157th HAA Battery Diary entries 21 to 25 May 1940

Five days of diary entry for 157th HAA Battery as it regroups in Nantes.

21/5/40

0400 Preparation for evacuation of Battery to NANTES No.2 Base Sub Area. Orders issued that Battery would move at 1200 hours.

1145 Battery column assembled. Took cover while a few bombs were dropped on area.

1200 Column moved off. Destination railway station ROUILLY-GEROUDOT road

1345 Battery column complete arrived at destination. Many evacuees on roads. Loading of guns commenced immediately. This was a very difficult task as guns had to be side loaded on to trucks about 10 inches above siding platform. All guns were manhandled on to trucks one or two breaking through truck floors and having to be hauled up and moved. Tasks completed and train ready to move approx. 2200 hours.

1900 Road party moved off at approx. 1900 hours.

22/5/40

0500 Journey in progress. One gun broke through truck floor during journey had to be man handled to fresh position on truck.

NANTES

23/5/40

0300 Trained arrived NANTES. Off loading commenced immediately. All guns and instruments delivered to Ordnance repair and overhaul. Personnel placed under canvas at CHATEUX LOMBARDIRIE, NANTES.

24/5/40

0800 "Stocktaking" of stores, personnel etc. Reconnaisance of three gun positions south of river LOIRE carried out by Battery Commander. Redistribution of personnel with three sections (ie 2 - Two guns and 1 - Three guns). Fitters and working parties sent to Ordnance to assist with guns and instruments.

25/5/40

0800 Map ENVIRONS DE NANTES (PROJECTION LAMBERT - II - ZONE CENTRALE)

Locations 157 Bty HQ CHAU BALINIERE
P I LA METAIRIE
P 2 JAGUIERE
P 3 LA RONJONIERE
One section (Lt. Ross) deployed to P 3. Personnel under canvas

1600 One gun in action P 3. Enemy air activity NIL (in area)