23rd Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)


The 23rd Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army that saw active service in the First World War, mainly on the Western Front During 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

Order of battle

Commanders

The commanders of the 23rd Infantry Brigade during the First World War were:

Second World War

During the inter-war period, the Canal Brigade had been formed to defend the Suez Canal. After the outbreak of the Second World War, the brigade was redesignated as the 23rd Infantry Brigade on 20 September 1939. It was dispersed in the canal area, and became part of HQ Canal sub-Area troops. In May 1941, the brigade was re-formed to take part in the Syria-Lebanon Campaign, during June and July 1941, as part of 6th [Infantry Division (United Kingdom)|6th Infantry Division]. In October 1941, the 6th Infantry Division was re-designated as the 70th Infantry Division. The division, including the brigade, was transported to Tobruk to relieve the 9th Australian Infantry Division. As part of the Tobruk garrison, the brigade helped to fend off Rommel's Axis forces until the siege was relieved at the end of the year during Operation Crusader.
In March 1942, the 70th Infantry Division arrived in India. Its brigades, including the 23rd Infantry Brigade, were assigned to the Chindits. The brigade was retrained as a long range penetration unit. The brigade did not take part in the Second Chindit Expedition. Instead, it was deployed during the Battle of Kohima behind Japanese lines, and interdicted Japanese communication and supplies.

Commanders

  • Brigadier W. T. Brooks 1939 - 1940
  • Brigadier J. T. Leslie 1940
  • Brigadier Alexander Galloway 1941
  • Lieutenant-Colonel R. F. Heyworth
  • Brigadier C. H. V. Cox 1941 - 1943
  • Lieutenant-Colonel E. W. Towsey 1943
  • Brigadier P. C. Marindin 1943
  • Brigadier L. E. C. M. Perowne 1943 - 1945
  • Brigadier R. G. Collingwood 1945

Order of battle

Chindit units