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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{About|the British military unit|the Spanish formation|226th Mixed Brigade (Spain)}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=226th Infantry Brigade<br/>226th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home)
|unit_name=226th Infantry Brigade<br />226th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home)
| image=
| image=Dorset County Division Insignia.jpg
| image_size = 150
| image_size =
|caption=Dorset County Division insignia
|caption=
|dates=May 1915–1919<br/>11 January&nbsp;– 1 December 1941
|dates=May 1915–1919<br />11 January&nbsp;– 1 December 1941
|country={{flag|United Kingdom}}
|country={{flag|United Kingdom}}
|allegiance=
|allegiance=
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|role=Training and Home Defence
|role=Training and Home Defence
|size=
|size=
|command_structure=''First World War'':<br/>[[British Southern Army (Home Forces)|Southern Army]]<br/>[[71st Division (United Kingdom)|71st Division]] (attached)<br/>[[67th (2nd Home Counties) Division]] (attached)<br/>''Second World War'':<br/>[[Dorset County Division]]
|command_structure=''World War I'':<br />[[British Southern Army (Home Forces)|Southern Army]]<br />[[71st Division (United Kingdom)|71st Division]] (attached)<br />[[67th (2nd Home Counties) Division]] (attached)<br />''World War II'':<br />[[Dorset County Division]]
|current_commander=
|current_commander=
|garrison=
|garrison=
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|anniversaries=
|anniversaries=
}}
}}
The '''226th Infantry Brigade''' was a Home Service formation of the [[British Army]] that existed under various short-lived titles in both the [[World War I|First]] and [[World War II|Second World Wars]].
The '''226th Infantry Brigade''' was a Home Service formation of the [[British Army]] that existed under various short-lived titles in both [[World War I]] and [[World War II]].


==First World War==
==World War I==
On the outbreak of the [[World War I|First World War]], the [[Territorial Force]] (TF) immediately mobilised for home defence, but shortly afterwards (31 August 1914), its units were authorised to raise 2nd battalions formed from those men who had not volunteered for, or were not fit for, overseas service, together with new volunteers, while the 1st Line went overseas to supplement the Regulars.<ref>Becke, p. 6.</ref> Early in 1915 the 2nd Line TF battalions were raised to full strength to form new divisions, and began to form Reserve (3rd Line) units to supply drafts.<ref>Becke, pp. 6, 65.</ref> The remaining Home Service men were separated out in May 1915 to form brigades of Coast Defence Battalions (termed Provisional Battalions from June 1915).<ref name=Porter>{{Cite web |url=http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=175475 |title=Porter |access-date=20 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216152033/http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=175475 |archive-date=16 February 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
On the outbreak of the World War I, the [[Territorial Force]] (TF) immediately mobilised for home defence, but shortly afterwards (31 August 1914), its units were authorised to raise 2nd battalions formed from those men who had not volunteered for, or were not fit for, overseas service, together with new volunteers, while the 1st Line went overseas to supplement the Regulars.<ref>Becke, p. 6.</ref> Early in 1915 the 2nd Line TF battalions were raised to full strength to form new divisions, and began to form Reserve (3rd Line) units to supply drafts.<ref>Becke, pp. 6, 65.</ref> The remaining Home Service men were separated out in May 1915 to form brigades of Coast Defence Battalions (termed Provisional Battalions from June 1915). <ref name = ACI>Army Council Instructions, January 1916, Appendix 18.</ref><ref name = TrailProv>[https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/the-territorial-force/provisional-brigades-and-battalions/ 'Provisional Brigades and Battalions' at Long, Long Trail.]</ref><ref name=Porter>{{Cite web |url=http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=175475 |title=Porter |access-date=20 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216152033/http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=175475 |archive-date=16 February 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


===7th Provisional Brigade===
===7th Provisional Brigade===
7th Provisional Brigade was one of these formations, with the following composition:<ref name = Porter/><ref name = Diary>7th Provisional Brigade War Diary, [[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives, Kew]] file WO 95/5458.</ref><ref name=Warpath>http://www.warpath.orbat.com/misc_units/misc_unallot_uk.htm#226_bde {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205004228/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/misc_units/misc_unallot_uk.htm |date=5 December 2013 }}</ref>
7th Provisional Brigade was one of these formations, with the following composition:<ref name = Porter/><ref name = Diary>7th Provisional Brigade War Diary, [[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives (TNA), Kew]] file WO 95/5458.</ref><ref name=Warpath>{{cite web |url=http://www.warpath.orbat.com/misc_units/misc_unallot_uk.htm#226_bde |title= 'Miscellaneous Units and Unalloted Troops in Great Britain' at Warpath|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205004228/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/misc_units/misc_unallot_uk.htm |archive-date=5 December 2013}}</ref>
* 7th Provisional Yeomanry Squadron
* 7th Provisional Yeomanry Squadron
* 7th Provisional Cyclist Company
* 7th Provisional Cyclist Company
* 7th Provisional Brigade [[Royal Field Artillery]]
* 7th Provisional Battery [[Royal Field Artillery]]
* 7th Provisional Field Company [[Royal Engineers]]
* 7th Provisional Field Company [[Royal Engineers]]
* 29th Provisional Battalion (from home service details of 5th, [[High Peak Rifles|6th]] and 8th Bns), [[Sherwood Foresters]]<ref name = Porter/>
* [[29th Provisional Battalion (Territorial Force)|29th Provisional Battalion]] from home service details of the [[139th (Sherwood Foresters) Brigade|Sherwood Foresters Brigade]] (5th, [[High Peak Rifles|6th]], [[Robin Hood Battalion|7th (Robin Hood)]] and 8th Bns, [[Sherwood Foresters]]), and the [[Staffordshire Rangers|5th]] and 6th Bns, [[North Staffordshire Regiment]]<ref name = ACI/><ref name = Porter/>
* 81st Provisional Battalion (left November 1915)<ref name = Diary/>
* [[18th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment|81st Provisional Battalion]] from home service details of the [[Warwickshire Brigade]] ([[Birmingham Rifles|5th]], 6th, 7th and 8th Bns, [[Royal Warwickshire Regiment]]) (left November 1915)<ref name = ACI/><ref name = Diary/>
* 82nd Provisional Battalion (from details of [[City of Bristol Rifles#17th Battalion|4th]] and 6th Bns [[Gloucestershire Regiment]] and 7th and 8th Bns [[Worcestershire Regiment]])<ref name = Diary/>
* [[82nd Provisional Battalion (Territorial Force)|82nd Provisional Battalion]] from home service details of the [[Gloucester and Worcester Brigade]] ([[City of Bristol Rifles#17th Battalion|4th]] and [[6th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment|6th]] Bns [[Gloucestershire Regiment]] and [[Worcestershire Rifles|7th]] and 8th Bns [[Worcestershire Regiment]])<ref name = ACI/><ref name = Diary/>
* 107th Provisional Battalion (probably from details of the [[London Regiment (1908–1938)|London Regiment]])
* [[107th Provisional Battalion (Territorial Force)|107th Provisional Battalion]] from home service details of the [[Poplar and Stepney Rifles|17th]], [[London Irish Rifles|18th]] and [[1st Surrey Rifles|21st]] Bns,[[London Regiment (1908–1938)|London Regiment]]<ref name = ACI/>
* 108th Provisional Battalion (probably from details of the London Regiment)
* [[108th Provisional Battalion (Territorial Force)|108th Provisional Battalion]] from home service details of the [[23rd (County of London) Battalion|23rd]] and [[24th (County of London) Battalion (The Queen's)|24th]] Bns, London Regiment<ref name = ACI/>
* 7th Provisional Field Ambulance [[Royal Army Medical Corps]] (from details of 2nd and 3rd North Midland and 5th and 6th London Field Ambulances)<ref name = Porter/>
* 7th Provisional Field Ambulance [[Royal Army Medical Corps]] (from details of 2nd and 3rd North Midland and 5th and 6th London Field Ambulances)<ref name = Porter/>
* 7th Provisional Brigade Train [[Royal Army Service Corps|Army Service Corps]]
* 7th Provisional Brigade Train [[Royal Army Service Corps|Army Service Corps]]
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* 2/1st Warwick Field Brigade RFA
* 2/1st Warwick Field Brigade RFA


These units had fluctuating strengths. For example, in November 1915 the 82nd Provisional Bn consisted of 1550 men, but drafts to the 2nd and 3rd Line TF units and 63rd Provisional Battalion (in [[5th Provisional Brigade (United Kingdom)|5th Provisional Brigade]]) reduced this to 1100, including just under 200 men of the National Guard. The Battalion War Diary complains that many of the TF men being received from the Gloucesters and Worcesters 'especially those sent from Bristol have ailments which will prevent them ever becoming efficient soldiers'.<ref name = Diary/> The National Guard (or [[National Reserve (United Kingdom)|National Reserve]]) men would have been in Medical Category C.<ref>http://www.1914-1918.net/reserve.htm</ref>
These units had fluctuating strengths. For example, in November 1915 the 82nd Provisional Bn consisted of 1550 men, but drafts to the 2nd and 3rd Line TF units and 63rd Provisional Battalion (in [[5th Provisional Brigade (United Kingdom)|5th Provisional Brigade]]) reduced this to 1100, including just under 200 men of the National Guard. The Battalion War Diary complains that many of the TF men being received from the Gloucesters and Worcesters 'especially those sent from Bristol have ailments which will prevent them ever becoming efficient soldiers'. The National Guard (or [[National Reserve (United Kingdom)|National Reserve]]) men would have been in Medical Category C.<ref name = Diary/>


The Provisional Brigades were dispersed in defence positions along the [[East Anglia]]n coast.<ref name = Diary/> In July 1916, 7th Provisional Bde was at [[Frinton-on-Sea]] and [[Walton-on-the-Naze]], forming part of [[British Southern Army (Home Forces)|Southern Army]] of Home Forces.<ref>Distribution of Northern and Southern Armies (Home Defence), The National Archives file WO 33/765.</ref>
The Provisional Brigades were dispersed in defence positions along the [[East Anglia]]n coast.<ref name = Diary/> In July 1916, 7th Provisional Bde was at [[Frinton-on-Sea]] and [[Walton-on-the-Naze]], forming part of [[British Southern Army (Home Forces)|Southern Army]] of Home Forces.<ref>Distribution of Northern and Southern Armies (Home Defence), TNA file WO 33/765.</ref>


===226th Mixed Brigade===
===226th Mixed Brigade===
The [[Military Service Act 1916]] swept away the Home/Foreign service distinction, and all TF soldiers became liable for overseas service, if medically fit. The Provisional Brigades thus became anomalous, and at the end of 1916 their units became numbered battalions of their parent units. Part of their role was physical conditioning to render men fit for drafting overseas. 7th Provisional Brigade became '''226th Mixed Brigade''' in December 1916, with its units redesignated as follows:<ref name = Porter/><ref>http://www.warpath.orbat.com/misc_units/misc_unallot_uk.htm#225_bde {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205004228/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/misc_units/misc_unallot_uk.htm |date=5 December 2013 }}</ref><ref name = Trail71>http://www.1914-1918.net/71div.html</ref>
The [[Military Service Act 1916]] swept away the Home/Foreign service distinction, and all TF soldiers became liable for overseas service, if medically fit. The Provisional Brigades thus became anomalous, and at the end of 1916 their units became numbered battalions of their parent units. Part of their role was physical conditioning to render men fit for drafting overseas. 7th Provisional Brigade became '''226th Mixed Brigade''' in December 1916, with its units redesignated as follows from 1 January 1917:<ref name = Porter/><ref name = FrederickProv>Frederick, pp. 184–5.</ref><ref name=Warpath/>
* General Officer Commanding:<ref name = Becke71/><ref name = Becke67>Becke, pp. 75–82.</ref> Brigadier-General J.F. Erskine (until 24 October 1917)<br/>Brigadier-General [[Charles Granville Fortescue|Hon. C.G. Fortescue]] (21 November 1917&nbsp;– 11 March 1918)<br/>Brigadier-General B.C.M. Carter (from 25 March 1918)
* General Officer Commanding:<ref name = Becke71/><ref name = Becke67>Becke, pp. 75–82.</ref> Brigadier-General J.F. Erskine (until 24 October 1917)<br />Brigadier-General [[Charles Granville Fortescue|Hon. C.G. Fortescue]] (21 November 1917&nbsp;– 11 March 1918)<br />Brigadier-General B.C.M. Carter (from 25 March 1918)
* 1206th (South Midland) Battery, RFA (from 7th Provisional Battery)
* [[City of Bristol Rifles#17th Battalion|17th Battalion]], [[Gloucestershire Regiment]] (from 82nd Provisional Battalion)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/gloucesters.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=24 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305031032/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/gloucesters.htm |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* 646th (London) Field Company, RE (from 7th Provisional Field Company)
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* 21st Battalion, [[Sherwood Foresters]] (from 29th Provisional Battalion, disbanded 12 January 1918)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/sherwoods.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=24 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201191412/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/sherwoods.htm |archive-date=1 February 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* 2/6th Battalion, [[Durham Light Infantry]] (joined 1 September 1917 from [[71st Division (United Kingdom)|71st Division]], became Garrison Guard battalion and joined [[59th (2nd North Midland) Division]] 1 May 1918)<ref name=dli>{{Cite web |url=http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/dli.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=24 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201233519/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/dli.htm |archive-date=1 February 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name = dli2>http://www.1914-1918.net/dli.htm</ref>
* [[City of Bristol Rifles#17th Battalion|17th Battalion]], [[Gloucestershire Regiment]] (from 82nd Provisional Battalion) <ref name = FrederickProv/><ref name = FrederickGlos>Frederick, p. 101.</ref><ref name = JamesGlos>James, p. 72.</ref><ref name = TrailGlos>[http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/gloucestershire-regiment/ Gloucestershire Regiment at Long, Long Trail.]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/gloucesters.htm |title=Gloucestershire Regiment at Warpath |access-date=24 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305031032/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/gloucesters.htm |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
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* 21st Battalion, [[Sherwood Foresters]] (from 29th Provisional Battalion, disbanded 12 January 1918)<ref name = FrederickProv/><ref name = FrederickSF>Frederick, p. 321.</ref><ref name = JamesSF>James, p. 87.</ref><ref name = TrailSF>[http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/ Sherwood Foresters at Long, Long Trail.]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/sherwoods.htm |title=Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) at Warpath|access-date=24 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201191412/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/sherwoods.htm |archive-date=1 February 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* 28th (Home Service) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry (raised 27 April 1918)<ref name = dli/><ref name = dli2/>
* [[29th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment]] (joined September 1917 from 71st Division)<ref name=Londons>{{cite web|url=http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/london.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-11-25 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201231706/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/london.htm |archivedate=1 February 2010 }}</ref><ref name = Londons2>http://www.1914-1918.net/london.htm</ref>
* 2/6th Battalion, [[Durham Light Infantry]] (joined 1 September 1917 from [[71st Division (United Kingdom)|71st Division]], became Garrison Guard battalion and joined [[59th (2nd North Midland) Division]] 1 May 1918) <ref name = FrederickDLI>Frederick, p. 146.</ref><ref name = JamesDLI>James, p. 101.</ref><ref name = TrailDLI>[http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/durham-light-infantry/ Durham Light Infantry at Long, Long Trail.]</ref><ref name=WarpathDLI>{{Cite web |url=http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/dli.htm |title=Durham Light Infantry at Warpath|access-date=24 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201233519/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/dli.htm |archive-date=1 February 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* [[30th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment]] (joined 5 February 1918 from 71st Division)<ref name = Londons/><ref name = Londons2/>
* 28th (Home Service) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry (raised 27 April 1918)<ref name = FrederickDLI/><ref name = JamesDLI/><ref name = TrailDLI/><ref name = WarpathDLI/>
* [[29th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment]] (former 100th Provisional Bn, joined September 1917 from 71st Division)<ref name = FrederickProv/><ref name = FrederickLond>Frederick, p. 150.</ref><ref name = JamesLond>James, p. 117.</ref><ref name = TrailLond>[http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/london-regiment/ London Regiment at Long, Long Trail.]</ref><ref name=WarpathLondons>{{cite web|url=http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/london.htm |title=London Regiment at Warpath|accessdate=2013-11-25 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201231706/http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/london.htm |archivedate=1 February 2010 }}</ref>
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* 31st Battalion, [[London Regiment (1908–1938)|London Regiment]] (from 107th Provisional Battalion, disbanded 7 September 1918)<ref name = Londons/><ref name = Londons2/>
* 32nd Battalion, London Regiment (from 108th Provisional Battalion, disbanded 13 April 1918)<ref name = Londons/><ref name = Londons2/>
* [[30th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment]] (former 101st Provisional Bn, joined 5 February 1918 from 71st Division)<ref name = FrederickProv/><ref name = FrederickLond/><ref name = JamesLond/><ref name = TrailLond/><ref name = WarpathLondons/>
* [[London Heavy Brigade, Royal Garrison Artillery|2/1st London Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery]] (joined 71st Division 9 March 1917 when [[58th (2/1st London) Division]] went overseas)<ref name = Trail71/><ref name = Becke71>Becke, pp. 101–5.</ref><ref>Becke, p. 11</ref>
* [[31st (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment|31st Battalion, London Regiment]] (from 107th Provisional Battalion, disbanded 7 September 1918)<ref name = FrederickProv/><ref name = FrederickLond/><ref name = JamesLond/><ref name = TrailLond/><ref name = WarpathLondons/>
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* [[32nd (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment|32nd Battalion, London Regiment]] (from 108th Provisional Battalion, disbanded 13 April 1918)<ref name = FrederickProv/><ref name = FrederickLond/><ref name = JamesLond/><ref name = TrailLond/><ref name = WarpathLondons/>
* [[London Heavy Brigade, Royal Garrison Artillery|2/1st London Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery]] (joined 71st Division 9 March 1917 when [[58th (2/1st London) Division]] went overseas)<ref name = Becke71>Becke, pp. 101–5.</ref><ref name = Trail71>[http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/order-of-battle-of-divisions/71st-division/ 71st Division at Long, Long Trail.]</ref><ref>Becke, p. 11</ref>
* [[London Heavy Brigade, Royal Garrison Artillery#2/2nd London Heavy Battery|2/2nd London Heavy Battery, RGA]] (joined 71st Division 9 March 1917)<ref name = Trail71/><ref name = Becke71/><ref>Becke, p. 27</ref>
* [[London Heavy Brigade, Royal Garrison Artillery#2/2nd London Heavy Battery|2/2nd London Heavy Battery, RGA]] (joined 71st Division 9 March 1917)<ref name = Trail71/><ref name = Becke71/><ref>Becke, p. 27</ref>


===Service===
===Service===
At first, 226th Brigade had no divisional allocation. Then from 13 April 1917 it was attached to [[71st Division (United Kingdom)|71st Division]], a Home Service formation also composed of former Provisional Battalions.<ref name = Becke71/>
At first, 226th Brigade had no divisional allocation. Then from 13 April 1917 it was attached to [[71st Division (United Kingdom)|71st Division]], a Home Service formation also composed of former Provisional Battalions.<ref name = Becke71/<ref name = Trail71/>

On 26 November 1917, 1212th (West Riding) Battery transferred to [[43rd_(Howitzer)_Brigade,_Royal_Field_Artillery#Home_Defence|43rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery]], which was reforming in [[67th (2nd Home Counties) Division]].<ref name = Becke67/>


On 10 January 1918, instructions were issued to break up 71st Division by mid-March. 226th Brigade exchanged some units with other brigades of the division and was then attached to [[67th (2nd Home Counties) Division]] (again, without formally being part of the division).<ref name = Becke67/>
On 10 January 1918, instructions were issued to break up 71st Division by mid-March. 226th Brigade exchanged some units with other brigades of the division and was then attached to [[67th (2nd Home Counties) Division]] (again, without formally being part of the division).<ref name = Becke67/>


In May 1918 each of the non-divisional home service brigades provided one Garrison Guard battalion to reconstitute the [[59th (2nd North Midland) Division]] in France. 226th Brigade supplied the 2/6th Durham LI to the [[177th (2/1st Lincoln and Leicester) Brigade]], which was replaced in the brigade by a newly raised Home Service battalion of the regiment.<ref name = dli/><ref name = dli2/>
In May 1918 each of the non-divisional home service brigades provided one Garrison Guard battalion to reconstitute the [[59th (2nd North Midland) Division]] in France. 226th Brigade supplied the 2/6th Durham LI to the [[177th (2/1st Lincoln and Leicester) Brigade]], which was replaced in the brigade by a newly raised Home Service battalion of the regiment.<ref name = FrederickDLI/><ref name = JamesDLI/><ref name = TrailDLI/><ref name = WarpathDLI/>


The brigade never served overseas, and was demobilised early in 1919.<ref name = Becke67/>
The brigade never served overseas, and was demobilised early in 1919.<ref name = Becke67/>


==Second World War==
==World War II==
On 11 January 1941, the '''226th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home)''' was organised. It was commanded by [[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|Brigadier]] J.C.A. Birch (Brig H.S. Brown from 27 June 1941) and consisted of newly raised infantry battalions.<ref name = Joslen389>Joslen, p. 389.</ref>
On 11 January 1941, the '''226th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home)''' was organised. It was commanded by [[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|Brigadier]] J.C.A. Birch (Brig H.S. Brown from 27 June 1941) and consisted of newly raised infantry battalions.<ref name = Joslen389>Joslen, p. 389.</ref>


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* 12th Battalion, [[Devonshire Regiment]] (''27 January - 19 June 1941'')
* 12th Battalion, [[Devonshire Regiment]] (''27 January - 19 June 1941'')
* 14th Battalion, [[Royal Warwickshire Regiment]] (''27 January - 9 June 1941'')
* 14th Battalion, [[Royal Warwickshire Regiment]] (''27 January - 9 June 1941'')
* 8th Battalion, [[Essex Regiment]] (''28 February 1941 - 1 December 1941, converted to the [[153rd Regiment Royal Armoured Corps]]'')<ref name =F50/>
* 8th Battalion, [[Essex Regiment]] (''28 February 1941 - 1 December 1941, converted to [[153rd Regiment Royal Armoured Corps]]'')<ref name =F50/>
* 9th Battalion, Essex Regiment (''28 February&nbsp;– 23 November 1941 Converted to the 11th Medium Regiment [[Royal Artillery]] (December 1942)'')<ref>{{cite web|last1=Evans|first1=Nigel F|title=Medium Regiments RA|url=http://nigelef.tripod.com/regtsumm.htm#medregt|website=British Artillery Regiments|accessdate=2 January 2017}}</ref>
* [[9th Battalion, Essex Regiment (1940–42)|9th Battalion, Essex Regiment]] (''28 February&nbsp;– 23 November 1941, converted to [[11th Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery]] (December 1942)'')<ref>{{cite web|last1=Evans|first1=Nigel F|title=Medium Regiments RA|url=http://nigelef.tripod.com/regtsumm.htm#medregt|website=British Artillery Regiments|accessdate=2 January 2017}}</ref>
* 10th Battalion, [[Somerset Light Infantry]] (''14 June – 26 July 1941'')
* 10th Battalion, [[Somerset Light Infantry]] (''14 June – 26 July 1941'')
* [[8th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment]] (''26 July&nbsp;– 19 November 1941, converted to the [[144th Regiment Royal Armoured Corps]]'')<ref name =F50/>
* [[8th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment]] (''26 July&nbsp;– 19 November 1941, converted to the [[144th Regiment Royal Armoured Corps]]'')<ref name =F50/>


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|3}}


==References==
==References==
{{refbegin|2}}
* Maj A.F. Becke,''History of the Great War: Order of Battle of Divisions, Part 2b: The 2nd-Line Territorial Force Divisions (57th–69th), with the Home-Service Divisions (71st–73rd) and 74th and 75th Divisions'', London: HM Stationery Office, 1937/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2007, {{ISBN|1-84734-739-8}}.
* Maj A.F. Becke,''History of the Great War: Order of Battle of Divisions, Part 2b: The 2nd-Line Territorial Force Divisions (57th–69th), with the Home-Service Divisions (71st–73rd) and 74th and 75th Divisions'', London: HM Stationery Office, 1937/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2007, {{ISBN|1-84734-739-8}}.
* George Forty, ''British Army Handbook 1939–1945'', Stroud: Sutton Publishing, 1998, {{ISBN|0-7509-1403-3}}.
* George Forty, ''British Army Handbook 1939–1945'', Stroud: Sutton Publishing, 1998, {{ISBN|0-7509-1403-3}}.
* J.B.M. Frederick, ''Lineage Book of British Land Forces 1660–1978'', Vol I, Wakefield: Microform Academic, 1984, ISBN 1-85117-007-3.
⚫
* Lt-Col H.F. Joslen, ''Orders of Battle, United Kingdom and Colonial Formations and Units in the Second World War, 1939–1945'', London: HM Stationery Office, 1960/Uckfield: Naval & Military, 2003, {{ISBN|1-84342-474-6}}.
* Brig E.A. James, ''British Regiments 1914–18'', London: Samson Books, 1978, ISBN 0-906304-03-2/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2001, ISBN 978-1-84342-197-9.
⚫
* Lt-Col H.F. Joslen, ''Orders of Battle, United Kingdom and Colonial Formations and Units in the Second World War, 1939–1945'', London: HM Stationery Office, 1960/London: London Stamp Exchange, 1990, ISBN 0-948130-03-2/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2003, ISBN 1-843424-74-6.
* War Office, ''Army Council Instructions Issued During January 1916'', London: HM Stationery Office, 1916.


==External sources==
===External sources===
* [http://www.1914-1918.net The Long, Long Trail]
* [http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk Chris Baker, ''The Long, Long Trail'']
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100118221541/http://warpath.orbat.com/index.htm The Regimental Warpath 1914–1918]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100118221541/http://warpath.orbat.com/index.htm The Regimental Warpath 1914–1918]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160216152033/http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=175475 David Porter's work on Provisional Brigades at Great War Forum]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160216152033/http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=175475 David Porter's work on Provisional Brigades at Great War Forum]
{{refend}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{British infantry brigades of the Second World War}}


[[Category:Infantry brigades of the British Army]]
[[Category:Infantry brigades of the British Army]]

Latest revision as of 13:30, 16 October 2023

226th Infantry Brigade
226th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home)
ActiveMay 1915–1919
11 January – 1 December 1941
Land Vereinigtes Königreich
Branch British Army
TypInfantry Brigade
RoleTraining and Home Defence
Part ofWorld War I:
Southern Army
71st Division (attached)
67th (2nd Home Counties) Division (attached)
World War II:
Dorset County Division

The 226th Infantry Brigade was a Home Service formation of the British Army that existed under various short-lived titles in both World War I and World War II.

World War I

[edit]

On the outbreak of the World War I, the Territorial Force (TF) immediately mobilised for home defence, but shortly afterwards (31 August 1914), its units were authorised to raise 2nd battalions formed from those men who had not volunteered for, or were not fit for, overseas service, together with new volunteers, while the 1st Line went overseas to supplement the Regulars.[1] Early in 1915 the 2nd Line TF battalions were raised to full strength to form new divisions, and began to form Reserve (3rd Line) units to supply drafts.[2] The remaining Home Service men were separated out in May 1915 to form brigades of Coast Defence Battalions (termed Provisional Battalions from June 1915). [3][4][5]

7th Provisional Brigade

[edit]

7th Provisional Brigade was one of these formations, with the following composition:[5][6][7]

Also attached:[6]

  • 2/8th (Cyclist) Battalion Essex Regiment
  • 2/1st Warwick Field Brigade RFA

These units had fluctuating strengths. For example, in November 1915 the 82nd Provisional Bn consisted of 1550 men, but drafts to the 2nd and 3rd Line TF units and 63rd Provisional Battalion (in 5th Provisional Brigade) reduced this to 1100, including just under 200 men of the National Guard. The Battalion War Diary complains that many of the TF men being received from the Gloucesters and Worcesters 'especially those sent from Bristol have ailments which will prevent them ever becoming efficient soldiers'. The National Guard (or National Reserve) men would have been in Medical Category C.[6]

The Provisional Brigades were dispersed in defence positions along the East Anglian coast.[6] In July 1916, 7th Provisional Bde was at Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze, forming part of Southern Army of Home Forces.[8]

226th Mixed Brigade

[edit]

The Military Service Act 1916 swept away the Home/Foreign service distinction, and all TF soldiers became liable for overseas service, if medically fit. The Provisional Brigades thus became anomalous, and at the end of 1916 their units became numbered battalions of their parent units. Part of their role was physical conditioning to render men fit for drafting overseas. 7th Provisional Brigade became 226th Mixed Brigade in December 1916, with its units redesignated as follows from 1 January 1917:[5][9][7]

Service

[edit]

At first, 226th Brigade had no divisional allocation. Then from 13 April 1917 it was attached to 71st Division, a Home Service formation also composed of former Provisional Battalions.[28]

On 26 November 1917, 1212th (West Riding) Battery transferred to 43rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was reforming in 67th (2nd Home Counties) Division.[11]

On 10 January 1918, instructions were issued to break up 71st Division by mid-March. 226th Brigade exchanged some units with other brigades of the division and was then attached to 67th (2nd Home Counties) Division (again, without formally being part of the division).[11]

In May 1918 each of the non-divisional home service brigades provided one Garrison Guard battalion to reconstitute the 59th (2nd North Midland) Division in France. 226th Brigade supplied the 2/6th Durham LI to the 177th (2/1st Lincoln and Leicester) Brigade, which was replaced in the brigade by a newly raised Home Service battalion of the regiment.[20][21][22][23]

The brigade never served overseas, and was demobilised early in 1919.[11]

World War II

[edit]

On 11 January 1941, the 226th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home) was organised. It was commanded by Brigadier J.C.A. Birch (Brig H.S. Brown from 27 June 1941) and consisted of newly raised infantry battalions.[31]

Service

[edit]

Upon formation, the brigade came under Southern Area headquarters until 28 February 1941 when it briefly came under command of 3rd Infantry Division.[31] On 24 April 1941, the 226th Brigade became part of the newly created Dorset County Division, which had taken over the operational commitments of Southern Area.[32]

Dorset County Division was broken up on 24 November 1941, and the brigade was attached to Southern Command until 1 December, when its headquarters was re-designated HQ 34th Army Tank Brigade.[33] with the converted 8th Battalion, Essex Regiment and other units.[34][35]

Order of Battle

[edit]

The composition of 226th Brigade was as follows:[31]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Becke, p. 6.
  2. ^ Becke, pp. 6, 65.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Army Council Instructions, January 1916, Appendix 18.
  4. ^ 'Provisional Brigades and Battalions' at Long, Long Trail.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Porter". Archived from the original on 16 February 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d e f 7th Provisional Brigade War Diary, The National Archives (TNA), Kew file WO 95/5458.
  7. ^ a b "'Miscellaneous Units and Unalloted Troops in Great Britain' at Warpath". Archived from the original on 5 December 2013.
  8. ^ Distribution of Northern and Southern Armies (Home Defence), TNA file WO 33/765.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Frederick, pp. 184–5.
  10. ^ a b c Becke, pp. 101–5.
  11. ^ a b c d Becke, pp. 75–82.
  12. ^ Frederick, p. 101.
  13. ^ James, p. 72.
  14. ^ Gloucestershire Regiment at Long, Long Trail.
  15. ^ "Gloucestershire Regiment at Warpath". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  16. ^ Frederick, p. 321.
  17. ^ James, p. 87.
  18. ^ Sherwood Foresters at Long, Long Trail.
  19. ^ "Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) at Warpath". Archived from the original on 1 February 2010. Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  20. ^ a b c Frederick, p. 146.
  21. ^ a b c James, p. 101.
  22. ^ a b c Durham Light Infantry at Long, Long Trail.
  23. ^ a b c "Durham Light Infantry at Warpath". Archived from the original on 1 February 2010. Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  24. ^ a b c d Frederick, p. 150.
  25. ^ a b c d James, p. 117.
  26. ^ a b c d London Regiment at Long, Long Trail.
  27. ^ a b c d "London Regiment at Warpath". Archived from the original on 1 February 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  28. ^ a b c 71st Division at Long, Long Trail.
  29. ^ Becke, p. 11
  30. ^ Becke, p. 27
  31. ^ a b c Joslen, p. 389.
  32. ^ Joslen, pp. 109, 389.
  33. ^ Joslen, pp. 207, 389.
  34. ^ Joslen p. 207
  35. ^ a b c Forty, pp. 50–1.
  36. ^ Evans, Nigel F. "Medium Regiments RA". British Artillery Regiments. Retrieved 2 January 2017.

References

[edit]
  • Maj A.F. Becke,History of the Great War: Order of Battle of Divisions, Part 2b: The 2nd-Line Territorial Force Divisions (57th–69th), with the Home-Service Divisions (71st–73rd) and 74th and 75th Divisions, London: HM Stationery Office, 1937/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2007, ISBN 1-84734-739-8.
  • George Forty, British Army Handbook 1939–1945, Stroud: Sutton Publishing, 1998, ISBN 0-7509-1403-3.
  • J.B.M. Frederick, Lineage Book of British Land Forces 1660–1978, Vol I, Wakefield: Microform Academic, 1984, ISBN 1-85117-007-3.
  • Brig E.A. James, British Regiments 1914–18, London: Samson Books, 1978, ISBN 0-906304-03-2/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2001, ISBN 978-1-84342-197-9.
  • Lt-Col H.F. Joslen, Orders of Battle, United Kingdom and Colonial Formations and Units in the Second World War, 1939–1945, London: HM Stationery Office, 1960/London: London Stamp Exchange, 1990, ISBN 0-948130-03-2/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2003, ISBN 1-843424-74-6.
  • War Office, Army Council Instructions Issued During January 1916, London: HM Stationery Office, 1916.

External sources

[edit]
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