157th (East Africa) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery, E.A.A.
The 157th (East Africa) H.A.A. Battery, E.A.A., was formed at Athi River on 12th September 1943. Having completed training there, the Battery left Athi River to arrive at Mombasa on 22nd March 1944. The Battery occupied site H.5 with the Battery H.Q. at L.9A. The Battery was regimented with the 16th (E.A.) H.A.A. Regiment, E.A.A. upon arrival. The Battery Commander was Major J.G. Robinson.[1]
The Battery moved to sites H.3 and H.4 on 5th May 1944. The 157th Battery moved from H.3 to H.2 on 27th July, on which date H.2 became non-operational.[2]
The 16th (E.A.) H.A.A. Regiment, E.A.A. was disbanded on 30th September 1944.[3]
During October 1944, the Battery remained at Mombasa, presumably under the operational command of the A.A.D.C. and under the administrative command of H.Q. Coast Sub Area (formerly H.Q. Mombasa Fortress.[4]
The Battery moved to the E.A. (Athi River) Artillery Depot & Training Centre on 13th November 1944 where it is presumed to have disbanded by the end of the month.[5]
Summary history of the 157th (East Africa) H.A.A. Battery, E.A.A.
© Steve Rothwell
06 April 2025
[1] War diary A.A. Defence Commander, WO 169/14091, WO 169/18317; War diary 16th (E.A.) H.A.A. Regiment, E.A.A., WO 169/18322
[2] WO 169/18322
[3] WO 169/18322; "Lineage Book of the British Army; Mounted Corps and Infantry, 1660-1968", Frederick J.B.M., Hope Farm Press (1969)
[4] War diary 157th (E.A.) H.A.A. Battery, WO 169/18326
[5] War diary 156th (E.A.) H.A.A. Battery, WO 169/18325