Introduction
In June 2003, Battery Sergeant Major Derek Driscoll, 266 Battery, Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery, Royal Artillery (Volunteers), otherwise known as 266 Bty, GVA, RA(V), or simply "266", published his history of gunnery in Bristol and of the GVA on the internet. Like old soldiers, websites "do not die, they just fade away" and when in March 2016, the website was no longer available, the only place it could be found was on the Internet Archive.
The website was unique, it was the only place where all the threads of the Volunteer Trained Bands of Artillery from 1486, the Bristol Artillery Company of 1625, and the reformation of the Territorial Army in 1947 were drawn together in a single place.
In 2013, Tim Anderson, or as we knew him "Sir" or Captain Anderson RA(V), wrote "The Bristol Gunners" which concentrated on the Battery's role in both World Wars.
In 2024, many of us who served in 266 in the 1980s and 90s are still in contact with each other and between us decided to create a new website featuring Derek's work, new information and perhaps adding our own stories. Even after 40 years, the camaraderie the military fosters cannot be broken by the mere passage of time.
266 Battery Today
The battery has seen several changes since its formation in 1859. Over the years it has moved from the QF 25-pounder to the L118 105mm light gun. It has been part of 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery; 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery; 100 (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery; and more recently 104 Regiment Royal Artillery.
Video: Wessex Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association (Wessex RFCA)