List of British brigades of the Second World War facts for kids

This article is about the British Brigades that played a big part in the British Army during World War II. A brigade is a large group of soldiers, bigger than a battalion but smaller than a division. Think of it as a team of thousands of soldiers working together!

These brigades were organized in different ways to do specific jobs during the war. They helped the British Army fight in many battles and protect the country.

What is a Brigade?

A brigade is a military unit made up of several battalions. It usually has around 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers. Brigades are led by a senior officer, often called a brigadier. They are designed to be flexible and can be used for many different tasks on the battlefield.

During World War II, the British Army used many types of brigades. Each type had a special role. For example, some brigades fought on the ground, while others protected the skies.

Types of British Brigades

The British Army had many different kinds of brigades during the Second World War. Each type was trained for specific missions. Here are some of the main types:

Airborne Brigades

These brigades were special forces trained to jump out of airplanes. They could also land in gliders behind enemy lines. This allowed them to surprise the enemy or capture important places quickly. They were very brave and often faced tough challenges.

• List of British airborne brigades of the Second World War (includes airlanding and parachute brigades)

Anti-Aircraft Brigades

These brigades were responsible for defending against enemy aircraft. They operated large guns that could shoot down planes. Their job was to protect cities, factories, and military bases from air raids. They were crucial for keeping people safe on the home front.

• List of British anti-aircraft brigades of the Second World War

Infantry Brigades

Infantry brigades were the backbone of the army. They were made up of foot soldiers who fought on the ground. They were involved in most battles, from defending positions to attacking enemy lines. These brigades were often the first to face the enemy.

• List of British infantry brigades of the Second World War (1–100)
• List of British infantry brigades of the Second World War (101–308 and named)

Mobile Brigades

Mobile brigades were designed for fast movement and powerful attacks. This group included different types of brigades:

• Armoured Brigades: These had many tanks and were used for powerful attacks and breaking through enemy lines.
• Cavalry Brigades: Though horses were less common, some cavalry units still existed, sometimes using vehicles.
• Armoured Reconnaissance Brigades: These units used light tanks and armoured cars to scout ahead and gather information about the enemy.
• Motor Machine Gun Brigades: These brigades used vehicles equipped with machine guns for quick attacks and defense.
• Tank Brigades: Similar to armoured brigades, these focused on using tanks for combat.
• List of British mobile brigades during the Second World War (includes armoured, cavalry, armoured reconnaissance, motor machine gun, support groups, and tank brigades)

Special Service Brigades

These were highly trained units for special missions. They often worked in secret or carried out dangerous raids. They were known for their courage and unique skills. These brigades played a vital role in surprising the enemy.

• List of British special service brigades of the Second World War

See also

• British Army during the Second World War
• Military history of Britain during World War II