Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs. Vol. 1. Monthly War Diaries will be enclosed in A. F. C2119. If this is not available , and for Intelligence Summaries, the cover will be prepared in manuscript

WAR DIARY

Army Form C2118

                                         or                                                    Unit 7th Survey Regiment RA

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Month and Year.January 1941

                                                  (Delete heading not required)                                                                                                   Commanding Officer Lt Col K.F.McK.Lewis M.C. RA

Place

Date

Hour

Summary of Events and Information

 

SUTTON-VENY

  12.1.41

 

Formation

 

nr. Warminster

   

7th Survey Regiment, R.A formed in accordance with W.O.L.

 
     

20/Arty/5857 (A.G.6.a) o 23.12.40 on 12 January, 1941 at "B" Camp.

 
     

Sutton Veny. Nr. Warminster, Wilts

 
     

COMPOSITION.

 
     

Regimental H.Q and 1 Troop per Battery.

 
     

Total Intake - 14 Officers and 387 Other Ranks.

 
 

15.1.41

 

1 B.S.M and 2 Sergeants posted from School of Survey (To be RQMS, BSM,

 
     

Survey Battery, and BQMS, F.S.Battery.)

 
     

1 T.S.M posted from 1st Independent S.R.Bty R.A (BSM, S.R. Bty)

 
 

12.1.41

 

1 B.S.M. posted from 123 O.C.T.U. (BSM, F.S.Bty)

 
     

1 B.S.M. & 3 Sgts. " 3rd Survey Regt. ) Auth: Adm/XP/C/461

 
     

(R.S.M., BQMS, S.R. Bty. & 2 Sgts. )

 
        
 

13.1.41

 

OFFICERS

 
     

14 Officers posted under auth:of W.O.L. 112/Arty/710 (A.G.6.p)

 
     

Commanding Officer Lt Colonel K.F.McK. Lewis, M.C. R.A

 
     

2nd in Command Major R.A.V. Crawford, R.A

 
     

O.C., F.S. Bty Capt. T.N. Allen, R.A.

 
     

O.C., S.R. Bty Capt. L.G. Lewzey, R.A.

 
 

15.1.41

 

Capt. J.C.Dent R.A. (O.C., Svy.Bty) posted under auth: W.O.L. P/33332/12 (A.G.6.p) dated 14th Jan 41

 
     

B.S.M. E.G.Clark, R.A. posted to Regt. As Lieut. Q.M Under Auth:

 
     

WOUPT 112/Arty/8693 (A.G.6.p) dated 12th Jan 1941

 
 

20.1.41

 

2/Lt. B.J. Masterson, R.A. posted under WOUPT 112/Arty/710 (A.G.6.p) dated 24.1.41

 
         
 

3.2.41

 

VEHICLES

 
     

Position at 3.2.41

 
     

M.Cs. 15

 
     

Utilities 20

 
     

6 Seater 1

 
     

15 cwts 20

 
     

30 cwts 15

 
     

3 ton 4

 
         
     

Position at 12.5.41

 
     

M.Cs. 25

 
     

15 cwts 42

 
     

30 cwt Dodge 10

 
     

Rest as above

 
         

Sutton

22nd

 

EXERCISES

 

Veny

and

 

7th Survey Regiment, R.A. acted as Reserve to W.S.F.

 
 

23rd

 

attacking 1,000 enemy paratroops in possession of an aerodrome,

 
 

Feb

 

Attack successful, Reserve not in action

 
     

Weather conditions very bad.

 
         
 

March

 

7th Survey Regiment, R.A. handed over Striking Force Role to

 
     

8th Survey Regiment, R.A. on receipt of orders to move.

 
         

Sutton

   

OPERATIONS

 

Veny

   

WILTSHIRE STRIKING FORCE

OPERATION ORDERS FOR

 

Feb.

 

7th Survey Regiment supplied

W.S.F.

     

a) For V.P. Defence of Chilmark

 
     

3 Officers and 41 Other Ranks

 
     

b) For S.F. Reserve 13 Officers and 291 Other Ranks.

 
     

organised into a H.Q. of 50, 3 Infantry Coys. Of 67 and "B" Echelon.

 
 

March

 

Transport Riflemen carried in 15cwts.

 
     

3 Scout cars (Austin Utilities) per Coy.

 
         
     

Lt. Col K.F.Mc.K.Lewis, M.C., R.A. Commanded W.S.F. Central Reserve.

 
         
     

TRAINING

 

Sutton

Feb

 

FIELD TRAINING

 
 

Mar

 

Minor infantry tactics, field craft, use of ground,

 
 

Apr

 

small arms training carried out once a week for three months

 
         
     

SMALL ARMS

 
     

All men fired 20 rounds .303 on open range by

 
      

beginning of June, 1941

 
         
     

CHANGE OF STATION

 

SUTTON VENY

15.4.41

Regiment moved from SUTTON VENY to Trowbridge on 15.4.41. Details in

 

TO

    

accordance with S.C. letter No. SC.2/4727/Q(M) of 1.1.41

 

TROWBRIDGE

12.4.41

0900

Advance Party left Sutton Veny.

 
     

Strength 1 Officer & 43 Other Ranks.

 
 

16.4.41

0900

MAIN BODY 1st journey, Baggage convoy.

 
   

1000

Arrived Trowbridge

 
   

1500

2nd Journey, Troop Convoy

 
   

1600

Arrived Trowbridge

 
     

V.T.M. 10

 
     

M.I.H. 15

 
     

Authority for Move - S.P.A. letter No. 3/1201/q of 27.3.41

 
 

16.4.41

 

H.Q. opened at Old Council Chambers, Trowbridge at 1200 hrs. Tel:535.

 
         
     

SECOND TROOPS

 
  15.4.41  

Draft of 1 Sgt and 57 Other Ranks arrived on 15.4.41, posted under auth:

 
     

W.O.L. Bm.14386(A.G.6.d) of 3.4.41 Deficiencies on this posting order -

 
     

F.S. Bty 16 Svy Bty. 7

 
         
         
     

OFFICERS

 
  29.4.41  

Officers posted to complete 2nd Troops arrived 29.4.41 posted under auth:

 
     

W.O.L 112/Arty/1480 (A>G.6.p) of 8.4.41

 
         
     

PRACTICE CAMPS & EXERCISES

 
 

7.4.41

 

WESTDOWN PRACTICE CAMP

 
 

to

 

1 Troop each from F.S & S.R. Bty

 
 

20.4.41

 

F.S. Troop 3 Officers 3 Sgts. 92 O.Rs.

 
     

S.R. Troop 2 " 1 " 62 O.Rs.

 
         
     

DIV. & CORPS EXERCISES - LLANIDLOES

 
 

3.6.41

 

Survey Bty co-operated with 3rd Survey Regt. R.A Llamidloes in Div.

 
 

to

 

and Corps Exercises held in the Llanidloes area.

 
 

12.6.41

 

Nos. Officers Sgts. R&F. Vehicles M.Cs.

 
     

x Troop 4 3 45 13 3

 
     

Y Troop 4 3 45 13 3

 
     

B.H.Q 2 3 41 11 5

 
         

Trowbridge

24th

 

12 CORPS EXERCISES EXERCISE "BINGE"

 
 

to

 

Three officers of the S.R. Bty of this Regt. Attended the a/m

 
 

27th

 

exercise in 12 Corps area from 24th - 27th June.

 
 

June

     
     

EXERCISE - "MOREBINGE"

 
 

28.7.41

 

Authority for Composite Bty. Of this Regt. To take part in 12 Corps

 
     

Exercise in area MAIDSTONE received (Teleprinter message Hofor Trg. 125 dtd 22 July,)

 
     

COMPOSITION OF COMPOSITE BATTERY

 
     

O.Rs. Officers Vehicles M/Cs.

 
     

B.H.Q 8 2 4 2

 
     

F.S. Tp. 87 4 19 3

 
     

S.R. Tp. 60 3 14 3

 
     

TOTAL 39 3 12 11

 
         
     

Bty. To proceed to MOTE PARK - MAIDSTONE (bivouac area).

 
      

Period of Exercise 5 - 8th August.

 
 

30.6.41

 

SENNYBRIDGE PRACTICE CAMP

 
 

to

 

1 Troop each from F.S. and S.R. Bty

 
 

12.7.41

 

Officers Sgts. R & F Vehicles M.Cs.

 
     

A Troop 3 3 85 17 3

 
     

C Troop 2 2 63 12 3

 
         

Trowbridge

15.7.41

 

TRADE TESTS

 
     

29 Surveyors R.A. passed Class ll Trade Tests. 4 failures

 
         
 

15.7.41

 

LECTURE

 
     

An Officer of the S.R. Bty gave a lecture to the 67th Medium

 
     

Regt. R.A. at SEVENOAKS on SOUND RANGING

 
         
     

EXERCISES AND PRACTICE CAMPS

 
 

15.7.41

 

R.A. Practice Camp. West Down

 
 

TO

 

1 Troop each from F.S. & S.R. Btys. Attended practices of 69th Med. Regt. R.A.

 
 

22.7.41

 

Officers Sgts R & F Vehicles M.Cs.

 
     

F.S. Troop 3 3 76 15 3

 
      

S.R. Troop 2 2 56 11 1

 
          

Trowbridge

27.7.41

 

ATTACHMENT TO 12 CORPS

 
     

One Flash Spotting Troop complete with instruments attached to 12

 
     

Corps as from 27th July 1941 for surveying and manning of a permanent

 
     

base in the area of DOVER. Auth: SE/S/84/R.A. dtd 22.7.41

 
     

Troop released for period of Exercise "Morebinge". See above.

 
         

Trowbridge

31.7.41

 

COMPOSITE AND EXERCISE (BINGO)

 
     

An exercise of the Composite Bty of the 7th

 
     

Survey Regt. R.A. was carried out between 1000hrs and 1600hrs in the

 
     

BATH area.

 
     

The Bty. Consisting of 1 F.S., 1 S.R., 1 Svy

 
     

Troop and a B.H.Q. was deployed in support of Div. Arty. In the attack.

 
     

Troops were attached to an imaginary Medium Regt. For Counter Battery

 
     

Tasks on Divisional Front. Enemy Btys were represented by umpires

 
     

and gun cotton on the ground.

 
         

Trowbridge

2.7.41

 

POSTINGS OUT - OFFICERS

 
     

2/Lt. G.B. SLATER, R.A. posted to "attached" 3rd

 
     

reserve Med. Regt. R.A. in accordance with WOUPT 112/Arty/1662(A.G.6.p) dtd

 
     

30th June 1941 preparatory to proceeding overseas for service with R.A.

 
     

Field Regts. In India.

 
     

POSTINGS IN - OFFICERS

 
     

2/Lt. J.F.NICHOLAS, R.A. ) posted from 123rd O.C.T.U Catterick w.e.f

 
     

2/Lt. B.W.D. PAUL, R.A. ) 5 July, 1941. Auth: WOUPT 112/Arty/889

 
     

(A.G.6.P) dtd 26th June, 1941

 
 

End of

 

STRENGTH OF REGIMENT

 
 

July

 

29 Officers, 3 W.Os. 21 Sgts & L/Sgts. 488 R & F. Total O.Rs 514

 
         

Trowbridge

End of

 

MAJOR DEFICIENCIES - TRADESMEN

 
 

July

 

14 Surveyors R.A. for Flash Spotting Bty still deficient end of July

 
         
     

S.R. and Svy Btys. Within 2 of their establishment of Tradesmen

 
         
     

EQUIPMENT

 
     

7th Svy Regt. R.A. only able to put 1 troop per bty into the

 
     

field owing to lack of equipment.

 
         
     

VEHICLES

 
     

15 cars, 2 seater utility

 
     

8 trucks, 15cwt G.S. 4 Lorries 3 ton

 
     

Authorised for issue under H.F.4415/G(S.D) dtd 18 June 41 not arrived

 
     

by 31 July 41.

 
 

29/7

 

This Regt informed "Vehicles will be issued as soon as practicable", (S.C.Z/B168 (ORD.1) dtd 29.7.41)

 
         

TROWBRIDGE

2 Aug

 

The Regiment was ordered to produce a COMPOSITE BATTERY for 12th CORPS

 
     

exercise "MOREBINGE". Bty was formed of one troop from each of Flash-

 
     

Spotting, Sound Ranging and Survey Batteries. A Bty. H.Q. of one major and

 
     

one captain (the Adjutant in this case) was formed.

 
     

This was the first occasion when a composite battery from this

 
     

Regiment had taken part in an exercise with other troops.

 
     

Exercise lasted 4 days. The raped deployment in the mobile

 
     

phase produced many lessons. The C.O. took the role of Counter Battery

 
     

Commander under C.R.A. The Composite Bty. Was under command R.A. 43

 
     

Div. For the exercise

 
         

TROWBRIDGE

2 Aug

1200

Advance Party, 7th Survey Regimen, R.A. Composite Bty. Left Trowbridge for

 
     

12 Corps Exercise "Morebinge".

 
   

1300

Main Body Composite Bty. Left Trowbridge. Route : TROWBRIDGE - DEVIZES -

 
     

MARLBOROUGH - HUNGERFORD - NEWBURY - THEALE - PANGBOURNE.

 
   

1800

Main Body arrived STEATLY FARM (Pangbourne Staging Camp).

 
 

3

0700

Advance Party left Staging Camp

 
   

0800

Main Body left Staging Camp.

 
   

1430

Arrived bivouac area MOTE PARK - MAIDSTONE

 
 

4

2100

Composite Bty. (attached 43 Div.) moved to Divisional concentration area

 
     

EASTWELL PARK.

 
 

5

 

Composite Bty. Moved forward to TENTERDEN (3252). S.R. Base and two

 
     

F.S. posts deployed by 1900 hours.

 
 

6

 

Bty. Moved into "Shepherds" - fork road 3243. Three F.S.posts and S.R.

 
     

base in action on Div front.

 
 

7

 

F.S. and Svy. Tp in action. exercise completed.

 
         

TROWBRIDGE

7 Aug

 

Main body 7th Survey. R.A. changed station. TROWBRIDGE, WILTS. to

 
     

LINGFIELD, SURREY. Postal Address, 7th Survey Regt. R.A., C/O G.P.O.

 
     

LINGFIELD, SURREY.

 

LINGFIELD

8

 

Composite Bty. returned to Regtl. Area LINGFIELD, SURREY. Under Command,

 
     

H.Q., R.A. 4 Corps, East Grinstead.

 
 

11

1330

Composite Bty. moved into area STANSTEAD FOREST (1931) for R.A. 38 Div.

 
     

Exercise "BITTERN".

 
 

12

 

S.R. Base and 2 F.S. Posts in action. B.P.s in all gun areas by 1430 hrs

 
   

2000

Returned to Lingfield in two convoys.

 
 

12

 

1 officer, 30 O.Rs. Joined unit on completion of duty as rear party at TROWBRIDGE

 
 

15

1000

C.O. and Tp. Commanders attended conference at WORTHING on exercise "BITTERN".

 
 

18 )

     
 

19 )

 

R.A. 4 Corps. Night March

 
 

20 ) 21)

 

Composite or Observation Bty. Moved to area BRIGHTON - NEWHAVEN for

 
 

21 ) 22 )

 

R.A. 4 Corps Counter Bty. Exercise "GADFLY".

 
 

23 )

 

"X" Tp. Survey Bty. on 43 Div Exercise, "SALMON"

 

LINGFIELD

23 Aug

 

"SALMON"

 
 

23 )

 

B Tp. F.S. Bty. and D Tp. S.R. Bty. At WEST DOWN. R.A. Practice Camp for

 
 

to ) 27 )

 

R.A. 47 Div. Practice

 
 

25 )

 

"Y" Troop Survey Bty. Survey of Heavy Gun positions in Hailsham - Glynde -

 
 

to ) 27 )

 

Arundel areas.

 
         
     

Lt Col. K.F. Mc.K. Lewis

 
     

Commanding 7th Survey Regt R.A.

 
         
 

1 Sep

 

Regiment was located as follows

 
     

SURVEY BATTERY in billets at Tower House and Ray Lodge, Lingfield.

 
     

Battery H.Q. at Ray Lodge 1" sheet 125 (817636)

 
     

SOUND RANGING BATTERY in billets at Felcourt. Battery H.Q. at Felcourt.

 
     

1" sheet 125 (822605)

 
     

FLASH SPOTTING BATTERY. Battery H.Q. and one section in billets at

 
     

Ford Cottage 1" sheet 125 (846617)

 
     

"A" TROOP attached to 12 Corps manning a permanent base in the DOVER area.

 
     

Auth: SE/5/84/RA dated 22 Jul 41.

 
     

H.A.B. SECTION "B" TROOP operating with 43 DIV at WEST DOWN.

 
     

POSTING IN - OFFICERS

 
     

LIET. J.B. ROBINSON, R.A. posted to Regiment Auth: W.O.L. 112/Art/1802 (A.G.6.P) dated 19.8.41

 
     

and interposted to SOUND RANGING BATTERY

 
     

STRENGTH OF REGIMENT 31 officers 5 W.Os. 22 S/Sgts. & Sgts. 503 O.Rs.

 
         
 

1 Sep

 

C.C.R.A. BRIG. R.H. STUDDERT. D.S.O., M.C. Visited Regiment.

 
 

2

 

POSTINGS - O.Rs. 16 Surveyors R.A. posted from R.A. School of Survey

 
     

Interposted as follows : - F.S. Bty. 10 S.R. Bty. 2 Svy. Bty. 4.

 
     

M.T. Regiment took delivery of 16 NORTON 500 cc M/Cs.

 
     

Distribution - R.H.Q. 5 F.S. Bty. 5 Svy. Bty. 3 S.R. Bty. 3

 
 

4

 

D TROOP conducted a demonstration S.R. shoot to G.P.Os. Of 38 DIV at R.A.

 
     

PRACTICE CAMP, WEST DOWN.

 
     

B Troop H.A.B. Section returned from R.A. PRACTICE CAMP, WEST DOWN

 
     

LIEUT. J.M. TASKER posted from S.R. Battery H.Q. to R.H.Q.

 
 

6

 

MAJOR GENERAL O.M. LUND, D.S.O. visited the Regiment

 
     

LT. COL. K.F.McK. LEWIS M.C., R.A. attended conference at SCHOOL of ARTILLERY,

 
      

LARKHILL. MAJOR LEWZEY, R.A. Joined OBSERVATION BATTERY COMMANDERS COURSE

 
     

in FLASH SPOTTING at R.A. SCHOOL OF SURVEY, LARKHILL, Capt. P.R. MARRACK, R.A.

 
     

taking command of S.R. BTY.

 
          
 

7 Sep

 

47 DIV. EXERCISE EXERCISE "UBIQUE" commenced

 
   

1 OBSERVATION BATTERY under MAJOR T.N. ALLEN, O.C., F.S. Bty. moved to

 
   

concentration area WITLEY PARK, SHEET 124 map square 3658. (Composition of

 
   

Bty. - "B" Tp. "C" Tp. & "X" Tp.) UMPIRES - Lt. COL. K.F.McK. LEWIS, MC., R.A.

 
     

LIEUT. G.M. HORNER, R.A. 2/LIEUT. L.S.MICHIE, R.A.

 
 

8

 

EXERCISE "UBIQUE"

 
 

9

 

OBSERVATION BATTERY returned to billets LINGFIELD.

 
 

10

 

Lt. COL. K.F.McK. LEWIS, MC., R.A. attended conference in cloth model of

 
     

EXERCISE "UBIQUE" at H.Q. 12 Corps.

 
 

11

 

"B" TROOP relieved "A" TROOP at DOVER BASE.

 
     

"D" TROOP returned to billets from R.A. PRACTICE CAMP, WEST DOWN. "C" TROOP

 
     

Moved to R.A. PRACTICE CAMP, WEST DOWN. C "Y" TROOP (3 Officers 29 O.Rs.

 
     

carried out operational survey in areas. RIPE Q 9428, LAUGHTON Q.9331,

 
     

FRAMFIELD Q.9330, EAST HOATHLY Q.9534. B.Ps being fixed in these areas.

 
         
   

12 Sep

 

"A" TROOP, H.A.B. SECTION moved to R.A. PRACTICE CAMP, WEST DOWN to operate

 
      

with 43 div.

 
     

"Y" TROOP returned to billets at RAY LODGE, LINGFIELD

 
 

14

 

MAJOR L.G. LEWZEY, R.A. returned from R.A. SCHOOL OF SURVEY, LARKHILL and

 
     

resumed command of S.R. Battery.

 
 

15

 

MAJOR J.C. DENT, R.A. Assumed command of the Regiment during absence of

 
     

LT. COL. K.F.Mc. K. LEWIS, M.C., R.A. on leave. CAPT. H.G. BENNETT, R.A.

 
     

assumed command of the SURVEY BTY.

 
 

17

 

4 CORPS NIGHT MARCH. Regiment took part in 4 Corps Night March, watched by

 
     

C.C.R.A. (68 vehicles, 10 M/Cs.)

 
     

"B" TROOP carried out calibration for 59 HEAVY REGT.

 
 

19

 

"C" TROOP and "A" TROOP H.A.B. SECTION carried out collaboration location

 
     

shoot at R.A. PRACTICE CAMP, WEST DOWN. "X" TROOP (3 Officers 32 O.Rs.)

 
     

proceeded to WESTMESTON 7732 to carry out operational survey.

 
 

20

 

"X" TROOP returned to billets RAY LODGE, LINGFIELD

 
       
 

21 Sep

 

"A" TROOP carried out calibration for 78 MEDIUM REGT.

 
 

22

 

"C" TROOP and "A" TROOP H.A.B. SECTION returned from R.A. PRACTICE CAMP, WEST DOWN

 

23

 

M.T. Regiment took delivery of 15 MORRIS 2-SEATER UTILITIES from R.A.O.C.

 
     

CIRENCESTER. Auth: W.O.L. 57/Veh/9673(W.S.6.b.) dated 30.7.41

 
 

24

 

NIGHT MARCH. A Regimental Night March was carried out during night 24/25.

 
     

(72 Vehicles 13 M/Cs.)

 
 

24

 

"Y" TROOP (2 Officers 31 O.Rs.) moved to WARBLETON R.0236 to carry out

 
     

Operational Survey.

 
     

CAPT. P.R. MARRACK, R.A. Assumed command of S.R. Bty. during absence of

 
     

MAJOR L.G.LEWZEY, R.A. on leave.

 
 

25

 

EXERCISE "BUMPER" LT. COL. K.F.Mc.K. LEWIS., R.A. and MAJOR R.A.V

 
     

CRAWFORD, R.A. proceeded as Umpires on Exercise "BUMPER". Auth R.A. 4 Corps

 
     

letter 131/j dated 11 Sep.

 
     

"A" TROOP H.A.B. SECTION proceeded BOGNOR area to carry out calibration

 
     

of 114, 117 & 138 FIELD REGTS. R.A. Auth: 24/c/409 dtd 20 Sep from B.M.R.A. 47 (LONDON) DIV.

         
 

27-29

 

"A" TROOP H.A.B. SECTION moved to WORTHING AREA and carried out

 
     

calibration of 146, 132 & 102 FIELD REGTS. R.A.

 
 

27

 

"Y" TROOP returned to billets at RAY LODGE, LINGFIELD

 
 

30

 

"A" TROOP H.A.B. SECTION returned to billets from WORTHING area on

 
     

completion of calibration shoots

 
 

23-30

 

S.R. BTY. engaged on concreting NISSEN HUT STANDINGS and making road and

 
     

vehicle standings at FELCOURT, LINGFIELD.

 
         

Lingfield

1 Oct

 

Regiment was located as follows : -

 
     

R.H.Q. in Billets at "Claridges" Lingfield.

 
     

Flash Spotting Battery. Battery HQ and one section in billets at "FORD

 
     

COTTAGE", Lingfield, H.A.B. Section "A" Troop at "Little Westlands", Lingfield,

 
     

"B" Troop attached to 12 Corps manning a permanent base in the DOVER

 
     

area.

 
     

Sound Ranging Battery in billets at FELCOURT. Battery HQ at Felcourt School,

 
     

Lingfield

 
     

Survey Battery. In billets at Tower House and Ray Lodge, Lingfield

 
     

Battery HQ at Ray Lodge

 
     

Strength of Regiment. 32 Officers, 5 W.Os. 23 S/Sgts and Sgts. 499 O.Rs.

 
     

"X" Troop Svy Bty proceeded to Hawkhurst - Tenterden - Losthium area to fix

 
     

B.Ps. (2 officers, 29 O.Rs. 13 vehicles.)

 
 

4

 

"X" Troop returned to Lingfield

 
 

5

 

H.A.B. Section "A" Troop moved to billets in Newhaven for Calibration of 12" How.

 
         

Lingfield

6

 

Regimental Musketry week commenced. Each battery has instructor attached ex

 
     

R.A. 47 Div.

 
 

7

 

L.A.D. (1 S/Sgt. And 13 O.Rs. ) arrived to be attached to the regiment without any G 1098

 
     

stores. H.A.B. section "A" Troop returned to Lingfield, calibration being cancelled

 
 

9

 

Regimental Night March (80 vehicles). 6 officers, 180 men attended 4 Corps

 
     

R.A. Gas Spray Demonstration.

 
 

10

 

All Officers attended lecture by J.A.G. at Felcourt School.

 
 

11

 

On this and following four days all the Regiment went through D.M. Gas chamber

 
 

14

 

C.O., 2 i/c., QM went to look at billets in 12 Corps area.

 
 

15

 

H.A.B. Section "A" Troop to Worthing Area for calibration of 25 Pdrs. Of 38 Div.

 
 

16

 

During this and the next two days all men of the Regiment fired a rifle

 
     

course at Broadwater Ranges, Regimental Night March (80 vehicles).

 
 

17

 

H.A.B. Section "A" Troop returned to Lingfield.

 
 

18

 

3 Officers, 100 O.Rs. Attended Security Films (S.E. Command) at "The Colony", Lingfield.

 
         

Lingfield

18 Oct

 

Part of Observation Section "A" Troop moved to HAILSHAM area for calibration

 
     

of 12" Hows.

 
 

19

 

8 Officers, 50 O.Rs. Fired Thompson S.M.G. at Broadwater Ranges, Regiment

 
     

took delivery of 7 Utilities from Derby

 
 

20

 

S.R., H.Q. Survey section commenced rapid course in electricity and Sound

 
     

Ranging

 
 

22

 

Regimental Tactical Move , day and night. Lingfield - Nutley - Crawley area.

     

(80 Vehicles) 50 miles.

 
 

23

 

Observation Section "A" Troop returned to Lingfield

 
 

24

 

"C" Troop and BHQ Survey Section S.R. H.A.B. Section "A" Troop F.S. attached,

 
     

proceeded to Westdown for 56 Div. practice camp

 
 

25

 

"B" Troop returned to Lingfield from DOVER base

 
 

26

 

8 Officers, 40 O.Rs. Fired Thompson S.M.G. at Broadwater Ranges, Regiment

 
 

28

 

S.R. Battery HQ Survey Section returned from Westdown

 
 

30

 

Officers' Motor Cycle Trial (Road Riding).

 
         

Lingfield

1 Nov

 

The Regiment was located as follows : -

 
     

R.H.Q. IN Billets at "Claridges", Lingfield.

 
     

Flash Spotting Battery. B.H.Q. and one section in billets at "Ford Cottage"

 
     

Lingfield, H.A.B. Section "A" Troop at Westdown for 56 Div. Practice Camp,

 
     

"B" Troop in billets at "Little Westons", Lingfield.

 
     

Sound Ranging Battery. B.H.Q. and "D" Troop in Billets at Felcourt School,

 
     

Lingfield, "C" Troop at Westdown" for 56 Div Practice Camp.

 
     

Survey Battery. In billets at Tower House and Ray Lodge, Lingfield. B.H.Q.

 
     

at Ray Lodge.

 
     

Strength of Regiment 32 Officers, 5 W.Os., 23 S/Sgts and Sgts ., 493 O.Rs.

 
     

"C" Troop, S.R. Battery. Carried out an experimental shoot with a Troop of

 
     

64 Field Regiment R.A. to establish the practicability of Sound Registration

 
      

to solve the inaccurate base. Microphones were deliberately spotted off a

 
     

1/4" map and known to be 400 meters out. The shoot was watched by the

 
     

C.R.A., 56 Div., Practice Camp I.Gs. And I.G. from R.A. School of Survey and

 
         

Lingfield

1 Nov

 

was successful, the first ranging round falling within comparator range of

 
     

target. Details and data reported to R.A. School of Survey in the form of

 
     

papers by Lt. J.E.T. Horne in S.R. News Sheets for October and November.

 
     

1415085 W.O.I (R.S.M. Sur) Thomas, P. posted to 71st Medium Regiment, R.A.

 
     

as W.O.ii(BSM/Sur) w.e.f. 1.11.41. W.O.ii(BSM) BUDD R.E. posted R.H.Q.

 
     

from F.S. Bty. and promoted A/W.O.I(RSM) w.e.f. 1.11.41

 
 

4

 

Flash spotting and Survey Battery advance parties left Lingfield and

 
     

proceeded to new billeting area in SANDHURST and BODIAM areas respectively

 
     

Major. R.A.V. CRAWFORD, R.A. relinquished Second in Command of Regiment

 
     

on proceeding on a Staff Gunnery Course at the Military College of Science.

 
 

5

 

C. Troop, S.R. Battery returned from Westdown to Lingfield

 
     

D Troop S.R. Battery proceeded to Westdown for 56 Div Practice Camp.

 
     

S.R. Battery advance party left for new billets in area GOUDHURST.

 

10

 

D Troop S.R. Battery returned from Westdown to Lingfield

 
 

10

 

A Troop Ranging Section F.S Battery returned from Westdown to Lingfield.

 
         

Lingfield

10 Nov

 

"B" Troop ranging Section. F.S. Battery proceeded to WORTHING for calibration

 
     

of guns of 38 Division.

 
 

12

 

"B" Troop ranging Section. F.S. Battery returned from WORTHING to Lingfield.

 
 

14

 

R.H.Q. Advance party left for new billets in TICEHURST area.

 
 

14

 

Captain R.J. MILLER., R.A., promoted to A/Major w.e.f. 5 Nov 41.

 
 

15

 

Lt. J.M. TASKER., R.A. promoted to A/Captain w.e.f. 5 Nov 41. Flash Spotting Battery main body, left LINGFIELD for new billets in SANDHURST

 
     

(KENT) area, B.H.Q. and "A" Troop at 224481, "B" Troop and H.Q. Section Survey

 
     

Battery at LINKHILL and BOXHURST.

 
     

Sound Ranging Battery. Main body left Lingfield for new billets in GOUDHURST

 
     

(KENT) area, B.H.Q. and "D" Troop at LADIES' (1881) COLLEGE and "C" Troop at

 
     

THE GROVE.

 
     

Survey Battery main body left Lingfield for new billets in BODIAM (Sussex) area.

 
     

B.H.Q. and both troops at 220445.

 
 

18

 

Major R.J. MILLER., R.A. relinquished command of D Troop, S.R. Bty on

 
     

assuming command of Survey Bty.

 
         

Lingfield

18 Nov

 

2/Lt. J.F. NICHOLAS., R.A. interposted from Survey Bty. to S.R. Bty.

 
 

19

 

R.H.Q. main body left Lingfield for new billets in TICEHURST (Sussex) area

 
 

19

 

R.H.Q. at DOWNASH, FLIMWELL and billet at SINGEHURST, TICEHURST. Major J.C. DENT, R.A. interposted to R.H.Q. on assuming 2nd in Command of the Regiment

 
   

2/Lt. B.W.D. PAUL,. R.A. interposted to R.H.Q. from S.R. Bty. as assistant Adjutant. 2/Lt. R.L. de Peyrecave, R.A. interposted to R.H.Q. from F.S. Bty, as Messing Officer

 
 

20

 

4 Corps replaced by 1 Canadian Corps. 7th Survey Regt. Came under command 12 Corps. Move into 12 Corps area completed.

 

FLIMWELL

20

 

Capt. J.M. TASKER, R.A. interposted from R.H.Q. to S.R. Bty and assumed command of D Troop.

 
     

Lt. J.E.H. WOLFF, R.A. interposted from R.H.Q. to Survey bty. F.S., S.R. and Svy Bty rear parties left Lingfield for new billets.

 
 

22

 

R.H.Q. rear party left Lingfield for new billets. "P" Composite Bty. composed as under left for Exercise "Greatbinge" : -

 
     

X Troop Survey Bty. C Troop S.R. Bty. B.H.Q. and A Troop F.S. Bty. Placed under command 44 DIV See appendix "A".

 
 

23

 

"Q" Composite Bty composed as under left for Exercise "Greatbinge" Survey Bty (less 1 Troop) B.H.Q. D Troop and B.H.Q. Survey party S.R. Bty.

 
 

27

 

B Troop F.S. Bty. Placed under command 43 DIV. See appendix B. "P" and "Q" Composite Btys returned from exercise "Greatbinge"

 
 

30

 

No. 883598 W/Sgt Twells J.H. admitted to Cambridge Military Hospital suffering from T.B. and invalided from the service under provision of para 385(xvi) K.Rs. 1940.

 
         

FLIMWELL

1 Dec

 

The Regiment was located as follows :-

 
     

R.H.Q in billets at "DOWNASH", FLIMWELL, near HAWKHURST, KENT Flash Spotting Battery, B.H.Q. and A Troop in billets at 224481. B Troop

 
     

(with H.Q. Section Survey Bty) in billets at LINKHILL and BOXHURST near SANDHURST, Kent.

 
     

Sound Ranging Battery. B.H.Q. and D Troop in billets at Ladies College (1881) and C Troop in billets at "The Grove", GOUDHURST, KENT.

 
     

Survey Battery, B.H.Q. And both Troops in hutted camp at OAKSIDE, BODIAM, Kent, H.Q. Section in billets with B Troop Flash Spotting Battery at

 
     

LINKHILL, Sandhurst. 2/Lt. J.F. NICHOLAS, R.A. (Sound Ranging Battery) admitted to Leeds Castle

 
 

11

 

Military Hospital with appendicitis. "P" Composite Battery composed of C Troop and B.H.Q.Survey Section S.R.

 
   

Battery, A Troop F.S. Battery and X troop Survey Battery moved to EASTWELL PARK, Ashford, to concentrate for Exercise "RAPID" and was placed under

 
 

11

 

command 46 Div. 867972 Sgt(Sur) KING. G. Ex 123 O.C.T.R. R.A. Arrived on posting.

 
 

13

 

70338 P/A/Captain R.F. LEITH, R.A. Posted to the Regiment w.e.f 13.12.41. From S.A.Q.C. East Kent - Auth: W.O. letter P/7033B/3 (A.G.6.P) of 24.11.41

 
     

Interposted to S.R. Battery. 11 Flash Spotters and 4 Sound Rangers posted to the Regiment from, the R.A.

 
     

School of Survey and interposted to Flash Spotting and Sound Ranging batteries respectively.

 
 

15 17

 

1113367 Gnr Wicks ex W/T T.A. Reserve joined on posting 1099308 Gnr Pendrick H posted to 38 Signal Training Regiment, R.A.

 
 

18 20

 

Ranging Section A Troop F.S. Battery calibrated two guns of the 59 Hy Regt R.A. 2/Lt. J.F. Nicholas, R.A. discharged from Leeds Military Hospital and

 
     

proceeded on 21 days Sick Leave from 21.12.41 to 10.1.42

 
         

FLIMWELL

20 Dec

 

200621 2/Lt. R.N. JONES. R.A. posted to the Regiment from R.A. Depot.

 
     

Woolwich w.e.f. 20.12.41. To join on conclusion of leave. Auth: W.O.U.M. 112/Arty/2520 (A.G.6.P) of 21.12 41

 
 

21

 

Ranging Section "B" Tp. F.S. Bty moved to No 1 Practice Camp, West Down for co-operation with 44 Div.

 
     

D Troop S.R. Bty moved to No 1 Practice Camp, West Down for co-operation with 44 Div.

 
 

22 23

 

867972 Sgt(Sur) KING G posted attached 277 General Transport Co. R.A.S.C. D Troop S.R. Bty conducted successful shoot in co-operation with 5 Med

 
     

Regt R.A. and returned to billets GOUDHURST by night march. 1113367 Gnr WICKS posted to R.A. School of Survey.

 
 

24 27

 

Ranging Section B Troop F.S. Battery returned from West Down to billets. 987446 Gnr MAXWELL R.H.M. posted to the Regiment from 38 Signal Training

 
 

30

 

Regiment R.A. to replace Gnr Pendrick. Ranging Section, B Troop, F.S. Battery moved to No 1 Practice Camp, West

 
     

Down, for co-operation with 44 Div.