220th Brigade (United Kingdom)

220th Brigade was a Home Service formation of the British Army during the First and Second World Wars.

220th Infantry Brigade
Active9 November 1916–8 April 1918
1 November 1940-17 November 1944
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
TypeInfantry Brigade
RoleTraining and Home Defence

First World War

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220 Brigage was raised in late 1916 as part of 73rd Division, which had the dual role of training men for overseas drafts and providing forces for home defence.[1]

Composition

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The following infantry battalions served in 220 Brigade during the war:[1]

On 21 December 1917 orders were issued to break up 73rd Division. Disbandment began in January 1918 and its last elements disappeared on 8 April 1918.[1]

Second World War

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Origin

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A new brigade under the title of 220th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home) was formed for service in the United Kingdom on 1 November 1940, largely from battalions from East Anglian regiments.[5]

Service

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After a brief spell attached to the East Anglian 18th Infantry Division, the 220th Brigade became part of Norfolk County Division on 24 December 1940.[5] On 18 November 1941 the Norfolk County Division became 76th Infantry Division, a low establishment division (with a reduced allotment of equipment) intended for home defence.[6] The 220th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home) was re-designated as the 220th Infantry Brigade.[5]

On 1 September 1944, the 76th Divisional headquarters was disbanded and the 220th Brigade became part of 47th Infantry (Reserve) Division[7] On 27 October 1944 the 47th Division's 141st (5th London) Brigade was disbanded, and on 17 November the 220th Brigade was re-designated 141st Infantry Brigade, but with no London connection.[5]

Order of battle

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The following units served in 220 Brigade:[5]

Commanders

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The following officers commanded 220 Brigade:[5]

  • Brig C.M. Clode
  • Brig G.F. Ellenberger (from 18 June 1941)
  • Brig A.C.T. Evanson (from 10 May 1943)

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c "The Long, Long Trail – Researching soldiers of the British Army in the Great War of 1914-1919".
  2. ^ a b c "The Long, Long Trail – Researching soldiers of the British Army in the Great War of 1914-1919".
  3. ^ "The Long, Long Trail – Researching soldiers of the British Army in the Great War of 1914-1919".
  4. ^ "The Royal Warwickshire Regiment in 1914-1918". Archived from the original on 2010-09-17. Retrieved 2015-06-26.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Joslen, p. 383.
  6. ^ Joslen p. 99
  7. ^ Joslen, pp. 41–42.

References

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