8th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 8th Infantry Brigade |
|
|---|---|
Insignia of 8th Infantry Brigade
|
|
| Active | 1914-1918 1927-1934 1939-1945 1969-2006 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Infantry brigade |
| Size | Brigade |
| Part of | HQ Northern Ireland |
| Garrison/HQ | Shackleton Barracks, Ballykelly |
| Engagements | First World War Second World War The Troubles |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Brig. Frank Witts Brig-Gen. Arthur Hoskins Edward Cass |
| Insignia | |
| Abbreviation | 8th Inf Bde |
The 8th Infantry Brigade was a special group of soldiers in the British Army. They were part of the infantry, which means they were soldiers who fought on foot. This brigade was active in both the First World War and the Second World War.
After these big wars, the brigade was stopped, but then it was started up again in the 1960s. It was finally stopped for good in 2006. The 8th Infantry Brigade was first formed before the First World War. It was part of a larger group called the 3rd Division.
Contents
The First World War
When the First World War began in 1914, the 8th Infantry Brigade was in England. It was part of the 3rd Division. During the entire war, from 1914 to 1918, this brigade fought on the Western Front. This was a very important battle area in France and Belgium.
Who Was in the Brigade?
The 8th Infantry Brigade was made up of different groups of soldiers called battalions. These battalions changed over time during the war. Some of the groups that were part of the brigade included:
- The 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots
- The 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment
- The 4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment
- The 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
- The 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment
- The 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
- The 7th (Service) Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry
- The 1st Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers
These groups worked together as part of the 8th Infantry Brigade.
The Second World War
The 8th Infantry Brigade was also active when the Second World War started. At that time, it was in the United Kingdom. Brigadier Frank Witts was in charge of the brigade at the beginning of this war.
Groups in the Brigade During WWII
During the Second World War, the 8th Infantry Brigade included groups like:
- The 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
- The 2nd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment
- The 2nd Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment
- The 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment
These battalions helped the brigade fight in different parts of the war.
Serving in Northern Ireland
The 8th Brigade was started up again in the late 1960s. It became part of the 5th Division. The brigade then moved to Northern Ireland. This was after a period of conflict known as The Troubles began. The brigade's job was to help keep peace and order.
The brigade was based at Ebrington Barracks in Derry. It was responsible for the north and northwest areas of Northern Ireland. In 2003, the brigade's main office moved to Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly, County Londonderry.
The 8th Infantry Brigade was finally stopped on September 1, 2006. Its duties were taken over by another group, the 39th Infantry Brigade.
How the Brigade Was Organized in 1989
In 1989, the 8th Infantry Brigade had several parts working together. These included:
- The main office, called HQ 8th Infantry Brigade, and a communications group.
- The 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, based in Ballykelly.
- The 1st Battalion, Royal Hampshire Regiment, based in Derry.
- Several battalions of the Ulster Defence Regiment, which were local defense groups.
