71st (East Africa) Field Battery, E.A.A.

The 71st (East Africa) Field Battery, E.A.A. was formed at Gilgil on 1st March 1944 by the conversion of the 104th (E.A.) Anti-Tank Battery, E.A.A.  The Battery was regimented with the 308th (E.A.) Field Regiment, E.A.A.[1]

The Regiment soon moved to Larkhill where it remained until 14th July 1944 when it moved to Camp 20, Gilgil, the batteries arriving on subsequent consecutive days: the 71st on 17th July.[2]

While the 69th and 70th Batteries underwent practice firing with their 25-pounders in October, the 71st Battery undertook practice firing also but with its 3.7-inch howitzers.[3]

On 31st October 1944, the 71st Battery, now designated as a light battery, was regimented with the newly formed 310th (E.A.) Light Regiment, E.A.A.[4]

71st (East Africa) Light Battery, E.A.A.

The 71st Battery joined the new Regiment at Larkhill, arriving on 6th November 1944.  On 5th April 1945, the 71st Light Battery left for Nanyuki to participate in Exercise ‘Chindwin’, under the command of the 307th (E.A.) Field Regiment, E.A.A.  The Battery did not return to Larkhill until 4th May.[5]

On 15th June 1945, the 310th (E.A.) Light Regiment and the 75th (E.A.) Light Battery were disbanded.[6]

71st (East Africa) Field Battery, E.A.A.

With the disbanding of the 310th (E.A.) Light Regiment, on 15th June 1945, the 71st (E.A.) Light Battery was redesignated as the 71st (E.A.) Field Battery and rejoined the 308th Regiment at Gilgil.  Lt. Colonel P.H.J. Tuck assumed command on 15th July.[7]

On 15th September 1945, the 308th (E.A.) Field Regiment, E.A.A. converted to become the 308th General Transport Battery.  The Regiment’s three batteries, including the 71st Battery, were disbanded on this date.[8]

Summary history of the 71st (East Africa) Field Battery, E.A.A.

© Steve Rothwell

02 March 2025