British Royal Artillery

British Royal Artillery
MoD · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Unit name	Royal Artillery
Dates	1716–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Artillery
Role	Fire support
Size	Brigade-sized elements
Garrison	Larkhill
Motto	Ubique

British Royal Artillery The Royal Artillery traces its formal origins to the establishment of the Regiment of Artillery in 1716 and has served through the War of the Spanish Succession, Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War, Second Boer War, First World War, Second World War, Korean War, Falklands War, Gulf War (1990–1991), and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). It provides indirect fire, air defence, surveillance, and targeting support to formations including the British Army, Army Air Corps, Royal Marines, and multinational coalitions such as NATO and the United Nations. The corps encompasses units with histories tied to the Royal Horse Artillery, Royal Field Artillery, and Royal Garrison Artillery, and has adapted through reforms linked to the Cardwell Reforms, Haldane Reforms, and post‑Cold War restructuring.

History

The regiment developed professional artillery practice influenced by innovators like John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, and engineers associated with the Royal Engineers during sieges such as Siege of Gibraltar (1779–1783), Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855), and Siege of Lucknow (1857). In the 19th century the corps expanded after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and served in colonial campaigns including the Boer War and the Mahdist War, later modernising through engagements at the Somme and Passchendaele in the First World War. Mechanisation and air defence roles matured before and during the Second World War, notably in campaigns like Operation Overlord and the North African Campaign, while Cold War deployments tied the corps to NATO’s Central Front and crises such as the Berlin Crisis of 1961. Recent operations include contributions to Operation Granby, Operation Telic, and Operation Herrick.

Organisation and Structure

Contemporary organisation aligns under brigades and regiments such as the 1st Artillery Brigade, 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, 19th Regiment Royal Artillery, and specialist formations like the Royal Horse Artillery batteries. Headquarters functions sit at establishments including Army Headquarters, Defence Equipment and Support, and the principal garrison at Larkhill Garrison. Units integrate with divisional elements such as the 1st (United Kingdom) Division and 3rd (United Kingdom) Division and cooperate with joint commands like Joint Forces Command. Reserve integration involves the Army Reserve and partnerships with Territorial units formed under reforms like the Army 2020 programme and successors.

Equipment and Artillery Systems

The corps fields systems ranging from tube artillery to missile-based air defence, including platforms like the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, AS90, and the towed L118 Light Gun, supported by surveillance assets such as the AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder radar and targeting suites including the Brimstone (missile), Storm Shadow, and integrated into command systems influenced by programmes like NATO Fire Support Coordination. Air defence capabilities have included systems such as the Rapier (missile), Stormer HVM, and modern integrated solutions tied to programmes like Sky Sabre. Counter-battery and target acquisition draw on unmanned systems such as the Wasp (UAV) and sensors interoperable with platforms like the Challenger 2 and Ajax (Armoured Vehicle) reconnaissance elements.

Roles and Operations

Primary roles cover deep fires, close support, general support, and air defence during operations from set-piece battles like Operation Overlord to expeditionary engagements such as Falklands War taskings. The Royal Artillery conducts counter-battery missions, precision strike, suppression of enemy air defences supporting units like Household Cavalry formations, and joint fires integration with assets from the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. In peacekeeping and coalition contexts the corps has contributed to UNPROFOR, IFOR, ISAF, and contemporary NATO missions, providing fire support, surveillance, and force protection. Logistics and sustainment intersect with organisations including Royal Logistic Corps and Defence Medical Services during deployed rotations.

Training and Doctrine

Training is concentrated at centres such as the Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill, with doctrinal development interacting with institutions like the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, British Army Doctrine Centre, and multinational forums such as the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Courses cover gunnery, targeting, air defence, and electronic warfare integration, linking to professional qualifications from establishments including the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom and exchanges with foreign schools like the United States Army Field Artillery School and French Artillery School (École d'Artillerie). Doctrine evolves through lessons from operations including Gulf War (1990–1991), Iraq War, and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), and through capability development programmes under Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) procurement frameworks.

Uniforms, Insignia and Traditions

Uniforms and insignia preserve heritage elements such as the gun badge, the motto "Ubique", and regalia associated with the Royal Horse Artillery, including ceremonial drill traced to practices at Woolwich. Dress distinctions reflect historical branches like the Royal Field Artillery and Royal Garrison Artillery, and colours and battle honours commemorate engagements from Waterloo to El Alamein. Ceremonial events involve parades at locations such as Horse Guards Parade and links to institutions like the Royal Armouries. Traditions include gunnery salutes for state occasions such as at Buckingham Palace and participation in remembrance rituals alongside organisations like the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Category:Royal Artillery