4th Parachute Brigade (United Kingdom)
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| 4th Parachute Brigade | |
|---|---|
 The divisional shoulder flash of the airborne forces |
|
| Active | 1st December 1942 to 10th December 1944 |
| Country | Great Britain |
| Branch | British Army |
| Type | Airborne |
| Role | Parachute Infantry |
| Size | Brigade |
| Part of | 1st Airborne Division |
| Engagements | Operation Market Garden |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Brig John Hackett |
The British 4th Parachute Brigade was a brigade in the British Army during the Second World War.
Contents |
[edit] History
The Brigade HQ was formed on December 1, 1942 in the Middle East , taking over (in Feb 1943) a parachute battalion originally formed in India and one newly-raised in the area. The brigade worked up in northern Palestine (its third battalion was originally formed on the Suez Canal ). The brigade (less its newest battalion) moved to Egypt in May 1943 and then by sea and road to Tunisia .
Assigned 1st Airborne Division June 10, 1943. The brigade sailed for Italy with the division, landing at Taranto September 9, 1943. In late Nov 1943 it sailed for the UK with the division.
[edit] Operation Market Garden
The brigade next went into action September 17, 1944 when dropped into Arnhem during Operation Market Garden. It was in a pocket with 1st Airborne Division until the remnants were withdrawn the night of September 24, 1944. This effectively ended the brigade’s existence; surviving details were posted to the 1st Parachute Brigade. Brigade HQ disbanded December 10, 1944 in the UK.
[edit] Component Units
- 156th Bn Parachute Regiment: February 14, 1943 - September 30, 1944
- 10th Bn Parachute Regiment: February 23, 1943 - September 30, 1944
- 11th Bn Parachute Regiment: April 30, 1943 - May 20, 1943
- 11th Bn Parachute Regiment [2]: January 7, 1944 - September 30, 1944
[edit] Commanding Officers
6 Dec 1942: Lt-Col K.B.I. Smyth (acting)
4 Jan 1943: Brig J.W. Hackett
5 Mar 1943: Lt-Col K.B.I. Smyth (acting)
8 Apr 1943: Brig J.W. Hackett
16 Oct 1943: Lt-Col K.B.I. Smyth (acting)
7 Nov 1943: Brig J.W. Hackett (WIA 24 Sep 1944)
24 Sep 1944: Lt-Col I.A. Murray (acting)
[edit] Sources
Information based on
- Lt. Col. H. F.Joslen, Orders of Battle, Second World War, 1939-1945 History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series (London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1960 in 2 vols; reprinted London: The London Stamp Exchange, 1990 in one vol)
- Lt-Col T. B. H. Otway, Airborne Forces The Second World War 1939-1945, Army (London: Imperial War Museum, Department of Printed Books, 1990; originally published as Confidential volume 1951 by the War Office)
