The 52nd Indian Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Indian Army that saw active service with the Indian Army during the First World War. It took part in the Mesopotamian campaign and formed part of the occupation force for Iraq post-war. It was not reformed for the Second World War.[1]

52nd Indian Brigade
Active13 September 1917 – August 1923
Country British India
AllegianceBritish Crown
Branch British Indian Army
TypeInfantry
SizeBrigade
Part of17th Indian Division
EngagementsFirst World War
Mesopotamian Campaign
Battle of Sharqat

History

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The 52nd Brigade was formed in Mesopotamia on 13 September 1917 in 15th Indian Division.[2] It was formed from battalions that had already been in Mesopotamia for some months, guarding lines of communications. In October 1917 it was transferred to 17th Indian Division where it remained for the rest of the war, taking part in the action at Fat-ha Gorge on the Little Zab (23–26 October 1918) and the Battle of Sharqat (28–30 October 1918).[3]

At the end of the war, the 17th Division was chosen to form part of the occupation force for Iraq. It took part in the Iraq Rebellion in 1920. In August 1923, the division was reduced to a single brigade; the last British troops left in March 1927 and the Indian ones in November 1928.[3]

Order of battle

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The brigade had the following composition in the First World War:[4]

Commander

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The 52nd Brigade was commanded from formation by Brigadier-General F.A. Andrew.[2][5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Kempton 2003b, p. 52
  2. ^ a b Perry 1993, p. 132
  3. ^ a b Perry 1993, p. 146
  4. ^ Perry 1993, p. 144
  5. ^ Perry 1993, p. 141

Bibliography

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  • Kempton, Chris (2003b). 'Loyalty & Honour', The Indian Army September 1939 – August 1947. Vol. Part II Brigades. Milton Keynes: The Military Press. ISBN 0-85420-238-2.
  • Perry, F.W. (1993). Order of Battle of Divisions Part 5B. Indian Army Divisions. Newport: Ray Westlake Military Books. ISBN 1-871167-23-X.
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