218th Brigade (United Kingdom)

The 218th Brigade was a Home Service formation of the British Army during the First and the Second World Wars.

218th Brigade
218th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home)
281th Independent Infantry Brigade
Formation sign worn by 218th Independent Infantry Brigade.[1]
Active1916–8 April 1918
21 October 1940-10 November 1942
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
TypeInfantry Brigade
RoleTraining and Home Defence
Insignia
Badge worn when in the Yorkshire County Division

First World War

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The 218th Brigade 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. The brigade had previously been the 9th Provisional Brigade, without any divisional affiliation.[2] 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.[2]

Order of Battle

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The following infantry battalions served in the brigade:[2]

Second World War

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Formation and Service

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A new brigade under the title of the 218th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home) was formed for service in the United Kingdom on 21 October 1940 under the Yorkshire Area headquarters. At first it was primarily composed of infantry battalions from Yorkshire regiments.[7] The Brigade transferred to Yorkshire County Division when that formation was created on 19 March 1941. The Divisional headquarters became East Riding Coastal Area on 1 December 1941. On 22 December the Brigade was re-designated as the 218th Independent Infantry Brigade. The Brigade later transferred to the Durham and North Riding Coastal Area, then to the Northumbrian District before disbanding on 10 November 1942, when its battalions were converted to anti-tank regiments.[7][8]

Order of Battle

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The following units served in the brigade: [7]

Commanders

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The following officers commanded 218 Brigade:[7]

Notes

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  1. ^ Cole p. 132
  2. ^ a b c "Home - The Long, Long Trail". 1914-1918.net. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  3. ^ "Home - The Long, Long Trail". 1914-1918.net. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  4. ^ "Home - The Long, Long Trail". 1914-1918.net. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  5. ^ "Home - The Long, Long Trail". 1914-1918.net. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  6. ^ "Home - The Long, Long Trail". 1914-1918.net. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  7. ^ a b c d Joslen, p. 381.
  8. ^ Joslen, p. 117.
  9. ^ a b c "Anti-Tank Regiments". British Artillery Regiments in World War 2. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  10. ^ "Butterworth, Donald Clunes". Generals.dk. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

References

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