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 1943

(Delete heading not required) Commanding Officer Lt Col H.H.B. CLEGG. RA

Place

Date

Hour

Summary of Events and Information

Refrences to Appendices

1 Jan

The Regiment was located at Hawkhurst as shewn in the War Diary for 1 Nov 42

Strength 30 Officers. 451 O.Rs.

2

'Q' Bty Vehicles inspected by CIBV

2 - 5

The Regiment carried out field firing practice (small arms) by troops at

Eridge Park

6 -10

Hq Svy Sec carried out survey of Heavy A.A. Sites in area MARGATE, RAMSGATE

16 - 18

'Q' Bty (less S Rg and F Sp Troops) under command 53 Div. "Hammer 1" carried out

survey of gun positions. O.P. areas and target and barrage fixation for

defence of high ground in area TOLSFORD HILL 5956

16 - 19

Exercise Hammer 1 (3 Div v 53 Div)

P' Battery (less S.Tg and F.Sp, troops) under command 3 Div

16

Concentrated area 2452

17

advanced with 76 Fd. Regt. To area east of Ashford where 53 Div engaged.

76 Fd. and 7 Fd. on grid by midnight. 33 Fd. Only on provisional bearing

18

Fd. Regrouped and moved forward. All Regts on Div grid by 13.00 hours.

19

Exercise concluded

19-22

B' Tp. Ranging Section Successful calibration of 2 Super Hy Regt by

observing fall of shot in sea from two bases at PRINCES GOLF COURSE 7977

and DOVER 7357

25 - 28

Exercise 'Hammer ii'

P' Bty (less Rg. Sec.) in support 43 Div.

25

Moved to defensive area LYMINGE - HAWKINGE 6558. Div R.A. provided with

Bearing Pickets by 15.30. Four F.Sp. O.P.s. occupied on line TOLSFORD

Hill - COBBS HILL 5659. BC and CBO established in common office at Div HQ

REINDEN WOOD 6559. S.Rg. Base being deplyed behind F.Sp. Base.

26

S.Rg. In action by radio link by 12.00 hours, F.Sp. And S.Rg. Bases wired

by 16.00 hours. S.Rg. Microphones surveyed by Svy Tp. D.F. tasks fixed

by F.Sp. And Svy. By dark. Enemy made contact in mid afternoon. F.Sp. And

S.Rg. In action all night.

27

F.Sp. Supplying plenty of information. Svy further D.F. tasks.

27

Enemy made main attack during night, two O.Ps. Surrounded.

28

Much information still being supplied by F.Sp. Further attack at dawn.

Q' Bty (less Rg. Sec.) in support 53 Div.

25

Moved to concentration area MAPLESDEN FARM 2751.

26

Advance.

14.00 19.00

Bty HQ established 4853. Y Tp. Report Centre established 5055

23.00

B Tp. HQ 4955 D Tp, in action on base 5354 to 5299

27

0500

Y Tp. advance report centre 5753.

11.30 14.15

B Tp. Posts deployed 563532, 536576, 549543. D Tp. Deployed on base 6053 to 5556

28

Exercise concluded.

Lillesden, Hawkhurst Capt. J.M. TASKER

15 Feb 43. RH. for Lieut Col

Hawkhurst

1 Feb

Survey Battery Reformed. X Tp left "P" Bty and moved to Hall House. Y Tp

left "A" Bty and moved to TATES HOUSE. B Tp, F Sp moved to Wolf Hound.

2

A Tp Ranging Section moved to NEW ALRESFORD co-operating with 43 Div on

Exercise GALLOP

3

C Tp and Y Tp moved to Sennybridge to Co-operated with 43 Div an Exercise

GALLOP

TILSHEAD

A Tp Ranging Section deployed in Tilshead - Waddington area co-operating with

79 Fd. Regt and carried out two successful night shoots.

4

A Tp Ranging section returned to billets

Sennybridge

6

C Tp deployed base at Sennybridge. Locations obtained were fair.

7

C Tp obtained good locations and had successful ranging shoot.

Hawkhurst

8

One Survey Section carried out survey of AA Sites AD1 and AD2 at ASHFORD

8 - 10

X Tp carried out survey of AA Sites in Canterbury area.

Sennybridge

9

C Tp returned from Sennybridge Practice Camp.

Hawkhurst

11

X Troop carried out survey of AA sites at Gillingham.

Hawkhurst

12

0830

Q Bty plus one section of Y Tp and RAF Met Section moved to school of

Artillery, Larkhill.

Larkhill

13

D Tp moved into a hide at St JOAN-OGORE FARM. Permanent base reconnoitred

on line 459697 - 509673. B Tp deployed a long base in Urchfont Ridge

area line 4875 to 5376. Svy Sec surveyed in Sound Ranging Base.

Hawkhurst

14

Y Tp provided one section to carry out survey of AA Sites in Isle of

Sheppey.

15

Y Tp provided one section to carry out survey of AA Sites in Isle of Grain

Larkhill

B Tp Obs section carried out night shoot from long base on Urchfont Ridge.

Survey Section surveyed F Sp. long base. D Tp obtained gun locations.

16

B Tp Ranging Section deployed for meteor shoot near Silver Barrow. D Tp

carried out Ranging Shoot with 72 Med Regt. HQ at KEEPERS FM. Base

TILSHEAD to HONEY DOWN COPSE 520685.

17

B Tp Ranging Section deployed in Keepers Farm area.

18

B Tp Ranging Section carried out Four Point Fan Shoot. In the evening

(continued) deployed a new base in FOX COVERT area.

Hawkhurst

18

Y Tp. Provided one section to survey AA Sites in area CHATHAM and ALL HALLOWS.

19

HQ Sec Svy carried out survey of AA Sites CN1 in area Canterbury

Larkhill

B Tp Obs section OP carried out SBR shoot, Ranging Section carried out

meteor Fan Shoot from FOX COVERT base. Svy Section fixed BPs for 72

Medium Regt.

20

Q Bty moved back to Hawkhurst.

Hawkhurst

2 March

1910

The Regiment moved to concentration area for exercise SPARTAN

3

0030

RHQ established at 832514

0130

Svy Bty established 832514; P Bty at 832528; Q Bty 825515

4

1530

Q Bty placed under comd 53 Div. P Bty under comd 43 Div. Y Tp in support 53 Div under comd for movement only; X Tp in support 43 Div under comd for

2040

movement only Q Bty established 723454 SLOUGH PLACE

5

Tp Comds and one vehicle A Tp joined 112 Fd Regt; X Tp under comd 94 Fd for movement

1545

X Tp moved to concentration area 94 Fd.

1830 0900

Q Bty Report Centre established in forward concentration area 147688. HQ Svy Sec moved to AGRA BHQ Svy Bty moved to AGRA by 1800 hrs.

2200

P Bty Moved forward with 43 Div to concentration area BAGSHOT 3381. Established HQ 337814

6

0100 0320

Q Bty moved forward u/c 53 Div to forward concentration area 147688. RHQ moved forward to new concentration area Camberley 3079. Office set up by 1500 hrs

2000

B Ech established in forward group area HASLEMERE 323517.

1700 2000

Bombing attack in area RHQ. HQ Svy Sec pairs ent to AGRA area to take star shots.

7

0800

Topo Secs came under comd Svy Bty. A Tp Comdr and one post move with 94 Fd Regt.

0900

X Tp Comdr and one post under comd 112 Fd Regt. Remainder P Bty moving fwd in rear 94 Fd Regt.

0600

Q Bty under comd 53 Div; Y Tp under comd for movement; 1 & 3 Topo Sec RE located SOUTH WARNBORO 1568.

7

1530

RHQ moved forward to READING. Established at 171918 by 1830 hours. HQ Svy Sec and Topo Sec RE Report Section established READING 171918 by 1830 hrs.

1700

P Bty established forward HQ with 43 Div at 137026 CHECKENDEN, KINGWOOD COMMON X Tp under comd P Bty for movement established report centre 177000. Bearing

and 1/25000 Fix passed to Regts by 1830hrs. A Tp established OPs at 134114 and 154140.

8

1530

C Tp and remainder A Tp established forward report centre 115037 DOGMORE END. RHQ moving forward to forward report centre COACH and HORSES 1921165

1730

RHQ established at STONECHURCH 206160 RHQ Survey established COACH & HORSES 192165

Forward Report Centre established at 248193 SAUNDERTON LEE. Report Centre at COACH & HORSES closed by 2000 hrs.

2000

Q Bty established with 53 Div at ASTON HOUSE 173188. B Tp. Two FS OPs occupied at 217200 and 208198 and a third recce'd at

202188 with the task of observing movement of AFUs in THANE 1525. D Tp established 175213 not deployed. Y Tp placed all regiments on grid

2100

bearing and 1/25000 fix. P Bty established with 43 Div and X Tp Report Centre at HAMPDEN PARK 298217.

X Tp placed all regiments on Grid Bearing and 1/25000 fix by 1945 hrs. A Tp had deployed two OPs in area WENDOVER and GREAT MISSENDEN to observe movement.

on roads in AYLESBURY and CHESHAM areas respectivley. Both Posts withdrawn for the night upon information that nearest enemy was ten miles distant.

9

0900

C Tp established in harbour MONKTON WOOD 2820. P Bty ordered to move along YELLOW ROUTE at 1230 hrs. Q Bty moving to area

PRINCES RISBOROUGH. Y Tp placed regiments on Grid Bearing and 1/25000 fix in area KIMBALE WICK 2427, OWLSWICK 2325, KIMBERWICK FARM 2526. Completed

1500

by 1030 hrs. Y Tp location DODDS CHARITY 242272. HQ Svy Sec, fixing BPs in area PRINCES RISBOROUGH Bearing to 3' and 1/2500 Fix.

deploying in same area as B Tp with HQ in MENTMORE. Casualties ; B Tp HQ with wire captured

0245

Y Tp completed BPs for 133 Fd Regt, Report Centre Cross Roads LONG MARSTON 3435

12

0730 1200

RHQ moved to LEDBURN 3541 established by 0900. SPARTAN cease fire CSPARTAN. RHQ and Svy BHQ, HQ Sec Svy R.V. at HALTON 3229.

1300 1600

Q Bty established in hide near HALTON 3229. P Bty moved to same curl up area.

14

0700 0800

Head of Regimental Column passed RSP. Head of Column passed CSP. AMERSHAM

17

1500

Regiments arrived back in billets HAWKHURST. A Tp sent detachment to DOVER area to prepare Ops for calibration of WINNIE

18

and POOH. A Tp moved to St MARGARETS BAY 8062 for calibration.

19 22 - 23

A Tp returned to billet, calibration not observed due to bad visibility. B Tp Ranging Section engaged in calibration at LITTLESTONE 5242.

30 - 31 24 - 25

Calibration of BRUCE Dungeness. Svy Bty engaged on survey of AA sites in GILLINGHAM and DOVER areas

29 30

Two officers engaged in checking BPs for 59 Div. 1 Section engaged with 59 Div; 1 section with 116 Fd Regt on operational survey.

Lillesden Hawkhurst, kent 15 Apr 43.. RS

R de peyrecave for Lt Col

Hawkhurst

1 April

Y troop concluded exercise GUNFIRE

2

B Section X troop fixed 6 Predictors for exercise TERROR A Troop completed trials of HV gun at HASTINGS and EASTBOURNE

CIRENCESTER

3

Y troop moved to staging camp, CIRENCESTER Y troop returned to HAWKHURST

Hawkhurst

3

Exercise MIRAGE, 12 Corps Signals exercise, RHQ, Q Bty HQ, B Tp and D Tp OPs and APs proceeded to 504584 SMEETH.

4

A Troop plotted fall of shot in HYTHE BAY for exercise TERROR B Troop plotted fall of shot in PEGWELL BAY.

Appendix A

5

C Troop deployed long base for locations, location list atached D Troop and BHQ of Q Bty moved to LARKHILL for demonstrations.

7

B Troop and Y Troop moved to LARKHILL for demonstrations A Troop ranging section observed fall of shot for 72 Medium Regiment

calibration in RYE BAY. C troop deployed radio link base along line BRENZETT-LYDD and located 72

8

Medium Guns. A Troop completed observation of all shot for 72 Medium.

9

Y troop carried out demonstration traverse ROLLESTON X-roads. B troop recce for exercise DRAGON

LARKHILL ALFRISTON

9 10

B Troop air burst ranging shot. X troop fixed BPs for exercise DRAGON, BP WIN 977221, BP 972206, PB PLOUGH

12

RIDGE 987207. A section X troop placed 13 Medium Regiment and 6 Field Regiment on

divisional grid on exercise PILGRIM. B troop surveyed long base at URCHFONT.

LARKHILL

13 13

P Bty moved to NEW ALRESFORD and were joined there by X Tp Y Troop fixed S Rg base at FARGO.

14

D Troop demonstration of triangular base. B troop skeleton ranging shoot with No 38 wireless sets.

LARKHILL

14

(continued)

P bty moved to concentration area BEACON GILL, BULFORD by 1300 hours. By dusk F Sp base deployed. SUMMER DOWN feature S Rg base deployed.

WEST MADDINGTON X troop report centre established 487647; BPs fixed at YARNBURY, CODFORD

DOWN, FOX COVERT. Y troop assisted in survey of S Rg base at SHREWTON.

15

C Troop carried out comparator shoot with D troop, 72 Medium Regiment. By evening occupied location base St JOAN O'GORE observatory.

A troop carried out HAB shoot successfully with D troop, 72 Medium Regiment. New plotting method used succesful but slow

16

During night 15/16, A troop obtained good results, C troop located well. By noon battle of WEST DOWN ended. X troop then moved to SENNYBRIDGE with

72 Medium Regiment and 59 Heavy Regiment. A troop and C troop deployed north of ranges

B troop carried out demonstration short base and meteor shoot. D troop demonstration triangular base.

17

P bty concentrated at St JOAN of GORE. X Troop completed journey to SENNYBRIDGE, established report centre

324581, issue BPs that evening. Y troop fixed S Rg base LONG RAVEN X roads. HQ at 541619

18

D troop deployed a demonstration. D troop deployed on Radio Link changing to carrier system.

19 20

P bty returned to HAWKHURST. Y troop and B troop exercise SCRAMBLE. D troop deployment of D.O.G.

Regiment received orders to mobilize.

Lillesden, Hawkhurst, Kent, 9 May 43. H.H.B Clegg Lt. Col, R.A.

Hawkhurst

22 May

BHQ 21 Bty and Y tp proceeded on Exercise GALLOP to JEVINGTON. Y Tp Report Centre 997203 BPs fixed in areas of 81 Fd, 83 Fd, and 133 Fd. Regts.

Crawley Dymchurch

24

Y Tp Report Centre moved to CRAWLEY. A Tp Ranging Sec prepared Ranging Base for calibration at Dymchurch

Greenlands

25

0630

Calibration of 2nd Super Heavy Regt at DYMCHURCH successful Y Tp left CRAWLEY for LARKHILL set up Report Centre at 506675. Survey

26

1630

completed by 1230hrs. Left LARKHILL under comd 133 Fd Regt to a Hide in TETBURY 3011

Sennybridge Dover

27

1430

Arrived SENNYBRIDGE Y Tp report centre established DIXIE'S CORNER 323581 A Tp Ranging Sec carried out further calibration of Super Heavy at Dover

Reading

28 29

0900 0900

BHQ 21 Bty and Y tp left SENNYBRIDGE for READING. BHQ 21 Bty and Y Tp left READING arrived HAWKHURST 1400hrs.

Hawkhurst

30 31

20 Bty less C Tp plus X Tp proceeded on 59 Div Exercise GALLOP Svy Bty carried out calibration of 43 Div Compasses.

Lewes Alfriston

1 June

1020

D Section Y Tp fixed four BPs for 3 AGRA X Tp commenced Ex GALLOP. HQ situated at 864548 BPs fixed for 61 Fd. 110 Fd.

Alfriston

1

116 Fd and 59 Med Regts. Task completed by 0120hrs next day. P Bty less C Tp co-operating with 59 Inf Div on Ex Gallop. Battle of

Alfriston ended and Bty moved to STOKEBRIDGE. Flash Spotting Base deployed on line of River TEST. Gun Positions surveyed east of STOKEBRIDGE

Larkhill

2

and north of WINCHESTER. P Bty and X Tp moved to SALISBURY PLAIN AREA. Flash Spotting Base deployed

on line BUTLERS CROSS - SUMMER DOWN for target location and SBR. X Tp fixed BP for FSp at 499658 and for guns in area NUT PARK, PROSPECT TOWER, BUSTARD

3

GREENLANDS FARM, P Bty did a meteor shoot at dawn. Slow due to fuzes

1500

P Bty and X Tp moved off to CIRENCESTER. X Tp put regts on Grid by 0310 hrs 4 Jun. X Tp Rep Centre situate 438257.

Reading

4

P Bty and X Tp moved to YATTENDEN in READING area and X Tp deployed north of THAMES. X Tp fixed three BPs for A Tp.

Hawkhurst

5 7 - 8

P Bty and X Tp returned to HAWKHURST Svy Bty Trade Testing Class ii Surveyors.

9

Whole regiment moved to regimental Practice Camp at Fargo Camp. Larkhill except Survey Battery which moved to NEW FOREST.

New Forrest

10

Svy Bty BCs exercise putting Div Arty on grid and converting to Corps Grid X Tp Rep Centre 598231 BHQ 678222

Fargo

10

C Tp and D Tp deployed and registered a base B Tp and A Tp performed SBR with own gun.

New Forrest

11

C Tp surveyed and wired long base URCHFONT - WILSFORD. D Tp had sound ranging shoot with own 3.5 guns. A Tp short base scheme BEACON HILL RIDGE

in daylight and occupied North Base, by night. B Tp SB location from KNIGHTON and survey of long base NEW BUILDINGS to HAWKE. X Tp Rep Centre

Fargo

12

682313. Y Tp 625264 for BCs exercise. C Tp comparator ranging on line NETHERAVON - BALLOON SCHOOL. A Tp provided

Fargo

12

one HB at OP. B Tp deployed CB on Beacon Hill. D Tp survey in BRAZEN

BOTTOM Base.

13

D Tp Continued survey of base

14

D Tp occupied base at BRAZEN BOTTOM. B Tp Survey scheme for Obs and Ranging

Secs HAB shoot with 5.5 gun. A Tp Rg Sec also deployed on line BUTLER'S

CROSS - TILSHEAD. C Tp occupied North Base.

New Forest

14

Target Fixation Exercise. X Tp Rep Centre 642306, Y Tp 625264. BHQ 551328

Svy HQ 664294.

Fargo

15

D Tp occupied C Tp and WILSORD base for location B Tp occupied OP 18 with

Sht Base HAB 5.5 gun. A Tp HAB scheme CHITTERNE DOWN feature. C Tp

occupied FIELD BARN base.

16

Exercise SCRAMBLE. D Tp registered a base and followed with ranging shoots.

B Tp deployed short base at HAWKE. C Tp deployed first GREEN LANDS FARM -

KNIGHTON and latter AMESBURY - ROLLESTONE>

17

B tp deployed SB at KNIGHTON locating for SRg shoot. A Tp deployed

CHITTERNE Down feature. C Tp deployed for location on FIELD BARN base.

New Forest

17

BCs exercise BEAULIEU area for BP fixation X Tp 835234, Y Tp 795219, BHQ

804247

Fargo

18

A Tp deployed on COPE HILL FARM feature studying ground in detail for

intelligence. C Tp acted as enemy. D Tp ranging shoots on Radio Link at

RUSHALL HILL. B Tp general information exercise.

20

D Tp occupied the WILSFORD base for location. B Tp HAB resection and

calibration. A Tp HAB resection. All directors and sims resected

themselves

21

D Tp location from BRAZEN BOTTOM base. B Tp SB for ranging shoot at OP 18

New Forest

22

Svy Bty moved to Fargo Plantation 552634.

Fargo

24

Exercise FORTESCUE. BPs to be fixed in Corps Gun areas from R E Base.

Data by 0230hrs 25 Jun. RHQ established with CBO at FARGO Plantation

25

X Tp Rep Centre 506673, Y Tp 532666, BHQ and HQ 532666. All BPs ready

for 2300hrs. D Tp HQ HAMILTON BTY occupied a base on Radio Link and wired

25

Fargo

the base. Survey commended. B Tp deployed Long Base at Line KNIGHTON

HAWKE. Short Base deployed at SHREWTON GORSE an PROSPECT TOWER. Sht

bases dug in and sureyed by night. Long base occupied all night.

26

Svy Bty checked zero lines. 2 BPs established for Flash Spotters. D Tp

Still in action survey completed. B Tp collected information and refixed

datums. SHt bases and long base in action

27

Svy Bty finished checking Zero lines. B Tp long base in action day and

night. D Tp out of action from 2300 hrs.

28

B Tp sht base ranging shoot with Heavy AA by prospect sht base.

29

Whole regtl watched Corps artillery barrage.

30

end of exercise FORTESCUE.

R de Peyrecave for Lt Col. R.A 7th Survey Regiment. R.A.

Larkhill

1 July

0515

Regt Left in convoy Harboured at HORSHAM 1200hrs. Left 2115 hrs.

Hawkhurst

2

0200

Regt arrived back in billets.

9

MGRA visited the regt. X Tp demonstration exercise

15 - 19

RAMT Circus visited the regt. Inspected vehicles and gave demonstrations.

20

RAMT motor cyclists test course

Hailsham

16

A Tp Rg Sec moved to hide in area HAILSHAM cooperating with 9 Armoured Div;

section deployed same evening for meteor shoot at dawn

Stockbridge

17

0600

Meteor shoot with Fd Regt; move to STOCKBRIDGE. Bivouaced the night

Larkhill

Move to Salisbury Plain deployed base on line of high ground west of

TILSHEAD - WEST LAVINGTON. No meteor shoot

2300

Orders to move with Div Arty to GREENLANDS FARM - NUTS PARK area. Ranging

Sec A Tp deployted TILSHEAD CAMP - PUMPING STATION SOUTH - OBSERVATORY

19

0700

HAB shoot - successful

20

Move to Sennybridge ranging base deployed north of GUN PARK ROAD - shoot

successful.

21

0001

exercise concluded.

22

X Tp fixed one BP for 3 AGRA 991625.

Sennybridge

22

Ranging Section surveyed bases on permanent grid. HAB Shoot in afternoon

with 6th R.H.A.

24

Ranging section cooperated with 141 Fd Regt. Good Shoot

25

Ranging section cooperated with 59 Med Regt. Shot abbreviated fan. Good

results.

26

Return to Hawkhurst

Hawkhurst

27

X Tp and BHQ executed a crash move to WITTERSHAM 351458; X Tp carried out

a night traverse. Rep Centre 349458

28

CCRA, BGS and Gii RA visited the Regt.

R de Peyrecave Lt R.A for Lt Col. Commanding 7 survey regt R.A.

ALFRISTON

1 August

C Tp deployed at ALFRISTON locating mortars.

2

Calibration of super heavies at FOLKESTONE. Ranging section HQ at CAPEL

DUNGENESS

4 to 7

Calibration of 53 Div Arty at DUNGENESS. HQ at BOULDERWELL FARM.

9 to 13

Calibration of 43 Div Arty at DUNGENESS. HQ at BOULDERWELL FARM.

ALFRISTON

12

Y Tp, B Tp ranging and BHQ, 21 Bty, proceeded on exercise GALLOP ii with 38

Div; arrived at hide at ALFRISTON 165320

13

BHQ 21 Bty moved at POLGATE 008228 Rg section moved to JEVINGTON 996202

y Tp moved to WINCHESTER area 000277, Ranging section came under command

193 Fd Regt. No deployment.

STOKEBRIDGE

14

BHQ, Y Tp and ranging section moved to concentration area STOKEBRIDGE. BHQ

at 887517. Ranging section at 835528, Y Tp 824549.

15

Y Tp and Ranging section moved to WEST DOWN, BHQ to ORCHESTON St GEORGE

Short base registration carried out at OP18, 491685.

15 - 16

X Tp operational survey of AA Sites report centre at TATE HOUSE 197488.

16

BHQ 21 Bty moved to FARNHAM. Ranging section went into a hide at MINCHING

LANTON.

17

Y Tp and BHQ returned to Hawkhurst. Ranging section proceeded to SENNYBRIDGE.

HQ established 345564.

SENNYBRIDGE

19

Ranging section surveyed in two ranging bases,

(A) L 333110 259967 M 333216 259286 R 334207 258724 X 334798 258072

(B) 332681 258548 333663 257757 335009 256421

ASHFORD

19

X Tp operational survey of AA Sites. RO established 491625 and 408608.

SENNYBRIDGE

20

Bases completed and checked. Short base registration with 182 Fd Regt.

area 344586

21

Short base registration with192 Fd Regt area 360630.

22

Ranging section carried out short base registration with 194 Fd Regt area

(C) L 331413 259675 M 331605 258995 R 332682 258548 HQ at 313594

23

Ranging section carried out short base registration with 192 Fd Regt area

345609

24

Divisional Scheme. Ranging section put Division on a grid.

SENNYBRIDGE

25

Air burst registration with 192 Fd Regt, area 338577, using base (A)

RYE

25

A Tp ranging section carried out calibration of 59 Med Regt on RYE - CAMBER base,

SENNYBRIDGE

26

B Tp ranging section returnedto Hawkhurst

ALFRISTON

27

Whole regiment moved to ALFRISTON co-operating with 3 AGRA. RHQ and BHQs at

FIRLE PLANTATION 908253, B Tp long base established facing North, 922247,

898249, 882245. Short base in action at 922247, 898249, and 876247. B Tp

ranging section deployed on observation role facing south 897247 to 922247

B Tp HQ at LITTLE DENE 8926. D Tp deployed on Radio Link HQ at 916257

M1 947259, M5 882257, Aps 930274, 896274. C Tp deployed on Radio Link South

of ranges, HQ at BISHOPS BOURNE. A Tp deployed short base and latter a long

base on ridge North of ranges. Ranging section deployed on North Ridge

looking South. X Tp Rep Centre 907199, Y Tp Rep Centre 921271, BHQ 891288,

28

X Tp fixed two BPs for 59 Med Regt. A Tp ranging section carried out datum

point shoot with air bursts. C Tp attempted comparator shoot. No success

B Tp completed digging in long base. Ranging Section HAB shoot. Visibility

bad. D Tp radio link deployment for ranging HQ ROWLAND WOOD 9534 M1 913345

M5 981329. No results; very high wind.

29

X Tp rep centre established BEDDINGHAM HILL 892249. Ranging section A tp

carried out datum fixation. C Tp placed under command 21 Bty for cross

channel sound ranging, B tp Obs section short base deployment area 8828.

BEDDINGHAM 8924. Long base in action facing North. D Tp returned to

Hawkhurst preparatory to occupying base for cross Channel sound ranging.

X and Y tps moved to DOVER area BHQ and X established HAWKINGE 605595, X Tp

at SELSTEAD 658627, HQ sec 908254

DOVER

30

X Tp Rep Centre at NEW INN GREEN 566543, Surveyed SR Base, 5 microphones

fixed by X Tp and 5 by Y Tp. D Tp occupied HQ DOUGLAS FARM 5856 and

commenced wiring base No 1. AP 616533. M1 651973.4 155703.6, M2 624992.9

156976.4, M3 657939.9 158224.1, M4 660594.6 159412.7, M5 663891.0

160772.3, BHQ and C tp occupied HQ at DUKE of YORKS Military School

768615

DOVER

31

Survey Bty continued survey of microphones and completed. B Tp ordered to

move to Dover to occupy FSp base for cross channel observation.

1700

B Tp arrived Dover area. D Tp and C Tp continued wiring bases.

M6 145950 504408, M7 148242 505132, M8 151381 506574

M9 157542 507447 M10 157542 507447

AP 153305 500701

R de Peyrecave for Lt Col. Commanding 7th Survey Regiment R.A.

Hawkhurst

1 Sept

19 Bty arrived in billets

Dover

1

B tp : OPs deployed, E Post 525351 ; F Post 613535 : G Post 766595 : H Post

810627. HQ at 766595. Survey of F and G posts commenced. E and H already

surveyed but not checked.

D Tp. in action 1930. Indications of HBs firing were obtained and passed

to C tp. Base No 1 was found to be oriented too far west and a new base

(No 2) was therefore planned with axis of observation in Cap Gris Nez area.

BHQ at Duke of Yorks Military School.

C Tp (under command 21 Obsn Bty for purpose of exercise) Troop in action.

2

B Tp. Survey completed and base checked on Cap Gris Nez lighthouse. Lines

througfh with exception of H Post

C Tp. Lines parties on maintenance and alternative AP line laid. HBs

opened fire 2200 hrs. Own guns replied.

3

B Tp. Concentration board completed and base in action 1830 hrs.

C Tp. Lines parties on maintenance.

4

0020

B Tp . Own Guns in action )

0022

Enemy guns opened up ) Location of 4 enemy guns firing

0030

Trisection HB C2 ) 699606 Accuracy Z

0045

Trisection HB B 12 )

C Tp. Location obtained at 819818 and several bearings. Bombing in

evening over France

5

B Tp. Base in action.

2145

C Tp. HBs firing towards Folkestone. Bombing over France

6

D Tp. Survey and wiring of No 2 base commenced M1 655793.6 149497.8 )

M2 657838.4 152579.8 )Cassini Grid

M3 659657.0 155324.5 )

M4 661990.7 157606.3 )

M5 664206.5 159923.6 )

C Tp. Maintenance

D Tp. Survey and wiring No 2 Base completed and changeover effected. In

action 1607 hrs. No A B locations obtained on this base.

C tp. New plotting board prepared for "altered" D troop base

Folkestone

6 & 7

Survey of SRg base by X tp. Rep centre, NEWINGTON CROSS Rds 613555

X Tp arrived back in billets. Visit of American Staff Officer to see

Flash Spotting Methods

Dover

8

C Tp report bombing over France all evening.

Burwash

Demonstration exercise by BHQ.

Dover

11

900

C Tp report firing : our guns replied.

13

B Tp returned to HAWKHURST

C Tp and D Tp reeling in MIC positions marked with concrete BPs.

15

C Tp and D Tp returned to billets. C Tp came under comd 20 Bty.

16

Survey Gallop TEWT.

Ditchling

20

Exercise PYLON. BHQ 19 Bty Triangulation Scheme to fix pylons on South Downs.

21

Regimental OP exercise on map sheet 126. 19 Bty provided one section to

fix BP for Super Heavy Regiment at 714635.

Hawkhurst

23,24,25

Smoke Navigation Course run by 19 Survey Battery

Lewes

27

1200

Exercise PAUL. BHQ B Tp and Met Section and Y tp arrived RV 879304

B Tp established HQ at HOUNDS DEAN BOTTOM 8328. E Post BULMER DOWN

7928. G Post PLUMPTON PLAIN 793313.

Hawkhurst

26

BHQ 19 Bty and X tp moved off exercise SCOPE ii

1700

BHQ established at 994668 ; X tp established 985672

27

20 Bty moved to area North of BRIGHTON on exercise PAUL. Short bases

Lewes

DITCHLING BEACON 7731, HORSESHOE PLANTATION 7830, STREAMLINE FARM 7831.

Northampton

28

F Post B tp deployed 793205. Information collated and report to

Div by 2359 hrs. Sound Ranging base 20 Bty on line TONG DEAN 7226.

ABBEY FARM 7233

28 & 29

BHQ Rep Centre Survey Bty PRIORS MARSTON. X tp Rep Centre 977676.

fixation of points in Corps area Targets.

Lewes

29

E Post moved forward to 777304

G post moved forward to 785318

Y Tp moved back to billets. 20 Bty Ops prepared second OP line

DITCHLING BEACON, HIGH PARK COTTAGES.

30

B tp F Post moved to 778308

30

BHQ 19 Bty slewed Corps grid on to Theatre Grid from data supplied by

TOPO RE

Northampton

20 Bty Short bases in operation from DITCHLING - HIGH PARK COTTAGES

Lillesden Hawkhurst Kent 28 Oct 43

R de Peyrecave for Lt Col. Commanding 7th Survey Regt R.A.

Brighton

1

C Tp ocupied base west of BRIGHTON - PYECOMBE road fro purpose of locating

53 Div Arty. Only shell wave recorded

A Tp occupied positions on STANDEAN RIDGE until 1600 hrs

20 Bty returned to HAWKHURST 2200 hrs.

HAWKHURST

3

Y Tp engaged on operational survey SANDWICH area HQ at 777804

BPs and pivot gun fixed by 1900hrs.

SANDWICH

4

Y Tp continued to fix BPs and targets. Returned to HAWKHURST 1545

DOCKENDEN

6

D Tp radio link scheme with bangs. Aps practised in passing back of

tactical information. Base occupied at Dockenden for times shewn:

Coords M1 625010 156230 AP1 233548

M2 625389 155070 AP2 234522

M3 625700 153889 Dockenden 256537

M4 625770 152520

M5 625930 151270

Troop deployed again, HQ 275493

M1 624710 150270 AP1 258485

M2 626130 149850 AP2 284482

M3 627490 149300

M4 628580 148630

M5 630090 148100

BHQ and B Tp, normal training

7

Cloth model exercise held by CCRA.

HAWKHURST

8

B Tp survey of calibration base and BP at MONEY PENNY FARM;

L 642588 136353 M 641242 136660 R 639761 137053

PBP 637409 139110

RYE

10

B Tp occupied base for calibration of 59 Hy and 69 Med Regts. 7.2 Fuze trials

with 59 Heavy Regt. Bad visibility. Shoot cancelled.

11

B Tp again occupied base but visibility again caused shoot to be cancelled.

East

12

BHQ Section Exercise TEAR. Three Fd Regts put on Divisional Grid Astro Brg and

Grinstead

Fix. Rep centre 857504. Final information available 1545 hrs.

Edenbridge

12

X Tp HQ at BAZING FARM 877592. Rep centre 867567.

Area

13

Srg Gallop. C Tp radio link deployments. Technical hitches but

Hawkhurst

some accurate locations obtained

Mote Park

12

BHQ and Tps. Combined Operations practice.

Rye

13

B Troop. Calibration shoot with Heavy and 69 Medium Regts. 59 Heavy

3 - 7.2 Howe. 69 Med. 2 - 5.5 gun hows.

1200

Left Billets

1413

Shoot commenced

1438

Shoot Completed

1645

Returned to billets

Lewes

14

B and D Troops Survey exercise. B troop

Ranges

0900

Left Billets

1035

Arrived RV. PIDDINGWORTH FARM sq 7630

1300

Survey Section deployed to fix five microphone base.

1730

Observation work completed

1230

D Troop. Arrived HQ PLUMPTON PLAIN area sq 8031 to locate enemy mortars in

co-operation with counter mortar officer.

1630

wiring completed. Survey completed on 15th.

15

1100

B troop ; coordinates computed and checked

1300

Left PIDDINGWORTH FARM

1455

Arrived billets

1600

D Troop. Survey completed and boards prepared. Location of Mics. B tp and D Tp

B Tp D Tp

1 576406 127835 579134.9 131729.0

2 576518 128848 580291.0 131596.0

3 576628 129903 581319.0 131344.0

4 576849 130955 582378.0 131042.4

5 577142 131940 583426.2 130648.5

Lewes

15

D Tp AP1 809307 HQ 803315

Ranges

contd

AP2 828301

Mortars went into action at 1600hrs and ceased at 1830 hrs. Many

locations were obtained. The troop then moved to PIDDINGWORTH 7630. The

PLUMPTON base was reeled in and the base at PIDDINGWORTH was wired at the

same time. All wiring completed by evening.

Piddingworth

16

0800

Base occupied by D Tp. Surveyed by B Troop Ranging Section on 15th (co-

ords quoted) ;

AP1 ) 778294 HQ 766299

AP2 )

0840

Firing commenced

1510

Firing ceased. Many locations of gunsand mortars obtained.

2100

Arrived at billets after reeling in. Mortars fired from five positions,

all of which were located.

Hawkhurst

17

Ranging Secton A Tp moved to SENNYBRIDGE cooperating with 6 Fd Regt and

59 Heavy Regt, staging at CIRENJCESTER

18 - 24

Ranging section A Tp arrived SENNYBRIDGE carried out three HAB shoots and

observed fall of shot. Weather bad but shoots successful

Appledore

20

0930

B Tp Survey exercise to fix BP for 72 Medium Regt. Left Billets.

1410

Survey completed. BP coordinates 640359 146503 12ft

Sq 1653

D Tp - TWISTEM ii. A very mobile exercise on radio link. Umpired by C

troop and Bangs put up by C troop.

0830

Move from billets

0938

Moved off

1046

AP control Base "Three Chimneys" M1 615220 151550

AP1 174513 M2 616110 152710

AP2 195535 M3 616870 153980

HQ Three Chimneys 1653 M4 618230 154840

M5 619320 155970

Diprose

20

Base Diprose M1 620550 149470 AP1 222484

cont

M2 621580 150070 AP2 244498

M3 622770 150710 HQ 225505

M4 623940 151160

M5 625180 151800

1515

HQ "Move" 1527 HQ moved

1542

arrived at RV 232483 Orders 1601 moved off

1618

HQ ambushed at 276488 1621 HQ arrived in position

1656

AP control 1728 HQ move

1740

HQ moved

Base THORNDEN :

M1 625480 147960 M2 627100 148300 M3 628420 148600

M4 629990 148630 M5 unable to reach position given in orders owing

to flooding of road. Occupied position 900m East of that given in orders.

AP1 273462 AP2 304472 HQ 286487

1800

RV 244467 Returned to billets in convoy.

Rye

24

B Tp calibration shoot with 67 Med Regt to calibrate No 1 gun of 231

bty to standard gun of 232 Bty at ranges 6100 and 10400

0845

arrived RV

0930

Base in action Location of Posts and HQ

E 635424.0 134435.7 F 634289.3 137859.8 HQ 343379

G 635820.8 138686.8 H 634316.8 135736.4

Shoot held up by poor visibility until 1330 hrs

1340

to

Time of shoot

1403

Fuze trials with 72 Medium Regt ( same base and same HQ as above)

1447

to

25 Rounds fired including twelve ground bursts

1614

Hawkhurst

24

Exercise for 19 Bty ASHFORD area. BHQ established at PETHAM. X Tp at

BRABOURNE 541600. Y Tp at WINGHAM 684758.. East Base microphones 1 - 12

fixed and concrete

27

19 Bty returned to Hawkhurst, computations for East base continued.

31

All microphones concreted and computations completed.

Whole regiment preparing to move to new billets at WATERINGBURY.

"CLAREMONT" WATERINGBURY, MAIDSTONE, KENT. 11 Nov 43

R de Peyrecave Lt,; for Lieut Col R.A,

Commanding 7 Survey Regiment R.A.

Wateringbury

1

Regiment moved from Hawkhurst to the Wateringbury Area.

RHQ. 21 Obsn Bty RA to WATERINGBURY 132/722

20 Obsn Bty RA to BARNJET, TESTON, 154/726

HQ Survey to Orchards, East of PECKHAM 113/681