311th (East African) Anti-Tank Regiment, E.A.A.

On 25th September 1944, the 311th (E.A.) Anti-Tank Regiment, E.A.A. was formed at the Royal Artillery Depot, Gilgil.  Regimented were the 105th and the 106th Anti-Tank Batteries; the latter having been redesignated from the 205th (E.A.) L.A.A. Battery, E.A.A.  [Note: these changes appear not to have taken effect until 26th October]  The Commanding Officer was Major H.W. Littock, formerly Commander of the 105th Anti-Tank Battery.  The Regiment trained to operate both the 6-pounder anti-tank gun and the 3-inch mortar.  A conversion course to anti-tank gunnery was run for the 106th Battery whilst the African Other Ranks of the 105th Battery were trained to use the 3-inch mortar.[1]

Between 23rd and 26th October 1944, the 106th Battery undertook training at the Naivasha artillery ranges.  The Regimental H.Q. was formed at Gilgil on 16th October.  Major Littock was posted on draft on 14th December, his place as Commander was taken by Major G.C. Grimshaw.[2]

On 15th March 1945, the Regiment was asked to provide a draft of British and African personnel as reinforcements to East African units serving with South East Asia Command.  The draft left for India on 30th April.  Between 9th and 11th April, the 105th and 106th Batteries went to Naivasha for practice.  Major Grimshaw left the Regiment on 11th May on posting to S.E.A.C., command of the Regiment being assumed by Major W.L. Ashton, previously Commander of the 105th Battery.[3]

The Regimental H.Q., 311th (E.A.) Anti-Tank Regiment, E.A.A. was disbanded on 15th September 1945.[4]

3 April 2025