185th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, War Diary January 1943

1 January 1943 Penclawydd.

The Regiment was organised for training on a basis of five cadres:

(1) Signallers (2) Specialists (3) Surveyors (4) Drivers (5) Gunners

3 January 1943

1415326 W/W.O.II (RQMS) Hopps F posted to this Regiment from 69 Field Regiment RA to assume the appointment of RSM.

1046366 W/W.O.I (RSM) Davies G E reposted to 69 Field Regiment RA.

5 January 1943

Lieutenant J A Culpin (134914) joined on posting from HQ Western Command. Lieutenant W A Thompson (166553) joined on posting from No. 6 RA Practice Camp. Authority: W.O.L. 112/Arty/3404 (A.G.6P) of 30.12.42.

9 January 1943

T/Captain D I Marshall joined on posting from attached 4 Field Training Regiment RA. Authority: W.O.U.M.P/56582/2/(A.G.6P) o3.Jan.43.

12 January 1943

Major General H O Curtis C.B., D.S.O., M.C. 49 Division Commander visited 185 Field Regiment RA.

13 January 1943

Major E H N Rees-Webbe RA (6694) joined on posting from 67 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA and assumed command of 274 Field Battery RA. Authority: W.O.L. 112/Arty/2749(A.G.6(O) of 5 Jan. 43. P/Major W H F Coverdale relinquishes P/A/Rank of Major and reverts to the rank of Captain.

Lieutenant W A Thompson RA proceeded to attend course Serial No. 19 Troop Commanders at Gunnery Wing School of Artillery from 15 – 27 Jan. 43.

14 January 1943

Temporary Captain D I Marshall RA interposted to 191 Battery.

Lieutenant J G D Phillips RA interposted to RHQ.

Lieutenant J M Jennings RA interposted to RHQ.

Lieutenant J A Culpin RA interposted to 386 Battery.

Lieutenant D J Brabin RA interposted to 191 Battery.

Lieutenant W A Thompson RA interposted to 386 Battery.

19 January 1943

The undermentioned Officers were promoted to fill existing vacancies with effect from 21.Dec.42. Authority: Western Command Order No. 101 of 19. Jan.43.

Lieutenant A G Airy RA to be Provisional Acting Captain.

Lieutenant D J Brabin RA to be Provisional Acting Captain.

Lieutenant T E Flynn RA to be Provisional Acting Captain.

21 January 1943

Brigadier C M Brunker RA visited the Regiment (C.R.A. 49 Division).

22 January 1943

Lieutenant P D Youlton RA interposted to RHQ as Assistant Adjutant from 274 Field Battery RA.

24 January 1943

Regimental Survey Party consisting of 1 Officer and 9 Other Ranks attached to 7th Survey Regiment RA for one month’s intensive training.

25 January 1943

Lieutenant P D Youlton RA proceeded to attend Course No. 2 “Clearance of Minefields” at No. 14 Command Troops Engineers from 25 January – 30 January 1943.

Lieutenant P R Hirst RA posted from 34 Signal Training Regiment RA. Authority: W.O.U.M. 112/Arty/3404 (A.G.6P) of 19 Jan. 43. Interposted to 274 Field Battery RA.

27/28 January 1943

Classification of Regimental Signallers carried out. Number under instruction 71. Classified 46.

31 January 1943

A “Z” lorry from Burscough, Lancashire with a party consisting of 1 Officer and 4 Other Ranks visited the Regiment to inspect and adjust signal stores and wireless sets.

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