30 October 1939

The 157th HAA Battery diary records the following for 30 October 1939:

Villers-Marmery 30/10/1939

0800 Preparation of site at JUVIGNY continued.  Right Half Battery complete with guns, stores etc moved from billets in EPERNAY to billets inVAUDESIMCOURT.  First convoy left EPERNAY 0900 hours arrived VAUDESIMCOURT 1115 hrs.  Second convoy arrived VAUDESIMCOURT 1145 hrs.

1300 Four guns on site at AUBERIVE Map ref. T59 74.  Preparatioon of position in progress.  Ammunition on site 200 rounds HE 48 rounds shrapnel.  Two guns ready for action at JUVIGNY (as above for ammunition).

The diary of the Headquarters of 12th Anit Aircraft Brigade recorded the following for the days 25 to 31 October 1939:

Wet weather and lack of towing vehicles slowed preparation particularly in 53rd area.  Not ready until 1/11/39.

The 53rd HAA Regiment formed part of the 12th AA Brigade.