H.Q. ‘X’ Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A.

The Headquarters ‘X’ Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A. was formed in the United Kingdom in December 1940 as a regimental H.Q. for the 197th H.A.A. and 71st L.A.A. Batteries, R.A., for service in West Africa.[1]

The two batteries sailed for West Africa in Convoy WS 5A, arriving at Freetown, Sierra Leone on 6th January 1941.  There is some confusion as to when the H.Q. ‘X’ H.A.A. Regiment sailed.  One source has the unit being requested for despatch with Convoy WS 6.  However, a hand-written note states ‘NOT now in WS 6’.  A group of British R.A. Officers did arrive in Freetown with Convoy WS 6 and these men disembarked and we’re posted to the Sierra Leone A.A. Regiment, R.A., with which the 197th and 71st Batteries had been regimented on their arrival in January.[2]

These British Officer reinforcements, described as ‘R.H.Q Personnel, ex R.A. Depot, Woolwich’, arrived, from the United Kingdom, on board the S.S. Highland Brigade, which had sailed as part of Convoy WS 6A, which sailed from off Oversay on 9th February 1941, and arrived at Freetown on 1st March 1941 and disembarked on 4th March.[3]

It is therefore assumed, that the H.Q. ‘X’ H.A.A. Regiment, R.A. was disbanded on the personnel being posted to the Sierra Leone A.A. Regiment, R.A. on 4th March 1941.

11 June 2025