4/73 Battery was formed in 1982 in response to an identified capability gap in the surveillance of the Deep Battlefield. It was identified that there was an inability to accurately assure Heavy Artillery deep into enemy territory. Along with being able to direct accurate artillery fire it would also mean that Intelligence could be gathered at a tactical level on such things as Headquarter locations, Main Supply Routes, Reserve troop locations, vehicle concentrations and force numbers.
The way in which this would be carried out was by inserting troops into Hides, allowing the enemy to advance over them. Then using their hides as mounting bases the troops would carry out reconnaissance patrols to locate rear area locations of the enemy.
Due to its main role of bringing down artillery fire it was decided that this small, highly trained unit would be established within, and from Artillery units. One troop was first established in 5 Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery, and later a second was formed when 32 Guided Weapons Regiment was re-rolled as the second Heavy Regiment.
Initially a selection process was put into place by instructors and advisors who had experience in this field of work. After the bedding in period The Parachute Regiment were tasked to supply training instruction. As the skills base and operational capabilities have evolved , once again we have a specialised Subject Matter Expert in place in order to provide and sustain the Operational effectiveness of this highly motivated body of Surveillance Soldiers.
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