11th (East Africa) Division


The 11th Infantry Division was a British infantry division consisting of troops from the British Colonial Auxiliary Forces which was formed in February 1943 during World War II. Consisting of East African troops, the division fought in the Burma campaign.

Formation

In 1943, the 11th Division was formed primarily of troops from British East Africa. The division should not be confused with the earlier 11th (African) Division which was composed of brigades both from British East Africa and from Nigeria in British West Africa, fought in the East African Campaign and was disbanded in late 1941.

Combat history

The Division was composed of troops from Kenya, Uganda, Nyasaland, Tanganyika, Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and from Belgian Congo. The 11th Division fought with the Fourteenth Army in Burma during the Burma Campaign. In the later part of 1944, the division pursued the Japanese retreating from Imphal down the Kabaw valley and established bridgeheads over the Chindwin River. In 1945, elements of the division played a part in the Battle of Meiktila and Mandalay.

Commanding officers

Order of battle

21st East African Brigade

Under Brig. J. F. Macnab:

25th East African Brigade

Under Brig. N. C. Hendricks:

26th East African Brigade

Under Brig. V. K. H. Channer, and Brig. A. P. Walsh :

Divisional units

Divisional artillery

Under CRA Brig. J. V. D. Radford:
  • 302nd East African Field Regiment
  • 303rd East African Field Regiment
  • 304th East African Field Regiment

Divisional engineers

  • 34th East African Field Company
  • 58th East African Field Company
  • 64th East African Field Company
  • 62nd East African Field Park Company

Divisional signals

  • 11th East African Divisional Signals