Walton’s ‘Weekend Warriors’

What was the 79th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery?

Men examining equipment by edge of reservoir, Kempton Water Works, Kempton Park (57.1995.14)

The 79th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery was an independent Territorial Army unit of the Royal Artillery of the British Army. Formed in the winter of 1938, the unit was initially based at Walton House (Walton-on-Thames) to defend key water reservoirs supplying London.

In March 1939 recruitment posters were displayed on notice boards, in shop windows and at places of entertainment in Walton and Weybridge.

Volunteers were accepted based on their occupations. Several of the earlier batch of recruits worked at the Walton Dentist Factory and at the Vickers Factory in Weybridge. Once accepted the recruits were subject to a medical examination by Dr Windsor, a local GP.

Published:
19 February 2026

See next post: The Forgotten Suffragist of Esher: Who Was Miss Martineau?

See previous post: Cobham’s Cherry Tree Avenue of Remembrance

The Battery had been tasked with providing air defence of the nearby reservoirs belonging to the Metropolitan Water Board. These were situated at Walton, Molesey and across the Thames at Hampton.

124 troops took up their positions at Apps Court Farm where they were to guard the Lambeth Waterworks on Walton Road.

To explore the photos below, turn the page by clicking the ‘next’ button or use the mouse to drag the page.

Soldiers of 79th BATT. LAA. RA relaxing at gun emplacement, Kempton Water Works, Kempton Park. (57.1995/6)

Mr. Birkhead and two friends sitting on pumping equipment, Kempton Water Works, Kempton Park (57.1995/13)

Men of 79th BATT. LAA. RA relaxing by a reservoir, Kempton Water Works, Kempton Park (57.1995/7)

A soldier at a camp site, Kempton Water Works, Kempton Park (57.1995/10)

With the onset of the Battle of Britain, the 79th Battery was moved from their positions defending London’s water supplies. The unit was among several others formed into a Regiment for overseas service. They became the 21st LAA Regiment.

In late 1941 whilst bound for Basra in Iraq, the Regiment was diverted into the Far East. Under the orders of General Wavell, they were sent to protect the island of Timor from the threat of Japanese invasion. While on the island the men joined the Australian formation known as the ‘Sparrow Force’.

Following the defeat at Timor at the hands of the Japanese, the survivors were captured and sent to labour camps. Many died in captivity.

To explore the photos below, turn the page by clicking the ‘next’ button or use the mouse to drag the page.