238th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, R.A.

The 238th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, R.A. was formed at Aberystwyth on 10th April 1941.  After training with the 224th Training Regiment, the Battery was regimented with the 78th L.A.A. Regiment, R.A. (T.A.) on 8th July 1941.[1]

On 30th March 1942, the Battery became an independent battery.[2]

It appears to have sailed with Convoy WS 18 as Divisional Troops, 2nd Infantry Division.  The convoy sailed from the Clyde on 15th April 1942 and reached Capetown (15th May) and Durban (18th May).  At Durban, the Battery disembarked from its original ship and re-embarked onboard the Empire Woodlark with South African troops, destined for East Africa and Madagascar.  The re-organised convoy sailed from Durban on 22nd May and headed northwards before the Empire Woodlark detached for Mombasa on 30th May. 

The Battery completed disembarkation at Antsirane on 1st June 1942, with Major H. Middlehurst in command.  A detachment was sent to Point de Vue to take over four 165mm French coast defence guns.[3]

The Battery was relieved on Madagascar by the 201st (E.A.) L.A.A. Battery, E.A. on 27th January 1943, and returned to Kenya, disembarking at Mombasa on 2nd February 1943 and moved to Nyali Transit Camp.[4]

On 13th February 1943, the 238th L.A.A. Battery, R.A., with the 145th L.A.A. Troop, R.A. (disembarked Mombasa 29th December 1942) were attached to the 96th L.A.A. Regiment, R.A.  The balance of the 299th L.A.A. Battery, R.A. not posted to the 204th (E.A.) L.A.A. Battery went to Nyali Details and Transit Camp where they were attached to the 238th L.A.A. Battery, R.A. from 15th February.[5] 

The Battery moved from Nyali Transit Camp to a position on the Makupi/Malindi road junction during March 1943.  On 15th May, the Battery became attached to the 20th (E.A.) L.A.A. Regiment, E.A.A. when this regiment was formed from the R.H.Q., 96th L.A.A. Regiment, R.A.    On 23rd May, the Battery took on 186 British Other Ranks posted from the 145th L.A.A. Troop, R.A. and the 299th, 300th and 479th L.A.A. Batteries, R.A.  The Battery was formally regimented with the 20th (E.A.) L.A.A. Regiment, E.A.A. on 31st May, with effect from 15th May.  By 17th July, the Battery was deployed with a troop at each of sites L.9, L.10 and L.15.  The Battery H.Q. moved from Rassini Road to site H5a at Shimanzi on 10th August.[6]

On 11th August 1943, the Battery was relieved by the 206th (E.A.) L.A.A. Battery, E.A.A.; selected personnel of this Battery moved to site H.5A (Shimanzi) to provide the cadre personnel for the 207th (E.A.) L.A.A. Battery, E.A.A., whilst the balance went to Nyali Details and Transit Camp.  The cadre for the 207th Battery left Mombasa for Athi River on 14th August 1943 and arrived the next day.  On arrival, the Battery was informed that the formation of the 207th Battery was postponed.  Instead, the Battery was to become involved in training African gunners.   Major Middlehurst was posted to the 202nd (E.A.) L.A.A. Battery, E.A.A. on 30th September; Captain S.P. Parker assumed command in his place.  Formed on 16th October 1943 at Athi River, British personnel for the 207th (E.A.) L.A.A. Battery, E.A.A. were posted from the 238th L.A.A. Battery, R.A.[7]

The 238th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, R.A. was disbanded on 20th November 1943.[8]

26 March 2025