List of British mobile brigades during the Second World War

336: 2186:, which was fought in North Africa and ended in January 1942. Consequently, the support groups were abolished, and the armoured divisions were reorganised around two brigade groups: one composed of three armoured regiments and a motorised infantry battalion, and the other based around three motorised infantry battalions. The change also saw an additional artillery regiment assigned. The units previously assigned to the support groups were either broken-up and allocated to each brigade group or assigned to their own respective command, such as a divisional artillery headquarters. Following the lessons learnt in North Africa, the armoured divisions based within the United Kingdom were also reorganised, but without implementing the use of brigade groups. Despite the authorised change, it took several months for these lessons to be absorbed and the first support groups to be disbanded. 1817: 2511: 27: 127: 1664: 394:. The arrival of American tanks in Egypt also resulted in an equipment difference. British-based brigades consisted of only cruisers, while those in Egypt were equipped with a mix of cruisers and American light and medium tanks. By the middle of 1942, the brigade group concept had been abandoned. The supporting arms were removed from the brigades and returned to being divisional assets. Each brigade, in the Middle East, was then to consist of three regiments of 52 tanks. The brigade headquarters was also assigned eight additional tanks, and the brigade was to include four 371:. For the brigades assigned to an armoured division, these battalions were to be assigned from the division's support groups that contained the infantry and supporting arms. Implementation of this change was not universal. For example, the 2nd Armoured Division's 1st Armoured Brigade received an infantry battalion in February 1941, whereas the division's 3rd Armoured Brigade did not receive one at all. Likewise, the 7th Armoured Division's 4th Armoured Brigade did not receive integrated infantry support until February 1942, while its 1991: 2154: 1687:, and had around 480 personnel. Their intended role was to take over the former horse cavalry position of providing reconnaissance and flank protection to the division, as well as holding captured terrain for short periods of time. There was discussion among the BEF staff on how to use these units, and it was intended to remove them from the divisions and assign them as corps-level assets. This project was abandoned in favour of grouping the regiments into two armoured reconnaissance brigades. 423:. During the Western Desert campaign, the main function of these independent formations was to replace brigades within a division that had suffered heavy losses; to reinforce an armoured division to increase its tank strength temporarily; or to provide tank support to infantry formations by being temporarily assigned to them. These formations were also to be structured the same way as those brigades assigned to armoured divisions. In preparation for the Allied invasion of France in 1944 ( 2526:

around 1,900 men. A final organisational change took place in November 1943. Each brigade would have 240 tanks, which included 18 tanks equipped with close support howitzers, 33 light tanks for reconnaissance, 18 tanks equipped with anti-aircraft guns, eight tanks outfitted as artillery observation posts, and three tanks with bridge-laying equipment. In January 1945, the British Army decided that all remaining tank brigades would be redesignated as armoured brigades.

220:(the parent organisation that administered all armoured units) standardised the nomenclature around the 'cavalry' tradition. Thereafter, the term battalion was dropped, and the Royal Tank Regiment units were known only as regiments. A brigade would generally be assigned three battalions or regiments. In 1945, an additional standardisation move took place, eliminating the armour and tank brigade difference with the latter being redesignated as armoured brigades. 1713:, and were assigned to each infantry division. For the armoured divisions, reconnaissance was provided by armoured car regiments. As the war progressed, the latter became an asset of an army corps. Within the armoured division, they were replaced by a medium or cruiser tank-equipped armoured reconnaissance regiments. However, by July 1944, these regiments were largely being used as a regular combat unit rather than for reconnaissance purposes. 2522:

defensive line. The intent was that any subsequent gap would then be exploited by the faster moving tanks of an armoured division. In 1942, the British Army experimented with the format of their infantry divisions. Several were converted into "mixed divisions", which saw the removal of one infantry brigade that was replaced with a tank brigade. The concept was deemed unsuccessful and was abandoned the following year.

2014:, had been based in the United Kingdom since the start of the war and purportedly was an armoured unit, despite it never having been allocated tanks because of the lack of availability. These forces were grouped together and formed into the motor machine gun brigades. The various units were outfitted with a variety of armoured cars (pre-built or improvised) and trucks that had been armed with 2006:. As a result, the army lost nearly all the tanks it had dispatched. Tank production during 1939 and the opening of 1940 had been low, with most dispatched to either France or to British forces based in North Africa. This resulted in few tanks being available within the United Kingdom when the British Army needed to rearm. The British Expeditionary Force's divisional cavalry, including the 427:), the British Army intended to prepare eight tank brigades to provide infantry support. These brigades were to be assigned to corps or army level commands, and then allocated to infantry divisions as needed. As tank production could not meet the numbers required, five of these brigades were organised as independent armoured brigades and equipped with M4 Shermans. 323:, which lacking substantial reserves of Sherman tanks in Europe, had to obtain them from the extensive reserve that the British Army had accumulated. To build-up an adequate ongoing reserve for the US Army, the majority of Sherman tanks that were to be delivered to the British Army in 1945 were reallocated. The British had requested 4,000 Shermans and 1,150 of the new 1204:

24th Armoured Brigade (Dummy Tanks) was formed when the 74th Armoured Brigade (Dummy Tanks) was redesignated. The brigade was redesignated, between 26 May and 14 July 1944, as the 87th Armoured Brigade (Dummy Tanks). It transferred back to the United Kingdom in August 1944, and ceased to be an armoured formation on 29 September 1944.

283:

brigades were equipped with the Sherman, as a result of British cruiser production being unable to meet the numbers required of the Royal Armoured Corps. The lack of quality and reliability, among the British designs, was also a factor in the increased use of American models. Of the nine British armoured brigades deployed to France, in 1944 as part of the

363:. A further 20 tanks were to be assigned to the brigade headquarters. In April 1940, the light and heavy distinctions were dropped, and each brigade was to be equipped with three armoured regiments, each consisting of 52 tanks. In practice, however, brigades were equipped with what was available. In 1940, for example, the two brigades of the 828:. On 15 January 1943, the brigade was redesignated as the 6th Guards Tank Brigade. The armoured brigade was reformed on 2 February 1945, from the redesignation of the 6th Guards Tank Brigade. The brigade became an infantry formation, the 6th Guards Brigade, on 17 June 1945 while based in Germany. 327:. As a result of the shift in the American priority to build-up its own forces, this rendered the British order meaningless. Token deliveries of Sherman tanks were made, but 1945 saw the British realisation that they could no longer count on abundant American tank deliveries in order to maintain their own armoured forces. 587:. It was redesignated the 1st Assault Brigade and Assault Park Squadron Royal Engineers on 10 May 1944, and reverted to its previous title on 17 January 1945. On 23 April, it was redesignated 1st Armoured Engineer Brigade. The brigade was disbanded in Germany on 30 July 1945. 2161:

The support group included the supporting arms that were assigned to an armoured division. The numerical designation of the group corresponded to the armoured division to which it was allocated. Prior to the outbreak of the war, these formations were known as pivot groups. Ideally, each support group

1824:

The British Army began the war with two cavalry brigades (5th and 6th). Each were made up of three regiments and were part of the Territorial Army's part-time reserve. A third brigade, also of three regiments, was formed after the outbreak of the war. These three brigades were grouped together in the

862:

The brigade started the war in Egypt called the Light Armoured Brigade (Egypt). It was redesignated as the 7th Light Armoured Brigade on 16 February 1940, and then the 7th Armoured Brigade on 14 April 1940. On 1 March 1942, it was redesignated as the 7th Armoured Brigade

2805:

The brigade was reorganised as the 2nd Motor Machine Gun Brigade on 28 May 1940, and reverted bank to the 25th Army Tank Brigade on 10 December 1940. On 1 June 1942, the brigade was redesignated the 25th Tank Brigade. On 5 January 1945, the brigade headquarters was

1168:

The brigade was formed by the redesignation of the 23rd Army Tank Brigade. On 12 July 1942, the brigade was redesignated as the 23rd Armoured Brigade Group. On 19 August 1944, the brigade was redesignated as Force 140 and was converted into an infantry formation to command forces

414:

In addition to the armoured brigades assigned to a division, the British Army utilised several brigades that operated as independent formations. In the early stages of the war, this could range from being assigned to provide armour support to an expeditionary force, such as the 1st Armoured Brigade

86:

headquarters or higher. At the start of the war, in September 1939, the British Army had seven armoured brigades, five tank brigades and one support group (a mixed arms formation assigned to armoured divisions). Numerous armoured and tank brigades were raised, renamed, and disbanded during the war.

2525:

In 1939, it was intended that each brigade would have 150 infantry and 25 light tanks, with total personnel of around 1,500 men. In 1941, the war establishment of the brigade was changed to 178 tanks and around 1,800 men. The following year, the establishment was further increased to 202 tanks and

1203:

The brigade was formed by the redesignation of the 24th Army Tank Brigade. On 30 August 1942, the brigade was redesignated as the 24th Armoured Brigade Group. The brigade ceased to function in December 1942 and was disbanded in Egypt on 1 March 1943. On 23 August 1943, the

1123:

The brigade started the war called the 22nd Heavy Armoured Brigade. It was redesignated as the 22nd Armoured Brigade on 14 April 1940. On 4 March 1942, it was redesignated as the 22nd Armoured Brigade Group, and reverted to its previous title on 17 September 1942. The

544:

At the start of the war, the brigade was called the 1st Light Armoured Brigade. It was redesignated as the 1st Armoured Brigade on 14 April 1940. After the Battle of Greece, the brigade spent the remainder of 1941 as a training formation. On 6 June 1942, it was redesignated the

2987:

was redesignated. In June 1942, the brigade was redesignated the 35th Tank Brigade. In April 1943, the brigade was assigned to the 79th Armoured Division and was equipped with specialised tanks. It was reassigned in April 1944, and remained in the United Kingdom. On 14 July 1945, it was

1169:

based in Greece. On 19 October 1944, the armoured brigade was reformed following the conclusion of its duties in Greece. Elements of the brigade headquarters continued to function as a separate formation known as Arkforce, until 8 January 1945, and then they rejoined the brigade proper.

727:

The brigade started the war in Egypt called the Heavy Armoured Brigade (Egypt). It was redesignated as the 4th Heavy Armoured Brigade on 16 February 1940, and then the 4th Armoured Brigade on 14 April 1940. On 9 February 1942, it was redesignated as the 4th Armoured

2521:

The tank brigade was an independent formation that would be assigned to a corps level command and be allocated to provide support to an infantry division as the need arose. The brigades were equipped primarily with infantry tanks and would assist the infantry division in penetrating the enemy's

282:

medium tank, and that this would free up British factory space particularly for trucks, machinery, and trains (as British demands for these items via lend-lease had increased). British tank production was reduced, but domestic construction was maintained. By mid-1944, the majority of armoured

193:. In addition to being used to exploit holes in the enemy line, the doctrine called for the cruiser to engage and destroy opposing armoured forces. The infantry tank was to be the most heavily armoured of the three categories. It was slower, and was intended to work alongside infantry forces. 1848:

had received enough vehicles for this to happen, as the others had been used as a pool from which to draw materiel for other formations based in the Middle East. The 4th Brigade subsequently fought as a motorised infantry brigade in several campaigns. Two of the brigades, along with the

442:

that combined the aspects of the infantry and cruiser tanks. In the interim, he believed that the M4 Sherman was the closest tool for the universal tank role. He made clear that he saw no distinction between armoured and tank brigades, and would use either as he best decided and not via the

318:

Simultaneously, in September and October, the US reduced the number of medium tanks that were to be delivered to the British Army. By December, as a result of decreased US tank production along with an increased need for medium tanks due to losses, the US suspended tank deliveries. The

2910:

The brigade was originally formed to oversee the training and conversion of infantry battalions to tank battalions, and became an active formation in October 1941. In June 1942, the brigade was redesignated the 33rd Tank Brigade. On 17 March 1944, it was redesignated as the

2170:

anti-aircraft guns. In October 1940, the structure of the support group was changed to remove the two motorised infantry battalions. They were to be transferred to the division's armoured brigades, and were to be replaced by a single infantry battalion within the support group. The

158:. Each would be utilised in a particular and separate role from the others. Because of research and development issues, the medium tank concept was dropped and subsumed by the work that proceeded on cruiser tanks. This distinction between tanks and their roles shaped how 486:

In January 1945, the British Army decided that all remaining tank brigades would be redesignated as armoured brigades, although they retained their infantry tanks and were not necessarily re-equipped with medium or cruiser tanks as the existing armoured brigades were.

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The brigade was redesignated the 1st Tank Brigade on 23 April 1944. In October 1944, the brigade was dispersed to provide reinforcements for other formations, and on 18 November the brigade was placed in 'suspended animation'.

1705:

and then covered their withdrawal. Those assigned to the 1st Brigade had barely started training as a single formation, and were transported back towards the front to be used as individual reserve units under the direct command of the BEF.

335: 162:

were named and what their function would be. The armoured brigade was to be equipped with cruiser tanks, while the tank brigade would be equipped with infantry tanks. Irrespective of the different roles, all brigades were commanded by a

2079:

The brigade was formed from regiments based in the United Kingdom that had been earmarked to join the 3rd Armoured Division, which had not been created. On 12 October, it was redesignated as the 26th Armoured Brigade.

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for the particular problems of a amphibious landing on the defended French coast. It was deployed to France in June 1944, as part of Operation Overlord, and fielded two armoured brigades. These brigades were equipped with the

5410: 5303: 5341: 277:

that oversaw the US logistical efforts and lend lease shipments, argued for the United Kingdom to cease domestic tank production and rely solely on American. Somervell reasoned that British tanks were inferior to the

5239: 402:

capable of firing smoke and high explosive rounds in a close support role, eight anti-aircraft tanks, and ten tanks assigned to the brigade headquarters. From March 1944, the brigade was allocated 33 light tanks for

398:. In 1943, the divisional armoured brigades were standardised for those abroad and those based in the United Kingdom. Each brigade was to have three regiments of 55 cruisers/medium tanks, six tanks equipped with 1802:

The brigade was formed in France from British forces based there. On its return to the United Kingdom, after the Battle of France, it was redesignated as the 3rd Motor Machine Gun Brigade on 23 June 1940.

545:

1st Armoured Brigade (Tank Delivery Troops), and on 4 October 1942 as the 1st Armoured Brigade (Tank Reorganisation Group). The brigade was disbanded in Egypt, on 21 November 1942.

5356: 5232: 5809: 347:

The armoured brigade was the primary formation within an armoured division. At the start of the Second World War, an armoured division was to consist of two armoured brigades: a heavy and a light. The

98:

The nomenclature of the units assigned to brigades varied at the start of the war. The armoured brigade was the primary force within an armoured division. It was to consist of regiments of fast moving

5326: 1053:

The brigade started the war called the 20th Light Armoured Brigade. It was redesignated as the 20th Armoured Brigade on 14 April 1940. The brigade was disbanded on 30 April 1943.

5403: 1683:(TA). The divisions of the regular army differed from their TA counterparts, as they each contained a divisional cavalry regiment. It was a mechanised unit that included 28 light tanks, 44 1236:, and the formation was initially known as B Assault Brigade (RAC/RE). It was redesignated as the 25th Armoured Engineer Brigade Royal Engineers on 6 April 1945. It ended the war in Italy. 5321: 110:

that would support infantry divisions and for breakthrough operations. However, brigades could be outfitted with whatever was available. In May 1940, nomenclature was standardised in the

5396: 625:

The brigade started the war titled the 2nd Light Armoured Brigade. It was redesignated as the 2nd Armoured Brigade on 14 April 1940. It suffered heavy losses during the

5331: 1618:

Formed in Egypt when the 24th Armoured Brigade (Dummy Tanks) was redesignated. On 14 July 1944, the brigade reverted to being named the 24th Armoured brigade (Dummy Tanks)

375:

received an infantry battalion in April 1941. The majority of brigades formed after October 1940, however, included the required infantry battalion from the date of their creation.

2653:

The brigade was formed when the 10th Armoured Brigade was redesignated. From October 1942, the brigade became a training formation. It was disbanded on 25 November 1943.

2175:, the only support group that was active at the time of the change and also included infantry, did not abide by the change and maintained two battalions through to November 1941. 185:. Cruiser tank-equipped brigades would exploit any gap created. Light tanks were intended for reconnaissance work. In the 1930s, the active British models were only equipped with 5824: 5594: 1745: 1311: 661:

Called the 1st Heavy Armoured Brigade at the start of the war, it was redesignated as the 3rd Armoured Brigade on 14 April 1940. The brigade was assigned to the

4919:

Montgomery and the Eighth Army: A Selection from the Diaries, Correspondence and Other Papers of Field Marshal the Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, August 1942 to December 1943

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to conduct training as a cohesive unit. Those assigned to the 2nd Brigade remained with their divisions and under the direct command of their divisional commanders. When

5814: 5372: 1816: 19: 2026:. The majority of the brigade's personnel acted as motorised infantry. As new tanks became available, the individual units were re-equipped, and the brigades redesignated. 102:, prepared to exploit gaps in an opponent's front line and also assigned to engage and destroy opposing armoured forces. These brigades also had an integrated battalion of 189:. The cruiser was to be more heavily armoured in comparison (but not so armoured that it would be detrimental to its speed), faster, and equipped with machine guns and an 2162:

would consist of two motorised infantry battalions, as well as artillery, anti-tank, and light anti-aircraft guns. At full strength, the support group would have sixteen

2840:

In May 1942, the brigade was redesignated as the 31st Tank Brigade. In September 1944, the brigade was assigned to the 79th Armoured Division, and reequipped with

2625:

The brigade was formed when the 6th Guards Armoured Brigade was redesignated. It was redesignated as the 6th Guards Armoured Brigade on 2 February 1945.

5453: 3039: 684: 2949:

was redesignated. In June 1942, the brigade was redesignated the 34th Tank Brigade. On 2 February 1945, it was redesignated the 34th Armoured Brigade.

5493: 1592:

The brigade was formed in Egypt as part of a deception effort. On 23 August 1943, the brigade was redesignated as the 24th Armoured brigade (Dummy Tanks)

1034: 677:

on 18 September 1941. Thereafter, it remained listed as an active brigade but had no personnel assigned. It was officially disbanded on 11 January 1943.

5518: 5000:. The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945. Vol. I. Wellington: Historical Publications Branch, Department of Internal Affairs. 2182:, hold a position occupied by the administrative and supply vehicles, or secure a location that the tanks had captured. This idea was not re-examined until after 1211: 2108:

The brigade was formed when the 25th Tank Brigade was redesignated. On 10 December 1940, it was redesignated back to the 25th Army Tank Brigade.

867:, and remained with the division until November 1941. It then became an independent brigade, and was assigned to various commands. It ended the war in Austria. 443:

previously defined roles that they had been given. The lack of enforced doctrine allowed these armoured brigades to implement infantry support as they saw fit.

1768:

The brigade was formed in France from British forces based there. On 26 November 1940, after its return to the United Kingdom, it was redesignated as the

5377: 5336: 2717:

The brigade was redesignated the 21st Tank Brigade on 6 June 1942, and on 11 June 1945 it was redesignated as the 21st Armoured Brigade.

1944:

On 23 April 1942, the brigade was redesignated the Headquarters Desert (5 Cav) Brigade. On 2 June 1942, the formation was redesignated as the

732:, and primarily served with it through to mid-1943. Thereafter, it was an independent brigade assigned to variety of commands, and ended the war in Germany. 1709:

After the Battle of France, the reconnaissance brigade concept was not readopted. New reconnaissance units were formed, which eventually became part of the

367:

were equipped with a total of 256 light tanks and 54 cruisers. From October 1940 onwards, each armoured brigade was to include an integrated battalion of

2242: 1676: 915:, but was used to supplement other formations through 1942. By the end of the year it was an independent armoured brigade. It ended the war in Germany. 114:

and battalion titles were dropped, all units becoming regiments. Starting in 1942, armoured brigades were increasingly equipped with American-supplied

5293: 3017: 825: 779: 5728: 5463: 5313: 5298: 5267: 3034: 2598: 793: 3109:

was reorganised in 1943 as a mixed division of two infantry brigades and one medium tank-equipped armoured brigade, prior to being deployed to the

5768: 5758: 5743: 5578: 5498: 2946: 2851: 2776: 2692: 1948:. On 3 September 1943, following the 8th Division being disbanded, Headquarters Desert (5 Cav) Brigade was reformed and disbanded. 1647: 1625: 1509: 1455: 1423: 1379: 1233: 1060: 952: 912: 674: 447: 304: 1833:: moving from place to place on horseback, and then dismounting to engage opposing forces with rifles, machine guns, and supported by artillery. 483:. The units of the brigade would be assigned to formations that needed their assistance, and the brigadier would act as an advisor in their use. 5783: 5778: 5763: 5753: 5748: 5738: 5733: 5723: 5651: 5641: 5599: 5563: 5558: 5553: 5548: 5543: 5538: 5533: 5528: 5523: 5513: 5508: 5503: 5488: 5483: 5272: 4884: 3093: 2956: 2918: 2813: 2750: 2724: 2682: 2660: 2632: 2561: 2376: 2372: 2308: 2137: 2115: 2058: 2007: 1945: 1779: 1769: 1547: 1519: 1495: 1473: 1433: 1409: 1389: 1369: 1349: 1321: 1301: 1279: 1269: 1243: 1176: 1135: 1125: 1114: 1088: 1024: 998: 988: 962: 898: 864: 821: 811: 761: 729: 718: 662: 630: 574: 364: 300: 292: 288: 252: 223:

Real-life conditions did not follow the ideal practice laid out above. For example, cavalry and Royal Tank Regiment units were assigned to the

5667: 5478: 5473: 5468: 5448: 5443: 5433: 5277: 5153: 5095: 5073: 5051: 5027: 4984: 4926: 4904: 4874: 4855: 4836: 4814: 4792: 4770: 4712: 4693: 4671: 3089: 3085: 3081: 2220: 1975: 1912: 1826: 1463: 922: 874: 835: 783: 640: 594: 519: 372: 260: 244: 228: 224: 5625: 5620: 5615: 3077: 3073: 3020:

was redesignated. On 12 August 1942, the brigade was redesignated the 36th Tank Brigade, but was disbanded on 31 July 1943.

1955: 1921: 1881: 1845: 984: 948: 908: 782:

for the rest of the war. In Germany, on 12 June 1945, the brigade was reorganised as an infantry formation and was redesignated the

5707: 5438: 5171: 4824: 4780: 2472: 552: 382:

in North Africa. By 1942, the armoured divisions in North Africa were to consist of one armoured brigade that had been reorganised as a

5788: 5773: 5692: 5687: 5682: 2995: 2978: 2940: 2889: 2835: 2620: 2585: 2386: 2350: 2322: 2172: 1994:

In the absence of tanks, units were equipped with armoured cars during the summer of 1940. In this example, the unit is equipped with

1535: 1499: 1449: 1413: 1373: 1305: 1118: 902: 815: 769: 722: 578: 378:

As the war progressed, the war establishment diverged for those brigades based in the United Kingdom compared to those engaged in the

267: 299:). The number of brigades equipped with British tanks, in northwest Europe, doubled over the winter of 1944/45. In October 1944, the 1897: 476: 468: 4896: 3110: 2800: 2712: 2510: 2167: 1263: 1227: 1159: 1106: 1076: 1020: 942: 857: 710: 620: 459:

and M4 Shermans. These tanks had been modified to tackle various obstacles that British forces would face when conducting the

2984: 633:

from the start of the war through to September 1944, and was thereafter an independent formation. It ended the war in Italy.

5573: 5568: 2178:

British armoured doctrine dictated that the infantry were not to supplement the tanks. Rather, they were to protect them at

1849:

divisional headquarters, were slowly converted into armoured formations as additional equipment arrived in the Middle East.

728:

Brigade Group, and reverted to its previous title on 6 June 1943. It was one of the original brigades assigned to the

1680: 775: 126: 5702: 2444: 1679:(BEF) was dispatched to France between 1939 and 1940, and was made up of 'regular' army divisions and divisions from the 359:. The light brigade was to be 174 tanks strong and consist of a mix of light tanks and 'light cruiser' tanks such as the 118:

instead of cruisers. In 1945, all tank brigades were renamed armoured brigades, removing the distinction between titles.

5697: 5677: 5672: 4655: 2416: 2284: 2252: 1836:

In early 1940, the three brigades left the United Kingdom for France. They then moved across the country to the port of

284: 5458: 1023:

was redesignated, and reorganised as an armoured formation. On 25 July 1942, the brigade was redesignated as the

987:

was reorganised as an armoured formation, and redesignated. On 25 July 1942, the brigade was redesignated as the

938: 739: 420: 5068:. History of the Second World War United Kingdom Military Series. Vol. III. London: Naval & Military Press. 1906: 5090:. History of the Second World War United Kingdom Military Series. Vol. IV. London: Naval & Military Press. 5046:. History of the Second World War United Kingdom Military Series. Vol. II. London: Naval & Military Press. 863:

Group, and reverted to its prior title on 4 June 1943. It was one of the original two brigades that formed the

5022:. History of the Second World War United Kingdom Military Series. Vol. I. London: Naval & Military Press. 2494: 2015: 951:

was converted into an armoured formation. The brigade was initially an independent formation until assigned to the

626: 164: 75: 31: 26: 1081:

The brigade was formed in Italy when the 21st Army Tank Brigade was redesignated. It ended the war in Italy.

1566:

The brigade was formed when the 35th Tank Brigade was redesignated. It ended the war in the United Kingdom.

1342:

Formed by redesignation of 3rd Motor Machine Gun Brigade. The brigade was disbanded on 21 August 1944.

1155: 706: 2685:

was redesignated. During 1943, the brigade was a training formation. It was disbanded on 23 November 1943.

4681: 3106: 2011: 428: 240: 2315:. The remnants of the support group returned to Egypt on 17 April 1941 and was disbanded on 18 May. 1844:. While based in Palestine, it was intended that all three brigades would be motorised. By May 1941, only the 1663: 1268:

Formed when the 1st Motor Machine Gun Brigade was redesignated. In November 1940, it was assigned to the

5066:

The Mediterranean and Middle East: British Fortunes Reach their Lowest Ebb (September 1941 to September 1942)

4921:. \Publications of the Army Record Society. Vol. VI. London: Bodley Head for the Army Records Society. 2869: 2581: 2404: 2302: 2272: 1198: 1151: 1102: 890: 849: 765: 698: 656: 612: 539: 379: 216:

were intended to be assigned to tank brigades, and would be equipped with infantry tanks. In May 1940, the

5646: 5224: 2875: 2163: 2087: 92: 39: 4728:. United States Army in World War II. Washington, D. C.: Center of Military History, United States Army. 1671:

on patrol in France 1939. This unit would become part of the 1st Armoured Reconnaissance Brigade in 1940.

583:

The brigade was formed when Headquarters Engineer Assault Troops were redesignated and was equipped with

3092:. In early 1939, the 20th Cavalry Brigade was formed and on the outbreak of the war, it as retitled the 2312: 1650:

was reorganised as an armoured formation, and redesignated. It was disbanded on 26 September 1943.

666: 178: 106:. Tank brigades, with no integrated infantry support, were to consist of battalions of heavily armoured 1504:

Formed by redesignation of the 33rd Tank Brigade. In January 1945, the brigade was outfitted with

5184: 1540:

The brigade was formed when the 34th Tank Brigade was redesignated. It ended the war in Germany.

955:

for five months, and thereafter was an independent formation. It ended the war in the United Kingdom.

2023: 1710: 217: 111: 35: 5179:. London and Beccles, Suffolk: His Majesty's Stationery Office and William Clowes & Sons. 1938. 4893:

The Mediterranean and Middle East: Victory in the Mediterranean Part III: November 1944 to May 1945

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was redesignated. On 1 December 1940, it was redesignated as the 28th Armoured Brigade.

1990: 5121: 4914: 4131: 2974: 2936: 2831: 2616: 2183: 1491: 1405: 1365: 1297: 1110: 894: 757: 714: 570: 431: 424: 408: 387: 368: 103: 887:

Palestine, Egypt, Italian-Libya, Tunisia, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany

1690:

The regiments assigned to the 1st Brigade were removed from their divisions and transported to

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31st Tank Brigade was redesignated. It remained with the division, and was equipped with

1259: 702: 460: 348: 311:. The process was started in December, but delayed through to January 1945 as a result of the 251:

light tanks, which were equipped with a machine gun and an anti-tank cannon. During 1942, the

4995: 4956:

British Planning And Preparations To Resist Invasion On Land, September 1939 – September 1940

227:

in 1940. They were equipped with a mix of cruisers and light tanks. In 1941, elements of the

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United Kingdom, Egypt, Italian-Libya, Tunisia, Italy, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany

695:

Egypt, Italian-Libya, Tunisia, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany

616: 608: 535: 439: 416: 197: 51: 4126: 3148: 846:

Egypt, Italian-Libya, Ceylon, Burma, British India, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Italy, Austria

5133: 4888: 4758: 4294: 1902: 1163: 1128:

in June 1942, and remained so for the rest of the war. It ended the war based in Germany.

435: 43: 5173:

Mobile Division Training Pamphlet No. 2: Notes on the Employment of the Tank Brigade 1939

4723: 629:, and the brigade was reformed in August 1942. The brigade was primarily assigned to the 2743:

The brigade was redesignated as the 23rd Armoured Brigade on 1 November 1940.

2153: 5108:. Vol. Issue 498–509. London: Royal Tank Regimental Publications Committee. 1960. 2769:

The brigade was redesignated as the 24th Armoured Brigade on 1 November 1940

2514: 853: 456: 419:, to being used for independent tasks such as the 9th Armoured Brigade during the 404: 356: 256: 107: 5086:; Molony, C. J. C.; Flynn, F. C. & Gleave, T. P. (2004) . Butler, J. R. M. (ed.). 208:

were intended to be assigned to the armoured brigades and equipped with cruisers. The

5803: 5141: 395: 383: 352: 296: 190: 155: 99: 5043:

The Mediterranean and Middle East: The Germans Come to the Help of their Ally (1941)

4019: 4017: 2277:

The support group was disbanded on 11 February 1942, and its forces dispersed.

4802: 1695: 778:

was reorganised and redesignated as an armoured brigade. It was then posted to the

360: 324: 308: 235:

tanks because of the lack of available British models. After the implementation of

186: 182: 151: 139: 115: 55: 5019:

The Mediterranean and Middle East: The Early Successes Against Italy (to May 1941)

4899:

United Kingdom Military Series. Vol. VI. London: Naval & Military Press.

3105:

While the British Army abandoned the concept, it was embraced by New Zealand. The

463:, and later fought in subsequent assault operations. These modifications included 4848:

Raising Churchill's Army: The British Army and the War Against Germany 1919–1945

4659: 2002:

In June 1940, the British Army had retreated from mainland Europe following the

232: 170:

British tank doctrine stated that infantry tank-equipped brigades would support

147: 5204: 5088:

The Mediterranean and Middle East: The Destruction of the Axis Forces in Africa

5005: 4763:

None Bolder: The History of the 51st Highland Division in the Second World War

4642:. London: Committee of the Royal Armoured Corps Journal. 1956. pp. 77ff. 2574:

United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Egypt, Italian-Libya, Palestine, Netherlands

2179: 1419: 464: 340: 279: 236: 143: 131: 4967: 4733: 4647: 4295:"Badge, formation, 9th Armoured Division & 1st Motor Machine Gun Brigade" 5113: 4750: 3063:

During the Second World War, the British infantry were completely motorised.

1837: 1272:, and remained so for the duration of the war. It ended the war in Austria. 399: 391: 351:

called for the former to be equipped with 147 'heavy cruisers', such as the

248: 209: 201: 71: 67: 4945: 3252: 3250: 3806: 3804: 5186:

Troop Training for Cruiser Tank Troops: Military Training Pamphlet No. 51

2806:

redesignated as the 25th Armoured Engineer Brigade Royal Engineers.

1691: 171: 63: 59: 1148:

United Kingdom, Egypt, Italian-Libya, Tunisia, Italy, Palestine, Greece

824:

converted from an infantry to an armoured role, and was assigned to the

5221:

Blog containing various training material regarding British tank forces

3088:. During the year, the Cavalry Brigade (Egypt) was redesignated as the 2245:

was redesignated. The support group was disbanded on 1 June 1942.

1702: 472: 320: 205: 159: 88: 4785:

The Great Tank Scandal: British Armour in the Second World War. Part 1

2497:

was redesignated. The support group was disbanded on 1 June 1942

911:

was converted into an armoured role. It was initially assigned to the

58:

maintained and created several mechanised, motorised, and horse-based

2844:. On 2 February 1945, it became the 31st Armoured Brigade. 670: 471:

that were equipped with an anti-fortification weapon and could carry

411:

posts. In 1945, the brigade headquarters was reduced to seven tanks.

4664:

Fire-Power: The British Army Weapons & Theories of War 1904–1945

1418:

In October 1943, the brigade was outfitted with tanks equipped with

5820:

Military units and formations of the British Empire in World War II

2509: 2152: 1989: 1815: 1662: 334: 125: 83: 30:

During the Second World War, British brigades were commanded by a

25: 4829:

And We Shall Shock Them: The British Army in the Second World War

3791: 3789: 95:

and two brigades aimed at grouping divisional cavalry regiments.

4245: 4243: 4241: 4144: 4142: 4023: 2010:, could not be re-equipped with tanks. Other units, such as the 1232:

The brigade headquarters was formed by the redesignation of the

5392: 5228: 4380: 4378: 3195: 3193: 1512:. The brigade was disbanded in Germany on 22 August 1945. 263:

was outfitted with a mix of cruiser and American medium tanks.

3306: 3304: 2549: 2214: 2052: 1875: 1739: 1124:

brigade served with several divisions. It was assigned to the

513: 386:; a formation that contained its own supporting arms, such as 4707:. AFV/Weapons series. Windsor: Profile Publications Limited. 3938: 3936: 3923: 3921: 3908: 3906: 3893: 3891: 3764: 3762: 3734: 3732: 3719: 3717: 3668: 3666: 3113:. It maintained this structure through to the end of the war. 2311:, which was defeated and suffered heavy losses following the 1911:

On 1 August 1941, the brigade converted and renamed the

1829:. The army's doctrine called for the brigades to function as 605:

United Kingdom, France, Egypt, Italian-Libya, Tunisia, Italy

87:

The army also formed eight support groups, three brigades of

42:, instructs tank crews on an upcoming battle plan during the 4365: 4363: 3578: 3576: 2375:'s pivot group was redesignated. It was redesignated as the 4725:

The War Department: Global Logistics and Strategy 1943–1945

1974:

On 1 August 1941, the brigade was redesignated as the

1382:

for the majority of the war, and ended the war in Germany.

935:

Syria, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Egypt, Italy, United Kingdom

665:, and was defeated and suffered heavy losses following the 438:

to which these brigades were assigned, had advocated for a

3279: 3277: 2878:

when the port was taken following the Axis victory in the

669:

in North Africa. The remnants of the brigade retreated to

4807:

Desert Rats at War: North Africa, Italy, Northwest Europe

4745:. Vol. 45. London: William Clowes & Sons. 1942. 4549: 4521: 4519: 4458: 4456: 4232: 4208: 3519: 3507: 3495: 3346: 3334: 3322: 3256: 3222: 3220: 2874:

The brigade was formed in Egypt. On 22 June 1942, it was

339:

Elements of the 3rd Armoured Brigade, equipped with

4407: 4405: 4277: 4004: 4002: 3953: 3951: 3749: 3747: 3653: 3651: 3237: 3235: 3080:

existed until early 1939, when they were renamed as the

2166:, twenty-four 2-pounder anti-tank guns, and twenty-four 5255:

British military formations during the Second World War

3131: 3129: 5810:

Lists of military units and formations of World War II

4705:

British and Commonwealth Armoured Formations (1919-46)

3419: 3417: 3415: 1701:, these regiments led their respective divisions into 1488: