299th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, R.A.
The 299th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, R.A. was formed at Saighton, Cheshire, on 11th September 1941 and regimented with the 96th L.A.A. Regiment, R.A. on 2nd December 1941.[1]
The Battery personnel embarked on board the troopship Warwick Castle on 26th May 1942. The ship carried all Regimental personnel as part of Convoy WS 19P. The ship arrived at Mombasa on 14th July 1942 and the men disembarked two days later. The Battery deployed in the defence of vital points in the Mombasa area on 21st July.[2]
The 202nd (E.A.) Battery, E.A.A. Battery relieved the 299th Battery, 96th L.A.A. Regiment, R.A. at sites L.1-L.4 (Port Reitz Airfield) in Mombasa on 15th February 1943. The remaining personnel of the 299th Battery redeployed to the remaining sites of the 96th Regiment. The 299th Battery provided the British element of the 204th (E.A.) L.A.A. Battery, E.A.A. This cadre moved to site H.5A. The balance went to Nyali Details and Transit Camp where they were attached to the 238th L.A.A. Battery, R.A. for all purposes.[3]
The 299th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, R.A. was disbanded in Kenya on 13th March 1943.
Summary history of the 299th L.A.A. Battery, R.A.
© Steve Rothwell
27 March 2025
[1] "Lineage Book of the British Army; Mounted Corps and Infantry, 1660-1968", Frederick J.B.M., Hope Farm Press (1969)
[2] War diary 96th L.A.A. Regiment, R.A, WO 169/7016; WS Convoys, WO 193/55; https://www.naval-history.net/xAH-WSConvoys05-1942A.htm (accessed 9th April 2024)
[3] War diary 20th (E.A.) L.A.A. Regiment, WO 169/14097; War diary A.A. Defence Commander, WO 169/14091