Playfair & Molony, Vol IV, pp. It became 77 (Highland) Brigade RFA (TA) in 1921. The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. [58][59] On 21 and 22 June the division moved out of Corps Reserve and took over part of the front facing the German Trasimene Line. I said and a voice said "Is that you George?" By the morning of 13 May the bridge was open and armour and infantry reinforcements crossed to relieve the defenders and enlarge the bridgehead. The 2nd Dumbarton AVC wore a blue uniform with scarlet facings and white belts. [14][98][104], Then on 1 May 1961 277th Fd Rgt (less R Bty) and 888 Bty both amalgamated with 402nd (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) Light Rgt, and R (Clyde) Bty of 357th (Lowland) Light Rgt, to form 277th (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) Field Rgt with the following organisation:[14][101][105][106], R Bty of 277th Fd Rgt amalgamated with 8th Bn Argyll &Sutherland Highlanders. 792029) was in 305 Battery if that's any help. When the TF was reorganised as the Territorial Army (TA) in 1921, the brigade was redesignated 77th (Highland) Brigade, RFA with the following organisation:[10][17] [31][32], In 1924 the RFA was subsumed into the Royal Artillery (RA), and the word 'Field' was inserted into the titles of its brigades and batteries. Harry and George were also at Monte Cassino: "We kept sending smoke bombs over the river below Cassino, so that it formed a fog, so the army could build bridges across the large river, which needed to be crossed. The Belgian forces retired more rapidly, and 4th Division found its left flank was open, so there was hard and confused rearguard fighting as it withdrew across the Dendre and back to the Escaut. Many thanks. Painting by Henry Carr of a camouflaged 25-pounder in action near Medjez el Bab. The buttons carried the Prince of Wales's feathers and coronet above a gun, surrounded by a strap with the words 'RENFREWSHIRE VOLUNTEER ARTILLERY'. Eden, MC. 77th (Highland) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery was a territorial unit made up of 305th and 306th (Renfrew) Batteries. [41][42], 4th Division became operational in XIII Corps in April. Furtherdetailsof 51st (H) Division had already moved most of its artillery south in waiting for the attack, leaving three Troops to move and fire between various positions to simulate the whole divisional artillery remaining in its old positions.[31][63][64]. For the first time in the Western Desert Campaign, the Eighth Army had enough 25-pounders to allow them to be concentrated and switched from one set-piece target to another. So they did they sent for me the next day. [69], 51st (H) Division's artillery joined in XXX Corps' artillery preparation for operations against Adrano (the battles round Etna). Military units and formations in Renfrewshire Category page. [19][24][25], In May 1916 the TF brigades of the RFA received numbers, the 1/III Highland becoming CCLVIII (or 258) Brigade, and were reorganised: 1/1st Renfrewshire Bty became D (H) Bty in CCLV (1/I Highland) Bde, R (H) Bty became D (H) Bty in CCLVI (1/II Highland) Bde, and 1/2nd Renfrewshire Bty became D (H) Bty in CCLX (1/I Lowland) Bde. [19][20][21], On the outbreak of war, units of the Territorial Force were invited to volunteer for Overseas Service: the majority of men in the Highland Division did so. 45, 48, 567, 66, 745. It was followed by a similar assault to take Boulogne (Operation Wellhit). If you have a general question please post it on our Facebook page. The division moved to Bordon in January and arrived in France to join the new British Expeditionary Force (BEF) on 29 January 1940. 77th Field Regiment reorganised as follows:[14][28], The establishment of each field battery was increased to 12 guns organised into three Troops. Back to the tape:
[19][20][23], During the winter of 191415 the 1st Line units underwent war training, and a number left to join the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) on the Western Front. endstream
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[8][9][11], The unit's HQ and drill batteries were at 8 South Street, Greenock, and gun practice was carried out at Irvine. 524th DIVISIONAL COMPANY. According to the Nominal Roll of Personnel Proceeding Overseas dated February 1940, it looks like your great-uncle Tommy Elliott (A/Bdr and No. 107, 2234, 232, 2346, 316, 320. Discussion in 'Royal Artillery' started by MrsB, Apr 15, 2016. FromthiswelearnthattheinfantrymaninMont- gomery'sregimentmaywellhavecarriedswords. [80][81] On 14 November the division carried out an assault crossing of the Willems Canal near Weert accompanied by another heavy artillery barrage, then moved on to the Zig Canal and crossed that on 17 November with much less preparation. The Division defended La Panne while the evacuation proceeded. It joined V Corps in the forward area in Tunisia between 3 and 6 April, in time to join in the next phase of the offensive towards Tunis. [32][33][57], 77th (Highland) Field Regiment remained in Greece until after the end of World War II. 61st Anti-Tank Reg. Post war 77 (Highland) Field Regiment RA (TA) was placed into suspended animation in February 1946 and reconstituted as 277 (Highland ) Field Regiment RA(TA) in January 1947. Despite some fierce fighting the division continued with scarcely a pause towards the Dittaino river. By 16 December the division had established defences round the base and began methodically clearing the road from Faliron to Athens on 17 December while the dismounted gunners and Greek National Guard defended the base and communications. Jackson, Vol VI, Pt II, pp. A brigadier formed them into groups of about 50 men, then told them to go to the beach, find a rowing boat, which had an anchor into the sand with a rope to a puffer (small fishing boat) so that they could haul themselves to the boat, quicker than rowing. An 18-pounder being inspected in France, April 1940. The 77th Highland Regiment was raised in 1757 to fight for King George in the colonies. Worse, the BEF was now cut off from the south as the Panzers reached the coast at Boulogne. Concentration was completed by 17 August and the division formed part of First Army (Home Forces) in Central Force. Then on 31 August the formation of a reserve or 2nd Line unit was authorised for each 1st Line unit where 60 per cent or more of the men had volunteered for Overseas Service. The division's role in the Spring offensive was an assault crossing of the Gari river (Operation Diadem). It began to withdraw into a 4th Division's next major operation was to seize a bridgehead over the Savio on 19 October, where the bridge was isolated by artillery fire in an attempt to prevent its destruction. youcanhelp@. Only way to start is to obtain his Service Records: 77th (Highland) Field Regiment? [55] 4th Division's last major operation in the campaign was a pre-dawn attack on 21 November to cross exposed ground up to cross the Cosina, but little went right, and only one company got across. 107, 2234, 232, 2346, 316, 320. This is a story about my Uncle George Cuthbert's War-time experiences and one of his friends, Harry Osborne, who he met before World War Two. So I went back at 2 o'clock and then they said "Go back home and come back tomorrow", and I went back home and my mother said "What are you doing back ? During World War I it served with 51st (Highland) Division at the Battle of the Somme before being broken up. (Falcons First). [17][108][111][112][113], Meanwhile 128th Field Rgt reformed at Pollokshaws as 328th (Highland) Medium Regiment in 1947, changing its subtitle to 'Lowland' the following year. This attack was beaten off, and the following day the Allied offensive opened, with 4th Division launching its attack on 24 April, though the enemy fought back hard and progress was slow. 128th (Highland) Fd Rgt (it received its Highland subtitle in 1942[17]) was equipped with 24 x 25-pounder guns. The batteries were each issued with four 5-inch howitzers. By 12 May the Allies had fought their way into Tunis and the Axis forces surrendered next day[32][47], After the Tunisian Campaign ended, 4th Division remained in North Africa until 16 December 1943, when it went by sea to Egypt. Units returned from Dunkirk were progressively brought back up to strength and re-equipped with whatever was available.
Harry and Uncle George were part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) part of the first Army. The 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers was a part-time unit of the British Army's Royal Artillery founded in Scotland in 1860. 77th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT On 15 August the WO issued instructions to separate those men who had signed up for Home Service only, and form these into reserve units. Consolidated 1 September 2007 with the 340th Support Battalion (see ANNEX 2) and consolidated unit designated as the 340th Support Battalion. 50th DIVISIONAL PROVOST COMPANY. [28][31][58][59] After two more years' training in Scotland, the division sailed for Egypt on 16 June 1942, landing on 12 August. Denholm, still equipped with its World War I era 18-pounders and 4.5-inch howitzers (one 12-gun battery of each), though now on pneumatic tyres and towed by gun tractors. Anyway, we got to Greece, and I think we had our happiest time of the whole war. [31], 51st (Highland) Division was in the first follow-up wave of formations in Overlord. However, it was demolished just as the infantry patrols reached it, and the division had to make an assault crossing at Cesena the following day. [40][79], 51st (H) Division did not take part in the subsequent Italian Campaign, having been earmarked for the Allied invasion of Normandy Operation Overlord. [32][53], Operations in Italy then began to bog down in a series of river crossings. Want to find out more about your relative's service? The artillery regiments were reorganised as infantry for internal security duties and guarding prisoners, any artillery support required being provided by Royal Navy warships. [ Unit History ] Royal Artillery WWII 61st Anti-Tank Reg. Then on 31 August the formation of a reserve or 2nd Line unit was authorised for each 1st Line unit where 60 per cent or more of the men had volunteered for Overseas Service. It began at 05.00 on 8 February with a huge artillery preparation, after which the Highlanders attacked and were on their objectives by 23.00 that night. 45, 48, 567, 66, 745. Military unit of Britain's Volunteer Force, later its Territorial Force. 'pocket' round Dunkirk from which it was preparing to evacuate (Operation Dynamo). It was followed by a similar assault to take Boulogne (Operation Wellhit). But it took the Allies two more months of bitter fight1ng to drive the Germans out. Battery A, 77th Field Artillery was redesignated on 16 June 1996 as Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery, and activated at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In December 1763, the regiment was disbanded in America. "My friend over there said we are not just a unit but a family, and that family starts back In 1939 in the regiment before the war, we went to camp, Budden Ness, near Canoustie, and all of you were young soldiers but I wasn't I was in the original battery (group of guns) because I was a surveyor. It continued on the following days and crossed the Ausa during the night of 17/18 September behind artillery preparations fired by its own guns assisted by those of several other divisions. 2 companies in Lunenburg British armies normally down-sized after a war. [6][7][9], In 1882 all the AVCs were affiliated to one of the territorial garrison divisions of the Royal Artillery (RA) and the 1st Renfrew & Dumbarton AV became part of the Scottish Division. The enthusiasm for the Volunteer movement following an invasion scare in 1859 saw the creation of many Rifle and Artillery Volunteer Corps composed of part-time soldiers eager to supplement the Regular British Army in time of need. A new phase began on 12/13 September against the Rimini Line, which began with a series of massed artillery bombardments. The titles of these 2nd Line units would be the same as the original, but distinguished by a '2/' prefix. [119], When the TA was reduced to the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve in 1967, the regiment merged with 278th (Lowland) Field Rgt and 279th (City of Glasgow and Ayr) Field Rgt to form P (Clyde and Renfrewshire, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) and R (Paisley, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) Batteries of the Lowland Regiment, RA. [70], 51st (H) Division then took part in the pursuit to El Agheila and Tripoli in January 1943. With the outbreak of war the 77th (Highland) Field Regiment RA (TA) did not go with the 51st Highland Division but with the 4th Division, being evacuated with them from Dunkirk and remaining with this Division throughout the war. Helping people find out more about their relatives wartime experiences since 1999 by Organized 11 June 1917 at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont. During the Second Boer War 72 men of the unit volunteered for service overseas, but only three were accepted. If you have any unwanted Next thing that happened was the battery marched out of the Cooper Institute and left me standing on guard at the door! We all finally got back, one by one, we trickled in from all over Britain. Log into ACT and complete sponsorship survey: Fill out DA Form 5434 section III as soon as possible, maintain contact with incoming Soldier at all times, Alpha Battery, 1-6 Field Artillery Regiment, Bravo Battery, 1-6 Field Artillery Regiment, Alpha Battery, 1-77 Field Artillery Regiment, Bravo Battery, 1-77 Field Artillery Regiment, Army Sexual Assault and Harrassment Policy, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. [91][92], 51st (H) Division was then moved to hold 'The Island', the wet low-lying country between Nijmegen and Arnhem that had been captured during Operation Market Garden (see above). 1945 By 25 February it was past Medenine in Tunisia and facing the Mareth Line. 4th Division sailed on 12 March 1943 and began landing in North Africa on 23 March. The next major attack was Operation Olive, aimed at breaching the Gothic Line, where 4th Divisional artillery supported the initial attack by I Canadian Corps on 25 August. The pursuit was resumed the following day, through Sfax, after which the divisional artillery was in action in the hill country near Enfidaville. [Recalled from previous conversations]
2256, 2312, 241, 2656, 2745, 279, 28890. Thomas McCarron 77th (Highland) Field Regiment, 306th Battery Royal Artillery, Sgt. It was intended to send it to the Middle East for rest, but it was diverted to Greece where civil war (the so-called Dekemvriana) had broken out after the withdrawal of German occupying forces. During Vietnam, the regiments battalions served with the 4th Infantry Division, the 25th Infantry Division, and the 1st Cavalry Division and participated in 13 campaigns. Yes, you are looking for the 77th (Highland) Field Regt RA. [56], 4th Division was now relieved from the front line. [65], 4th Division was now relieved from the front line. The popularity of the site means that it is far exceeding available resources. Despite some fierce fighting the division continued with scarcely a pause towards the Dittaino river. [40][76], 128th (H) Field Rgt then rested and trained for the Allied landings in Sicily (Operation Husky). The bombardment began at 21.40 on 23 October and lasted for 15 minutes; then after 5 minutes silence the guns opened again on the enemy's forward positions and the infantry began to advance. Well, that was it, we then, Ah, then the buzz went round, we got on the docks at Tunis, the Ship was standing there, we were going home. We kept sending smoke bombs over the river below Cassino, so that it formed a fog, so the army could build bridges across the large river, which needed to be crossed. 4th Division joined V Corps in anti-invasion defences on the South Coast on 19 June. (that was the maximum tram fare to the outskirts of Glasgow) Well that was fine, now most of us were very young, at that time, but they finally took us off down to Crookham Crossroads, down to Leipzig Barracks (called that because the Kaiser opened it in 1913). 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment 20 November 2012; 77th Field Artillery Regiment; 77th Field Artillery Regiment 20 November 2008; 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment 2 October 2008; 2d Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment 17 February 2012 ; 79th Field Artillery Regiment; 79th Field Artillery 7 October 1996 769, 8895, 13940. However, the brigade was immediately broken up, with the batteries joining CCCXX (2/I Highland) and CCCXXI (2/II Highland) brigades as their D (H) batteries. Well, that was Naples in the snow. Highland Division (Ross Bequest) Fund, Some of the infantry were airlifted, the remainder of the division without heavy equipment was sent by sea to Faliron Bay on 12 December. It changed title again in June 1924 becoming 77 (Highland) Field Brigade RA (TA). I should still be standing at the 'Cooper Institute' because Taffy Mills, when we were in the Cooper Institute, he said "Cuthbert", we were standing there with our blankets, with a bit of string, to tie it round us, and we got a tin of 'bully beef' between two and a packet of biscuits and he said "Cuthbert, go out to the door relieve so and so and let him come in to get his blanket". [14][101][102][103] [23] At 01.30 the following morning the division attacked, but by 03.00 they were back on their start line having suffered heavy casualties. If the information here has been helpful or you have enjoyed reaching the stories please conside making a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting or this site will vanish from the web. Three proud Highland regiments fought in North America during the Seven Year's War - the 77th Foot (Montgomery's Highlanders), the 78th Foot (Fraser's Highlanders), and the famous Black Watch, more correctly known at the time as the Royal Highland Regiment. 51st (H) Division had already moved most of its artillery south in waiting for the attack, leaving three Troops to move and fire between various positions to simulate the whole divisional artillery remaining in its old positions. [17][107][108][109][110][111] On 10 March 1955 the regiment absorbed 254th (West Highland) Anti-Tank Rgt at Dumbarton. In April 1971, 1-77th Field Artillery returned to Fort Hood, Texas from Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division. It must have cost the a fortune to put that in brass letters around the counter. Mind you, it didnt worry me because I was in the rear party. I thought you were going to War." On 2 June 1944 it embarked on Liberty ships at East India Docks, London, and began landing on 7 June (D + 1). The division made a 50 miles (80km) 'sidestep' on 12 August and the guns came into action north of Zafferana the following night. Part of the reorganisation was that field regiments changed from four six-gun batteries to an establishment of two batteries, each of three four-gun troops. It was not until late 1940 that the RA had enough trained battery staffs to carry out the reorganisation. I don't know for the rest of you, but for me this was the kind of money I had never seen in my life before I mean, 5 in one lump, nobody ever saw 5 in 1938. Library contains an ever growing number diary entries, personal letters and other documents, most transcribed into plain text. * Amongst the officers was the Colonel's cousin, Lieutenant Hugh Mont-gomerie, whose commission was dated 21st July . Playfair & Molony, Vol IV, pp. The slow advance continued through Gennep on 11 February, then German counter-attacks were driven off by DF fire. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Allied bombers smashed the ancient Abbey of Monte Cassino and turned it into a smok1ng ruin. He boarded a puffer (small fishing boat), which then off loaded them onto a Destroyer, which got torpedoed by a German Sub, it did not sink, and a Cross channel ferry then came alongside and rescued them. British gunners had difficulty supporting attacks on High Wood, because they had to fire over Bazentin Ridge. http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/volmil-scotland/vinf/ash-8.htm, http://regiments.org/regiments/uk/volmil-scotland/varty/lowland.htm, The Regimental Warpath 19141918 (archive site), Land Forces of Britain, the Empire and Commonwealth (archive site), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 1st (Greenock) Renfrewshire AVC formed 20 January 1860, four batteries by 1867, 2nd (Greenock) Renfrewshire AVC formed 20 January 1860, absorbed into 1st in 1864, 3rd (Greenock) Renfrewshire AVC formed 20 January 1860, absorbed into 1st in 1864, 1st (Helensburgh) Dumbartonshire AVC formed 9 February 1860, 2nd (Rosneath) Dumbartonshire AVC formed March 1860, moved to, 3rd (Dumbarton) Dumbartonshire AVC formed 24 December 1860, increased to two batteries 22 March 1869, 3rd Highland (Howitzer) Ammunition Column at, Renfrewshire Small Arm Section Ammunition Column, 307 (Renfrew) Field Bty at Mints Avenue, Cathcart, 308 (Renfrew) Field Bty (Howitzers) at Greenock, Lt-Col William Anderson, VD, 11 June 1892, Lt-Col Francis G. Gemmill, VD, 18 May 1898, Lt-Col Charles C. Scott, VD, 18 January 1902, Col Charles C. Scott, VD, former CO, appointed 20 September 1913, Col P.C. . [14], The commanding officers of the unit included:[6][9], The following served as Honorary Colonel of the unit:[6][9]. Can anyone confirm whether this 77 Field Regiment Royal Artillery is the same as. 61st Anti-Tank Reg [19][20][21], The raw division was soon in action at the Battle of Festubert (1825 May). The whole artillery programme lasted for 5 hours 30 minutes. Records of 77th (Highland) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery from other sources. 4th Division then continued the advance towards Florence, clearing the Chianti mountains and the west bank of the Arno against tough opposition as the Germans slowly gave ground. The establishment of a field regiment from 1941 onwards was three batteries, each of two four-gun troops of 25-pounders. Constituted 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as Troops C and D, 19th Cavalry. [82][83], 51st (H) Division was then moved to hold 'The Island', the wet low-lying country between Nijmegen and Arnhem that had been captured during Operation Market Garden (see above). The division then continued through Isselburg and Anholt. The defenders pulled back to the Montone on 8/9 November. In this way duplicate batteries, brigades and divisions were created, mirroring those TF formations being sent overseas. This weight of support broke the initially stiff enemy opposition, and the division fought its way methodically forward from one objective to another according to timetable. [40][81] On 23 June the division expanded the bridgehead by a night attack at Ste Honorine la Chardonnerette. Right, there we were and then we finally moved up to the War, we travelled across France, only it was rather difficult at the time, because the elements (weather) were doing their best to stop us. It reached Delmenhorst on 20 April and closed in on the centre of Bremen. It moved up during the preceding nights, occupying gun positions and dumping ammunition, and remaining concealed during daylight. Mother said "What is happening? " [31][72] On 23 June the division expanded the bridgehead by a night attack at Ste Honorine la Chardonnerette. It continued in the postwar Territorial Army until 1969. During World War I it served with 51st (Highland) Division at the Battle of the Somme before being broken up. Bitter fighting went on into the new year. The 2nd Dumbarton AVC wore a blue uniform with scarlet facings and white belts. Over the next two days 128th Fd Rgt regiment fired smoke and HE to help the brigade continue the advance through the forest. The battalion deactivated on 25 June 1959 in Germany. 77th (H) Field Rgt accordingly formed 'X' Bty, which was numbered as 455 Fd Bty by February 1941. 48, 53, 8592, 979, 1079. [76], 51st (H) Division then moved up to and across the Seine for the assault on Le Havre (Operation Astonia). The 'break-out' phase began on the night of 1/2 November with Operation Supercharge, preceded by another powerful barrage. [33][45] Molony, Vol VI, Pt I, pp. The whole artillery programme lated for 5 hours 30 minutes. Harry and Uncle George had to blow up their 4.5 inch Howitzer, as that is the gun they used in 1940. During the winter of 191415 the 1st Line units underwent war training, and a number left to join the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) on the Western Front.
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