RGA

[reformbill]

This is my first attempt to use this forum, which I do with much trepidation.

I am trying to trace two brothers:- 1. Bombadier Frank Greenwood Carter (160 Siege Battery RGA)

2. 2nd Lt Paul Carter (194 and later 431 Siege Batteries RGA)

I have a short war diary kept by the former and some letters home from both between early 1917 and 1919. Are the War Diaries for these Batteries still extant? . I know that 160 Siege Battery was formed at Pembroke Dock at the end of May 1916. Any information would be gratefully received

Both returned home and were teachers and later Headmasters of Church Schools in WR Yorkshire.

A cousin of the two, 2nd Lt. John Taylor(Jack) Carter, served with The Yorkshire Regiment and was killed in action at Passchendale on 9th October 1917 at the age of 26. He was a former bank clerk.

[Steve Bramley]

Hello,

This link may help, on the main site.

RGA

Good Luck,

Steve.

(Not an artillery man myself, sorry)

[Chris_Baker]

Hello reformbill, welcome to the forum

No need to worry. Everyone's very helpful on here.

A quick look at the PRO website (here) reveals that two of the units have war diaries, but they do not appear extensive.

160 Siege Batt RGA has a diary in document WO95/465, and it runs from Sept 1916 to Sept 1917.

431 Siege Batt RGA has a diary in document WO95/393, and it runs from Sept 1917 to October (presumably 1917?).

Couldn't find one for 194.

By the way, Paul Carter's papers are almost certainly at the PRO. Frank's may be, but as an 'other rank' the chances are a lot smaller.

[reformbill]

I am very grateful to Steve and Chris for their prompt and helpful replies.

Is it possible to find out to which Brigades, Divisions and Armies these particular Siege Batteries were attached? I know that on 1st April 1917 the 160 Siege Battery( together with 176, 207 and 255) were attached to the French Army near Soissons and were involved in the Second Battle of the Aisne and witnessed the French Mutiny before rejoining the British Army on May 8th.

Later, in July 1918, 160 Battery supported the Australians at the Third Battle of the Somme.

[John(txic)]

Bill,

I've got a copy of the 431 Siege Battery war diary if you're still interested.

(Tried to PM you, but couldn't)