208th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home)

208th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home)
Active	6 October 1940 – 17 October 1941
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Infantry Brigade
Role	Home Defence

The 208th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home) was a short-lived Home Defence formation of the British Army during the Second World War.

Origin

The brigade was formed for service in the United Kingdom on 6 October 1940, by No 8 Infantry Training Group in Scottish Command. It was commanded by Brigadier R.N. Stewart and composed of newly raised infantry battalions.[1]

Service

During its service the brigade came under the administrative control of several higher formations: 55th (West Lancashire) Infantry Division (16 October–6 November 1940), 42nd (East Lancashire) Infantry Division (6 November 1940 – 20 February 1941), and then became an integral part of Essex County Division from its formation until disbandment on 7 October 1941.[1][2]

The brigade remained in the United Kingdom throughout its service and was itself disbanded on 17 October 1941.[1]

Order of battle

The composition of 208th Brigade was as follows:[1]

• 13th Battalion, King's Regiment (Liverpool) (6 October 1940 – 13 October 1941)
• 9th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers (6–30 October 1940)
• 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers (18 October 1940 – 14 October 1941)
• 22nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (18 October 1940 – 22 July 1941, converted in February 1942 to the 94th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery)[3]
• 7th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment (17 December 1940 – 13 October 1941)

References

1. Joslen, p. 371.
2. Joslen, p. 108.
3. Evans, Nigel F. "Anti-Tank Regiments". British Artillery Regiments in WW2. Retrieved 4 January 2017.

Sources

• Joslen, H. F. (2003) [1960]. Orders of Battle: Second World War, 1939–1945. Uckfield, East Sussex: Naval and Military Press. ISBN 978-1-84342-474-1.
• Land Forces of Britain, the Empire and Commonwealth