11th Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)

The 11th Armoured Brigade was an armoured brigade of the British Army raised during the Second World War. The brigade was a 1st Line Territorial Army formation, consisting of three infantry battalions converted into armoured regiments.

11th Armoured Brigade
Active1941–1943
1970-1977
1981-1993
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
TypeArmoured
SizeBrigade
Part of1st (United Kingdom) Division
EngagementsSecond World War

History

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The 11th Armoured Brigade was formed from the redesignation of the 126th Infantry Brigade, part of 42nd (East Lancashire) Infantry Division, on 1 November 1941. During this time, the brigade formed part of the 42nd Armoured Division. On 25 July 1942, the brigade was converted from an armoured role (equipped with cruiser tanks) into an infantry support role (equipped with infantry tanks). As part of this conversion, the brigade was re-designated the 11th Tank Brigade. During most of 1943, the brigade was attached to the 77th Infantry (Reserve) Division as a training formation. On 23 November, the brigade was disbanded and its regiments were broken up.

Order of battle

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Subordinate units included:[1]

Commanders

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  • Brigadier H.L. Birks (from 1 November 1941 until 25 July 1942)
  • Colonel R.A. France (Acting, from 26 October 1942 until 2 November 1942)
  • Brigadier H.C.J. Yeo (from 2 November 1942 until 1 June 1943)
  • Brigadier J.G.R. Runciman (from 1 June 1943)

Postwar

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The brigade was one of two "square brigades" assigned to 1st Armoured Division when this was formed in 1976.[2] It was converted into "Task Force Bravo", and ceased to exist in 1977. ("Task Force Bravo" became 22nd Armoured Brigade four years later.) The brigade was reinstated by converting "Task Force Golf" into an armoured brigade in 1981, assigned to 4th Armoured Division[3] and was based at Kingsley Barracks in Minden.[4] It disbanded in 1993.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "11th Armoured Brigade". Orders of Battle. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  2. ^ Watson, Graham (2005). The British Army in Germany: An Organisational History 1947-2004. Tiger Lily. p. 95. ISBN 9780972029698.
  3. ^ Black, Harvey (29 April 2014). "The Cold War Years. A Hot War in reality. Part 6".
  4. ^ "Kingsley Barracks". BAOR Locations. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
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