29th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (New Zealand) explained

Unit Name:29th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment
Dates:1942–1944
Country: New Zealand
Branch:New Zealand Military Forces
Type:Air Defence
Size:~1000 personnel
Command Structure:3rd New Zealand Division
Battles:Second World War

The 29th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was an air defence regiment of the New Zealand Military Forces raised during the Second World War. It saw service as part of the 3rd New Zealand Division during the Solomon Islands campaign and was disbanded in October 1944.

History

Formation

The 29th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was formed at Pahautanui in August 1942. By the end of September, four batteries had been formed—namely 207, 208, 209 and 214 batteries—with each battery armed with twelve Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft guns.

Disbandment

Owing to manpower shortages, 29th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was disbanded along with the rest of the 3rd Division in October 1944. During the war, the regiment had lost 24 men killed and 46 wounded.

References