Royal Field Artillery - Howitzers

[chelsen]

My Grandfather enlisted in the Royal Horse and Field Artillery in December 1915.  He survived the war, being demobbed in September 1919.

I have his military records but am finding it difficult to trace where he saw action.  He served with 505 Howitzer Battery which I believe was attached to 65 Battery in July 1916.

He arrived in France (Le Havre) in May 1917 and saw action on 10 June 1917 in Dickebusch, Belgium.  I have visited Dickebush Commonwealth War Graves cemetery and confirmed that lots of his comrades were killed there.   

He suffered from dysentry quite a bit so was hospitalised on several occasions in Le Havre so did not see a lot of action.  I have some postcards which he sent to my Grandmother from Rouen some time during November 1917 and it clear from what he says that he was billeted near there.
His army records state that he was "In the field" with the Howitzers and 65 Battery between June 1918 and February 1919. 

Could anyone please advise me how I can find out where he saw action during this period.  I believe that after the war officially ended he was in Germany for a while although this is not mentioned specifically on his service records.

I would be grateful for any help.

[EDDIER]

Check this link www.1914-1918.net/rfa_units.htm 65(howitzer) Battery
Eddie

[chelsen]

Thank you Eddier.

I don't know why I didn't think of this website as I have used it for other purposes in the past.

Carole

[battiscombe]

I had a great uncle who served in 504th Bty, 65th Army Brigade RFA - which 505th Bty was also part of. I have some of the war diary .. but it is a long and complex story!.. they ended the war at Maretz, near Le Cateau with the 4th Army Artillery

[chelsen]

Wow - that is brilliant.

I looked up the info on the website recommended by Eddie above and it would appear that it does not relate to my Grandfather's time because for various reasons he did not see action until about 1917.

Did you have to go to National Archives in Kew to get the copy of the war diaries?  I would love to get hold of the information as we have another trip to France scheduled for this autumn.

My Grandfather was William James Panton.  He and his three brothers, Joseph, Alfred and Frederick Panton all enlisted with the RA and all made it through the war, relatively unscathed.  Quite unusual for that time.

I thought it would be complicated because the Howitzers were attached to various brigades, depending on where they were needed.

Regards
Carole