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| − | 20 Battery Royal Artillery is a British Air Defence Battery and is one of the five Batteries that make up [[16th Regiment Royal Artillery]]. Both the Battery and 16th Regiment use the [[Rapier Field Standard C]] air defence missile system, the last Regiment in the [[British Armed Forces]] to do so. 20 Battery Royal Artillery has a long and proud history that can be dated back to its formation on the 1st of January 1771. The Battery has been involved in a number of conflicts and is still heavily involved in current operations. In recent years 20 Battery has deployed to the [[Falkland Islands]], Iraq and Afghanistan.
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| − | =Designations/names=
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| − | 01/01/1771 Formed as '''7th (Johnstones) Company''' 4th Battalion<br>
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| − | 1859 Renamed '''6 Battery''', 10 Brigade<br>
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| − | 01/07/1877 Renamed '''8 Battery''', 9 Brigade.<br>
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| − | 01/04/1882 Renamed '''1 Battery''', 1 Brigade Scottish Division<br>
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| − | 01/07/1889 Renamed '''7 Battery''', Southern Division<br>
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| − | 01/08/1891 Renamed '''7 Company''', Southern Division<br>
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| − | 01/06/1899 Renamed '''7 Company RGA''', Southern Division RGA<br>
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| − | 01/01/1902 Renamed '''14 Company RGA'''<br>
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| − | 31/08/1918 Became Part of '''No 6 Fire Command RGA'''<br>
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| − | 30/06/1920 Became Part of '''HQ Golden Hill'''<br>
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| − | 04/09/1920 Became Part of '''F Coast Battery RGA'''<br>
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| − | 10/04/1922 Renamed '''Y Coast Battery RGA'''<br>
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| − | 01/05/1924 Renamed '''15 Heavy AA Battery'''<br>
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| − | 01/03/1928 '''Absorbed 34 Heavy Battery''' <br>
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| − | 14/12/1940 Renamed '''15 Coast Battery'''<br>
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| − | Renamed '''15 HAA Battery'''<br>
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| − | 01/04/1947 Renamed '''20 HAA Battery'''<br>
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| − | 1955 Renamed '''20 Medium Battery'''<br>
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| − | 1961 Renamed '''20 (Amphibious Operations) Battery''', 95 Regiment<br>
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| − | 1964 Renamed '''20 Light Battery'''<br>
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| − | 1965 Renamed '''20 Commando (Amphibious Operations) Battery'''<br>
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| − | 1988 '''G Troop formed'''<br>
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| − | 1990 '''20 (Commando) Battery''' reformed<br>
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| − | 2004 Renamed '''20 Battery Royal Artillery''', 16 Regiment RA<br>
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| − | =Battery Commanders=
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| − | 01/01/1771 - 01/12/1782 '''Captain W. Johnstone''' (Promoted to Lt. Colonel)
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| − | 01/12/1782 – 21/05/1790 '''Captain T. Hare''' (Transferred to invalid Bn)
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| − | 21/05/1790 – 25/09/1796 '''Captain T. Seaward''' (Promoted to Major)
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| − | 25/09/1796 – 03/03/1797 '''Captain C. W. Thornton''' (Transferred to Invalid Bn)
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| − |
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| − | 04/03/1797 – 16/07/1799 '''Captain E. Trelawney''' (Appointed to C Tp RHA)
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| − | 16/07/1799 – 01/10/1799 '''Captain S. C. Parry''' (Exchanged with G. Wulff 2 Bn)
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| − | 01/01/1799 – 20/07/1804 '''Captain G. Wulff''' (Promoted to Major)
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| − | 20/07/1804 – 24/03/1817 '''Captain J. T. Caddy''' (Promoted to Major)
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| − |
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| − | 24/03/1817 – 1820 '''Captain A. Bredin''' (Exchanged with G. Turner)
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| − |
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| − | 1820 – 26/12/1824 '''Captain G. Turner''' (Appointed to E Tp RHA)
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| − |
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| − | 26/12/1824 – 03/071830 '''Captain W. Greene''' (Suspended for being AWOL)
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| − |
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| − | 03/07/1830 – 13/04/1842 [[Captain F. R. Chesney]] (Promoted to Lt. Colonel)
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| − | (Tigris and Euprhates Expedition)
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| − | 13/04/1842 – 27/05/1850 '''Captain D. Thorndike''' (Promoted to Lt. Colonel)
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| − |
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| − | 27/05/1842 – 26/01/1855 '''Captain J. H. Lefroy''' (Appointed Sec to RA Institution)
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| − | 26/01/1855 – '''Captain S. R. Robinson'''
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| − | Although appointed on 26/01/1855 did not assume command until later, and Captain A.C. L. Fitzroy assumed command until his death.
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| − | 26/01/1855 – 10/09/1855 '''Captain A.C.L. Fitzroy''' (Died of his Wounds at Sebastopol, mentioned twice for Gallentry)
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| − | 01/01/1862 – 01/08/1862 '''''Captain C. Carpenter''''' (Acting Command)
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| − | oooooooooo - 05/08/1864 '''Captain S.R. Robinson''' (Promoted to Lt. Colonel)
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| − | 05/08/1864 – '''Captain H.S. Elliot'''
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| − | Taken ill and shipped back to the UK G.U. Knox assumed temporary command.
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| − | 01/10/1866 – 08/05/1868 '''''Captain G. U. Knox''''' (Acting command)
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| − | oooooooooo - 11/07/1867 '''Captain H.S. Elliot''' (Replaced 11/07, went onto half pay 24/07. Died 28/12.)
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| − |
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| − | 11/07/1867 – 02/02/1868 '''Captain F.G. Ravenhill''' (Posted, never arrived at Bty Knox remained in command until his replacement arrived)
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| − | 08/05/1868 – oooooooooo '''Captain J. T. Daubuz'''
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| − | Taken sick on 10/12/1869 and returned to the UK and did not return to the Bty. Lt. B. A. Ogle assumed acting command until his death, acting command was then assumed by Lt S. Simpson, until J.T. Daubuz died.
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| − |
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| − | 10/12/1869 – 23/04/1870 '''''Lt. B. A. Ogle''''' (Acting Command, died 23/04)
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| − | 23/04/1870 – 14/03/1871 '''''Lt. S. Simpson''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | oooooooooo - 14/03/1871 '''Captain J. T. Daubuz''' (Died 14/03)
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| − | 15/03/1871 - oooooooooo '''Captain F.G. Baylay'''
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| − | Assumed although appointed an 15/03/1871 did not arrive until 29/06/1872. Lt W. H. M. Duthie assumed acting command until the arrival of Captain A.J. Rait on 17/02/1872 who then assumed acting command, until F.G. Baylay’s arrival.
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| − | 15/03/1871 – 17/02/1872 '''''Lt W.H.M. Duthie''''' (Acting Command)
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| − | 17/02/1872 – 29/06/1872 '''''Captain A.J. Rait''''' (Acting Command)
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| − | oooooooooo - 27/07/1875 '''Captain F.G. Baylay''' (Posted)
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| − |
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| − | 27/07/1875 – 14/08/1875 '''Captain W.J.R. Harrison
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| − | '''
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| − | 15/08/1875 – 11/1877 '''Major R. Sandham''' (Exchanged with H. Brackenbury)
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| − | 11/1877 - oooooooooo '''Major H. Brackenbury'''
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| − |
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| − | Went on leave leaving Captain T. A Davies in command, Lt Vibart was in command 08/1878 – 09/1878, Captain T. W. Bridges assumed command 10/1878 – 11/1878 whereupon Lt Vibart took over from 12/1878 – 02/1879 was relieved by Lt M’Q Mcleod until Major Townsend arrived
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| − |
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| − | 02/1878 – 03/1878 '''''Captain T.A. Davies''''' (Acting Command)
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| − | 08/1878 – 09/1878 '''''Lt F.M.E. Vibart''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | 10/1878 – 11/1878 '''''Captain T. W. Bridges''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | 11/1878 – 02/1879 '''''Lt F.M.E. Vibart''''' (Acting Command)
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| − | 02/1878 – 09/1879 '''''Lt R.G. M’Q Mcleod''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | ooooooo - 09/1879 '''Major H. Brackenbury''' (Staff College)
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| − | 09/1879 – 1880 '''Major C.W. Townsend''' (Exchanged with L.W.Taylor)
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| − | 1880 – 23/05/1884 '''Major L.W. Taylor''' (Appointed to G/A RHA)
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| − |
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| − | 23/05/1884 - oooooooooo '''Major P.K.L. Beaver'''
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| − |
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| − | Appointed from half pay and did not arrive until 09/1884, Captain B. Burton assumed acting command until his arrival. Major Beaver went on leave from 06/1887 – 10/1887 Captain J.T. Johnston assumed Acting command until 09/1884, when Major Beaver retired to become a remount agent in Calcutta.
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| − |
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| − | 23/05/1884 – 09/1884 '''''Captain B. Burton''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | 06/1887 – 09/1887 '''''Captain J.T. Johnston''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | 09/1887 – 09/1887 '''''Captain E.A.P. Hobday''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | ooooooo - 25/05/1889 '''Major P.K.L. Beaver''' (Retired to become remount agent in Calcutta)
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| − |
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| − | 25/05/1889 – oooooooooo '''Captain E.A.P. Hobday'''
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| − |
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| − | 08/1889 - 03/01/1889 '''''Captain R.A.K. Montgomery''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | oooooooooo - 03/01/1889 '''Captain E.A.P. Hobday''' (Transferred to 55 FieldBattery)
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| − | 03/01/1889 – 27/01/1889 '''''Lt H.B. Foote''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | 27/01/1889 – 28/02/1894 '''Captain G. Wright
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| − | '''
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| − | 28/02/1894 – 05/12/1896 '''Captain H.S. Dawkins''' (Transferred to 26 Field Bty)
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| − |
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| − | 05/12/1896 – 03/09/1897 '''''Captain F. Potts''''' (Acting Command)
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| − | 03/09/1897 – 19/10/1897 '''''Lt L.B.S. Christie''''' (Acting Command)
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| − | 19/10/1897 – 02/1898 '''''Captain W.B.R. Sandys''''' (Acting Command)
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| − | 02/1898 - 12/11/1898 '''Major J.T. Johnston''' (Appointed DAAG RA Ireland)
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| − |
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| − | 12/11/1898 – 12/01/1899 '''''Captain W.B.R. Sandys''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | 12/01/1899 – 28/06/1901 '''Major C.A. Howard''' (Transferred to 25 West Div)
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| − |
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| − | 28/06/1901 – 09/1905 '''Major Brownlow''' (Appointed to 2 MTN Bty RGA)
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| − | 09/1905 - 03/04/1908 '''Major H.F. Head''' (Appointed as Director of Ordinance
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| − | and Commandant of permanent forces in New Zealand)
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| − | 03/04/1908 - ?? '''''Captain T.S.N. Hardinge''''' (Acting Command)
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| − | ?? - 11/12/1908 '''Major W.H. Robinson''' (Posted to 95 Coy RGA)
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| − |
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| − | 11/12/1908 – 23/12/1908 '''''Captain T.S.N Hardinge''''' (Acting Command)
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| − |
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| − | 23/12/1908 – 01/01/1914 '''Major C.O. Smeaton'''
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| − | 01/01/1914 – 10/05/1915 '''Major Fowler'''
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| − | 10/05/1914 – 26/05/1917 '''Major J.A. Williams'''
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| − |
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| − | 26/05/1917 – 26/08/1917 '''Captain R.G. Bignall'''
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| − |
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| − | 26/08/1917 – 24/11/1917 '''Major F.J.N Smyth'''
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| − | 24/11/1917 – 25/05/1918 '''Captain E.A.E Hall'''
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| − | 29/05/1918 – 26/10/1918 '''Captain C.J. Buckland'''
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| − |
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| − | 26/10/1918 – 01/01/1919 '''Captain E.A.E. Hall'''
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| − |
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| − | 01/01/1919 – 01/01/1920 '''Lt Colonel N.E.B. Bellairs'''
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| − |
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| − | 01/01/1920 – 04/09/1920 '''Lt Colonel Corbett'''
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| − |
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| − | 04/09/1920 - oooooooooo '''Major M.H.C. Bird'''
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| − | 01/01/1939 – 01/08/1945 '''Major G.R. Johnston'''
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| − | 01/08/1945 – 11/05/1946 '''Major G.F. Cane'''
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| − | 11/05/1946 – 25/05/1946 '''Major G.C. Moody'''
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| − | 25/05/1946 – 01/06/1946 '''Major W.H.S. Crackle'''
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| − | 01/06/1946 – 17/08/1946 '''Major G.C. Moody'''
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| − | 17/08/1946 – 01/04/1947 '''Major R.P.H. Walter'''
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| − | 01/04/1947 – 01/01/1948 '''Major H.L.G. Livingston'''
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| − |
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| − | 06/05/1948 – 19/05/1948 '''Captain A. Clewes'''
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| − | 19/05/1948 – 01/01/1949 '''Captain A. Howe'''
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| − |
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| − | 01/01/1948 – 27/07/1949 '''Captain A. Clewes'''
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| − | 27/07/1949 – 01/09/1951 '''Major (Sir) H.F.C. Farrington'''
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| − | 01/09/1951 – 31/08/1954 '''Major V. Womersley'''
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| − | 31/08/1951 – 01/02/1955 '''Major O.R. Jenkins'''
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| − | 01/02/1955 – 16/07/1955 '''Major D.O. Griffiths''' (Formerly the BK)
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| − | 16/07/1955 – 17/04/1956 '''Major L.G. Wilkes'''
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| − | 17/04/1955 – 04/05/1958 '''Major P.F. Palmer'''
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| − | 04/05/1958 – 13/03/1960 '''Major K.D. Davidson M.C.'''
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| − | 13/03/1960 – 20/12/1961 '''Major N.G. Scotter'''
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| − | 20/12/1961 – 01/10/1963 '''Major D.R. Francis M.C.'''
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| − | 01/10/1963 – 09/11/1964 '''Major M. Lochhead'''
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| − | 09/11/1964 – 06/07/1965 '''Major K.R.H. Eve'''
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| − | 06/07/1965 – 01/09/1966 '''Major J.M. Rogers'''
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| − | 01/09/1966 – 01/07/1968 '''Major D.G. Anderson'''
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| − | 01/07/1968 – 01/03/1970 '''Major R.A. Rodick'''
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| − | 01/03/1970 – 01/04/1970 '''Major K.R.H. Eve'''
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| − | 01/04/1970 – 01/05/1971 '''Major R.A. Preedy'''
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| − |
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| − | '''Suspended Animation'''
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| − | 10/1988 G Troop formed, under command of '''Captain M.G. Flannagan''' (formally of 20 Commando (AO) Battery).
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| − | 01/09/1989 '''Major R.P. Lungmuss''' tasked with reforming 20 Battery with Captain Flannagan.
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| − |
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| − | 01/04/1990 G Troop becomes part of resurrected 20 Battery under the command of.
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| − | 01/04/1990 – 01/12/1991 '''Major R.P. Lungmuss'''
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| − | 01/12/1991 – 07/02/1994 '''Major T. Marjot'''
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| − | 07/02/1994 – 10/11/1996 '''Major N.C. Best'''
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| − | 10/11/1996 – 01/2000 '''Major T. M. Wood'''
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| − | 01/2000 – 03/2002 '''Major S. Atkinson'''
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| − | 03/2002 – 06/2004 '''Major S. D. Fraser'''
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| − | = History =
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| − | == Formation and the American Wars 1771 - 1812 ==
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| − | The Battery was formed as 7 (Johnstone's) Company of the 4th Battalion RA in [[Woolwich]] in 1771 under Captain William Johnstone RA. The 4th Battalion was posted to New York shortly after its formation, relieving elements of the other Battalions stationed in North America. From here the Company was sent to Pensacola in the British colony of West Florida and Captain Johnstone was appointed the CRA for the colony. Whilst the bulk of the Battalion became heavily involved in the growing tensions and violence in the Northern Colonies 7 (Johnstone’s) Company were left largely untroubled in Florida.
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| − | The colonies of East and [[West Florida]] had been Spanish possessions until the 1760’s when they were taken by Great Britain. The defences of these [[colonies]] and their cities, including [[Pensacola]], had been seriously neglected under the Spanish rule resulting in [[British forces]] having to spend a huge amount of time and money attempting to bring them up to standard. For this reason Captain Johnstone became heavily involved with the planning and construction of the batteries and fortifications around [[Pensacola]] during his time there. [[Detachment (military)]] from the company were also stationed in [[Augusta]] and [[Baton Rouge]] during their time in [[Florida]].
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| − | Captain Johnstone and some of the senior ranks within the Company became involved in the training of gunners from the German [[Regiment of Waldeck]] (part of the garrison) in field Gunnery, it was hoped that this would enable them to be more versatile. The Company remained in [[West Florida]], the sole unit of the [[Royal Artillery]] in the southernmost colonies as the [[American War of Independence]] raged in the north. Whilst the war had not yet spread to [[West Florida]] the men of the Company had to endure terrible hardships with tropical heat and a volatile relationship with the native tribes making things worse. During this period the city began to fill up with [[loyalist refugees]] fleeing from the rebel mobs and looters in the neighbouring colonies, including the famous “Kings Ranger” [[Lt Col Thomas Brown]]. The fortunes of the company changed at the end of 1778 with the launch of an expedition by British forces to liberate the southern colonies, staging from [[Florida]] and pushing through [[South Carolina]] and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. [[Loyalist]] support was far stronger in these states than in the north and it was hoped that the restoration of the crown in the south would remove the rebel threat to loyalist families and homes freeing up the population to swell the British ranks.
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| − | With forces newly arrived from [[New York]] and reinforced with soldiers from [[Pensacola’s]] [[Garrison]] the Army began their campaign. 7 (Johnstone’s) Company was attached to the force as the only gunners and joined the second column commanded by [[General Augustine Prevost]]. The campaign was a success and, with the [[Rebel Armies]] routed, British dominance was assured for several years. The company fought at a number of battles in this campaign and were commanded by Captain Johnstone throughout. These battles included [[Briars Creek]], [[Stono Ferry]], the [[Siege of Fort Morris in Sunbury]] and a number of minor engagements. The company was instrumental in the victories on each occasion. At the [[battle of Stono Ferry]] the future [[President Andrew Jackson’s]] older brother was killed and this is believed to be the main reason behind his long standing hatred of [[United Kingdom|Britain]]. One of the officers from the Company was also appointed [[CRA]] later in the campaign for the siege of [[Charleston]], which resulted in the largest single surrender of American forces during the war.
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| − | Captain Johnstone then returned with his company to [[Florida]] where they remained and where concerns of a Spanish attack on the colony increased. As a result of this threat Captain Johnstone received re-enforcements in the form of a detachment from another company within the Battalion which were placed under his command in [[Augusta]]. Finally in May 1781 a combined Franco Spanish force of over 10’000 men under [[General Galvez]] arrived in the harbour thus beginning the [[Siege of Pensacola]].
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| − | [[File:7_(Johnstones)_Company_4th_Battalion_RA.jpg|thumb|left|7 (Johnstones) Company, 4th Battalion Royal Artillery at the Queens Redoubt during the defense of Pensacola 1781 [[20 Battery Royal Artillery, UK]]]]
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| − | The garrison of just over 900 men consisting of [[16th Regiment of Foot]], [[60th Regiment of Foot]], [[The Regiment of Waldeck]], 7 (Johnstone’s) Company, various [[loyalist]] regiments in addition to a large number of [[natives]] from the [[Creek]] and [[Chicksaw]] tribes held out against this force for weeks awaiting reinforcements from [[Jamaica]]. There were a number of sorties led to attempt to disrupt enemy [[siege works]] which the Company participated in, these sorties included [[Native Americans in the United States|Indians]] who terrified Spanish Forces. Unfortunately a chance shot hit the main powder [[Magazine (artillery)]] in the Queens Redoubt whilst soldiers from a [[loyalist]] Battalion were being issued ammunition causing a massive explosion and killing over 100 men. When the smoke cleared a gaping breach had been blown in the walls, surprising the Spanish as much as the defenders. Captain Johnstone and his men were [[mentioned in dispatches]] for their bravery in rushing to the [[breach]] and bringing up a gun, holding off the enemy forces and enabling the wounded to be carried off. They continued fighting until the walls were too badly damaged to bring the guns to bear and finally the Garrison raised the white flag.
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| − | The General commanding the garrison of [[Pensacola]] singled out Captain Johnstone and his company on several occasions in dispatches for their bravery and energy in engaging the enemy during the siege. It is also important to note that of all the units in the garrison 7 (Johnstone’s) Company were the only unit not to suffer [[desertions]] during the siege. After the [[articles of surrender]] were signed the Company were transported by Spanish ships to the British garrison at [[New York]] where they remained until the end of the war. The company was then sent to [[Canada]] where they spent time in a number of garrisons. Captain Johnstone was posted away on his promotion to Colonel and the Company found themselves based in Quebec at the outbreak of [[the war of 1812]]. Not much is known as yet about the company’s role during this war, although we do know that the new commander was on the board of a well documented [[court martial]] of a junior officer for cowardice.
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| − | == The Tigris and Euphrates Expedition and the Siege of Sevastopol 1812 - 1900 ==
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| − | [[File:General_Francis_Rawdon_Chesney_1863.jpg|thumb|left|General Francis Rawdon Chesney RA who led men of 7 Company RA on the Tigris and Euphrates expedition]]
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| − | The Company had a variety of [[postings]] after the war and were based in [[Malta]] when Captain [[Francis Rawdon Chesney]] took command after his predecessor was posted [[AWOL]]. This new commander launched an epic expedition that went with the blessing of the then [[Prime Minister]] the [[Duke of Wellington]] and after a private audience with the King. Taking a detachment of men from the Company as well as scientists and engineers from across Great Britain he set out with two steamers, the [[Tigris]] and the [[Euphrates]], which he dismantled and carried across the desert to the rivers that were their namesake. From there he attempted to prove the rivers navigable and thus establish an over land route to the [[Indian Ocean]] via [[Basra]]. He faced a variety of challenges and hostility from local tribes, but the books he published on the tribes, customs and geography of the region were ground breaking. For this and his earlier endeavours he received the [[Royal Geographical Society]] Gold Medal, one of the first to do so, having also received the acting rank of Colonel for the duration of the expedition.
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| − | Although [[Great Britain]] decided against following through on his research the French did in the form of the [[Suez Canal]] and its builder [[Ferdinand de Lesseps]] hailed [[Francis Rawdon Chesney]] as the father of the [[Suez]] at the public celebrations in Paris. [[Francis Rawdon Chesney]] went on to become a General and wrote numerous books. During this period the Battery absorbed two other Batteries, including 34 Battery RA.
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| − | After this brief foray into the world of exploration the Battery had a number of other postings before being sent to fight at the [[siege of Sevastopol]] during which the then Battery Commander Captain Fitzroy was twice mentioned in despatches for his bravery. Unfortunately he received a musket ball to the spine whilst in the trenches and died a day later.
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| − | == The World Wars, Cuba, Korea, the Commando role and going into Suspended Animation 1900 - 1969 ==
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| − | After this the Battery seems to have travelled the world until the [[first world war]] when they were based as ‘Y’ Coastal Defence Battery on the [[Isle of Wight]]. During the [[inter war years]] the Battery was posted to the British colony of [[Ceylon]] (present day Sri Lanka) where they fought during the [[Second World War]] as 15 Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery and were responsible for a number of [[Japan|Japanese]] aircraft kills during the fierce air battle over the Colony.
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| − | After the Second World War the Battery was renumbered and rerolled as an [[Amphibious Operations]] Battery. They were posted to Hong Kong becoming 20 Commando (AO) Battery RA as part of [[29 Commando Regiment RA]] fulfilling the same role as [[148 Commando (AO) Battery RA]] did within [[95 Commando Regiment RA]]. Due to the fact that only 20 and 148 Batteries fulfilled the AO roll there was a lot of movement between them, most men having served in both. The Battery absorbed [[3 (AO) Troop RA]] on their move to [[Hong Kong]] and was involved in a number of operations including [[the Korean war]] and a little known operation in the Caribbean during the [[Cuban missile crisis]]. The Battery was involved in clearing [[Russians|Russian]], [[United States|American]] and [[Cuba|Cuban]] personnel off remote, but strategically important British Islands in the region and can be credited with arresting 60 or so men who later turned out to be [[CIA]] operatives, causing a minor political incident. The Battery was placed into suspended animation in 1969 due to the downsizing and the reduction to one [[Commando]] Artillery Regiment, having lost out to [[148 Commando (AO) Battery]]. Many of 20 Cdo (AO) Bty’s personnel ended up in [[148 Bty]] and as such so did much of the Bty property.
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| − | [[File:Javelin_surface_to_air_missile_launcher.JPEG|thumb|left|Cpl. Simon Orchard, 20 CDO Battery, G Troop, with his Javelin optically guided close air defense system, on the perimeter of the 3 CDO Brigade Headquarters.]]
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| − | == The Reformation 1989==
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| − | In the late 1980’s G Troop was formed at [[16 Regiment RA]] as an [[air defence]] troop to support [[3 Commando Brigade]], a result of lessons learned in the [[Falklands War]]. The Troop was formed under Capt M G Flannigan RA who had been a Bombardier in 20 Commando (AO) Battery. He was instrumental in the reanimation of the Battery with G Troop as its nucleus.Wo2 Owen Morrison was appointed as the 1st BSM. In 1991 the Battery was officially reformed as 20 Air Defence Battery RA shortly later becoming 20 Commando Battery and served as the integral air defence Battery for [[3 Commando Brigade]]. The Battery was posted to [[22 Regiment RA]] a couple of years after its formation and took part in a number of operations with the Brigade. This included OP PALISER ([[Sierra Leone]]) where the now WO2 Butler was responsible for the capture of a number of so called “[[West Side Boys]]”. The Battery was also involved in the initial [[invasion of Afghanistan]].
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| − | == 2004 Onwards ==
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| − | [[File:20_Battery_Royal_Artillery_2007_Crest.jpg|thumb|right|New 20 Battery RA Crest (2007)]]
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| − | In 2004 the decision was made by [[Chief of the Naval Staff]] that [[3 Commando Brigade]] no longer needed an integral air defence capability and after the [[OP BANNER]] (Northern Ireland) deployment that year the Battery lost their [[Commando]] status. This coincided with the disbandment of [[22 Regt RA]] in [[Kirton In Lindsey]] and the Battery was posted back to [[16th Regiment Royal Artillery]] in [[Woolwich]]. At the time the Battery had the highest pass rate for the [[Commando Course]] of any other unit within the [[3 Commando Brigade]] and had a impressive reputation for physical fitness. Those who chose not to remain with the Battery went to [[21 (Parachute) Battery RA]] in [[47 Regt RA]].
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| − | The now renamed 20 Battery RA has been deployed to [[OP TELIC]] (Iraq) being the first UK unit to deploy [[Counter RAM]] and after the move of the Regiment to North Luffenham deployed to the Falkland Islands. Individuals have since been deployed to [[Afghanistan]] and a full Battery deployment is due in the near future.
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