266 (GVA) Bty, 104 Regt R.A. (V)
2019

In 1971, 266 (Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery) Observation Post Battery was formed as an independent Observation Post unit as a reinforcement unit for the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) supplying observation post teams. In 2017, 266 Bty re-roled back to L118 Light Gun and operates as part of 104 Regiment Royal Artillery

Freedom of Bristol on Armed Forces Day

266 (GVA) Bty who have been based in Bristol for 160 years marked Armed Forces Day by towing their 105mm light guns through the city centre, accompanied by the Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh. Formed in 1859 at the Artillery Grounds in Whiteladies Road as the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery, the battery was awarded the Freedom of the City ten years ago. This was the first time the Gunners had exercised that freedom to 'march' through the city.

The salute was taken by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, Peaches Golding OBE, and the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Jos Clark. Afterwards, the Battery opened the historic Artillery Grounds to the public for an Open Day, featuring displays of modern military vehicles and equipment from the Royal Artillery, Royal Marines, Royal Engineers and Royal Signals and a chance to meet the men and women who make up Bristol's Armed Forces.

Freedom of Bristol on Armed Forces Day
Video: Wessex Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association (Wessex RFCA)

Live Firing at Sennybridge

266 (Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery) Battery were honing their gunnery skills in a live-firing weekend on the Sennybridge Training Area in mid-Wales. Two 105mm light gun teams from 266 Battery HQ in Bristol and its Plymouth detachment, 289 Commando Troop, joined three other Batteries from 104 Regiment Royal Artillery to improve their teamwork, speed and accuracy.

Live Firing at Sennybridge
Video: Wessex Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association (Wessex RFCA)