© 1997-2007 Bill Mesham

The Formation

50th Missile Regiment Royal Artillery traces its history back to 4th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment based at Stoney Park Camp Coventry, where it was equipped with 3.7" anti-aircraft guns. In the 1950’s the Regiment was re-named 50th Medium Regiment and was re-equipped with the 5.5" gun. 1956 saw the Regiment deployed to Cyprus in a peacekeeping role against the EOKA terrorists returning the following year, 1957, to Troon. In 1959 the Regiment finally moved to its new home in Menden, West Germany where it remained until it disbanded.

In 1960, the Regiment was re-equipped with the Honest John tactical nuclear missile system and the 8" towed howitzer which was also intended for use in the nuclear role.

Lance Missile System

The introduction of the Lance Missile system signalled the end of the Honest John Missile and lead to the joining of the two Regiments which had previously operated Honest John. The amalgamation 24th Missile Regiment and 50th Missile Regiment took place in 1976. The following year in 1977 the Regiment was granted the Freedom of Menden in recognition of its long and happy relationship with the town.

A further re-organisation of the Regiment took place in 1985 with the disbandment of 51 (Kabul) Missile Battery which left the Regiment with three Missile Batteries (19, 36 and 15 Msl Bty) each with four launcher sections.
The Regiment also enjoyed a partnership with Raketenartilleriebataillon 150 of the Bundeswehr. This partnership was particularly active over the final years. Indeed a launcher section and A&T crew from the German Regiment joined the Regiment in May 1992 for the final firings of Lance in the Outer Hebrides.

The Final Era

The end of the 'Cold War' with the collapse of the soviet union coupled with the reunification of East & West Germany meant the importance of the Regiment in the Army's order of battle had declined. With the Conservative Governments ability to reduce the military capacity and therefore costs, through their 'Options for Change' programme the last post was about to be called on the life of the Regiment. 50th Missile Regiment Royal artillery finally passed into suspended animation in early 1993. The historic Missile Battery titles live on through amalgamation with other Batteries of the Royal Artillery. Headquarters Battery passed into suspended animation

and the Regimental Workshop disbanded.