The artificial moonlight technique was again used successfully in the Rhineland fighting in February 1945 (Operation Veritable), and a number of searchlight batteries were formally renamed 'Moonlight' batteries, including 344, which split to create 344 and 581 Independent Moonlight Batteries, with some additional manpower coming from 1st, 2nd and 42nd (Robin Hoods, Sherwood Foresters) S/L Rgts. In preparation for the assault crossing of the Rhine (Operation Plunder) the battery underwent intensive training in movement light and in using the 20 mm Polsten gun, which was replacing the LMGs issued to searchlight detachments for AA defence.