List of British Army formations during the Victorian era facts for kids

Have you ever wondered how big armies are organized? During the time of Queen Victoria (from 1837 to 1901), the British Army often created special groups of soldiers called divisions. These divisions were like temporary teams put together for a specific war or mission. Once the mission was over, they would often be disbanded. This means they weren't permanent parts of the army like some divisions today.

Sometimes, a division might be formed again later, but it wouldn't always be directly connected to the older one. For example, the historian for the 2nd Division said its history only really included the Crimean War and the Second Boer War, even if other "2nd Divisions" existed before or after.

British Army Divisions in Victorian Wars

Eighth Xhosa War

The Eighth Xhosa War took place in Cape Colony (modern-day South Africa) around 1851. The British Army formed divisions to help manage their troops during this conflict.

One of these was the 2nd Division. It was created in 1851 and had about 1,250 soldiers. This division was led by a military leader named Colonel George Mackinnon. It was active only for a short time during this war.

Crimean War

The Crimean War (1853-1856) was a major conflict where Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire fought against Russia. The British Army sent several divisions to fight in this war. These divisions played a big role in battles like the Siege of Sevastopol.

Second Opium War

The Second Opium War (1856-1860) was fought between Britain and France against China. For this war, the British Army put together forces mainly from India, using soldiers from both British and Indian armies.

The 2nd Division during this war was commanded by Major-General Robert Napier. This division was made up of a mix of British and Indian soldiers, working together in the conflict.

Second Anglo-Afghan War

The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) was fought in Afghanistan. Like the Second Opium War, the British forces for this conflict were largely put together from the armies based in British India. These divisions were important for the British efforts in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan.

Anglo-Zulu War

The Anglo-Zulu War happened in 1879 in southern Africa, between the British Empire and the Zulu people. The British formed specific divisions for this conflict.

• The 1st Division (also known as No. 1 Division) was formed in 1879. It served in the Natal colony and Zululand. This division was led by Major-General Henry Hope Crealock. At the start of the war, it had over 6,500 British and other soldiers, plus about 2,700 local African soldiers from the Natal Native Contingent.
• The 2nd Division (also known as No. 2 Division) was also formed in 1879 and served in the same areas. It was commanded by Major-General Edward Newdegate. This division was slightly larger, with over 6,800 British and other soldiers, and about 3,300 Natal Native Contingent troops.

Both divisions were crucial for the British efforts in this war.

Anglo-Egyptian War

The Anglo-Egyptian War took place in 1882 in Egypt. The British Army formed several divisions for this conflict, bringing in troops who had arrived in Egypt.

• The 1st Division was formed in August 1882. It was led by Lieutenant-General George Willis.
• The 2nd Division was also formed in August 1882. This division was commanded by Lieutenant-General Edward Bruce Hamley.
• A special Cavalry Division was also created in August 1882. This division, made up of horse-mounted soldiers, was led by Major-General Drury Drury-Lowe.

These divisions played a key role in the British victory in Egypt.

Second Boer War

The Second Boer War (1899-1902) was fought in South Africa. This was one of the last major conflicts of the Victorian era. The British Army formed many divisions for this long and challenging war, which involved a large number of troops.