20th Independent Infantry Brigade (Guards)
The 20th Independent Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army, raised during the Second World War.
History
The brigade was formed in Aldershot Command in April 1940. It served during the Battle of France in 1940, briefly defending Boulogne in May 1940 before being successfully evacuated. After return to the United Kingdom, the brigade served in Eastern Command and London District.On 15 September 1941, the brigade was converted into the 5th Guards Armoured Brigade; a component of the Guards Armoured Division. It served with distinction through the battles in Normandy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Commanders
The following officers commanded the brigade:- Brigadier Oliver Leese
- Brigadier William Fox-Pitt
Order of battle
The following units comprised the brigade:- 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards
- 2nd Battalion, Welsh Guards
- 5th Battalion, Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) – '
- 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment – '
- 20th Independent Infantry Brigade Anti-Tank Company
- 275th Anti-Tank Battery of 69th Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery – '
- 225th Light Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps – '
- 20th Independent Infantry Brigade Company Royal Army Service Corps –
- 3rd Royal Tank Regiment