While I can't help directly with the case in question, I thought the following anecdote would be instructive. One of the racing stables at Lambourn (Berkshire) has a plaque to the memory of a US airborne battalion that were stationed there prior to D-Day. We were told that he officers were billetted in the house, the NCOs were in the Head Lad's cottage*, and the Other Ranks were eight to a stable. Depending on the size of the battery, I suspect that your F-i-L might have been under canvas. Hope that helps, Adrian *OK, thinking back, not sure whose cottage it was, but there was a cottage in the stables that the NCOs got. Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:27:18 +0100 > Subject: [Ess] Mistley 1944 HIRD at Brunswick House > Can anyone help with information about Brunswick House, Mistley? > > We are looking at the detailed preparations for D-Day 1944. Father in law > was BQMS Clarrie HIRD with 48 Battery, 4th Durham Survey Regiment RA and > appears to be at or near Brunswick House. > > The Regimental war diaries show that 48 Battery was at 'Mistley' from early > January 1944 and there are a couple of cases where church services are held > at Brunswick House. > > So ... was the battery billeted in Brunswick House or under canvas in the > grounds? > > > Mistley was so significant to the newly weds (BQMS Hird and WREN Main > married on 27 Dec 1943) that their friends gave them a sign for their new > home saying that this was what it 'had to be called'. > > > Thanks in advance > > > Robin and Margaret > >