20th Independent Infantry Brigade (Guards)
The 20th Independent Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army, raised during the Second World War.
| 20th Independent Infantry Brigade (Guards) | |
|---|---|
| Active | April 1940–September 1941 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Brigade |
| Part of | Independent |
| Engagements | Boulogne 1940 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Brigadier Sir Oliver Leese Brigadier William Fox-Pitt |
- For the Boer War and First World War formation, see 20th Brigade (United Kingdom)
History
The brigade was formed in Aldershot Command in April 1940.[1] It served with the 1st Armoured Division during the Battle of France in 1940, briefly defending Boulogne in May 1940 (22–23 May 1940) before being successfully evacuated.[2] After return to the United Kingdom, the brigade served in Eastern Command and London District.[1]
On 15 September 1941 the brigade was converted into the 5th Guards Armoured Brigade; a component of the Guards Armoured Division.[1] It served with distinction through the battles in Normandy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Commanders
The following officers commanded the brigade:[1]
- Brig. Sir Oliver Leese (from 22 April 1940)
- Brig. William Fox-Pitt (from 10 May 1940)
Order of battle
The following units comprised the brigade:[1]
- 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards
- 2nd Battalion, Welsh Guards
- 5th Battalion, Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) – (motorcycle unit, until 22 May 1940)
- 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment – (joined 22 July 1940)
- 20th Independent Infantry Brigade (Guards) Anti-Tank Company
- 275th Anti-Tank Battery (less one Troop) of 69th Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery – (attached during Boulogne operation)
- 225th Light Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps – (joined July 1940)
- 20th Independent Infantry Brigade (Guards) Company Royal Army Service Corps – (joined July 1940)
Notes
- Joslen, p. 262.
- Ellis, Chapter X : Defence of the Channel Ports: 22nd May to 26th May 1940, pp. 153–159; accessdate = 29 November 2012.
References
- Major L.F. Ellis, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The War in France and Flanders 1939–1940, London: HM Stationery Office, 1954.
- Lt-Col H.F. Joslen, Orders of Battle, United Kingdom and Colonial Formations and Units in the Second World War, 1939–1945, London: HM Stationery Office, 1960/Uckfield: Naval & Military, 2003, ISBN 1843424746.