Royal Artillery private purchase uniform label

[larissa]

Another item which was sold to the troops. A custom label made of oilcloth.

The reason I bought this one is, of course, is that it has an ATS connection. 515 (M) Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery, Royal Artillery. The letter "M" indicates it was a mixed sex battery.

I would love to know where they were based?

Cheers, Lez.

[larissa]

I have since found the battery was based near Bristol.

http://derelictmisc.org.uk/purdown.html

Cheers, Lez.

[Eric Zentner]

Very cool Lez and great info congrats on your search.

Eric

[larissa]

Thanks Eric. I had not looked for ages and I just found it. Ain't the net great.

Cheers, Lez.

[Battery Command Post]

By mid 1944, 515th HAA Bty were in the Folkestone area, part of the defences on 'Doodlebug Alley'. This is a quote from the War Diary of 2nd HAA Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery:

"B Troop - Part of B Troop with Lieuts Grace and Mullaley in charge arrived at FO2 in the evening of 17 Jul 44. This site is occupied by 515 HAA Bty, RA and is situated in a static position on the cliffs above Folkestone with a good field of view but several restrictions on fire. In spite of restrictions this site has given good account of itself. Night of 18/10 Jul two Cat "B" on Cat "A". Night of 20/21 Jul one Cat "B". Night of 22 Jul two Cat "A"."

I found this quote here: HyperWar: Enemy Air Attack and the Canadian Army in the United Kingdom, 1943-45: The V-Weapons. It's from one of the CMHQ Reports.

515 HAA Battery are said to be part of 150th HAA Regiment, RA (formed in Feb 1942) in the Bristol site, but either 173 or 175 HAA Regt in the Canadian site. Not sure of the details.

Rob

[larissa]

Hiya Rob, thanks for the extra info. Ade said you like RA stuff.

Cheers, Lez.