56th Infantry Brigade

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The British Army's 56th Infantry Brigade was originally a Kitchener's Army brigade within 19th (Western) Division during the First World War. Later during the Second World War it was reformed on 15 February 1944 in the United Kingdom. It took part in the Invasion of Normandy, where it formed the right flank of the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division on Gold Beach. It remained attached to the 50th until the 10th, after which it was attached to numerous British units in Normandy, including the 7th Armoured Division and the 59th (Staffordshire) Infantry Division. It was eventually permanently attached to the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division in August, after the 70th Infantry Brigade was detached, and eventually disbanded. The 56th served well, and ended the war in Germany.

The Brigade was reformed in January 1987 within London District and comprised mostly Guards Public duties battalions. It was seen as the successor of the London Divisions of the First and Second World Wars. It was disbanded in 1993.

[edit] World War II Structure

• 2nd Battalion, The Essex Regiment
• 2nd Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment
• 2nd Battalion, The South Wales Borderers

[edit] External links

• 56 Infantry Brigade at Orders of Battle.com^?
• Antony Beevor (1991). Inside The British Army. Corgi Books, pp.232–3. 
• Disbandment date