List of British divisions in World War II

United Kingdom
British Army lists
Commands and Army groups
Field armies in World War I
Field armies in World War II
Corps in World War I
Corps in World War II
Divisions in World War I
Divisions in World War II
Brigades in World War I
Brigades in World War II
Royal Armoured Corps Regiments in World War II
Royal Artillery Batteries
Regiments of Foot
Regiments in 1881
Territorial Force Units in 1908
Yeomanry Regiments converted to Royal Artillery
Regiments in 1962
Regiments in 1994
Regiments in 2008
Territorial Army units in 2012
Present-day Regiments
Nicknames of regiments

This page is a list of British Army divisions that existed in World War II.

African

Airborne

Anti-Aircraft

The following AA Divisions existed during the early years of World War II. All AA Divisions were disbanded on 30 September 1942 and replaced by AA Groups.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]

The division was formed on 16 December 1935 from HQ 47th (1/2nd London) Division to command Territorial Army AA units in London and South East England. Headquartered at RAF Uxbridge. Later concentrated on the London Inner Artillery Zone after 6th AA Division was formed. Heavily engaged during The Blitz. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was subsumed into 1 AA Group.
The division was formed on 15 December 1935 from HQ 46th (North Midland) Division to command all TA AA units outside London and South East England. Headquartered at RAF Hucknall. Later its remit was restricted to Yorkshire and the North Midlands. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was subsumed into 5 AA Group.
The division was formed on 1 September 1938 to command TA AA units in Scottish Command and the North East of England. Headquartered in Edinburgh. 7th AA Division took over responsibility for North East England in 1939. Later, 12th AA Division was split off to cover West of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and OSDEF (Orkney & Shetland Defences) covered the Scapa Flow naval base. 3rd AA Division was disbanded in October 1942, when its role was subsumed into 6 AA Group.
The division was formed on 1 September 1938 to command TA AA units in Western Command, covering North West England, the West Midlands and Wales. Headquartered in Chester. In 1940 it was split, with 11th AA Division taking over coverage of the West Midlands and South Wales. 4th AA Division was disbanded in October 1942, when its role was subsumed into 4 AA Group.
The division was formed on 1 September 1938 to command all TA AA units in the South, South West and South Midlands of England and South Wales. Headquartered in Reading. Later its remit was restricted to Southern England. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was split between 2 AA Group and 3 AA Group.
The division was formed in 1939 to take responsibility for the air defence of the Thames Estuary, Essex and North Kent. Headquartered at Uxbridge. Heavily engaged during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was subsumed into 2 AA Group.
The division was formed in June 1939 to take responsibility for the air defence of North East England. Headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was subsumed into 5 AA Group.
The division was formed in October 1940 to command AA units in South West England. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was subsumed into 3 AA Group.
The division was formed in October 1940 to command AA units in the South Midlands and South Wales. Headquartered in Cardiff. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was split between new AA Groups.
The division was formed in November 1940 to command AA units defending the Humber Estuary and Yorkshire. Headquartered in York. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was subsumed into 5 AA Group.
The division was formed in November 1940 to command AA units in the West Midlands and Staffordshire. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was split between new AA Groups.
The division was formed in November 1940 to command AA units in the West of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Disbanded in October 1942, when its role was split between 6 AA Group and 7 AA Group.

Armoured

The division was formed on 17 June 1941, in the United Kingdom. On 12 June 1945, the division was reorganised as the Guards Division.[10] The division served in North West Europe from June 1944 until the end of the war. The Guards took part in the Battle of Normandy, initially having a minor role in Operation Epsom,[11] before taking on much larger roles in Operation Goodwood, and Operation Bluecoat.[12] In September 1944, the division played a prominent role in Operation Market Garden.[13] Afterwards, the division took part in the battles for the Rhineland, the crossing of the Rhine, and the advance to the Elbe.[14] Ended war under command of XXX Corps.[10]
The division was founded in 1937.[16] The division briefly served in France during 1940,[14] from November 1941 until 1944 the division served in the Western Desert and Tunisia, taking part in the battles of Gazala, and the First and Second Battle of El Alamein.[14][17] On 27 May 1944, the division was transferred to Italy, were it fought until 28 October when it ceased operations.[18] On 11 January 1945, the division was disbanded in Italy.[15]
The division was formed on 15 December 1939, in the United Kingdom. In October 1940, the division was dispatched to Egypt and arrived in January 1941.[19] The division was used to reinforce the 7th Armoured Division, while elements were shipped to Greece. This left an under strength, inexperienced, and ill-equipped division, which was overrun during Rommel's first offensive.[20] The divisional headquarters was captured on 8 April, and on 10 May 1941 the division was formally disbanded.[19]
The division was formed on 12 September 1940, in the United Kingdom.[21] The division first saw service in North Africa from November 1942[22] – where "it was among the first to reach Tunisia as part of First Army[23] – till March 1944, when it was then deployed to Italy. The division fought at Bou Arada, Fondouk, El Kourzia, Tunis, the Liri Valley, Arezzo, Florence, along the Gothic Line, and in the Argenta Gap.[21] Ended war under command of V Corps.[22]
The division was initially formed, in Egypt during the autumn of 1938, as the Mobile Division (Egypt).[25] At the outbreak of the Second World War, the division was redesignated The Armoured Division (Egypt), before finally being called the 7th Armoured Division on 16 February 1940.[24] The division served in the Western Desert and North Africa from the outbreak of the war until September 1943 when it was shipped to Italy. After three months of fighting in Italy,[26] the division was returned to the United Kingdom for the upcoming Battle of Normandy.[27] The division then fought in North West Europe from June 1944 until the end of the war.[26] The division fought in every major battle of the Western Desert Campaign – including Operation Compass and the Second Battle of El Alamein – and took part in the Tunisian campaign.[27] The division fought in the Battle of Normandy (in particular at the Battle of Villers-Bocage), helped in the liberation of the Low Countries, and crossed the Rhine into Germany.[27] Ended war under command of XII Corps.[26]
The division was formed on 4 November 1940, in the United Kingdom. In July 1942 the division was deployed to Egypt, however it never operated as a complete formation during the following six months and was disbanded on 1 January 1943.[28]
The division was formed in the United Kingdom on 1 December 1940. It was never deployed overseas and was disbanded on 31 July 1944.[29]
The division was formed in Palestine, on 1 August 1941, by the redesignation and reorganisation of the 1st Cavalry Division.[30] In April 1942 the division moved to Egypt and later took part in the battles of Alam el Halfa and the Second Battle of El Alamein. In January 1943 the division moved back to Palestine, then on to Syria, before returning to Egypt in September.[31] The division stayed in Egypt until it was disbanded on 15 June 1944.[30]
The division was formed in the United Kingdom, on 9 March 1941.[32] The division was deployed to Normandy in June 1944, playing a prominent role in Operation Epsom.[33] The division would spearhead Operation Goodwood,[34] and take part in Operation Bluecoat.[35] It later liberated Antwerp, helped clear the Low Countries, and took part in Operation Veritable.[27] Ended war under command of VIII Corps.[32]
The division was formed on 1 November 1941, in the United Kingdom, by conversion of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Infantry Division. The division was never deployed overseas and was disbanded on 17 October 1943.[36]
The division was formed in the United Kingdom on 13 August 1942.[37] In April 1943, the division was reorganised as an administrative formation for the development and usage of specialist vehicles ("Hobart's Funnies"). In this role it never acted as a division.[38][39] Depending on the needs of any particular battle, the division would allocate squadrons, regiments, or brigades to other formations to provide support. The 'division' operated throughout the 1944–45 North West Europe campaign.[40] Ended war under command of 21st Army Group.[37]

Cavalry

The division was formed in the United Kingdom, on 31 October 1939. It was then deployed to Palestine, arriving in January 1940. Elements of the division formed Habforce, and took part in the Anglo-Iraqi War and the Syria–Lebanon Campaign. On 1 August 1941, the division was reorganised into the 10th Armoured Division.[41]

County

Formed in the United Kingdom on 28 February 1941. On 1 December 1941, the division was redesignated the 77th Infantry Division.[42]
The division was formed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 1941, but had no troops assigned to it until 24 April 1941. On 24 November 1941, the division ceased to function and was formally disbanded on 31 December.[43]
The division was formed on 12 March 1941, in the United Kingdom. On 1 December 1941, it was redesignated Durham and North Riding Coastal Area, and ceased to act as a division.[44]
The division was formed on 18 February 1941, in the United Kingdom, by the redesignation of the West Sussex County Division. On 7 October 1941, the division was disbanded.[45]
The division was formed on 28 February 1941, in the United Kingdom, by the redesignation of 'Hampire Area'. On 25 November 1941, the division ceased to function and was formally disbanded on 31 December 1941.[46]
The division was formed on 24 February 1941, in the United Kingdom, but did not become operational until 27 March 1941. On 25 November 1941, the division ceased to function and was disbanded on 3 December.[47]
The division was formed on 24 December 1940, in the United Kingdom. On 18 November 1941, it was redesignated the 76th Infantry Division.[48]
The division was formed on 24 February 1941, in the United Kingdom. On 1 December 1941, the division ceased to function and on 21 December it was disbanded.[49]
The division was formed on 9 November 1940, in the United Kingdom, by the redesignation of 'Brocforce'. On 18 February 1941, the division was redesignated the Essex County Division.[50]
The division was formed on 24 February 1941, in the United Kingdom, but only became operational on 19 March 1941. On 1 December 1941, the division was redesignated 'East Riding District' and ceased to exist.[51]

Deception

For deception units, see British deception formations in World War II

Indian

For British Indian Army units, see List of Indian divisions in World War II

Infantry

The "infantry division" was the backbone of the British Army. Its intended role was to breach the front line of the opposing force, to allow motorized infantry and armoured divisions to then breakthrough securing victory via superior mobility and firepower. Issues with doctrine implementation and training resulted in the army going to war incapable of fighting in such a manner. As the war progressed and the army evolved, as well as the organization of divisions, this basic doctrine was maintained.[52]

In addition to the Regular Army, the full-time professional army, the British military was supplemented by the Territorial Army: a reserve made up of part-time volunteers. This reserve would also be the sole method of expanding the size of the armed forces during wartime. To do so, the existing territorial formations known as the First Line would create a Second Line using a cadre of trained personnel.[53][54][55]

Furthermore, infantry divisions were split into two classes: Lower Establishment, intended strictly for service within the United Kingdom; and Higher Establishment, divisions that were intended for deployment overseas and combat.[56][57][58] The war-establishment, the on-paper strength, of an infantry division was set at 13,863 men in 1939 increasing to 18,347 by 1944.[59] However, this figure could vary considerably. For example, during the Siege of Tobruk the 70th Infantry Division was 28,000 men strong,[60] whereas in June 1944 the total combined strength of the remaining five Lower Establishment divisions was 17,845 men.[58]

The division was formed in North West Europe on 12 June 1945, following the reorganisation of the Guards Armoured Division.[61]
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed at Aldershot. Served in France from September 1939 until June 1940, North Africa from March 1943 to December 1943, Italy from December 1943 until January 1945, and in Palestine for most of 1945. Fought at the Medjez Plain, Tunis, Anzio, Rome, and on the Gothic Line. Ended war under HQ, Palestine and Transjordan command.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Finsbury Barracks. Organized as a motor division. 18 November 1940 redesignated 56th (London) Division.
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed in Aldershot. Served in France from September 1939 until May 1940, India from June 1942 until April 1944 and April 1945 until August 1945, and in Burma from April 1944 until April 1945. Fought at St Omer-La Bassée, Kohima, and Mandalay. Ended war under command of the Southern Army (part of GHQ India).
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in the London District. Remained in the United Kingdom until 1 September 1944, when redesignated the 47th Infantry (Reserve) Division.
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed in Bulford. Served in France from September 1939 until June 1940, and in northwestern Europe from June 1944 until the end of the war. Fought at the Battle of Ypres-Comines Canal, assaulted Normandy, Caen, Bourguebus Ridge, Mont Pincon, the Nederrijn, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine River. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of I Corps.
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed at Colchester. Served in France from October 1939 until June 1940, in North Africa from March 1943 until December 1943, in Egypt from December 1943 until February 1944, in Italy from February 1944 until December 1944, and in Greece from December 1944 until the end of the war. Fought at Oued Zarga, the Medjez Plain, Tunis, Cassino, on the Trasimene Line, Arezzo, Florence, and on the Rimini Line. Ended the war under command of HQ Land Forces (Greece).
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed at Catterick Camp. Served in France from December 1939 until June 1940, in India from May 1942 until August 1942, in Iraq from August 1942 until September 1942, in Persia from September 1942 until January 1943, in Syria February 1943 until June 1943, in Egypt June 1943, in Sicily July 1943 until September 1943, in Italy September 1943 until July 1944, in Palestine July 1944 until February 1945, and in northwestern Europe from March 1945 until the end of the war. Fought at Ypres-Comines Canal, assaulted Sicily, on the Sangro River, on the Garigliano River, Anzio, and Rome. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under the command of VIII Corps.
Formed twice during the war. Initially formed on 3 November 1939, by renaming the 7th Infantry Division.[70] The division was dissolved in June 1940, following the Italian declaration of war, and its headquarters was transformed into the Western Desert Force.[71][69] The division was reformed on 17 February 1941.[69] Elements of the division fought in Battle of Crete, while the rest of the division was held in reserve in Egypt.[72] The division then fought in the Syria–Lebanon Campaign, in particular the Battle of Damascus.[73][74] The division remained in Syria until transferred to Tobruk, and renamed the 70th Infantry Division.[75][76][69]
Existing division at the start of the war based in Palestine. At the beginning of the war, the division gave up command of its subordinate units while the headquarters transferred to Mersa Matruh, Egypt, the forward British base in the area. The division then took command of all infantry in the area. On 3 November 1939, the division was redesignated 6th Infantry Division.[70][78]
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed in Palestine. 28 February 1940 disbanded in Palestine, while under command of HQ Palestine and Transjordan.
2 June 1942 8th Division HQ formed to control administrative units in Syria; disbanded 31 October 1943 in Syria.
Formed September 1939 in the United Kingdom. 7 August 1940 redesignated 51st (Highland) Infantry Division.
Formed 10 October 1939 in the United Kingdom. Served in France from April 1940 until June 1940. 11 July 1940 disbanded in the United Kingdom.
Formed 11 July 1942 in the Sudan, from the 1st Sudan Defence Force Brigade. 12 January 1945 redesignated Sudan Defence Force Group (North Africa).
Formed September 1939 in the United Kingdom. Served in northwestern Europe from 14 June 1944 until the end of the war. Fought on the Odon River, at Caen, Mont Pincon, the Nederrijn, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of VIII Corps.
Formed 30 September 1939 in the United Kingdom. Served in India January 1942 and in Malaya February 1942. 15 February 1942 captured by the Imperial Japanese Army in Malaya. Fought on Singapore Island.
Formed 2 October 1939 in the United Kingdom. Served in France from April 1940 until June 1940. 30 June 1940 disbanded in the United Kingdom.
Formed 1 September 1944 in Burma by redesignation of the 36th Indian Infantry Division. Served in Burma from September 1944 until May 1945, and in India from May 1945 until the end of the war. Fought at Mandalay and along the Rangoon Road. Under command of Southern Army (part of GHQ India) at the end of the war.
A Second Line Territorial Army division, a duplicate of the 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division. The division became active on 18 September 1939.[89][90] The division spent the war within the United Kingdom on home defense duties, being downgraded to the Lower Establishment on 1 December 1941. On 15 August 1944, the division was disbanded.[91] On 1 September 1944, the division was reformed as the 38th Infantry (Reserve) Division, a training formation, which replaced the 80th Infantry (Reserve) Division (that had been disbanded) as Western Command's training formation until the end of the war when it was again disbanded.[92][93]
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Manchester. Served in Belgium and France from April 1940 until June 1940. 1 November 1941 redesignated 42nd Armoured Division.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Salisbury. Served in northwestern Europe from 24 June 1944 until the end of the war. Fought on the Odon River, at Caen, Bourguebus Ridge, Mont Pincon, the Nederrijn, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of XXX Corps.
Formed September 1939 in the United Kingdom. August 1944 division dispersed. 1 September 1944 Redesignated 45th (Holding) Division. 1 December 1944 redesignated 45th Division. Under War Office Control at the end of the war.
Formed 2 October 1939 in the UK. Served in France and Belgium from April 1940 until June 1940, North Africa from January 1943 until September 1943, Italy from September 1943 until March 1944, July 1944 until January 1945 and April 1945 until May 1945, Egypt in March 1944 and June 1944, Palestine from April 1944 until June 1944, Greece from January 1945 until April 1945, and in Austria as an occupation force. Fought at St Omer-La Bassée, El Kouriza, Tunis, Salerno, Naples, on the Volturno River, Monte Camino, on the Gothic Line, Coriano, on the Rimini Line, and on the Lamone River. Ended the war in Europe under command of V Corps.
Formed 21 November 1940 in the UK by redesignation of the 2nd London Division. August 1944 division dispersed. 1 September 1944 redesignated 47th Infantry (Reserve) Division.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Oxford. Served in France and Belgium from January 1940 until June 1940. 20 December 1942 redesignated 48th Infantry (Reserve) Division. Fought at St Omer-La Bassée.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Clifton, York. 5 April 1940 disbanded in the United Kingdom 10 June 1940 reconstituted in the United Kingdom. Served in northwestern Europe from 12 June 1944 until the end of the war. Fought on the Odon River and in the Scheldt Estuary. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under the command of I Canadian Corps.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Darlington. Organized as a motor division. Served in France and Belgium from January 1940 until June 1940, Egypt from June 1941 until July 1941, February 1942, from June 1942 until December 1942, and from May 1943 until September 1943, Cyprus from July 1941 until November 1941, Syria from January 1942 until February 1942, Libya from February 1942 until June 1942, from December 1943 until March 1943, and from April 1943 until May 1943, North Africa from March 1943 until April 1943, Sicily from July 1943 until October 1943, and northwestern Europe from June 1944 until December 1944. 16 December 1944 redesignated an Infantry (Reserve) Division in the United Kingdom. August 1945 arrived in Norway and retitled HQ British Land Forces Norway. Fought at Ypres-Comines Canal, Gazala, Mersa Matruh, El Alamein, Mareth, Akarit, Enfidaville, assaulted Sicily, assaulted Normandy, and in the Nederrijn.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Cragie, Perth. Served in France from 24 January 1940 until June 1940. 12 June 1940 captured at Saint-Valery-en-Caux. 7 August 1940 reconstituted by redesignation of the 9th (Highland) Infantry Division. Served in Egypt from August 1942 until November 1942, Libya from November 1942 until February 1943, North Africa from February 1943 until July 1943, and northwestern Europe from June 1944 until the end of the campaign in northwestern Europe. Fought at El Alamein, Medenine, Mareth, Akarit, Enfidaville, Tunis, assaulted Sicily, Adrano, Bourguebus Ridge, Falaise, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of XXX Corps.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Glasgow. Trained at various times as both a mountain and airlanding division, but never used in either role. Served in France June 1940 and in northwestern Europe from October 1944 until the end of the war in Europe. Fought in the Scheldt Estuary, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of XXX Corps.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Shrewsbury. Served in northwestern Europe from June 1944 until the end of the war in Europe. Fought on the Odon River, at Caen, Mont Pincon, Falaise, the Nederrijn, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of XII Corps.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in The Barracks, Hertford. 14 December 1943 disbanded in the United Kingdom.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Liverpool. Never left the United Kingdom. Ended the war under command of Western Command.
Formed 18 November 1940 by redesignation of the 1st London Division. Served in Iraq from November 1942 until March 1943, Palestine in March 1943, Egypt from March 1943 until April 1943 and from April 1944 until July 1944, Libya in April 1943 and from May 1943 until August 1943, and in Italy from September 1943 until March 1944 and from July 1944 until the end of the war in Europe. Fought at Enfidaville, Tunis, Salerno, Naples, on the Volturno River, Monte Camino, on the Garigliano River, Anzio, on the Gothic Line, Coriano, on the Rimini Line, on the Lamone River, and in the Argenta Gap. Ended the war in Europe under command of XIII Corps.
Formed 4 September 1939 in the United Kingdom. Fought at Caen and Mount Pincon. Served in northwestern Europe from June 1944 until October 1944. 19 October 1944 disbanded in northwestern Europe.
A Second Line Territorial Army division, a duplicate of the 48th (South Midland) Infantry Division. Elements of the division's headquarters staff were temporarily deployed to Norway, during the Norwegian Campaign, but otherwise the division did not leave the United Kingdom. On 20 June 1940, due to the fear of a German invasion, the division was deployed to Northern Ireland where it remained until February 1943. The division was then deployed to England for home defense duties, was downgraded to a Lower Establishment formation, and aided preparations for Operation Overlord. In August 1945, the division was reorganized as a Light Division and it was intended for the formation to be deployed to the Far East to fight Japan. However, the end of the war halted any such move.[110][111][112][113][114][115]
A Second Line Territorial Army division, a duplicate of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Infantry Division, the division was activated on 27 September 1939. The division never left the United Kingdom. As a result of lessons learned following the evacuation from Dunkirk, the division was broken up on 23 June 1940. Its troops dispersed among the 1st London, 55th (West Lancashire), and 59th (Staffordshire) Infantry Divisions.[117][118][119]
Formed on 10 October 1941, when the 6th Infantry Division replaced the Australian garrison in Tobruk.[69][121] The division remained as the garrison of the port for the remainder of the siege, until it broke out as part of Operation Crusader.[122] Following Crusader and the Japanese entry into the war, the division departed Egypt on 28 February and arrived in India on 10 March.[123] The division was held in reserve, undertook jungle warfare training, and was used as a police force to suppress Indian discontent.[124][125][126][127][128][129][130] On 25 October, the division was broken up and all troops were transferred to Special Force.[131][132]
The division was formed on 18 November 1941 from the re-organisation of the Norfolk County Division. On 20 December 1942, the division was re-named the 76th Infantry (Reserve) Division and became Eastern Command's training formation. The division was used to complete the training of new recruits and as a source of reinforcements for divisions overseas. On 1 September 1944, the division was disbanded with the 47th Infantry (Reserve) Division taking its place.[134][135][92]
The division was formed on 1 December 1941 as a Lower Establishment formation, from the re-organisation of the Devon and Cornwall County Division. The division was based in the Devon area on home defense duties, until 20 December 1942. On that date the division was reorganized as the 77th Infantry (Reserve) Division, and became Northern Command's training formation. In this role, the division was used to complete the training of new recruits and as a source of reinforcements for divisions overseas. On 1 December 1943, the division was again reorganized this time becoming the 77th Holding Division. In this capacity, the division aided in the retraining of ex-prisoners of war, those who had been overseas for extended periods of time, as well as those suffering from other medical or moral issues. On 1 September 1944, the division was disbanded and its function taken over by the 45th Holding Division.[136][135][92][137][138]
Formed 25 May 1942 in the United Kingdom to take part in Operation Torch. Served in North Africa from November 1942 until July 1943, Sicily from July 1943 until September 1943, Italy from September 1943 until July 1944 when it was sent to Egypt for rest and regrouping. It rejoined the campaign in Italy in September 1944 remaining until the end of hostilities there in early May 1945. Ended the war in Austria under command of V Corps. Fought in Tunisia at Tebourba Gap, Oued Zarga, Medjez Plain, Tunis; in Sicily at Adrano and Centuripe; and in Italy at Termoli, on the Sangro River, Cassino, in the Liri Valley, on the Trasimene Line, Florence (Gothic Line), on the Senio River, and in the Argenta Gap.
The division was formed on 1 January 1943 as Western Command's training formation. The division was used to complete the training of new recruits and as a source of reinforcements for divisions overseas.[140][135][92] On 1 September 1944, the division was disbanded and the 38th Infantry (Reserve) Division took over its function.[93]

Other

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ London Gazette
  2. ↑ Orbat 3 September 1939
  3. ↑ "United Kingdom: Autumn 1940". The Royal Artillery 1939–45. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  4. ↑ AA Command 1936–38 at British Military History
  5. ↑ AA Command 1939 at British Military History
  6. ↑ AA Command 1940 at British Military History
  7. ↑ Routledge, Chapters 7, 26–30, Maps 34 & 36.
  8. ↑ Farndale, pp. 98–9, 105–11.
  9. ↑ Formation dates for AA divisions from Bellis, p. 71
  10. 1 2 3 Joslen, p. 11
  11. ↑ Jackson, p. 40
  12. ↑ Buckley, pp. 33, 39
  13. ↑ Buckingham, p. 116
  14. 1 2 3 Fraser, p. 400
  15. 1 2 Joslen, p .13
  16. ↑ Perry, p. 45
  17. ↑ Joslen, p. 15
  18. ↑ Joslen, p. 13, 15
  19. 1 2 3 Joslen, p. 16
  20. ↑ Playfair (1956), pp. 2–5
  21. 1 2 3 Joslen, p. 17
  22. 1 2 Joslen, p. 18
  23. ↑ Fraser, p. 400-401
  24. 1 2 Joslen, p. 19
  25. ↑ Carter, p. 11
  26. 1 2 3 Joslen, p. 20
  27. 1 2 3 4 Fraser, p. 401
  28. 1 2 Joslen, p. 22
  29. 1 2 Joslen, p. 23
  30. 1 2 3 Joslen, p. 25
  31. ↑ Joslen, p. 26
  32. 1 2 3 Joslen, p. 27
  33. ↑ Jackson, pp. 29, 30–31
  34. ↑ Trew, p. 70
  35. ↑ Buckley, p. 39
  36. 1 2 Joslen, p. 29
  37. 1 2 3 Joslen, p. 30
  38. ↑ Joslen, pp. 30, 32
  39. ↑ Buckley, p. 13
  40. ↑ Fraser, p. 402
  41. 1 2 Joslen, p. 33
  42. 1 2 Joslen, p. 108
  43. 1 2 Joslen, p. 109
  44. 1 2 Joslen, p. 110
  45. 1 2 Joslen, p. 111
  46. 1 2 Joslen, p. 112
  47. 1 2 Joslen, p. 113
  48. 1 2 Joslen, p. 114
  49. 1 2 Joslen, p. 115
  50. 1 2 Joslen, p. 116
  51. 1 2 Joslen, p. 117
  52. ↑ French 2001, pp. 41-47, 196-197.
  53. ↑ Allport 2015, p. 323.
  54. ↑ French 2001, p. 53.
  55. ↑ Perry 1988, pp. 41-42.
  56. ↑ French 2001, p. 188.
  57. ↑ Perry 1988, p. 65.
  58. 1 2 Hart 2007, p. 52.
  59. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 131.
  60. ↑ Playfair et al. 2004, pp. 25–26.
  61. 1 2 Joslen, p. 34
  62. ↑ Joslen, p. 35
  63. ↑ Joslen, p. 37
  64. ↑ Joslen, p. 39
  65. ↑ Joslen, p. 41
  66. ↑ Joslen, p. 43
  67. ↑ Joslen, p. 45
  68. ↑ Joslen, p. 47
  69. 1 2 3 4 5 Joslen 2003, p. 49.
  70. 1 2 Joslen 2003, pp. 49, 51.
  71. ↑ Playfair et al. 2004, p. 97.
  72. ↑ Playfair et al. 2004, pp. 125, 127.
  73. ↑ Playfair et al. 2004, pp. 207, 209.
  74. ↑ Chappell 1987, p. 19.
  75. ↑ Playfair et al. 2004, p. 221.
  76. ↑ Playfair et al. 2004, pp. 24–25.
  77. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 51.
  78. ↑ Playfair et al. 2004, p. 4.
  79. ↑ Joslen, p. 53
  80. ↑ Joslen, p. 54
  81. ↑ Joslen, p. 55
  82. ↑ Joslen, p. 56
  83. ↑ Joslen, p. 57
  84. ↑ Joslen, p. 58
  85. ↑ Joslen, p. 60
  86. ↑ Joslen, p. 62
  87. ↑ Joslen, p. 63
  88. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 65.
  89. ↑ Messenger 1994, p. 49.
  90. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 66.
  91. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 65-66.
  92. 1 2 3 4 Forty 2013, Reserve Divisions.
  93. 1 2 Joslen 2003, pp. 65, 103.
  94. ↑ Joslen, p. 68
  95. ↑ Joslen, p. 69
  96. ↑ Joslen, p. 71
  97. ↑ Joslen, p. 73
  98. ↑ Joslen, p. 75
  99. 1 2 Joslen, p. 77
  100. ↑ Joslen, p. 79
  101. ↑ Joslen, p. 81
  102. ↑ Joslen, p. 83
  103. ↑ Joslen, p. 85
  104. ↑ Joslen, p. 87
  105. ↑ Joslen, p. 89
  106. ↑ Joslen, p. 90
  107. ↑ Joslen, p. 92
  108. ↑ Joslen, p. 93
  109. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 95.
  110. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 95-96, 358.
  111. ↑ McMahon 2008, p. 305, 314.
  112. ↑ Cunliffe 1956, p. 73.
  113. ↑ Neville 1951, p. 252.
  114. ↑ Birdwood 1952, p. 224.
  115. ↑ Chappell 1987, p. 37.
  116. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 97.
  117. ↑ French 2001, pp. 189-191.
  118. ↑ Perry 1988, p. 54.
  119. ↑ Joslen 2003, pp. 97, 361-363.
  120. ↑ Joslen 2003, pp. 49, 98.
  121. ↑ Playfair et al. 2004, p. 25.
  122. ↑ Playfair et al. 2004, pp. 45–46.
  123. ↑ Joslen 2003, pp. 49–50.
  124. ↑ Green 2014, pp. 5–6.
  125. ↑ James 1988, p. 65.
  126. ↑ Messenger 1994, p. 105.
  127. ↑ Moreman 2014, pp. 11, 61-64.
  128. ↑ Allen 1984, p. 93.
  129. ↑ Jackson 2006, p. 376.
  130. ↑ Roy 2012, p. 146.
  131. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 50.
  132. ↑ Rooney 1997, p. 65.
  133. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 99.
  134. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 41, 99.
  135. 1 2 3 French 2001, p. 68.
  136. 1 2 Joslen 2003, p. 100.
  137. ↑ Sheffield 1930–1956, p. 269.
  138. ↑ Rissik 2012, p. 315.
  139. ↑ Joslen 2003, p. 101.
  140. 1 2 Joslen 2003, p. 103.

References

  • Allen, Louis (1984). Burma: The Longest War (Phoenix 2001 ed.). London: Dent. ISBN 1-84212-260-6. 
  • Allport, Alan (2015). Browned Off and Bloody-minded: The British Soldier Goes to War 1939–1945. New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-17075-7. 
  • Bellis, Malcom (1995). Regiments of the British Army 1939 - 1945 (Artillery). Military Press International. ISBN 0-85420-1106. 
  • Birdwood, Baron Christopher Bromhead Birdwood (1952). The Worcestershire Regiment, 1922–1950. Aldershot: Gale & Polden. OCLC 1470163. 
  • Buckley, John (2006) [2004]. British Armour in the Normandy Campaign 1944. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 0-415-40773-7. OCLC 154699922. 
  • Buckingham, William (2002). Arnhem 1944. Temps Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-7524-1999-4. 
  • Carter, Brigadier R.M.P. (2005) [1988]. The History of the 4th Armoured Brigade. Merriam Press. ISBN 1-57638-018-1. 
  • Chappell, Mike (1987). British Battle Insignia 1939–1940. Men-At-Arms. 2. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 0-850-45739-4. 
  • Cunliffe, Marcus (1956). History of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 1919–1955. London: William Clowes Ltd. OCLC 10627036. 
  • Gen Sir Martin Farndale, History of the Royal Regiment of Artillery: The Years of Defeat: Europe and North Africa, 1939–1941, Woolwich: Royal Artillery Institution, 1988/London: Brasseys, 1996, ISBN 1-85753-080-2.
  • Fraser, David (1999) [1983]. And We Shall Shock Them: The British Army in the Second World War. London: Cassell Military Paperbacks. ISBN 0-304-35233-0. 
  • Forty, George (2013) [1998]. Companion to the British Army 1939-1945 (ePub ed.). Spellmount. ISBN 978-0-750-95139-5. 
  • French, David (2001) [2000]. Raising Churchill's Army: The British Army and the War against Germany 1919-1945. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-199-24630-0. 
  • Green, Jen (2014). Gandhi and the Quit India Movement. Pen & Sword Military. ISBN 978-1-432-97635-4. 
  • Jackson, Ashley (2006). The British Empire and the Second World War (1st ed.). London: Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN 978-1-852-85417-1. 
  • Jackson, G.S.; Staff, 8 Corps (2006) [1945]. 8 Corps: Normandy to the Baltic. Smalldale: MLRS Books. ISBN 978-1-905696-25-3. 
  • James, Lawerence (1988). Imperial Rearguard: Wars of Empire, 1919-1985 (1st ed.). Brassey's: Putnam Aeronautical. ISBN 978-0-080-31215-6. 
  • Joslen, Lt-Col H.F. (2003) [1960]. Orders of Battle: Second World War, 1939–1945. Uckfield: Naval and Military Press. ISBN 978-1-84342-474-1. 
  • McMahon, Paul (2008). British Spies and Irish Rebels: British Intelligence and Ireland, 1916–1945. Woodbridge: The Boydell Press. ISBN 978-1-84383-376-5. 
  • Messenger, Charles (1994). For Love of Regiment 1915–1994. A History of British Infantry. 2. Pen & Sword Books Ltd. ISBN 978-0-850-52422-2. 
  • Moreman, Tim (2014) [2005]. The Jungle, Japanese and the British Commonwealth Armies at War, 1941–45: Fighting Methods, Doctrine and Training for Jungle Warfare. Military History and Policy. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-65529-3. 
  • Neville, James Edmund Henderson (1951). The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Chronicle: July 1942-May 1944. 3. Aldershot: Gale and Polden. OCLC 66794702. 
  • Perry, Frederick William (1988). The Commonwealth Armies: Manpower and Organisation in Two World Wars. War, Armed Forces and Society. Manchester: Manchester University Press. ISBN 978-0-7190-2595-2. 
  • Playfair, Major-General I.S.O.; Stitt, Commander G.M.S.; Molony, Brigadier C.J.C. & Toomer, Air Vice-Marshal S.E. (2004) [1st. pub. HMSO 1954]. Butler, J.R.M, ed. The Mediterranean and Middle East: The Early Successes Against Italy (to May 1941). History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series. I. Naval & Military Press. ISBN 1-845-74065-3. 
  • Playfair, Major-General I.S.O.; Flynn, Captain F.C.; Molony, Brigadier C.J.C. & Toomer, Air Vice-Marshal S.E. (2004) [1st. pub. HMSO 1956]. Butler, J.R.M, ed. The Mediterranean and Middle East: The Germans come to the help of their Ally (1941). History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series. II. Naval & Military Press. ISBN 1-845-74066-1. 
  • Playfair, Major-General I.S.O.; Flynn, Captain F.C.; Molony, Brigadier C.J.C. & Gleave, Group Captain T.P. (2004) [1st. pub. HMSO 1960]. Butler, J.R.M, ed. The Mediterranean and Middle East: British Fortunes reach their Lowest Ebb (September 1941 to September 1942). History of the Second World War United Kingdom Military Series. III. Naval & Military Press. ISBN 1-845-74067-X. 
  • Rissik, David (2012) [1953]. The D. L. I. at War: The History of the Durham Light Infantry 1939–1945 (ePub ed.). Luton: Andrews UK. ISBN 978-1-78151-535-8. 
  • Rooney, David (1997). Mad Mike: A Biography of Brigadier Michael Calvert. Pen & Sword. ISBN 978-0-850-52543-4. 
  • Brig N.W. Routledge, History of the Royal Regiment of Artillery: Anti-Aircraft Artillery 1914–55, London: Royal Artillery Institution/Brassey's, 1994, ISBN 1-85753-099-3
  • Roy, Kaushik (2012). The Army in British India: From Colonial Warfare to Total War 1857–1947. Bloomsbury Studies in Military History. Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN 978-1-441-16845-0. 
  • Hart, Stephen Ashley (2007) [2000]. Colossal Cracks: Montgomery's 21st Army Group in Northwest Europe, 1944–45. Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-3383-0. 
  • Holt, Thaddeus (2004). The Deceivers: Allied Military Deception in the Second World War. New York: Scribner. ISBN 9780743250429. 
  • Sheffield, O. F. (1930–1956). The York and Lancaster Regiment, 1758–1953. III. London: Butler & Tanner. OCLC 39831761. 
  • Trew, Simon; Badsey, Stephen (2004). Battle for Caen. Battle Zone Normandy. Faber and Faber. ISBN 0-7509-3010-1. 
  • Axis History Forum discussion on British deception divisions in World War II at http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=67514

External links

Divisions of the British Army
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/4/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.