20th Independent Infantry Brigade (Guards)

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 World War I formation, see 20th Brigade (United Kingdom)

The 20th Independent Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army, raised during World War II.

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]

Order of Battle

The following units comprised the brigade:[1]

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Joslen, p. 262.
  2. Ellis, Chapter X : Defence of the Channel Ports: 22nd May to 26th May 1940, pp. 153–159; accessdate = 29 November 2012.

References


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