Army Organisation > The Artillery
 

RFA gun teamThe war of 1914-18 was an artillery war: artillery was the battle-winner, artillery was what caused the greatest loss of life, the most dreadful wounds, and the deepest fear

John Terraine, White Heat - the new warfare 1914-18

 

Photo thanks to Ros Davies

The British artillery had three sections, all parts of the Royal Regiment of Artillery and each playing a distinct role.
Royal Horse Artillery
The RHA was responsible for light, mobile guns that in theory provided firepower in support of the cavalry and in practice supplemented the Royal Field Artillery.
The Batteries of the RHA
 
Royal Field Artillery
The most numerous arm of the artillery, the RFA was responsible for the medium calibre guns and howitzers deployed close to the front line and reasonably mobile. It was organised into Brigades, attached to Divisions or higher formations.
What is an Artillery Brigade?
RFA Brigades and their histories
Royal Garrison Artillery
The RGA was responsible for the heavy, large calibre guns and howitzers that were positioned some way behind the front line.
The Batteries and Brigades of the RGA
The Heavy Batteries of the RGA
The Siege Batteries of the RGA
Trench Mortar Batteries
Created during the war, the medium and heavy TMBs were manned by men of the artillery.
The Trench Mortar Batteries
Artillery units and establishments at home
A vast training structure was created during the war, adding to the artillery kept at home for defence purposes.
The home artillery
Interested in the equipment used by the artillery?
The British artillery weapons of WW1