222nd Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 222nd Infantry Brigade |
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|---|---|
| Active | May 1915–1919 31 October 1940 – 18 November 1943 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Infantry Brigade |
| Role | Training and Home Defence |
| Part of | First World War: Southern Army, Home Forces Second World War: Norfolk County Division 76th Infantry Division |
The 222nd Infantry Brigade was a special military group in the British Army. It was created to help defend the home country during both World War I and World War II. This brigade had a few different names over the years.
Contents
World War I: Protecting the Home Front
How the Brigade Started
When World War I began, the British Army needed many soldiers for fighting overseas. But they also needed people to protect Britain at home. So, in 1914, they created new groups called Provisional Battalions. These groups were made up of soldiers who were not going to fight abroad. They were called "Home Service" soldiers.
In May 1915, these home defence groups were organized into brigades. The 2nd Provisional Brigade was one of these. It was formed in the North East of England.
What Units Were Part of It?
The 2nd Provisional Brigade included several battalions. These were made from soldiers who usually served in other regiments. For example, there were battalions from the Northumberland Fusiliers and the Green Howards. The brigade also had artillery (big guns), engineers, and medical teams.
- 21st Provisional Battalion
- 22nd Provisional Battalion
- 24th Provisional Battalion
- 25th Provisional Battalion
- 26th Provisional Battalion
- 27th Provisional Battalion
- 2nd Provisional Battery (artillery)
- 2nd Provisional Field Company (engineers)
- 2nd Provisional Field Ambulance (medical)
Moving and Changing Names
In March 1916, many of these home defence brigades moved to the South East coast of England. The 2nd Provisional Brigade was stationed near Clacton in Essex. Its job was to guard the coast.
Later in 1916, a new law called the Military Service Act 1916 changed things. All soldiers became eligible to serve overseas if they were healthy enough. Because of this, the Provisional Brigades were renamed. The 2nd Provisional Brigade became the 222nd Infantry Brigade. Its battalions also got new names.
The brigade never went to fight overseas. Its main job was to train soldiers and keep them fit. It was also a place for soldiers who were waiting to be sent to other units. The 222nd Brigade was officially ended in early 1919 after the war finished.
World War II: Home Defence Again
Reforming for a New War
The 222nd Brigade was formed again on 31 October 1940, during World War II. This time, it was called the 222nd Independent Infantry Brigade (Home). Its purpose was still to defend the United Kingdom.
It first joined the 18th Infantry Division for a short time. Then, in December 1940, it became part of the Norfolk County Division. This division was responsible for defending the county of Norfolk.
Becoming the 76th Division
On 18 November 1941, the Norfolk County Division changed its name to the 76th Infantry Division. At this point, the brigade's name was shortened to just the 222nd Infantry Brigade.
Units in the Second World War
The brigade had different units join it over time. These included battalions from famous regiments like the Lincolnshire Regiment, Leicestershire Regiment, and Royal Scots Fusiliers.
- 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment
- 8th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment
- 11th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers
- 9th Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
- 4th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment
- 7th (Cumberland) Battalion, Border Regiment
- 16th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters
The 222nd Brigade was officially ended on 18 November 1943.
Who Led the Brigade?
Several officers commanded the 222nd Brigade during World War II:
- Brigadier C.L.B. Duke
- Brigadier H.St G. Schomberg (from 5 November 1940)
- Brigadier J.M. Rawcliffe (from 12 August 1941)
