Page 8 - 103RA 2018-20

103 Regiment Royal Artillery
208th (3rd West Lancashire) Battery Royal Artillery
Foreword
By Maj Young RA
I am delighted to have been invited to write this foreword, not only because Lt Col Tim Reade has been a friend and my commander for the previous two and a half years, but also because I believe in his direction for the Regiment. I also believe that reservists and regulars at every level and stage of their career can enrich and strengthen their knowledge by being part of 208 Battery and 103 Regiment.
The Battery has been through some turbulent times in recent history, but now stand as a solid coherent unit that can boast of deploying a four Gun Battery in the field. Our policy for recruit and retention is positive. Our long-term non-attenders are down and soldiers qualifying for the Commanding Officers’ ‘Certificate of Efficiency’ is up. Our successes are numerous, including winning the Best Detachment Competition for two
year’s running, leading the Regiment for the NAA competi- tion and a Royal Salute Gun Salute for the Prince of Wales. Numerous individual awards including National Artillery Asso- ciation Medal, Gunner Colours and the Commanding Officer’s Gold and Silver Coin awards. All indications that the Battery is strong and going in the right direction are clear.
It has been a privilege and honour to be Battery Commander for the past two years. We have had to overcome some hardships during our time and I thank all the Officers, SNCO’s and soldiers and civilian staff of the Battery for doing and trying their best. You have my utmost respect in the way you balance your civilian and military careers. Finally, it is most important that we invest in our heritage and this journal goes a long way to sustaining it.
March 2019
The Liverpool Irish Memorial Parade
The Liverpool Irish Memorial Parade was started in the 90s by WO2(BSM) Shacklady, a former A Troop TSM. The Parade itself is to show
remembrance to all those
Liverpool Irish who have
fought and sometimes
paid the ultimate sacrifice
in service to the Crown
and takes place on the
closest Saturday to St
Patricks Day at the War
Memorial in King’s Garden, Bootle. The memorial service itself is attended by 208 Battery, Members of the RAA, The Regi-
mental Pipes & Drums, Cadets from the Royal Irish as well as a representative from Sefton Council and Veteran organisations
with the service being conducted by the Regi- mental Padre.
The Irish tradition in Liverpool goes back a long way and the connection to 103 Regiment and 208 Battery comes from 8th Battalion King’s Regiment
(Liverpool) who saw action in The Boer War, World War 1 and World War 2. In 1947 the Regiment was reformed as 626th HAA
(Heavy Anti-Aircraft) Regiment (Liverpool Irish) (TA) and was given permission to wear the Caubeen, Harp Badge and Hackle.
In 1955 they were amalgamated with 470th (3rd West Lancashire) HAA Regiment RA (TA) and 525th LAA/ Searchlight Regiment RA (TA) and subse- quently, on formation of 103 Regiment RA in 1967, the Irish became A Troop of 208 Battery and given permission to wear the Caubeen with the Red and Blue Hackle. It is reported to be the smallest Unit in the British Army to wear the Caubeen.
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The Irish tradition in Liverpool goes back a long way