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210th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home)
Active 10 October 1940-13 January 1942
Country Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom
Branch Flag of the British Army British Army
Type Infantry Brigade
Role Home Defence
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templer
Brigadier The O'Donovan

210th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home) (210 Bde) was a formation of the British Army organised during World War II to command a group of newly raised Home Defence battalions. It was later converted to a frontline brigade that served (under a new name) with distinction in the later years of the war.

Origin[]

The brigade was formed for service in the United Kingdom on 10 October 1940 by No 10 Infantry Training Group. It was initially composed of newly raised battalions from English infantry regiments.[1]

Composition[]

The composition of 210 Bde was as follows:[1]

Commanders[]

The following officers commanded 210 Bde:[1]

  • Brigadier N.V. Blacker (until 4 November 1940)
  • Brigadier Gerald Templer (4 November 1940 – 1 May 1941)
  • Brigadier H.P. Spark (1 May–30 December 1941)
  • Lieutenant-Colonel Sir William Randle Starkey, 2nd Baronet (acting, 30 December 1940 – 12 January 1942)
  • Brigadier The O'Donovan (from 12 January 1942)

Service[]

The brigade initially served in V Corps, and was then attached to 3rd Infantry Division (28 February–24 April 1941) before becoming an integral part of the Dorset County Division. When that division was disbanded on 24 November 1941, 210 Bde transferred to 1st Infantry Division, and soon afterwards dropped the 'Home' part of its title. By now all of 210 Bde's English home defence battalions had been posted away and were being replaced by frontline Irish battalions. The brigade was redesignated 38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade on 13 January 1942. Under this designation it served with distinction in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy and Austria.[1][2]

Notes[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Joslen, p. 373.
  2. Joslen, pp. 36, 109.

References[]

  • Lt-Col H.F. Joslen, Orders of Battle, United Kingdom and Colonial Formations and Units in the Second World War, 1939–1945, London: HM Stationery Office, 1960/Uckfield: Naval & Military, 2003, ISBN 1843424746.
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