AA Battery RHA

May I conclude that the RHA had it's own anti-aircraft battery?

Posted February 4, 2017 7:33 PM

by cyngast moderator

I don't really know. All I can do is refer you to this page on The Long Long Trail that describes the development of anti-aircraft units during the war: http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/development-of-british-anti-aircraft-artillery-in-the-first-world-war/

It mentions that the first AA units came from the Royal Garrison Artillery, but there is no mention of the RHA.

Nor can I find an RHA Battery designated as AA.

I expect David or Rob may be better able to answer your question on Monday.

Posted February 5, 2017 2:32 AM

by marie.eklidvirginmedia.com

Good Image for No. 11 Anti-Aircraft Section, Royal Garrison Artillery

Part of the article: “...At the front, individual AA regions were defined, each having an AA Defence Commander who would oversee a number of Sections plus various searchlight and machine gun crews: this was called an AA Group. Each of the five...” Link:

http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/development-of-british-anti-aircraft-artillery-in-the-first-world-war/

Posted February 5, 2017 2:22 PM

by ral104 moderator, scientist

My understanding is that the anti-aircraft sections were nominally part of the Royal Garrison Artillery, but were initially made up of men drawn from all the sections of the Royal Artillery (RHA, RFA and RGA). I've certainly seen plenty of photos at IWM which purport to be of RHA anti-aircraft sections, such as this one: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205077497

I would guess in this particular case the AA battery referred to is attached to the RHA and is probably made up of ex-RHA men.

Posted February 5, 2017 2:51 PM

by cyngast moderator

Great photo! It really shows the urgency as the running men are slightly out of focus.

I tend to forget that units like an AA section may have been attached to a larger unit. I'll try to remember that. Putting a sticky note on my wall now!

Posted February 5, 2017 5:50 PM