Arty info

Q: When was the Royal School of Artillery (RSA) established at Larkhill?
A: It was founded in 1915 as the School of Instruction for Royal Horse and Field Artillery, expanding in 1920 into the School of Artillery.
Q: Why was Larkhill chosen as the site for artillery training?
A: The War Office purchased Salisbury Plain in 1897 for live firing ranges, offering vast open space ideal for artillery practice.
Q: What role did Larkhill play during World War I?
A: It trained thousands of gunners and housed the Fargo Hospital for wounded soldiers.
Q: How many gunners were trained at Larkhill during WWII?
A: Over one million gunners passed through the school during the war.
Q: What is the significance of the Rotunda at Woolwich in artillery history?
A: It was the original Royal Artillery Museum site from 1820, later relocated to Larkhill.

Q: Who was the first Commandant of the School of Artillery at Larkhill?
A: Brigadier-General Henry Newcome, commemorated in Newcome Hall.
Q: Which famous WWII commander trained at Larkhill?
A: Field Marshal Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke, later Chief of the Imperial General Staff.
Q: Who holds the ceremonial title of Captain General of the Royal Artillery today?
A: King Charles III, following Queen Elizabeth II and King George VI.
Q: How has leadership at Larkhill influenced doctrine?
A: Commanders here shaped counter-battery fire tactics and integrated air defence into artillery doctrine.
Q: What is the role of the Gunnery Training Team at Larkhill?
A: They provide consultancy and advanced training across the Royal Artillery.

Q: What is the primary light artillery piece used today?
A: The L118 Light Gun (105mm), versatile and widely deployed.
Q: What heavy artillery system is central to modern operations?
A: The MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), capable of precision strikes.
Q: What new artillery system is being introduced?
A: The Archer Gun System, a modern self-propelled artillery piece.
Q: How does the Royal Artillery integrate drones?
A: Drones are used for target acquisition, surveillance, and fire correction, enhancing precision.
Q: What role does simulation play in training at Larkhill?
A: Advanced augmented reality and simulation systems replicate battlefield conditions for safer, scalable training.

Q: How is artillery adapting to multi-domain warfare?
A: By integrating with air, naval, and cyber assets, ensuring joint fires capability.
Q: What lessons from recent conflicts are shaping artillery doctrine?
A: Emphasis on precision-guided munitions and rapid mobility, drawn from Afghanistan and Ukraine.
Q: How does the RSA prepare for future threats?
A: Through experimentation with Next Generation Combat Teams, blending infantry, armour, and artillery.
Q: What is the vision of the RSA for the future?
A: To be the world’s best multi-domain fires training establishment, evolving with technology.
Q: How does Larkhill maintain relevance in NATO doctrine?
A: By aligning training with NATO standards, ensuring interoperability with allied forces.