152nd Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seaforth and Cameron Highlanders Brigade152nd (1st Highland) Brigade 152nd Infantry Brigade |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1908–1945 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Brigade |
| Engagements | First World War Second World War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Kenneth Anderson Douglas Wimberley Gordon MacMillan James Cassels |
The 152nd Infantry Brigade was a special group of soldiers in the British Army. It was part of the 51st (Highland) Infantry Division. This brigade fought in two major conflicts: the First World War and the Second World War.
Contents
How the Brigade Started
The 152nd Infantry Brigade began in 1908. It was first called the Seaforth and Cameron Highlanders Brigade. This happened when the Territorial Force (TF) was created. The TF was a part-time reserve army in Britain.
The brigade was made up of several battalions. These included the 4th, 5th, and 6th Battalions of the Seaforth Highlanders. It also had the 4th Battalion of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. These groups were formed because of a new law in 1907.
Fighting in the First World War
The brigade was called into action in August 1914. Most of the soldiers volunteered to serve overseas. In May 1915, the brigade was renamed the 152nd (1st Highland) Brigade. The larger group it belonged to became the 51st (Highland) Division.
The names of the battalions changed too. They added '1/' to their names, like 1/5th Seaforths. This helped tell them apart from other similar groups. In May 1915, the division was sent to the Western Front. This was a very important battle area in France and Belgium.
Units in the First World War
Here are some of the groups that were part of the 152nd Brigade:
- 1/4th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (left in November 1914)
- 1/5th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders
- 1/6th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders
- 1/4th Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (left in February 1915)
- 1/6th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (joined from April to June 1915)
- 1/8th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (joined in April 1915, left in February 1918)
- 1/6th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders (joined in June 1916, later became 6th/7th Battalion)
- 152nd Machine Gun Company, Machine Gun Corps (formed in January 1916)
- 152nd Trench Mortar Battery (formed in July 1916)
Fighting in the Second World War
The original 152nd Brigade faced a tough time in the Battle of France. It was almost completely destroyed when the 51st (Highland) Division surrendered. This happened at St Valery-en-Caux on June 12, 1940.
The brigade was formed again in August 1940. It was rebuilt from the 26th Infantry Brigade. This group was part of the 9th (Highland) Infantry Division. The 9th Division was then renumbered as the 51st Division.
Units from 1939 to 1940
The original brigade included these groups:
- 4th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (destroyed June 12, 1940)
- 6th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (until March 30, 1940)
- 4th Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (destroyed June 12, 1940)
- 152nd Infantry Brigade Anti-Tank Company (formed January 28, 1940, destroyed June 12, 1940)
- 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (from March 30, 1940, destroyed June 12, 1940)
Units from 1940 to 1945
The brigade, after it was reformed, included these groups:
- 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (reformed September 4, 1940)
- 4th/5th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (became 5th Battalion April 5, 1941)
- 7th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (left August 23, 1940)
- 5th Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
- 152nd Infantry Brigade Anti-Tank Company (reformed September 1, 1940)
Important Battles and Campaigns
The 152nd Infantry Brigade took part in many important battles. These are some of the campaigns where they fought:
- Battle of France – 1939-1940 (where it was almost destroyed)
- Battle of El Alamein – 1942
- Operation Supercharge – 1942
- Operation Pugilist – 1943
- Operation Husky – 1943
- Operation Overlord – 1944
- Operation Astonia – 1944
- Battle of the Scheldt – 1944
- Battle of the Bulge – 1944/45
- Operation Plunder – 1945
Leaders of the Brigade
Many different officers commanded the 152nd Infantry Brigade over the years. Here are some of them:
- Brig. H. W. V. Stewart
- Brig. I. K. Thompson
- Brig. D. N. Wimberley
- Brig. G. Murray
- Lt.-Col. J. Sorel-Cameron
- Brig. G. H. A. MacMillan
- Brig. J. A. Oliver
- Brig. A. J. H. Cassels
- Lt.-Col. D. B. Lang
- Brig. J. A. Grant-Peterkin
