 X 4 tractor. an infantry division LAA Battery with one troop of SP guns an armoured division LAA Battery with all guns SP. Major 3 X Captain 4 X Subaltern 3 X Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 12 X serjeant 12 X bombardier 17 X lance bombardier 86 X gunner Attached 3 X officers mess cook ACC 5 X cook ACC 41 X tradesman bombardier clerk, pay duties bombardier clerk 3 X clerk (one trained as driver IC) 13 X driver mechanic 6 X driver operator equipment repairer (trained as driver IC) 2 X gun fitter 3 X vehicle mechanic (trained as driver IC) 9 X batman driver butchery dutyman 7 X drivers IC 84 X gun detachments 5 X motorcyclist 2 X medical offices orderly (trained as driver IC) sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC) 3 X storeman (trained as driver IC) 3 X water dutyman (trained as driver IC) 14 X motorcycle 6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 4 X 15cwt GS 2 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt FFW 8 X 3ton 4 X 4 12 X Tractor LAA 2 X 10cwt trailer 1 X ton trailer 22 X Bren gun 4 X PIAT 19 X signal pistol 18 X Bofors LAA gun Headquarters Major Captain Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 3 X bombardier lance bombardier 12 X gunner Attached cook ACC electrician, signals RS 8 X tradesman bombardier clerk, pay duties (trained as driver IC) bombardier clerk (trained as driver IC) clerk (trained as driver IC) driver mechanic bombardier driver operator, in charge of signals driver operator equipment repairer (trained as driver IC) vehicle mechanic 3 X batman driver butchery dutyman 2 X drivers IC 4 X motorcyclist sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC) storeman (trained as driver IC) water dutyman (trained as driver IC) 5 X motorcycle 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 2 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt FFW 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 1 X water trailer, 180 gallons. 1 X Bren gun 1 X PIAT 1 X signal pistol Motorcycle 1 Battery Serjeant Major Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Car 15cwt 4 X 4 1 Subaltern, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 2 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS 1 battery quartermaster serjeant, cook ACC, water dutyman, butchery dutyman Carries cooking gear and rations 15cwt truck GS 2 sanitary dutyman, equipment repairer, vehicle mechanic Carries PIAT 15cwt FFW 1 Major, 2 X driver operator, batman driver Carries a wireless set No 22 15cwt FFW 2 3 X driver operator Carries a wireless set No 22 This vehicle from regimental headquarters 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 clerk pay duties, driver mechanic Carries anti gas reserves, blankets, reserve SAA ammunition Carries 696 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 29 boxes 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X clerk, driver IC Carries 1032 rounds 40mm ammunition in 43 boxes 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 electrician RS, storeman, driver IC Carries Bren lmg Carries 1260 watt charging engine Carries petrol and technical stores Tows a water tank trailer 2 X Troop each Headquarters Captain 2 X Subaltern serjeant 3 X lance serjeant 2 X lance bombardier 8 X gunner corporal cook ACC 2 X cook ACC clerk 2 X driver operator gun fitter vehicle mechanic 3 X batman driver 3 X drivers IC medical orderly (trained as driver IC) motorcyclist storeman (trained as driver IC) water dutyman (trained as driver IC) 5 X motorcycle 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 1 X Bren gun 1 X PIAT Motorcycle 1 motorcyclist Motorcycle 2 Subaltern Motorcycle 3 serjeant Motorcycle 4 gun fitter Motorcycle 5 clerk (troop commanders assistant) Car 15cwt 4 X 4 1 Subaltern, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 2 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS corporal cook ACC, storeman, batman driver Carries cooking gear and rations Carries PIAT 15cwt truck water water dutyman, vehicle mechanic 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 medical orderly, driver IC Carries anti gas reserves, blankets Carries 528 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 22 boxes Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X cook ACC, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 2 X driver operator, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 1 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 2 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 3 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 4 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 5 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 6 serjeant, 8 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun NOTES: Ammunition includes 48 rounds per gun anti tank ammunition. One car 5cwt may be issued instead of 2 motorcycles at headquarters. One officer and six men per troop will be trained in anti gas duties and decontamination work. In an Armoured Division Troop Headquarters will have one 15cwt FFW instead of one car 5 cwt 4 X 4. SELF PROPELLED TROOP. Sub sections were equipped with Morris C9 4 X 4 self propelled 40mm Bofors guns and a 15cwt 4 X 4 truck to carry personnel and ammunition which could not be carried on the SP vehicle. There was no change in he personnel for a self propelled troop. The drivers for the extra 15cwt trucks were found by training two members of the gun crew as driver IC. Motorcycle 1 motorcyclist Motorcycle 2 Subaltern Motorcycle 3 serjeant Motorcycle 4 gun fitter Motorcycle 5 clerk (troop commanders assistant) Car 15cwt 4 X 4 1 Subaltern, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 2 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS corporal cook ACC, storeman, batman driver Carries cooking gear and rations Carries PIAT 15cwt truck water water dutyman, vehicle mechanic 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 medical orderly, driver IC Carries anti gas reserves, blankets Carries 528 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 22 boxes Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 Tractor LAA (CMP Ford) 1 2 X cook ACC, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes Tows a 180 gallon water trailer 3ton 4 X 4 Tractor LAA (CMP Ford) 2 2 X driver operator, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes Note: Two 3 ton 4 X 4 GS lorries were replaced by two 3ton 4 X 4 Tractor LAA (Ford). These were CMP LAA Tractors which had a winch and stowage for 40mm Bofors ammunition. The winch was essential for recovering the Morris C9 SP LAA guns from sites. The Morris a power take off instead of a winch. Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Morris C9 4 X 4. The Morris C9 4 X 4 chassis was used to mount a modified 40mm anti aircraft gun. This carried a crew of four. The first 350 self propelled 40mm guns were ordered together with 350 Predictor vehicles which were on C8 chassis and also carried four men. A second order included fewer predictors than guns and the final order included no predictors at all. It is assumed that the ammunition and gun numbers originally carried on the predictor vehicles were now carried in a 15cwt 4 X 4 GS truck. The gun was fitted with a joy stick control which allowed one man to control bearing and elevation. ARMOURED SELF PROPELLED TROOP Crusader self propelled 40mm anti aircraft gun. No separate establishment has been found for this troop. The Crusader chassis and hull carried an armoured mounting for a 40mm anti aircraft gun. The mounting was as for the Morris C9 and was power operated. Only one man was required to aim and fire the gun. No predictors were provided. Motorcycle 1 motorcyclist Motorcycle 2 Subaltern Motorcycle 3 serjeant Motorcycle 4 gun fitter Motorcycle 5 clerk (troop commanders assistant) Car 15cwt 4 X 4 Subaltern, batman driver 15cwt truck GS corporal cook ACC, storeman, batman driver Carries cooking gear and rations Carries PIAT 15cwt truck water water dutyman, vehicle mechanic 15cwt FFW Troop Commander, batman driver Carries a wireless set No 22 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 medical orderly, driver IC Carries anti gas reserves, blankets Carries 528 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 22 boxes Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X cook ACC, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 2 X driver operator, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes Sub Section Tracked Self Propelled Light AA Gun, Crusader serjeant, loader/operator, driver mechanic Carries 190 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 5 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Tracked Self Propelled Light AA Gun, Crusader serjeant, loader/operator, driver mechanic Carries 190 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 5 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Tracked Self Propelled Light AA Gun, Crusader serjeant, loader/operator, driver mechanic Carries 190 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 5 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Tracked Self Propelled Light AA Gun, Crusader serjeant, loader/operator, driver mechanic Carries 190 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 5 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Tracked Self Propelled Light AA Gun, Crusader serjeant, loader/operator, driver mechanic Carries 190 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 5 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Tracked Self Propelled Light AA Gun, Crusader serjeant, loader/operator, driver mechanic Carries 190 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 5 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Caution. Since no establishment has yet been found the precise organisation of the troop is not known. The crew and ammunition carried on the Crusader is correct. It is assumed that the additional personnel, ammunition and equipment is carried in 15cwt 4 X 4 GS trucks. LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY (Mobile) RA. 1945 War Establishment XIV/459/1. March 1945. This establishment was for a battery headquarters and two troops, each of 4 X 40mm AA guns and 4 X Quad .5” guns. The establishment contains variations for a Corp LAA Battery or an infantry division LAA Battery with one troop of SP guns an armoured division LAA Battery with all guns Self Propelled. Major 3 X Captain 5 X Subaltern 3 X Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 12 X serjeant 16 X bombardier 21 X lance bombardier 98 X gunner Attached radio mechanic RS 3 X officers mess cook ACC 2 X corporal cook ACC 5 X cook ACC 41 X tradesman bombardier clerk, pay duties bombardier clerk 3 X clerk (one trained as driver IC) 17 X driver mechanic 6 X driver operator equipment repairer (trained as driver IC) 2 X gun fitter 3 X vehicle mechanic (trained as driver IC) 9 X batman driver butchery dutyman 7 X drivers IC 104 X gun detachments 5 X motorcyclist 2 X medical offices orderly (trained as driver IC) sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC) 3 X storeman (trained as driver IC) 3 X water dutyman (trained as driver IC) 14 X motorcycle 6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 4 X 15cwt GS 2 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt FFW 8 X 3ton 4 X 4 16 X Tractor LAA 2 X 10cwt trailer 1 X ton trailer 19 X Bren gun 4 X PIAT 17 X signal pistol 8 X Bofors LAA gun 8 X .5” quad machine gun Headquarters Major Captain Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant lance bombardier 10 X gunner Attached 2 X cook ACC electrician, signals RS 8 X tradesman bombardier clerk, pay duties (trained as driver IC) bombardier clerk (trained as driver IC) clerk (trained as driver IC) driver mechanic bombardier driver operator, in charge of signals driver operator equipment repairer (trained as driver IC) vehicle mechanic 3 X batman driver butchery dutyman 1 X drivers IC 3 X motorcyclist sanitary dutyman (trained as driver IC) storeman (trained as driver IC) water dutyman (trained as driver IC) 4 X motorcycle 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 2 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt FFW 2 X 3ton 4 X 4 1 X water trailer, 180 gallons. 1 X Bren gun 1 X PIAT 1 X signal pistol Motorcycle 1 Battery Serjeant Major Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Car 15cwt 4 X 4 1 Subaltern, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 2 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS 1 battery quartermaster serjeant, cook ACC, water dutyman, butchery dutyman Carries cooking gear and rations 15cwt truck GS 2 sanitary dutyman, equipment repairer, vehicle mechanic Carries PIAT 15cwt FFW 1 Major, 2 X driver operator, batman driver Carries a wireless set No 22 15cwt FFW 2 3 X driver operator Carries a wireless set No 22 This vehicle from regimental headquarters 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 clerk pay duties, clerk, driver mechanic Carries anti gas reserves, blankets, reserve SAA ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 radio mechanic RS, storeman, clerk, driver IC Carries Bren lmg Carries 1260 watt charging engine Carries petrol and technical stores Tows a water tank trailer 2 X Troop each Headquarters Captain 2 X Subaltern serjeant 3 X lance serjeant 2 X lance bombardier 8 X gunner corporal cook ACC 2 X cook ACC clerk 2 X driver operator gun fitter vehicle mechanic 3 X batman driver 3 X drivers IC medical orderly (trained as driver IC) motorcyclist storeman (trained as driver IC) water dutyman (trained as driver IC) 5 X motorcycle 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 1 X 10cwt trailer 1 X Bren gun 1 X PIAT Motorcycle 1 motorcyclist Motorcycle 2 Subaltern Motorcycle 3 serjeant Motorcycle 4 gun fitter Motorcycle 5 clerk (troop commanders assistant) Car 15cwt 4 X 4 1 Subaltern, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 2 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS corporal cook ACC, storeman, batman driver Carries cooking gear and rations Carries PIAT 15cwt truck water water dutyman, vehicle mechanic 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 medical orderly, driver IC Carries anti gas reserves, blankets Carries 528 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 22 boxes Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X cook ACC, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 2 X driver operator, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 1 serjeant, 7 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 2 serjeant, 7 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 3 serjeant, 7 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 4 serjeant, 7 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries 192 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a Bren lmg Tows a 40mm Bofors gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 5 serjeant, 6 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries a Bren lmg Tows a .5” quadruple machine gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 6 serjeant, 6 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries a Bren lmg Tows a .5” quadruple machine gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 7 serjeant, 6 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries a Bren lmg Tows a .5” quadruple machine gun Sub Section Light AA Tractor, 4 X 4 8 serjeant, 6 X gun numbers, driver mechanic Carries a Bren lmg Tows a .5” quadruple machine gun NOTES: Ammunition includes 48 rounds per 40mm gun anti tank ammunition. One car 5cwt may be issued instead of 2 motorcycles at headquarters. One officer and six men per troop will be trained in anti gas duties and decontamination work. In an Armoured Division Troop Headquarters will have one 15cwt FFW instead of one car 5 cwt. SELF PROPELLED TROOP Motorcycle 1 motorcyclist Motorcycle 2 Subaltern Motorcycle 3 serjeant Motorcycle 4 gun fitter Motorcycle 5 clerk (troop commanders assistant) Car 15cwt 4 X 4 1 Subaltern, batman driver Car 15cwt 4 X 4 2 Captain, batman driver 15cwt truck GS corporal cook ACC, storeman, batman driver Carries cooking gear and rations Carries PIAT 15cwt truck water water dutyman, vehicle mechanic 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 medical orderly, driver IC Carries anti gas reserves, blankets Carries 528 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 22 boxes Carries Bren lmg 3ton 4 X 4 Tractor LAA (CMP Ford) 1 2 X cook ACC, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes Tows a 180 gallon water trailer 3ton 4 X 4 Tractor LAA (CMP Ford) 2 2 X driver operator, driver IC Carries gun stores, baggage and blankets for three sub sections. Carries 216 rounds of 40mm ammunition in 9 boxes Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Sub Section Self Propelled .5” machine gun halftrack serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries a .5” quadruple machine gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 3 X gun number Sub Section Self Propelled .5” machine gun halftrack serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries a .5” quadruple machine gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 3 X gun number Sub Section Self Propelled .5” machine gun halftrack serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries a .5” quadruple machine gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 3 X gun number Sub Section Self Propelled .5” machine gun halftrack serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries a .5” quadruple machine gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 3 X gun number Sub Section Self Propelled LAA Gun, 4 X 4 serjeant, 2 X gun number, driver mechanic Carries 120 rounds of 40mm ammunition Carries a 40mm Bofors gun Carries a Bren lmg 15cwt 4 X 4 GS bombardier, 4 X gun number Carries 72 rounds of 40mm ammunition Some roles. The major role for the Bofors gun was to protect mobile columns, ammunition and supply dumps and other vulnerable points from low level air attack. In forward areas only the Bofors could be used, the heavier guns not being sufficiently mobile. In rear areas batteries of Bofors guns, together with searchlight units, formed part of AA brigades, with the heavy guns providing high level cover and the Bofors providing low level cover. Bofors guns were not in great demand for their primary role since there were few enemy aircraft in forward areas. They were often used in secondary roles including - Thickening up artillery barrages by pouring fire into targets within their range. The shells might be small but there were enough of them to make an enemy take shelter. - Engaging enemy soft skin vehicles. The 40mm shell was not very effective against tanks but was effective against other vehicles using either high explosive or armour piercing ammunition. - Suppressing fire. A stream of 40 mm shells fired along a hedge or other source of cover reduced the ability of an enemy to engage advancing troops. - Marking the centre lines for advancing troops. It was easy to lose direction in the heat of battle but a steady line of tracer shells marked the way. - Designating targets. A stream of tracer shells could accurately mark a target for armour and artillery to engage. A Light AA Troop (20mm) Captain 2 X Subaltern 2 X serjeant No1 of gun serjeant 6 X bombardier 3 X lance bombardier 37 X gunner clerk, trained as driver IC 2 X driver operator gun fitter vehicle mechanic 3 X batman driver 5 X driver IC 24 X gun number medical officers orderly, trained as driver IC 6 X No1 of gun detachment, bombardier storeman, trained in water duties and as driver IC 5 X motorcycle 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 8 X 15cwt AA 20mm gun 1 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt GS 2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 X 10cwt trailer Motorcycle 1 motorcyclist Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 Subaltern Motorcycle 4 serjeant Motorcycle 5 gun fitter Car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 Captain, batman driver Car 5cwt 4 X 4 2 Subaltern, batman driver 15cwt truck GS cook ACC, medical officers orderly Carries cooking gear and rations 15cwt truck water storeman 3ton 4 X 4 GS clerk, cook, vehicle mechanic batman driver Carries anti gas reserves, blankets, cooking sets and rations Carries 4,000 rounds of 20mm Carries PIAT 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 X driver operator, driver IC Carries stores, technical equipment, baggage, blankets, petrol and medical equipment Carries 2 X R109 wireless receivers. Carries Bren lmg Section 1 15cwt AA serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer with 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA bombardier, 3 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer with 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA bombardier, 3 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer with 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA bombardier, 3 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer with 20mm ammunition Note that section cooks, plus baggage and blankets, are carried in the transport of troop headquarters Section 2 15cwt AA serjeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer with 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA bombardier, 3 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer with 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA bombardier, 3 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer with 20mm ammunition 15cwt AA bombardier, 3 X gun numbers, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Tows a trailer with 20mm ammunition Note that section cooks, plus baggage and blankets, are carried in the transport of troop headquarters A Light AA Troop (20mm) could not operate independently but had to be attached to a Light AA Regiment. LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY RA, PORT DEFENCE ABROAD, 21 ARMY GROUP WE XIV/451/1. June 1944 This establishment superseded WE VIII/720/1. A number of batteries may be regimented under a LAA Regiment Headquarters WE VIII/721/1 This unit is static. There are only three tractors for 18 guns. This would enable guns to be moved short distances. Major 2 X Captain 7 X Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant 21 X serjeant bombardier clerk, pay duties bombardier clerk clerk 3 X driver mechanic equipment repairer 4 X gun fitter vehicle mechanic 10 X batman driver 10 X casualty 4 X drivers IC 162 X gun and instrument detachments 4 X motorcyclist sanitary dutyman storeman 12 X telephonist 8 X bicycle 8 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 2 X 15cwt GS 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 3 X Tractor LAA 1 X water trailer, 180 gallons. 4 X Bren lmg 4 X signal pistol Note: Sanitary dutyman is trained as a driver IC One driver IC is trained in water duties Headquarters Major 2 X Captain Subaltern Battery Serjeant Major battery quartermaster serjeant bombardier clerk, pay duties bombardier clerk clerk 3 X driver mechanic equipment repairer gun fitter vehicle mechanic 4 X batman driver 10 X casualty 4 X drivers IC motorcyclist sanitary dutyman storeman 3 X telephonist officer mess cook ACC 2 X cook ACC 2 X bicycle 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 2 X 15cwt GS 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 3 X Tractor LAA 1 X water trailer, 180 gallons. 3 X troop Headquarters 2 X Subaltern serjeant fitter 2 X batman motorcyclist 3 X telephonist 2 X cook 2 X bicycle 2 X motorcycle Detachment 1 serjeant bombardier 9 X gunner and instrument number 1 X 40mm Bofors LAA gun Detachment 2 serjeant bombardier 9 X gunner and instrument number 1 X 40mm Bofors LAA gun Detachment 3 serjeant bombardier 9 X gunner and instrument number 1 X 40mm Bofors LAA gun Detachment 4 serjeant bombardier 9 X gunner and instrument number 1 X 40mm Bofors LAA gun Detachment 5 serjeant bombardier 9 X gunner and instrument number 1 X 40mm Bofors LAA gun Detachment 6 serjeant bombardier 9 X gunner and instrument number 1 X 40mm Bofors LAA gun THE VEHICLES Bedford QLB Bofors Tractor. The Bedford QLB was based on the Bedford QL chassis but had several modifications. The most important was that it was fitted with a chassis winch powered by a power take off. The winch could be used for recovering the Bofors gun from its emplaced position, or the winch cable could be led forward for self recovery. There was a crew compartment at the front of the body, with more crew accommodation at the rear. There were lockers for ammunition and gun equipment. A spare barrel was carried in a box and wheel scotches carried at the rear. Morris C9 Self Propelled 40mm Bofors. The Morris C9 was based on the Morris C8 Field Artillery tractor. As a self propelled mount for the Bofors gun it had a number of modifications. - The chassis was lengthened - A power take off was fitted. This drove an alternator which was used to power hydraulic pumps for traversing and elevating the gun. - The winch was deleted - A wide cab, with seats for four crew, was fitted. The gun could be used in the same way as the towed gun. There were seats for gun layer and aimer and Stiffkey sights were fitted or it could be operated using the power take off and alternator to work the gun hydraulically. In this case only the gun layer was required and he could lay control traversing and elevation with a joystick control. The gun could also be used in the following modes. - Ideally and when there was time the vehicle was jacked up. In order to level the vehicle and gun there were adjustable jacks on each side and front and rear. These jacks rested on cones which were carried on the vehicle. - In an emergency the vehicle could be fired from its wheels. The suspension could be locked to provide a firm platform. The gun could not be fired on the move. In action the seats and the steering wheel folded to allow a full 360 degree traverse with a 1½ degree depression. The vehicle carried 129 rounds of ammunition and a spare barrel. Crusader II AA MkI self propelled 40mm Bofors. The Crusader was developed to provide Light AA cover for armoured divisions. It was reasonably well armoured and could travel at 27mph on roads. It could thus keep up with armoured units. The armoured turret sheltered a Bofors gun on a modified mounting. This had motors for traversing and elevation and was controlled by a joystick. In emergency traversing and elevating handles could be fitted. Power was supplied from a separate generating set in the hull. The shell case ejector was modified so that spent cases were ejected through an opening in the turret rear. The crew was only three. On was the driver so the other two were kept busy. The commander was also the gun layer. The loader was also the wireless operator. A No 18 wireless set was carried. This was a model modified for armoured vehicle use. 150 rounds of HE ammunition were carried plus 40 rounds armoured piercing. The gun could be fired on the move but this was not usual, or recommended except in emergency. The Bofors Gun. Designed in Sweden the Bofors 40mm AA gun was used by many armies including Britain and the USA. It was also used by several navies. The gun was intended for use against low flying aircraft and was automatic. Shells were loaded in four round chargers and then loaded into the breech by a spring rammer. Empty shell cases were ejected to fall down a chute which threw them clear. The gun was balanced by springs and mounted on a ball race so that it was quick and easy to train and aim by hand. The carriage was fitted with outriggers and could be levelled and stabilised by jacks. It could be fired from its wheels in an emergency. Elevation was 90 degrees and traverse was 360 degrees so that the gun could cover the entire sky. Weight in action was 4,368 lb which just about made it possible to manhandle it. Rate of fire was 120 rounds a minute. The horizontal range was 10,800 yards and the maximum ceiling 23,000 feet. In practice however the effective ceiling was 5000 feet which was dictated more by the sights than the gun. Fixed ammunition was used, with the propelling charge being in a brass case. The standard shell was Shell HE Mk4T which weighed 2lb and had a tracer/igniter. This allowed the path of the shell to be followed and the shell detonated at a range of either 3,400 yards or 5,500 yards. Unlike the heavy AA shells which were fused to detonate in the path of an aircraft the Bofors shell self destructed to avoid a rain of shells coming down on friendly ground troops. There was also a useful armour piercing projectile, Shot AP Mk6T Since the Bofors gun with field armies was intended to defend against low flying aircraft and its effective range was about a mile there was very little time in which to engage. The predictor was abandoned in 1943 for field units although it was used in the UK to combat the V1 Flying Bomb. The usual deployment was a half troop of three guns in a triangle. The gun crew was normally six men. No1 NCO, gun commander No2 Layer for Bearing No3 Layer for Elevation No4 Loader No5 Ammunition Number No6 Ammunition Number. Markings. Light AA units followed the standard marking practices for RA units. As well as the arm of service square there was a smaller square which showed the battery and vehicle number. A LAA regiment in an armoured division carried the white number 73 on a blue and red square A LAA regiment in an infantry division carried the white number 47 on a blue and red square A LAA regiment in a corps carried a whit numeral 14 on a blue and red square Vehicle numbers and letters were shown in white on the vehicles tactical sign. These signs were squares, generally half the size of the Arm of Service sign and generally displayed above the top right hand corner of the Arm of Service Sign. Some were displayed elsewhere on the vehicles front and rear. - Regimental headquarters used a square divided red over blue as for the Arm of Service sign - Battery 1 had a blue square with the top right hand quarter in red. - Battery 2 had a blue square with the bottom right hand corner in red - Battery 3 had a blue square with the bottom left hand corner in red. - Battery 4 had a blue square with the top left hand corner in red The letters and numbers could be placed in various styles but were consistent throughout a regiment - some units placed then centrally - some units placed them only in the blue portion - some units placed them with the number underneath the letter - at least one unit placed them only on the red part. The combination of battery square with letters and numbers ensured that every vehicle in the regiment could be identified. Attached Royal Signals carried the unit code on a blue and white square. A LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT WORKSHOP TYPE A REME. This was responsible for the maintenance and 1st line repair for a Light Anti Aircraft Regiment in a division or corps. It consisted of a headquarters and one section for each battery. If the regiment was issued with radar a telecommunication section was added. Headquarters Captain staff serjeant armament artifiecer staff serjeant armourer serjeant artisan 10 X craftsmen and privates trades included armament artificer, anti aircraft armourer 2 X driver mechanic electrician, control equipment 2 X fitter instrument mechanic, LAA vehicle mechanic clerk storeman 2 X driver IC Transport 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 store (unbinned, flat floor) 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 or 6 X 4 Machinery Type M 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown Battery section staff serjeant armament artificer driver mechanic electrician, vehicle and plant fitter instrument mechanic, LAA 2 X vehicle mechanic Transport 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 3ton 4 X 2 store (unbinned, flat floor) telecommunications section Captain staff serjeant armament artificer, radio 2 X telecommunications mechanic 1 X 4 seater, 4 X 2, Heavy Utility type ‘I’ Drivers are not provided for all vehicles. Units will ensure that sufficient personnel are trained to drive unit vehicles. Not all personnel and stores can be carried in the vehicles of the workshop and must be carried in the transport of the formation of which this unit forms a part.