23rd Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)

The 23rd Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army that saw active service in both World War I, mainly on the Western Front, and World War II. In the Second World War the brigade saw active service in the Syria-Lebanon Campaign, the Western Desert Campaign and the Burma Campaign.

History

First World War

First World War order of battle

Second World War

In September 1939 this unit was known as the Canal Brigade, on duty on the Suez Canal. It was redesignated the 23rd Infantry Brigade on 20 September 1939 but was dispersed in the canal area becoming part of HQ Canal sub-Area troops. In May 1941 the brigade was re-formed under Alexander Galloway to take part in the Syria-Lebanon Campaign during June and July 1941 as part of 6th Infantry Division. In October 1941 6th Infantry Division was re-designated 70th Infantry Division and was shipped to Tobruk to relieve the 9th Australian Infantry Division. The Tobruk garrison held off Rommel's Axis forces until the siege was relieved at the end of the year.

In March 1942 70th Division arrived in India. Its brigades, including 23rd Infantry Brigade, were sent to train as Chindits units. 23rd Brigade did not take part in the Second Chindit Expedition, however, but instead it was deployed during the Battle of Kohima in the long range penetration role behind Japanese lines for which it had been trained to interdict Japanese communication and supplies.

Commanders

Second World War order of battle

Chindit units

Gurkha units

(A veteran said these Nepalese units need to be included. Contact the Burma Star Association for details.)

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.1914-1918.net/8div.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.cgsc.edu/CARL/nafziger/939BXIE.pdf
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