BRITISH ARTILLERY IN WORLD WAR 2

 ANTI-TANK ORGANIZATION FOR MANŒUVRE

Last updated 26 January 2006

Initially anti-tank units had regimental War Establishments similar to other artillery regiments.  However, while this was satisfactory when units had the same equipment in all batteries and troops it was not satisfactory when regiments started having batteries on different establishments of different numbers of batteries.  Therefore in late 1942 the pattern of establishments for anti-tank units changed.  There was an establishment for a regimental HQ and different establishments for different types of battery.  This page presents some of these.

HEADQUARTERS ANTI-TANK REGIMENT

The following table is taken from the War Establishments for:

The first version of this WE (II/181/1 effective date 12 October 1942) was initially used with all batteries on WE II/182/1 (6-pdr only).  It replaced WE II/174/1, II/174/1 (divisional anti-tank regiments) and III/128/1 (corps anti-tank regiment).  Some battery WE's were:

In mid 1944 corps anti-tank regiment HQs changed to III/308 with batteries III/309 (3 troops M10) and III/310 (3 troops 17-pdr).  Regimental HQs and batteries on assault establishments were in Volume VIII of WEs.  

Summary Table - Men

 

Lt Col

Maj

Capt

Sub

WO

SNCO

JNCO

Gnr/Pte

Total (excl 1st rft)

Officers RA

1

1

2+1

1+4

 

 

 

 

5

Tradesmen RA

 

 

 

 

 

*

*

15*+3

15

Non-tradesmen/unspecified RA

 

 

 

 

2

1+1

7+6

23+44

33

RAMC Attached

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

ACC Attached

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

3

REME Attached

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

1

Total HQ Anti-Tank Regiment

1

1

3

1

2

2

7

41

58

Tradesmen R Signals

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

3

5

Total Signal Detachment

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

3

5

Tradesmen REME

 

 

 

 

1

1

2

2

12

Total LAD

 

 

 

 

1

1

2

8

12

Complete Total

1

1

3

1

3

3

11

52

75

 Notes: The Quartermaster (a commissioned WO) and Medical Officer could be any rank Subaltern - Major but all are shown as Captains.  First reinforcements were for the headquarters and batteries, slight variation depending on the type of battery.

* The number of RA tradesmen who could be NCOs was based on regimental totals, for a regiment of 4 batteries the total was 2 Staff-serjeants, 3 Serjeants, 2 Lance-serjeants, 5 Bombadiers and 7 lance-bombadiers.  

Summary Table - Vehicles and Trailers

Vehicle

Qty

Vehicle

Qty

Motor-cycle, solo

4+1

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, wireless house

1

Car, 5-cwt, 4×4

2

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, water

1

Car, 4-seater, 4×4

1

Lorry, 3-ton, 4×4, G.S.

3

Car, 2-seater, 4×2

1

Lorry, 3-ton, 4×2, stores and tools

2

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, G.S.

4+1

Lorry, 3-ton, 6×4, breakdown

1

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, office

1

Armoured car or light reconnaissance vehicle

1

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×4, personnel

1

Travelling platform

1

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, fitted for wireless

2

 

 

 Summary Table - Weapons

Weapon

Qty

L.M.G. ·303-in

 3+1

P.I.A.T.

 1+1

20-mm A.A.

 1

THE ORGANIZATION OF AN ANTI-TANK REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS FOR MANŒUVRE

Group or party

Name of vehicle

Type of vehicle

Personnel

Remarks

R Group

Z

4-seater car, 4×4

C.O.
Batman
Driver I.C.

 

 

Z.2

Armd Car or Lt Recce Veh

2 driver operators.
Driver Mechanic.

Wireless set
Universal carrier in Europe

 

J.1.

5-cwt. car, 4×4

Subaltern
Driver I.C.

 

 

M.C.1.

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly  

 

O Group

S.1.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, FFW

Adjutant
Batman
Driver I.C.

Wireless set

 

J.2.

5-cwt. car, 4×4

Major (2nd i/c)
Driver I.C.

 

 

S.2.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, wireless house

Corporal operator (wireless & line)
Operator (wireless & line)
Driver-operator

Wireless set No 22  rear link (R Signals)

 

M.C.2

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly

Signalling serjeant, depending on mix of batteries

 

M.C.4.

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly 

 

F Group

A.1.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

Duty serjeant
2 L.M.G. numbers
Driver I.C. 

P.I.A.T.
Tows travelling platform

 

 

Travelling platform

 

20-mm A.A.

 

A.2.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, office

R.S.M.
Serjeant clerk (to HQRA)
2 clerks
Driver I.C.

Office equipment

 

A.3.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

M.O.
Batman-driver

 

 

A.4.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

M.O's. orderly
Driver I.C.

Medical stores

 

A.5.

Armd Car or Lt Recce Veh

Technical officer (captain)
Driver-mechanic
Batman

Only in regiments with SP guns.  Excluded from summary tables above.

 

 Q.3.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

2 batmen
Cook A.C.C.
Driver I.C.

 

 

S.3.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

Corporal electrician (signals)
Driver mechanic

(R Signals) 

T Group

Q.1.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, FFW

Q.M.
Batman
2 driver operators

Wireless set

 

 Q.2.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

R.Q.M.S.
Clerk
2 L.M.G. numbers
Driver I.C. 

2 L.M.Gs.

 

M.C.3.

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly

 

 

Q.4.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, water

Water dutyman
Driver I.C.

 

 

Q.5.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

2 cooks, A.C.C.
Butchery dutyman
Driver I.C.

Cooking sets and rations,
L.M.G.

 

Q.6.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

Storeman
Sanitary dutyman
Artificer R.A. or fitter, gun
Vehicle mechanic
Staff Serjeant armourer, R.E.M.E.
Driver I.C.

Q.M. Stores.

 

Q.7.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

Serjeant storeman (technical)
2  L.M.G. numbers
Storeman (technical)
Driver I.C.

Staff serjeant in regiments with SP guns
M.T. stores and petrol.
 

LAD REME

 

Car, 4-seater, 4×2

WO Class 1 armament artificer
Serjeant vehicle mechanic

 

 

 

Motor-cycle, solo

Storeman

 

 

 

Lorry, 3-ton, 4×4, stores & tools

Storeman
Fitter
Driver mechanic

 

 

 

Lorry, 3-ton, 4×4, stores & tools

Electrician (vehicle & plant)
Welder
Fitter
Driver mechanic

 

 

 

Lorry, 3-ton, 6×4, breakdown

Fitter
Driver mechanic

 

ANTI-TANK BATTERY RA
 (2 troops 17-pdr and 1 troop 6-pdr)

The following table is taken from the War Establishment for:

The grouping into parties reflects deployment as a battery.

Summary Table - Men

 

Maj

Capt

Sub

WO

SNCO

JNCO

Gnr/Pte

Total

Officers RA

1

2

4

 

 

 

 

7

Tradesmen RA

 

 

 

 

*

*

31*

31

Non-tradesmen/unspecified RA

 

 

 

1

16**

24

81

122

ACC Attached

 

 

 

 

 

1

4

5

Total Anti-Tank Battery

1

2

4

1

16

25

116

165

 Notes *: The  number of RA tradesmen who could be NCOs was based on regimental totals.
** Includes 6 Lance-serjeants.

Summary Table - Vehicles and Trailers

Vehicle

Qty

Vehicle

Qty

Motor-cycle, solo

4

Tractor, 4×4, anti-tank

9

Car, 5-cwt, 4×4

6

Carriers, tracked, towing

6

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, G.S.

6

Carrier, Universal

3

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, water

1

Armoured car

1

Lorry, 3-ton, 4×4, G.S.

7

Travelling platform

 1

 Summary Table - Weapons

Weapon

Qty

L.M.G. ·303-in

 19

P.I.A.T.

 4

Pistol, signal

1

2-inch Mortar

6

20-mm Gun

1

6-pdr Gun

4

17-pdr Gun

 8

THE ORGANIZATION OF A TOWED ANTI-TANK BATTERY  FOR MANŒUVRE (17-PDR/6-PDR)

Group or party

Name of vehicle 

Type of vehicle

Personnel

Remarks

R Group

X

Armoured car (2 wireless sets)

Major
2 driver-operators
Driver-mechanic

 

 

J.1.

5-cwt. car, 4×4

Captain
Driver I.C.

 

 

J.2.

5-cwt. car, 4×4

Subaltern
Batman-driver

 

 

M.C.1.

Motor-cycle, solo

Battery serjeant-major  

 

 

M.C.2.

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly  

 

 

M.C.3.

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly

 

F Group

 K.

5-cwt. car, 4×4

Captain
Vehicle-mechanic

 

 

 Q.1.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

Cook A.C.C.
2 batmen
Drive I.C.

Cooking equipment & rations P.I.A.T. & L.M.G.

 

M.C.4.

Motor-cycle, solo

Vehicle mechanic

Orderly

 

A Troop
R Group

R.A.

Carrier, universal

A. Tp. Subaltern
Signaller
Driver-mechanic

Wireless set
P.I.A.T.

 

J.3.

5-cwt. car, 4×4

Serjeant  
Batman-driver

 

A Troop
F Group

A.1.

Tractor, 4×4, anti-tank

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 - 6 of gun
Driver-mechanic
Driver I.C.

Tows gun
30 rds 17-pdr ammo
L.M.G

 

A.2.

Tractor, 4×4, anti-tank

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 - 6 of gun
Driver-mechanic
Driver I.C.

Tows gun
30 rds 17-pdr ammo
L.M.G

 

A.5.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

2 Nos 7 of guns
Driver I.C.

30 rds 17-pdr ammo
2-inch mortar ammo

 

A.3.

Tractor, 4×4, anti-tank

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 - 6 of gun
Driver-mechanic
Driver I.C.

Tows gun
30 rds 17-pdr ammo
L.M.G

 

A.4.

Tractor, 4×4, anti-tank

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 - 6 of gun
Driver-mechanic
Driver I.C.

Tows gun
30 rds 17-pdr ammo
L.M.G

 

A.6.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

2 Nos 7 of guns
Driver I.C

30 rds 17-pdr ammo
2-inch mortar ammo

A Troop
T Group

A.7

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

Fitter, gun
Driver I.C

Anti-gas stores, L.M.G.
80 rds 17-pdr ammo

 

A.8

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

Driver I.C

100 rds 17-pdr ammo

B Troop
R Group

R.B.

Carrier, universal

B. Tp. Subaltern
Signaller
Driver-mechanic

Wireless set
P.I.A.T.

 

J.4.

5-cwt. car, 4×4

Serjeant  
Batman-driver

 

B Troop
F and T Groups

 

 

 

As for A Troop

C Troop
R Group

R.C.

Carrier, universal

C. Tp. Subaltern
Signaller
Driver-mechanic

Wireless set
P.I.A.T.
24 rds 6-pdr ammo

 

J.5.

5-cwt. car, 4×4

Serjeant  
Batman-driver

 

C Troop
F Group

C.1.

Carrier, tracked, towing

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 - 4 of gun
Driver-mechanic

Tows gun
24 rds 6-pdr ammo
L.M.G

 

C.2.

Carrier, tracked, towing

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 -4 of gun
Driver-mechanic

Tows gun
24 rds 6-pdr ammo
L.M.G

 

C.5.

Carrier, tracked, towing

2 Nos 5 of guns
Driver-mechanic

30 rds 6-pdr ammo
2-inch mortar ammo

 

C.3.

Carrier, tracked, towing

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 -4 of gun
Driver-mechanic

Tows gun
24 rds 6-pdr ammo
L.M.G

 

C.4.

Carrier, tracked, towing

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 -4 of gun
Driver-mechanic

Tows gun
24 rds 6-pdr ammo
L.M.G

 

C.6.

Carrier, tracked, towing

2 Nos 5 of guns
Driver-mechanic

30 rds 6-pdr ammo
2-inch mortar ammo

C Troop
T Group

C.7.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

Ammo number
Fitter, gun
Driver I.C

Anti-gas stores, L.M.G.
204 rds 6-pdr ammo

 T Group

Q.2.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

Cpl cook A.C.C.
3 cooks A.C.C.
Driver I.C.

Cooking sets, rations

 

Q.3.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

Storeman technical
Sanitary dutyman
Driver I.C.

Tech stores
Petrol

 

Q.4.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, water

Water dutyman
Driver I.C.  

 

 

Q.5.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

B.Q.M.S.
Storeman
Clerk
Driver I.C.

Q stores
L.M.G., P.I.A.T.

 

Q.6.

Tractor, 4×4, anti-tank.

3 vehicle mechanics
Fitter, gun
Equipment repairer
2 L.M.G. numbers
Batman
Driver-mechanic

Fitters' workshop
Tows travelling platform

ANTI-TANK BATTERY RA
 (3 troops 3-inch M10)

The following table is taken from the War Establishment for:

Summary Table - Men

 

Maj

Capt

Sub

WO

SNCO

JNCO

Gnr/Pte

Total

Officers RA

1

2

4

 

 

 

 

7

Tradesmen RA

 

 

 

 

*

*

53*

53

Non-tradesmen/unspecified RA

 

 

 

1

19**

22

70

112

REME Attached

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

1

ACC Attached

 

 

 

 

 

1

4

5

Total Anti-Tank Battery

1

2

4

1

19

24

127

178

 Notes: *The  number of RA tradesmen who could be NCOs was based on regimental totals.
** Includes 3 Lance-serjeants.

Summary Table - Vehicles and Trailers

Vehicle

Qty

Vehicle

Qty

Motor-cycle, solo

12

Tractor, 4×4, anti-tank

9

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, G.S.

4

Carriers, tracked, starting and charging

1

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, fitted for wireless

6

Carrier, Universal

5

Truck, 15-cwt, 4×2, water

1

SP mountings

12

Lorry, 3-ton, 4×4, G.S.

9

 

 

 Summary Table - Weapons

Weapon

Qty

Pistols, .38-in

7

Rifles, .303-in

103

Machine carbines

68

L.M.G. ·303-in

 12

Twin L.M.Gs. ·303-in

2

P.I.A.T.

 4

Pistol, signal

1

2-in Mortar

6

Guns, 3-in M10 SP

 12

THE ORGANIZATION OF AN ANTI-TANK BATTERY  (M10)

Group or party

Name of vehicle 

Type of vehicle

Personnel

Remarks

R Group

X

Armoured car (2 wireless sets)

Major
2 driver-operators

 

 

J.1

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, F.F.W.

Captain
2 driver-operators

Wireless

 

J.2.

Carrier universal

Subaltern
Driver-operator
Driver-mechanic

 

 

M.C.1.

Motor-cycle, solo

Battery serjeant-major  

 

 

M.C.2.

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly  

 

 

M.C.3.

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly

 

F Group

 K

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

Captain
2 batmen
Clerk
Driver I.C.

 

 

 Q.1.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

Cook A.C.C.
2 batmen
Drive I.C.

Cooking equipment & rations P.I.A.T. & L.M.G.

 

M.C.10.

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly

 

A Troop
R Group

R.A.

Carrier, universal

A troop Subaltern
Drive-operator
Batman
Driver-mechanic

Wireless set
P.I.A.T.

 

M.C.4.

Motor-cycle, solo

Serjeant 

 M.C. 4 & 5 later replaced by

 

M.C.5.

Motor-cycle, solo

Orderly

 one 5-cwt. car, 4×4

A Troop
F Group

A.1.

SP mounting

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 - 3 of gun
Driver-mechanic
Driver-operator.

54 rds 3-inch ammo
L.M.G
Wireless

 

A.2.

SP mounting

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 - 3 of gun
Driver-mechanic
Driver-operator.

54 rds 3-inch ammo
L.M.G
Wireless 

 

A.3.

SP mounting

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 - 3 of gun
Driver-mechanic
Driver-operator.

54 rds 3-inch ammo
L.M.G
Wireless 

 

A.4

SP mounting

No 1 of gun
Nos 2 - 3 of gun
Driver-mechanic
Driver-operator.

54 rds 3-inch ammo
L.M.G
Wireless 

A Troop
T Group

A.5.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

Fitter, gun
6 ammo numbers
Driver I.C

Anti-gas stores, L.M.G.
72 rds 3-inch ammo
2-inch mortar & ammo

 

A.6.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

Fitter, gun
6 ammo numbers
Driver I.C

72 rds 3-inch ammo
2-inch mortar & ammo

B Troop

 

 

 

As for A Troop

C Troop

 

 

 

As for A Troop

T Group

Q.2.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

Cpl. cook A.C.C.
2 cooks A.C.C.
Drive I.C.

Cooking sets, rations
L.M.G.

 

Q.3.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, G.S.

Storeman technical
2 L.M.G. numbers
Driver I.C.

Tech stores
Twin L.M.Gs.

 

Q.4.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

Fitter, gun
2 L.M.G. numbers
Driver I.C.

Fuel for SP mountings
Twin L.M.Gs.
later towed 20-mm

 

Q.5.

15-cwt. truck, 4×2, water

Water dutyman
Driver I.C.  

 

 

Q.6.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

B.Q.M.S.
Storeman
Clerk
Sanitary dutyman
Driver I.C.

Q stores

 

Q.7.

3-ton lorry, 4×4, G.S.

2 vehicle mechanics
Equipment repairer
Fitter, gun
Driver I.C.

Petrol

 

M.C.11.

Motor-cycle, solo

Vehicle mechanic

 

 

M.C.12.

Motor-cycle, solo

Vehicle mechanic

 

 

Q.8.

Carrier, tracked, starting and charging

Electrician REME
Driver-mechanic
Driver I.C.

 

 

Directory

Top

 Copyright © 2004 - 2008  Nigel F Evans. All Rights Reserved.