‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Coast Batteries, R.A.

On 4th February 1941, the Sierra Leone Heavy Regiment was reorganised to consist of a Regimental Headquarters with ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Batteries (it had been intended to title these batteries as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd, however the war diary confirms that they were referred to as ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’).  The Sierra Leone Heavy Battery, R.A. thus ceased to exist.[1]

On 22nd February 1941, the Regiment was re-designated to become the Sierra Leone Coast Regiment, R.A.[2]

The Regiment was responsible for coast guns sited at Aberdeen, Murraytown and Cockerill Batteries. The Regiment was commanded by Major R. Mansell, R.A.  Captains Were and College commanded ‘A’ and ‘B’ Batteries respectively, however both left for the United Kingdom on 10th March.  Captain Lawrie took command of ‘A’ Battery.[3]

The Sierra Leone Coast Regiment was redesignated to become the 16th Coast Regiment, R.A. on 2nd July 1941.  The batteries were redesignated as the 37th, 38th and 39th Coast Batteries, respectively.[4]

 

37th, 38th and 39th Coast Batteries, R.A.

According to the Freetown Fixed Defence Scheme issued on 15th January 1942, the 16th Regiment was responsible for coast artillery guns located at the Murraytown, Aberdeen and Cockerill battery areas; together with the observation position at Wilberforce Spur and the coast defence searchlights (D.E.Ls.) at Murraytown Cape and Cape Sierra Leone.e.[5]

On 17th May 1943, the 37th Coast Battery, R.A. ceased manning its guns and the battery was placed into care and maintenance.  Surplus personnel were transferred to the 38th and 39th Batteries.  The 4‑inch gun manned by the 38th Battery was also put into care and maintenance this day.  In May 1943, the 38th Battery was responsible for the Aberdeen and Murraytown whilst the 39th Battery was at the Cockerill Battery and manned the observation posts and radar set at Wilberforce Spur.[6]

The 39th Battery was placed into suspended animation on 1st October 1944 (the war diary H.Q. Sierra Leone Area gives this date as 1st September).[7]

The Regiment ceased to be operational on 1st June 1945 but continued normal training.[8] 

On 30th June 1945, the 38th Coast Battery, R.A. was declared disbanded, with effect from 10th June 1945.[9]

14 April 2025