Corps, Regiments & Units

The Royal Artillery

The Royal Artillery finds our enemies, tracks them and helps defeat them — day and night — to keep our country safer. We are known as the Gunners and we work across the whole battlefield to give the British Army its eyes, ears and powerful firepower. We use drones, large Howitzer guns, rocket systems and air defence missiles, to protect our forces and strike the enemy. All of these are linked together using modern digital technology so we can see what is happening - and act quickly. We also work closely with attack helicopters, fast jets and naval guns from the UK and our allies. Together we strike hard, move fast and win. We also have an important ceremonial role. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery takes part in big national events such as royal birthdays, parades and firing gun salutes. The Royal Artillery has more than 300 years of history. Today we combine that experience with modern weapons, strong air defence and highly trained soldiers.

The Royal Artillery were formed on the 26 May 1716 in Woolwich. Which remained our regimental home for 30 years, before moving to Larkhill on the edge of Salisbury Plain.

We locate the enemy using high-tech surveillance systems, drones, thermal imaging sights and radars, then attack the enemy using guns, mortars, precision rockets and aircraft.

In the Royal Artillery you can do many different roles – making us one of the most exciting and diverse regiments - including:

Drone operators
Gun operators
Communications systems specialists
Commandos
High-tech surveillance operators
Ceremonial horse riders
Missile operators
Parachutists

We have 14 regular (full-time) and seven reserve (part-time) regiments.

Our soldiers maintain a state of readiness to deploy worldwide as required. They also deploy on overseas training exercises; recent deployments have included Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Norway and the Baltic States.

Royal Artillery Service of Remembrance - This year will take place on Sunday 8th November 2026 at the Royal Artillery Memorial, Hyde Park Corner
St Barbara's Day - This year we will be celebrating St Barbara's Day on 6th December 2026 at the Royal Garrison Church of St Alban with St Barbara, Larkhill. Outline details as follows
1000 Standard Bearers arrive
1040 Congregation to be seated
1100 Service begins
After the service, lunch will be served in the Royal Artillery Mess, but places are limited.

Being a Gunner is more than a role—it’s a lifelong identity. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner. Our heritage is rooted in a proud tradition of service, camaraderie and excellence that spans generations.
We are part of a wider Gunner community that supports and inspires each other, both in and out of uniform. This enduring bond reflects our shared values of dedication, resilience and professionalism, which continue to guide us today and into the future.

In October 1925 the Royal Artillery Memorial at Hyde Park Corner was unveiled, honouring the 49,076 soldiers of the Royal Artillery who died in the First World War.

A group of Royal Artillery soldiers attended and laid a wreath in a mark of remembrance.

Unveiled on 18 October 1925 the memorial was designed by Charles Sargeant Jagger, whose realist style captured the spirit and sacrifice of the Gunners.

We pause to remember its unveiling and reflect upon the memorial’s powerful inscriptions:

“In proud remembrance of the forty-nine thousand and seventy-six of all ranks of the Royal Regiment of Artillery who gave their lives for King and Country in the Great War 1914—1919.”

“Here was a royal fellowship of death.”

We will remember them.

On 28 April 2025 the UK Secretary of State for Defence announced the establishment of The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA). This will be a new unit in the Brigade of Gurkhas and will be integrated into the Royal Regiment of Artillery. A new Gurkha cap badge has also been created – the first in 14 years – to represent the new unit and specialisms. Gurkhas who join the KGA will initially be trained on the Archer and Light Gun artillery systems.

The link below will take you to the Gurkha Museum web page for all the historical information.
The King's Gurkha Artillery

Royal Artillery Gunner Magazine

Royal Artillery Gunner Magazine is a bi-monthly edition, the graphic designer is Miss Cheryl Bolla. Lt Col (Retd) Nigel Cooke is the content editor.

You can contact them via email rarhq [email protected]

In Gunner you will find the latest news and articles about the wide range of activities that our serving and retired family get up to. The magazine is hosted through the Gunners Website. There is also an interactive version hosted on Defence Gateway.

Royal Artillery Journal

The Journal is a bi-annual magazine, the content editor is Lt Colonel (Retd) Nigel Cooke, and the graphic design is introduced by Miss Cheryl Bolla.

You can contact him via [email protected]

The Royal School of Artillery

The Royal School of Artillery is an international Centre of Excellence for Artillery Training. The staff is made up of highly qualified Instructors from the RA, several overseas artillery instructors and Civil Servants.

Learn more on the Royal School of Artillery

Lance Bombardier Abbie Robinson Wyss

She began her career as a King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery (KTRHA) Mounted Gunner, and is celebrating after passing her apprenticeship exams and specialising as a KTRHA Military Farrier.

Lance Bombardier Robinson Wyss, aged 28 from Portland Street, Whitwell said: “I was just so focused on passing and put a lot of pressure on myself to do the best I could but to then realise I had made history by becoming the first female farrier in the British Army was mega, I don’t know if it’s sunk in yet, it’s surreal.