1st Anti-Tank – 1st A.A./Anti-Tank Regiment, I.A.

The 1st Anti-Tank Regiment, I.A. was first raised at Hyderabad as ‘K’ Anti-Tank Regiment, I.A. on 1st August 1940.  It became the 1st Anti-Tank Regiment, I.A. from 2nd April 1941.  Four batteries were regimented, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Anti-Tank Batteries, I.A.  In late 1941, the Regiment went to Iraq, embarking on the S.S. Egra  at Bombay on 22nd November.  It disembarked at Basra on 28th November, coming under the command of the 8th Indian Infantry Division.  On 25th February 1942, the Regiment left Habbaniya for Egypt, moving via Mufraq and Tulkaram.  The Regiment arrived at Ismailia, Egypt on 30th May 1942, where it came under the command of the 10th Indian Infantry Division.[1] 

After suffering heavy losses during the retreat to the El Alamein line in June 1942, the survivors returned to Iraq, arriving at Kirkuk on 25th July.  The Regiment returned to India from Iraq in March 1943, embarking on the S.S. Rajula  at Basra on 3rd March and disembarking at Karachi on 13th March.  Upon disembarkation, the Regiment moved to quarters at Sialkot two days later.  At the time, the Regiment was equipped with 6-pounder anti-tank guns.[2]   

The 4th Anti-Tank Battery transferred to the Mountain Artillery on the 20th April 1943, being replaced by a composite Mahratta battery transferred two days later from the 8th (Mahratta) Anti-Tank Regiment, I.A.  However, the 4th Battery is mentioned as serving with the Regiment during December 1943.[3]  From 8th June 1943, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment was C.O. Lt. Colonel R.G. Lascelles.

On 2nd August 1943, the Regiment transferred to Eastern Army and left Sialkot for Chas, in Jharkhand state, where it arrived complete by 29th August 1943.  The next day it came under the command of the 26th Indian Infantry Division.  Whilst this move was taking place, on 15th August, the Regiment was notified that it had been earmarked for conversion to an A.A./Atk regiment.  On 12th September 1943, the Regiment moved to Barambe, near Ranchi.[4]

The conversion to the new role and organisation was slow.  During September 1943, eleven 6-pounder guns were handed over to the 24th Anti-Tank Regiment, R.A. and four officers and 14 Other Ranks went on an anti-aircraft course.  The following month, however, eight 6-pounder guns were taken on strength.  Preparations for the anti-aircraft role continued, with the batteries identified for conversion undertaking aircraft recognition training.  During November 1943, two officers and seven Indian Other Ranks went on anti-aircraft courses.[5]

The Regiment is listed in the India Command Orders of Battle as having begun conversion by October 1943.  It is listed, with no batteries, in the Indian order of battle for December 1943, and located at Ranchi.   In a 1st March 1944 amendment to the index for November 1943, it appears as “1 Ind AA/Atk Regt”, but with no batteries listed.  In May 1944, the 1st A.A./Atk Regiment, I.A. is listed with the 1st and 2nd Atk Batteries and the 203rd and 204th L.A.A. Batteries.  In August 1944, the Regiment was located at Barambe, Ranchi.  Unfortunately, the war diary for 1944 only covers the period October-December.[6]

Indian divisional anti-tank regiments were once again the subject of reorganisation from August 1944, when they were reorganised to consist of three batteries, each equipped with twelve 6-pounder anti-tank guns and twelve 3-inch mortars.[7]  From September, and by October, 1944, the Regiment had converted to this new organisation.[8]  At this time, the Regiment was composed of three anti-tank/mortar batteries; the 1st, 2nd and 30th Batteries, the latter having been transferred from the disbanded 15th (Punjab) Anti-Tank Regiment, I.A.  The Regiment left Ranchi for Chittagong on 6th October 1944, coming under the command of the 26th Indian Infantry Division on the same day.  While en route and in rest camp at Alipore, the Regiment collected twenty-eight 3-inch mortars from Jubbulpore.  [9]

30 August 2025