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 1942

                                           (Delete heading not required)          Commanding Officer Lt Col

Place

Date

Hour

Summary of Events and Information

References to Appendices

FLIMWELL

1 JAN

The Regiment was located as shown in the war Diary for December 1941.

1 - 12

Ranging Section "B" Troop F.S. Bty. practising with 44 Div Artillery at No 1 R.A. Practice Camp, West Down.

2

T/Major L.G. LEWZEY, R.A. returned from No 1 R.A. Practice Camp, West Down and resumed command of S.R. Bty.

"P" Composite Battery composed of "A", "C", & "X" Troops took part in skeleton DIV ARTILLERY EXERCISE, area RYE.

4

2/Lt.G.M. HORNER. R.A. S.R. Bty. attended course No 12A Army School of Hygiene, Mytchett.

4 - 5

"Y" Troop, Survey Bty. in Lydd area carrying out operational survey for calibration of 46 DIV ARTILLERY.

5

2/Lt. N. JONES, R.A. posted to the Regiment from attd. Depot, R.A. and interposted to Survey Battery.

7

Ranging Section "A" Troop F.S. Bty, co-operated in calibration of 46 Div Artillery, DUNGENESS RANGES.

9
10

2/ Lt. H.G.R DILLISTONE, R.A. attached to R.H.Q. from Survey Bty. Lt. G.M. HORNER, R.A. returned to S.R. Bty. from Army School of Hygiene.

H.Q. Section of Survey Bty. Moved from SANDHURST to hutted camp at BODIAM, already accommodating "X" and "Y" Troops.

11

2/Lt. J.F. Nicholas, R.A. posted "Y" List, attached R.A. Depot, on completion of 21 days sick leave.

12 - 15

Regiment was ordered to observe "fall of shot" calibration of 9.2 guns of 3 SUPER HEAVY REGT. R.A. A Sound Ranging location base (BTY. H.Q &

"D" Troop ) was deployed area OLD ROMNEY (4743) and a Flash Spotting base was deployed area WYE - BRABOURNE (5459) to locate the guns. Both

Ranging Sections of Flash Spotting Battery were deployed in target area (DUNGENESS) to observe fall of shot. As guns did not fire on 12.1.42

bases remained deployed until 15.1.42. Guns fired 14.1.42. Fall of shot satisfactorily recorded.

FLIMWELL

12 - 15

Gun located at distance of 16500 to accuracy of 200 metres

Ranging base. Meteor conditions - bad. Gun was not located by Flash Spotting base owing to thick weather.

22

Major L.G. LEWZEY, R.A. S.R. Bty. presided over F.G.C.M. Bty. H.Q. 159 Lt A.A. Bty. R.A. near Hastings.

22-23

All officers, W.Os. And 50 N.C.Os. Attended demonstration of Platoon in Attack, all weapons firing live ammunition, at 12 Corps School Field Firing

23

Range, IZENHURST. Brigadier S.C. KIRKMAN, M.C., O.B.E., C.C.R.A. 12 Corps visited R.H.Q.

24
26 - 30

2/Lt. J.F. NICHOLAS, R.A. posted to Regiment from attached R.A. Depot. All officers attended Regimental Study Week at R.H.Q. under instructions of C.O.

30

Lt.COL. H.H. HEMMING, M.C., R.A., R.A. School of Survey, visited the

28 - 29

Regiment and lectured on "Survey in the American Army". Major J.C. DENT, R.A. member of G.C.M. at I.T.C. CANTERBURY.

31

"A" Troop F.S. Bty. and "C" Troop S.R. Bty. proceeded to area RAMSGATE and SANDWICH to co-operate with 5 MEDIUM REGIMENT, R.A. PRACTICE.

Lt. COL. K.F.Mc.K. LEWIS, M.C., R.A. Major J.C. DENT, R.A. Captain B.J. MASTERSON R.A. Major R.J. MILLER, R.A. and Captain W. SOMMERVILLE, R.A.

attended lecture on "The Battle of Libya" by Lieut.-General G le Q. MARTEL, C.B., D.S.O., M.C., at Brighton.

FLIMWELL

1 FEB

The Regiment less "A" Tp. F.S. Bty., "C" Tp. S.R. Bty. and H.Q. Secn. Svy

Bty located as shown in WAR DIARY for JANUARY. 'A' Tp. F.S. Bty. H.Q. at RAMSGATE, 8282, co-operating with MED REGT R.A.

C' Tp. & S.R. Bty. H.Q. at SANDWICH, 7776, commenced survey and wiring of S.R. Bases for co-operation with 5 MED REGT R.A.

2

"C" Tp. conducted a successful ranging shoot with 5 MED REGT R.A. on SANDWICH RANGES using Sound Registration. Wiring and survey Location

Base 6478 to 6770 (O.S.177A) completed. Attempt to locate guns in area 7477 was unsuccessful, due to extremely bad meteor conditions.

1 - 8

SURVEY BTY H.Q. SECTION in area RAMSGATE 8282, attached to 72 H.A.A. Regt R.A., fixing survey data on known ranges for Height Finders

4
4 - 8

"A" and "C" Troops returned to billets. S.R. Bty H.Q. SURVEY SECTION carried out survey of Bearing Pickets for

4 - 6

393/72 Hy. A.A. Regt.R.A. area MARGATE C.O., Adjutant and O.C. 'Q' Composite Bty. took part in Corps skeleton

6

Exercise "GALAHAD" area HASTINGS. 2/Lt BEER R.A. attached from 65 Fd Regt R.A. under instruction.

8

Lt. R.S. WHITBY, R.A. and Lt. R.L. BONGARD, R.A. proceeded on course at Tactical Wing, 12 Corps School. Authy. 12 Corps letter RA/575/108 dated 27 Jan.

10

Capt J.H.V. ARBIB, R.A. and Capt H.G. BENNETT, R.A. proceeded on courses R.A. School of Survey. Auth: WOL.43/Arty(MT2) dated 23 Nov 41.

10 - 17

MAJOR T.N. ALLEN, R.A. O.C. F.S. Bty. on privilege leave, Capt. E.E. BARLOW, R.A. Assumed command of Battery.

20

Technical Trials on S.R. RADIO-LINK, as received from Ordnance Workshops, conducted by "D" Tp in the presence of MAJOR PRINCE, R.C.S. Lt. ROBERTS, R.C.S

See Appendix A

(representatives of C.I.E.S.S.) Capt BARKER, R.A.O.C. Aldershot, Capt TANNER, R.A. (R.A. School of Survey) and Capt HAGUE R.C.A.

21

"Q" Composite Bty. (Bty. H.Q. & D Tp S.R. Bty, "B" Tp F.S. Bty, Bty H.Q. and "Y Tp Survey Bty) took part in Regtl Exercise "NUTS", area SEDLESCOMBE 2137.

21

MAJOR SISSON, R.A. and CAPT TANNER, R.A. (R.A. School of Survey) Major

PRINCE, R.C.S., LT. ROBERTS, R.C.S. (C.I.E.S.S. representatives) CAPT BARKER, R.A.O.C. attended exercise.

further tests on Radio Link were carried out on conclusion of exercise at 1400 hrs.

23 - 24

"A" TROOP RANGING SECTION and one O.P. "B" Troop carried our successful Short Base Registration and Ranging Meteor with 27 Army Fd Regt R.A. at

23

No 1 R.A. Practice Camp, WESTDOWN. O.C., Survey Bty held Class ii TRADE TEST for Surveyors, R.A. (30 candidates).

25

O.C. proceeded on Staff & Regtl Officers Security Course, MATLOCK. Auth : RA/615/91 dated 13 Jan 42, (R.A. 12 Corps). MAJOR J.C. DENT, R.A. assumed

27

command of the Regiment. S.R. Bty. H.Q. Survey Section attached to Survey Battery for training and

Class ii Trade Test for Surveyors, R.A.

Flimwell

1 March

The Regiment was located as shown in the WAR DIARY, for JANUARY 1. Major J.C.

Dent, R.A. in command of Regiment during C.Os. Absence on Security Course. MATLOCK

2 - 5

Rifle, Bren and Thompson Sub machine practice for all ranks, SOUTHBOROUGH RANGES

2

Major. J.C. DENT, R.A. proceeded on Flash Spotting and Sound Ranging Course for

Seconds - in - Command at R.A. School of Survey. Major. T.N. ALLEN, R.A. assumed command of the regiment.

6 - 10

12 Corps Skeleton Exercise "Lancelot". Os. C. 'P' and 'Q' Composite Batteries,

8

Adjutant and C.O. (on his return from course 8 MARCH) took part. C.O. resumed command of regiment.

8 - 9

A' troop Ranging Section observed fall of shot for calibration of 27 A. Fd. Regt.

9

Guns badly out of calibration. 15 O.Rs. Attached to Survey Battery from 58 Fd Regt, 64 Fd Regt, 94 Fd Regt.

70 Fd Regt, 151 A.Fd Regt, 5 Med Regt and 3 Super Hy Regt for Battery Surveyors Class 11 Trade Test. 12 Passed.

10 - 14

B' Troop, F.S. Bty and 'C' Troop S.R. Bty moved to No 1 R.A. Practice Camp, West Down and co-operated with 74 MED REGT, R.A. Three targets engaged by

Short Base Registration. Two successfully and one unsuccessfully owing to bad target indication. Three ranging shoots, two successful, conducted by

C' Troop and one unsuccessful location shoot owing to poor meteor conditions and imperfect A.P. organisation.

10

Capt J.M. TASKER, R.A. ('D' Tp. Comdr) proceeded to I.O.M. to attend course

No 28 at R.A.F. Aircraft Recognition Wing.

FLIMWELL

14

Final conference on exercise "LANCELOT" at TONBRIDGE attended by C.O.,

O.C. 'P' Composite Bty, O.C. 'Q' Composite Bty. and Adjutant. 2/Lt. G.L. Hobbs, R.A. (Survey Bty) posted to 9 Fd Regt. R.A. as R.S.O.

Major J.C. DENT, R.A., second-in-command, returned from course at R.A. School of Survey

17 - 18

1 O.P. from 'A' Tp. F.S. Bty conducted Short Base Registration with 65 Fd. Regt R.A. at LYDD

17

Major L.G. LEWZEY, R.A. proceeded on Wireless Course No 84 at R.A. School of Survey

8 Battery Surveyors attached to Svy Bty from 70 Fd Regt R.A. and 151 A Fd Regt R.A. for Group "C" Class 1 Trade Test. 4 Passed.

19 - 20

"C" Tp. S.R. Bty at LARKHILL conducted location shoots with 59 Hy Regt R.A. 'A' locations obtained for 6" guns at 14000yds. 9.2" How. Locations thwarted by shell wave.

22

Officers Rough Riding Motorcycle Trials held on specially selected course at R.H.Q.

Lt. G.M. HORNER, R.A. proceeded on course at 44 Div. Battle School.

Lt. J.E.H. Wolff, R.A. proceeded on Education Course, Army School of Education WAKEFIELD

24

2/Lt. B.W.D. PAUL, R.A. Proceeded on course No 44, 12 Corps V.M.Wing. Major J.C. Dent, R.A. appointed Second-in-Command with effect from 3 Jan 42. Auth

Appendix A to South Eastern Command Order 31 Order No 244 dated 24 March 42. Lt. K.W. DOWELL, R.A. posted to this regiment from 1st Survey Regt R.A. Auth :

P/101375/3 (A.G.6.P) dated 21 Mar 42. 'P' Composite Bty Exercise "OAK", area BRIGHTLING - ETCHINGHAM. O.S.12.(R, 14,)

25 - 26

B' TP. F.S. Bty and 'D' Tp. S.R. Bty at LYDD with V Med Regt R.A. Two Short Base Registration and two SOUND RANGING SHOOTS were carried out.

25

Major L.G. LEWZEY, R.A. completed course at R.A. School of Survey and proceeded on 9 days privilege leave. Capt P.R. Marrack, R.A. assumed command.

FLIMWELL

25

S.R. Bty.

27

3 Officers and 97 Ors attended Aircraft Recognition Lecture at SOUTHBRIDGE.

31

Regimental Exercise " MORE NUTS". Revision of Exercise "NUTS" (See W.D. for

21 Feb). AREA SEDLESCOMBE (2137), STAPLECROSS (2140).

X' Tp and HQ Section of Survey Bty, and Ranging Section F.S.Bty took part.

FLIMWELL

1 April

The Regiment was located as shown in WAR DIARY fir MARCH 1st.

1 - 2

A' Tp, Ranging Section, F.S. Bty at LYDD (4739) for calibration of guns of 3 Super Hy Regt R.A.

3 - 10

B' Tp, Ranging Section, F.S. Bty and 'D' Tp. S.R. Bty. moved to No 1 R.A. PRACTICE CAMP, WESTDOWN and carried out series of successful shoots with 2

MEDIUM REGT R.A. 2 Meteor fan shoots, 2 H.A.B. shoots, 2 series of S.B.R. Shoots, series of successful SOUNDRANGING shoots using RADIO LINK.

8 - 11

C.O. and O.C., S.R. Bty attended S.R. Battery Commanders Conference at R.A. School of Survey.

9

Capt W. SOMMERVILLE, R.A. 'Y' Tp Comdr, Svy Bty. attached to MILITARY SCHOOL of ADMINISTRATION, authority war office letter 43/S.S/4 (M.T.4.d) of 2.4.42

10

Survey Battery firing rifle, Bren, and Thompson Sub M.G. at SOUTHBOROUGH RANGES (0161)

13 -17
15 - 22

A' Tp. F.S. Bty. Held Class 11 Trade Test. Major J.C. DENT, R.A. proceeded on leave, Major L.G. LEWZEY R.A. acting as

20 - 25

second-in-command. 3 officers and 12 Ors 2 Med Regt R.A. attended course on H.A.B. & Short Base

21

registration at F.S. Bty. S.R. Bty. at SOUTHBRIDGE RIFLE RANGES (0161) for, rifle, Bren, and Thompson Sub

22 - 24

M.G. practice. F.S. Demonstration Circus visited 81, 83, and 133 Fd Regt R.A. to demonstrate

23

H.A.B: and Short Base registration. 'B' Tp, F.S. Bty. carried out S.B.R. with 71 Fd Regt R.A. at LYDD RANGES

(4739). C.O. proceeded on leave, Major J.C.Dent, R.A. assumed command of the regiment

27 - 28

A' Tp Ranging Section, F.S. Bty. carried out calibration of BOCHE BUSTER at DUNGENESS.

28 - 29

Q' Composite Battery took part in 51 Div EXERCISE " SUTHERLAND" in

FLIMWELL

28 - 29

AREA ALDERSHOT

30

3 S.B.R parties and 'A' Tp Ranging Section (F.S. Bty) proceeded to 53 Div

PRACTICE CAMP AT SENNYBRIDGE.

FLIMWELL

1 MAY
1 - 11

THE REGIMENT was located as shown in WAR DIARY for APRIL 1st. A Troop (F S Bty) co-operate with Regiments of 53 Div at SENNYBRIDGE PRACTICE

CAMP, H A B and S B R; Meteor fan shot with 81st and 83rd Field Regts R.A. Targets successfully engaged with 133 Fd Regt R.A.

3

CAPT P R MARRACK, R.A. proceeded on attachment to Centre Barr 1st (Indep) S R Bty R.A. HYTHE for a Meteor Course. LIEUT. L S MICHIE, R.A. proceeded to 12 Corps

4

V/M Wing to attend Course No 50. B TROOP (F S BTY) co-operated with 72 Med Regt R A 46. Successful S B R shoots were

5

carried out at DUNGENESS. CAPT E E BARLOW, R.A. lectured at HQ, R.A. 46 Div at WYE COLLEGE (495652) on

"Observations and F.S. Work" to infantry I Parties. 2/LIEUT. R S WHITBY R.A. Proceeded to School of Survey LARKHILL to attend course No 9 (5.5.42 to 30.5.42)

S.R. Battery moved from GOUDHURST (1656) to new billets at LILLESDEN (1947).

HAWKHURST

8 8 - 14

RHQ moved from Downash, Flimwell 1450) to TONGSWOOD HOUSE, HAWKHURST (2149) B TROOP (F.S.) and BHQ (FS) moved to new billets at RISEDEN (2148)

11

Capt E.E. BARLOW, R.A. proceeded to R.A.Mech. Traction School, RHYL to attend Course No 24 (11.5.42 to 23.5.42). LIEUT. W SMITH, R A M C attached to this

Unit with effect from 11.5.42: authy DDMS 12 Corps C/I/J dated 20 Apr 42. LIEUT. B.J. MASTERSON R.A POSTED to 23rd Fd regt R.A with effect from 11.5.42

13 14

authy 112/Arty/3170/A G 6 P dated 28.4.42. 2/LIEUT. J.F. NICHOLAS, R.A appointed Adjutant with effect from 11.5.42

15

X Troop moved from BODIAM (2144) to new billets in HAWKHURST (2149) Y Troop and BHQ (SVY) moved to new billets at Wolfhound Hotel, HAWKHURST

16 17

(209489) "P" COMPOSITE BTY carried out a night convoy exercise to CHARING (5368)

RHQ and "Q" COMPOSITE BTY carried out a night convoy exercise to CHARING (5368) T/Major L.G. LEWZEY posted to officers Wing Depot R.A. with effect from 17.5.40:

authy W.O.U.M. 112/Arty 1663 dated 3.5.42. Capt P.R. MARRACK, R.A. assumed command of S.R. Battery with effect from 17.5.42. LIEUT. G.M. HORNER, R.A. Assumed

HAWKHURST

17 18

command of C Troop. Lieut. C. J. BUCHANAN-DUNLOP., R.A. proceeded to R.A. Mech. Traction School, RHYL to

19

attend course No 27 (18.5.42 to 13.6 42) Lieut. R.L. BONGARD., R.A. posted to Officers Wing Depot R.A. with effect from

19.5.52. THE REGIMENT took part in S E Command Exercise "TIGER" (App "A", App "B") under command C.C.R.A. 12 Corps. Major J.C. DENT commanded the Regiment during the

absence of Lt. Col K. F.Mc.K. LEWIS M.C. R.A. as an umpire, The Regiment was organised into two composite batteries; each consisted of a BHQ.

20

F.S. Troop, S.R Troop and Survey Troop A Troop RANGING SECTION moved to HYTHE area for calibration of 12th How

App A "P" Comp Bty R.A
App B "Q" Comp Bty R.A

21

11 Gnr/Surveyors R.A. posted to 1st Res Field R.A. with effect from 21.5.42 2 Gnr/Surveyors RA and 5 Drivers i/c posted to 3rd Res Med Regt R.A. with

23

effect from 21.5.42. A Troop RANGING SECTION returned from HYTHE to take part in exercise "TIGER"

and moved to a hide in area 2357. No calibration was possible due to poor visibility

26

4 Gnrs (line and wireless) posted to the Survey Regt R.A. with effect from 26.5.42.

29

8 Ors posted from 25 Med & Heavy Trg Regt R.A. authy W.O.P. No 1538/Field dated 20.5.42.

31

THE REGIMENT returned to its billets after conclusion of exercise "Tiger".

HAWKHURST

1 JUNE

THE REGIMENT was located as shown below : -

RHQ at TONGSWOOD HOUSE, HAWKHURST (2149): F.Sp Bty Hq and B TROOP at RISDEN (2148); A TP (F Sp) at BEECHES FARM, SANDHURST (2248: S Rg Bty at LILLESDEN

(1947); SURVEY BATTERY at "FOTHERSBY" and "The WOLFHOUND", HAWKHURST (2048). STRENGTH OF THE REGIMENT: Officers 29. Other Ranks 449.

2/Lt J.F. NICHOLAS, R.A. Granted unpaid and paid acting rank of Captain w.e.f. 11.5.42 authy S.E.C.O. 472 of 28.5.42

3

Lieut R.F. LEITH, R. A. proceeded to School of Survey LARKHILL on Sound Ranging Course No 17 from 3.6.42 to 16.6.42. "X" Troop and "Y" Troop fixed A.A.

4

Sites in MAIDSTONE and ASHFORD areas X TROOP fixed A.A. sites in TUNBRIDGE WELLS area.

6

A TROOP (F Sp) proceeded to WEST DOWN CAMP for co-operation with 46 Div.; X Troop (SVY) fixed A.A. sites in CANTERBURY area.

7

A TROOP RANGING SECTION carried out two engagement shoots with 46 DIV.: the observation section was employed in intelligence role. Y Troop (Svy) proceeded

8

to 43 Div area and fixed 8 Bearing Pickets. Y TROOP (Svy) fixed 5 Bearing Pickets in the THAMES area (43 DIV).

At WEST DOWN, A Troop (F Sp) Ranging Section carried out a successful H.A.B Fan Shoot; a successful S.B.R. demonstration was given by the Observation

9

Section to 46 Div Artillery. A Troop (F Sp) returned from WEST DOWN Camp to billets at HAWKHURST.

10

T/Capt W. SOMMERVILLE, R.A. posted to GHQ, Home Forces w.e.f. 10.6.42; authy - WOUM 112/Gen/4991/(AG1P) of 29.5.42. Lieut C.J. BUCHANAN-DUNLOP R.A. assumed Command

11 - 12

of Y Troop. A TROOP (F Sp) Ranging Section proceeded to HYTHE area for calibration of 12 in.

13 - 25

How; calibration successful; observation good. A TROOP returned from HYTHE to HAWKHURST. B TROOP (F Sp) and C Troop (S Rg) proceeded to

SENNYBRIDGE CAMP for co-operation with 72 and 79 Med Regts R.A

HAWKHURST

13 - 25

(continued), Successful shoots carried out on a wired base by C TROOP. B TROOP carried out H.A.B. METEOR SHOOTS, and SBR. Good results.

T/MAJOR R.J. MILLER., R.A. assumed command of the regiment during the absence of the Commanding Officer at SENNYBRIDGE PRACTICE CAMP.

14

2/Lt. R.N. JONES., R.A. proceeded to xii Corps School V/M Wing to attend course No. 55 from 14 JUN 42 to 4 JUL 42.

16

T/Capt P.R. MARRACK, R.A. granted unpaid and paid acting rank of Major w.e.f. 17.5.42 Lieut G.M. HORNER., R.A. granted unpaid and paid acting rank of

Captain w.e.f 17.5.42 - authy; S.E.C.O. 528 of 16.6.42 Y Troop carried out operational survey in CANTERBURY and EAST HOATHLY area (9634)

20 - 23

A Troop Ranging Section and X Troop proceeded to WEST DOWN CAMP for practice with 70 Fd Regt R.A. and 72 Med Regt R.A.; successful H.A.B. shoots were carried out.

23

A Troop Ranging Section and X Troop returned from WEST DOWN.

A/Capt J.F. NICHOLAS, R.A. proceeded to R.A. Records Office, SIDCUP to attend Adjutants Course from 23.6.42 to 25.6.42.

Major A. WEDGWOOD, R.A. posted to this unit from R.A. School of Survey w.e.f. 23.6.42 - authy: 112/arty/317 dated 15.6.42. T/Major J.C. DENT, R.A. struck

off the strength of this unit and posted to Depot R.A. w.e.f. 23.6.42 on on proceeding to attend 14th War Gunnery Course - authy: A.C.I. 798/41. The

C.O. re-assumed command of the Regiment on his return from Practice Camp at SENNYBRIDGE.

24

R.H.Q., SURVEY BTY H.Q., Svy H.Q. SECTION and Q COMPOSITE BATTERY proceeded on 43 Div Exercise "RARE ONE". Trials of the proposed new War Establishment

of a Survey Regiment R.A. were carried out on this exercise. Although it was found possible to operate the Regiment on the new organisation, certain modifications

appendix A

25

were recommended. B Troop (F Sp) and C Troop (S Rg) returned from SENNYBRIDGE PRACTICE CAMP.

HAWKHURST

27

Units taking part in RARE ONE returned to their billets on conclusion of this exercise.

28

2/Lt. W.H. SMALL, R.A. proceeded on tactical course, Junior Wing, XII Corps School TONBRIDGE from 28.6.42 to 11.7.42.

29 - 30

B Troop (Ranging Section and Observation Section) and D Troop (S Rg) co-operated with 2 Med Regt.R.A.in the area EAST HOATHLY (9634). Good results obtained

at H.A.B and S.B.R.

HAWKHURST

1 JULY

The Regiment was located as Shewn in War Diary for JUNE 1st. Strength Officers 29, Ors 514.

2 - 7

B Troop (F.Sp) Ranging Section u/c Lieut R L de Peyrecave R.A. and D Troop (S Rg) u/c Capt J M Tasker R.A. attached to 79 Med Regt R.A. to give training and

7

instruction prior to Exercise RARE TWO. S Rg Battery carried out A.A.L.M.G practice with balloons on CAMBER SANDS (3837)

7

Lieut C J BUCHANAN-DUNLOP R.A. promoted Captain and granted unpaid and paid acting rank with effect from 10 JUN 42. Authy: S.E.C.O. No 64 (App A) dated 7 Jul 42.

8 - 11

Q Composite Battery R.A. proceeded on exercise RARE TWO u/c 46 Div.

10

Survey Battery carried out A.A.L.M.G practice with balloons at CAMBER SANDS (3837) Survey HQ Section u/c 2/Lieut R S WHITBY R.A. carried out operational survey in

13 - 16

Chatham area (A.A. sites). Capt J M Tasker R.A, Lieut J.E.H WOLFF, R.A., Lieut R L de PEYRECAVE R.A., and

2/Lieut R. N. JONES. R.A., attached S E Army Camouflage Training Centre with effect from 13 Jul 42 to 16 Jul 42 while attending a course.

15 - 18 15 - 16

P Composite Battery R A proceeded on exercise RARE THREE u/c 53 Div. HQ Survey Section u/c 2/Lieut R S Whitby RA fixed BPs for 133 and 81st Field

Regiments R A and carried out operational survey in CHATHAM area for 28 A. A. Bde R.A.

19

Lieut P. SLOMAN R A posted to this unit from "att" Depot R.A. with effect from 19 Jul 42. Authy : 112/Arty/3293 (AG6P) of 16 Jul 42.

20

Lieut R. R. SOUPER. R.A., from 1st Indep S Rg Bty attached to this unit for all purposes with effect from 20 Jul 42 to 1 Aug 42.

22

Major A. WEDGWOOD. R.A., assumed command of the Regiment during the absence of the C O attending Practice Camp at SENNYBRIDGE.

Q Composite Battery R.A. proceeded to SENNYBRIDGE PRACTICE CAMP to co-operate with 43 Div Artillery.

HAWKHURST

25 - 31

P Composite Battery R A proceeded on Exercise HAROLD u/c 46 Div. Meteor

for the divisional artillery was provided by F Sp Ranging Section; many

hostile batteries were located by F Sp Observation Section and a large

amount of valuable intelligence was obtained. Several locations were

obtained by Sound Ranging Troop; Survey completed all their tasks by putting

all guns on a grid in the time allowed.

Major A Wedgwood R.A

commanding 7th Survey Regiment, R.A

HAWKHURST

1 Aug

The Regiment was located as shown in War Diary for July 1st

Strength : - Officers 29 Ors. 514.

1 - 31

The Regiment gave agricultural assistance to local farmers: this took precedence

over all training except for operational and Corps and Divisional Exercises

3

An exchange of 50 Ors. Was made with the 1st Independent Sound Ranging

4 - 7

Battery EYTHORNE for one month's training Q Composite Bty returned from Practice Camp at SENNYBRIDGE

14
15

C.C.R.A. visited the regiment for general inspection. "A" Troop Ranging Section under command 2/Lieut E.H.R. NOKES., R.A. successfully

20 - 23

calibrated 8 guns of 79 Med Regt. R.A., in the DUNGENESS area. "P" Composite Bty, under command Major R. J. Miller. R.A., took part in 3 Div

20

Exercise "RAREE FOUR". "A" Troop Observation Section under command Capt E.E. BARLOW. R.A., took part

in 43 Div exercise "ORANGE PIP". The Section came first in competitive results of O.P. Observations.

24

The Regiment moved into Winter Quarters in HAWKHURST area, having re-organised into two composite batteries under command Major T.A. Allen, R.A., and Major

P.R. MARRACK, R.A., and Survey Headquarters Section under command Major R.J. Miller. R.A., New locations as follows - RHQ and "P" Composite Bty at LILLESDEN 19575

"Q" Composite Bty at FOTHERSBY 206489 and "TATES" 197486

Survey H.Q. Section at Hall House 198484.

HAWKHURST

25

2/Lt. L. PRICEMANN, R.A., posted to this unit from 556 Coast Regt R.A.

26

w.e.f. 19.8.42 Authy: 112/Arty/2748 (A.G.6.O) 2/Lt. B.W.D. PAUL, R.A., proceeded to R.A. School of Survey, LARKHILL, to

attend Course No. 12 (Sound Ranging)

26-27

"P" Composite Battery under command Major T.N. ALLEN, R.A., proceeded on 12 Corps

Exercise "CORTY TWO".

HAWKHURST

1 Sep

The regiment was located as shown below : -

RHQ., HQ Survey Section and "P" Composite Battery R.A. at LILLESDEN (954770;

"Q" composite Battery R.A. H.Q. at FOTHERSBY (210489); "B" Troop at TATES

(197487) "D" Troop & Y Troop at the WOLFHOUND (209489).

Strength Officers 29 O.Rs. 500.

Lieut. K.D. BURBRIDGE R.A. posted to this unit from "Att" Depot R.A., Authy:

C.C.R.A 12 Corps letter RA/167/28 dated 1st Sep 42.

1 - 3

Technical Instruction and Demonstration in Flash Spotting, Sound Ranging,

and Survey for officers under the direction of the Commanding Officer

5 - 14

Major A. WEDGWOOD. R.A., assumed command of the Regiment during the absence

of the Commanding Officer on privilege leave.

HAWKHURST

7 - 10

HQ Survey Section under command lieut. R.s. WHITBY, R.A., fixed A.A.Sites in

FOLKESTONE and DOVER areas.

9 - 10

"A" Troop (Ranging section) under command Lieut. E R. H. NOKES, R.A., successfully

calibrated 8 5.5 guns of 79th Medium Regt. R.A., at LYDD.

12 - 25

Lt. Col. A. MARCHANT and 2/Lt. M. CZAPLICKE of the Polish Army attached to

this unit w.e.f. 12 Sep 42 Authy: 43/Arty/1711 (MT.9) dated 14th Sep. 42.

13

Lieut. E R. H. NOKES, R.A., proceeded to attend course No 2 at S.E. Army Vehicle

Maintenance school EASTBOURNE from 13th Sep, 42 - 3rd Oct 42.

16 - 19

"B" Troop Ranging Section under command Lieut. R.L. de PEYRECAVE. R.A,

proceeded to RAMSGATE for calibration of 43 DIV artillery 3 guns of 179

Field Regt R.A. and all guns of 112 and 94 Field were calibrated.

"P" Composite Battery R.A, proceeded on exercise "MAPLESS THREE" under

command Major T.N. ALLEN. R.A, The object of this exercise was the mapping of

the ISLE OF SHEPPY which was completed on a scale of 1/25000 in 48 hours.

HAWKHURST

19 - 20

"Y" Troop under command of C.J. BUCCANAN- DUNLOP, R.A, proceeded TO ALFRISTON

RANGES to provide survey for 46 DIV R.A. Practice Camp.

21 - 23

"P" Composite Battery R.A, under command Major. J.N.ALLEN R.A, proceeded to

ALFRISTON to take part in 46 Div R.A, Practice Camp. Valuable results were

obtained from H.A.B and S.Rg co-operation.

28 - 29

"Q" Composite Battery R.A, Under command Major P.R. MARRACK R.A, co-operated

with 15th and 17tg S/Hy Batteries R.A. on DUNGENESS RANGES. Several

locations were obtained by the Flash Spotting and Sound Ranging Troops.

28

Lt. P.D. FRIEND. R.A, posted from this unit to 168 Field Regt. RA, w.e.f. 28th

Sep. 42. Authy: W.O.U.M 112/arty/3343/(A.G.6.P) dated 23rd Sep 42.

Capt. J.H.V. ARBIB. R.A, attached to 71st Field Regt RA, w.e.f 28th Sep 42.

HAWKHURST

1 Oct

The Regiment was located as shown in the War Diary for 1st October.

1 - 3

Strength; Officers 30 O. Rs. 500. The Commanding Officer carried out a detailed inspection of the men, kit,

3 - 5

stores, vehicles and administration of the Regiment. "P" Composite Battery R.A. under command of Major. T.N. ALLEN, R.A., with the

Observation Section of "B" Troop proceeded to ALFRISTON (9522) ranges to Co-operate with 72 Medium Regiment R.A. Targets were successfully engaged with

5

The sound Ranging Troop. Very poor visibility hindered Flash Spotting Lieut W.H. SMALL, R.A., proceeded to WINTERBOURNE GUNNER to attend course No 5

8 - 9

at the Army Gas School (5 - 22 Oct 42). "P" C0mposite Battery R.A. with the observation section of "B" troop proceeded

to ALFRISTON RANGES (9522) to continue practising with 72 Medium Regiment R.A., Several Flash Spotting Locations were obtained but Meteor conditions made

8 - 19

Sound Ranging impossible. 'D' Troop (SRg) and 'Y' Troop Survey under command Major P. R. MARRACK, R.A.,

11

proceeded to PENDRE CAMP, BUILTH WELLS to practice with 53 DIV. R.A., 25 gunners (Line & Wireless) posted to 8th Survey Regiment R.A., authy: W.O.

12

U.M. 28258/4 (A.G.6.D) P.O. 1842/FD dated 2 October 42. Lieut P.W. BROWNE, R.A., and Lieut R.C. SMITH, R.A., posted from School of Survey

R.A., to this unit w.e.f 12 October 42. Authy : W.O.U.M. 112/Arty /3341 (A.G.6.P) dated 10 October 1942.

13

Lieut H.J. WILES, R.A posted from "att" Depot R.A. to this unit with effect from 13 October 42. Authy: W.O.U.M. 112/Arty/ 3341 (A.G.6.P) dated 13 October 42.

T/Capt G.M. HORNER, R.A., proceeded to School of Survey R.A., LARKHILL to

14

attend course No 30 in Elementary Meteor (13 - 20 October 42). Lieut E.H.R. NOKES, R.A., and Lieut R.R. SOUPER, R.A., proceeded to School of

Survey, R.A., LARKHILL to attend Refresher Courses in Flash Spotting and Sound Ranging (14 October - 3 November ).

HAWKHURST

15 - 16

Major T.N. ALLEN, R.A. Major P.R. MARRACK, R.A, and Capt E.E. BARLOW R.A., attended a Flash Spotting Conference at LARKHILL dealing with all aspects of Flash Spotting

15

and present and future equipment. T/Capt J.F. NICHOLAS, R.A., relinquished appointment of Adjutant and temporary rank

of Captain with effect from 15 October 42 on posting to No 3 Training Bn R.E. Authy: W.O.U.M P/194653/1 (A.G.6.P) dated 21 September 42.

19

Lieut K.W. DOWELL, R.A., posted to 1st (Ind) S Rg Bty R.A. with effect from 19 October 42 Authy: W.O.U.M. 112/Arty/3341/ (A.G.6.P) dated 10 October 42.

21
24

The C.C.R.A. visited the regiment to see normal training. T/Capt J.H.V. ARIB, R.A., relinquished temporary rank of Captain and reverted

to W/S rank of Lieutenant with effect from 24 October 42 on posting to 71st Field Regiment R.A., Authy; W.O.U.M. 112/Arty/3341 (A.G.6.P) dated 23 Oct 42.

26

T/Capt A.M. Graham, R.A., relinquished temporary rank of Captain and reverted to W/S rank of Lieutenant with effect from 26 October 42. On posting to Y List

having been in hospital 21 consecutive days; posted to Officers' Wing, Depot R.A., with effect from 26 October 42.

27

Lieut R.N. JONES, R.A., posted to 1st Ind S Rg Bty R.A., with effect from 27 October 42 Authy: C.C.R.A. 12 Corps No RA/1433 dated 26 October 42.

31

Lieut F.E.A. HARRISON, R.A., joined on posting with effect from 31 October 42 and assumed the appointment of "A" Troop Commander vice Capt J.H.V. ARBIB, R.A.,

- Authy: W.O.U.M 112/Arty/3341 (A.G.6.P) dated 23 October 42.