69th (East Africa) Field Battery, E.A.A.
The 69th (East Africa) Field Battery, E.A.A. was formed at Larkhill on 20th January 1944. It was equipped with 25-pounder guns.[1]
The Battery was regimented with the 308th (E.A.) Field Regiment, E.A.A. when the Regiment was formed (by conversion of the 305th (E.A.) Anti-Tank Regiment, E.A.A.) on 1st March 1944. When the Regiment moved to Gilgil in July 1944, the 69th Battery moved there also, arriving on 15th July. During August, the 69th Battery undertook small arms practice firing on the ranges at Naivasha. In October, the 69th and 70th Field Batteries took their 25-pounder guns to Naivasha for practice firing.[2]
The 308th Regiment remained at Gilgil, with regular visits to the ranges at Naivasha. On 8th February, the R.H.Q. and 69th Battery went to Moshi for exercises with the 29th (East African) Training Brigade. The Regiment left Moshi on 5th March for Gilgil which was reached on 8th March.[3]
On 15th September 1945, the 308th (E.A.) Field Regiment, E.A.A. converted to become the 308th General Transport Battery and was attached to the 43rd (E.A.) General Transport Company for duty. The three batteries, including the 69th Battery, were disbanded on this date.[4]
Summary history of the 69th (East Africa) Field Battery, E.A.A.
© Steve Rothwell
27 February 2025