In May 1942, the Regiment joined 6 Indian Division in the PAIC. It moved to Basra, Iraq and later to Syria and Iran. The regiment was deployed in the Western desert in February 1942 as part of the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade, which formed part of the Gazala-Bir Hakeim defences. It was equipped with 25-pounder guns and fought against the German Afrika Korps under Rommel in the Battle of Bir Hakeim.