‘Portsmouth’ Anti-Motor Torpedo Boat Battery, Royal Marines

Ceylon: August 1943 – February 1944

3rd Coast Regiment, R.M.

The ‘Portsmouth’ A.M.T.B. Battery was formed at Katukurunda, Ceylon on 1st August 1943 as part of the newly formed 3rd Coast Regiment, R.M.  The Battery was formed from the A.M.T.B. Battery, 1st Coast Regiment; this battery being disbanded at the same time as the ‘Chatham’ and ‘Portsmouth’ Batteries were formed.  It appears that the original intention had been to title the battery as 3 A.M.T.B. Battery but by the date of formation, the battery had been named ‘Portsmouth’.  The new battery was equipped with six 40mm Bofors guns and anti-shipping coast defence searchlights.  It was commanded by Major M.L. Richardson, R.M.[1]

During October 1943, the Battery undertook practice firing at Galle Face Green, Colombo.  This was a continuing activity and in December 1943 the Battery practiced at Galle Face Green and Lumsden Camp. 

It is thought that the personnel of the Battery returned with the 3rd Coast Regiment to the United Kingdom, leaving Ceylon on 19th February 1944 and arriving at Gourock on 16th March 1944.  The Regiment was disbanded on 22nd May 1944.

04 April 2022