List of British Commands and Army groups facts for kids

The British Army has a long and important history. To manage its many soldiers and operations, it uses different kinds of large groups called 'commands' and 'army groups'. These groups help organize everything from training to fighting in wars around the world. Think of them like big departments that handle different parts of the army's work.

British Army Commands and Groups

What are Army Commands?

Army commands are like big offices or headquarters that look after specific areas or types of military work. They make sure soldiers are ready, trained, and have what they need. Over the years, the British Army has had many different commands.

• Aldershot Command: This was an important command in the UK, especially before and during World War II (until 1941). It was based in Aldershot, a famous army town.
• Anti-Aircraft Command: During World War II, this command protected Britain from enemy aircraft. They operated anti-aircraft guns to shoot down planes.
• Army Headquarters: This is the main command that runs the British Army today. It started in 2011 and oversees all land forces.
• British Army of the Rhine (BAOR): After World War II, this was a very large part of the British Army stationed in Germany. It helped keep peace in Europe for many years, from 1945 to 1994.
• British Expeditionary Force (BEF): This name was used for British armies sent to fight in Europe during both World War I and World War II. They were the first large British forces sent overseas.
• East Africa Command: From 1941 to 1964, this command managed British military operations in East Africa.
• Far East Land Forces: This command looked after British Army units in the Far East, including places like Malaysia.
• Field Army: This is a modern command (from around 2015) that prepares and commands British Army units for operations around the world.
• Home Command: This command focuses on managing the army within the United Kingdom.
• Middle East Command: This was a very important command during World War II (1939–1945) and after (as Middle East Land Forces until 1976). It controlled British forces across a huge area, including Egypt and the Middle East.
• Northern Ireland Headquarters: This command was responsible for British Army operations in Northern Ireland.
• Persia and Iraq Command: During World War II, this command managed British forces in the Middle East, especially in Persia (modern-day Iran) and Iraq.
• Scottish Command: This command looked after army matters in Scotland.
• UK Land Forces: This command (from 1972 to 1995) was a major part of the army in the UK, responsible for training and preparing forces. It later changed its name to Land Command and then Land Forces.
• West Africa Command: From 1941 to 1956, this command managed British forces in West Africa.

What are Army Groups?

Army groups are even larger formations than commands. They are made up of several armies and are usually created during big wars to control many soldiers over a wide area.

• 11th Army Group: This group was formed in November 1943 during World War II. It was later renamed Allied Land Forces South East Asia.
• 15th Army Group: This group played a big role in the Allied invasion of Italy during World War II.
• 18th Army Group: This group was active during the North African Campaign in World War II.
• 21st Army Group: This was a very famous British-led army group during World War II. It played a key part in the D-Day landings and the advance into Germany.
• Allied Armies in Italy: This was a combined group of Allied forces, including British units, fighting in Italy during World War II.