The British Troops in Palestine and Trans-jordan was a British Army command in Mandatory Palestine and the Emirate of Transjordan.

British Forces in Palestine and Trans-jordan
Active1922–1948
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
TypeCommand
Part ofBritish Army
Garrison/HQJerusalem
Commanders
Last commanderGordon MacMillan
Notable
commanders
Sir Archibald Wavell

History

edit

The command was formed in February 1922 to control all British forces in Mandatory Palestine.[1] In 1930, following an outbreak in hostilities between the Jewish and Arab populations, 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment and the 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment were deployed to Palestine.[1] In September 1936, following an escalation in violence, Lieutenant-General Sir John Dill was despatched there.[1]

In August 1937 Major General Archibald Wavell CB was transferred to Palestine, where there was growing unrest, to be General Officer Commanding (GOC) British Forces in Palestine and Trans-Jordan.[2] He was promoted to Lieutenant-General on 21 January 1938.[3]

After the Second World War, with the immigration of Jews growing, tensions increased further and 1st Infantry Division (United Kingdom) arrived in Palestine.[1] Later 6th Airborne Division was dispatched as the Imperial Strategic Reserve. The two divisions faced the Jewish insurgency in Mandatory Palestine. In May 1948 the United Kingdom's mandate ended and British troops withdrew the following month.[1]

See also

edit

Commanders

edit

Commanders were as follows:[4]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e "Palestine and Trans-jordan 1930-1947". British Military History. Archived from the original on 26 October 2019. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
  2. ^ "No. 34430". The London Gazette. 27 August 1937. p. 5439.
  3. ^ "No. 34482". The London Gazette. 15 February 1938. p. 968.
  4. ^ "Army Commands" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  5. ^ "No. 34327". The London Gazette. 29 September 1936. p. 6212.
  6. ^ "No. 34430". The London Gazette. 27 August 1937. p. 5439.