21st Siege Battery RGA

[Andrew Hesketh]

It's a very rare occurrence, but the above unit is not listed in the RGA section of Chris's magnificent website. Would anyone know anything about it?

Thanks,

Andrew

[charlesmessenger]

Andrew

On 11 Nov 18 it was part of 3rd Siege Brigade in Second Army and had six 9.2inch howitzers.

Charles

[Joe Sweeney]

Andrew,

The 21st was formed on 15,1, 15 at Tynemouth. It was originally part of the 12th Siege Bde formed at Lydd on 16,1, 15. However, this Bde sailed with-out the 21st.

The 21st was integrated into the New 18th Siege Bde between 11 and 19 May 1915 (the origianl 18th Bde became G Bde in the RGA training complex). This Bde embarked at Southhampton on 22 May 1915.

This Battery's service in France is a bit sketchy as it at some point left the 18th Bde which became the 18th HAG then again the 18th Bde.

The 21st eventually ended up in the 3rd "Mixed" Brigade in the 2nd Army on 11 Nov 1918.

Joe Sweeney

[Andrew Hesketh]

Charles & Joe,

Thanks for the information. Much appreciated.

All the best,

Andrew

[Phil Eyden]

If anyone could help me I would very much like to find out where the 21st Siege Battery were in the first week of August 1916.

I have been given four 'thank you' and rather moving postcards addressed to the children at North Deal School Kent from members of the Battery thanking them for gifts of cigarettes. They are signed off by:

Gnr. H. Hough 48822

? Marchant 31527

S. Sgt. Masson

Gnr. Edgar J. Williams

Thank you.

[ororkep]

Phil,

they were positioned near Carnoy.

Rgds

Paul

PS Its Gunner Joseph MARCHANT.

[Seany]

It's a very rare occurrence, but the above unit is not listed in the RGA section of Chris's magnificent website. Would anyone know anything about it?

Thanks,

Andrew

There are quite a few not listed - i guess hecan only do so much

[Phil Eyden]

Phil,

they were positioned near Carnoy.

Rgds

Paul

PS Its Gunner Joseph MARCHANT.

Thank you so much and for looking this up for me.

I'm amazed that you've identified Joseph for me. Do we know anything more about him please?

I've attached an image of the postcard - it seems all four were posted, and probably written, together. The postmark is dated 6th August 1916. It is very hard to read but I believe it says:

(Trumpeteer????) J MARCHANT

No. 31527 21st S/Bty RGA

B.E.F. France

"Received the gift of cigarettes + were appreciated (ILLEGIBLE) them, and best respects to all the children."