82nd (West Africa) Division

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The 82nd (West Africa) Division was formed under British control during World War II. It took part in the later stages of the Burma Campaign.

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[edit] History

The inspiration for the division's formation came from General George Giffard. He had extensive experience of leading East African troops, and early in World War II became the commander of Britain's West Africa Command. He was eager for troops from Britain's African colonies to play their part in the war. When he was subsequently appointed to command British India Command's Eastern Army, facing the Japanese army on the frontier between India and Burma, he requested that the two divisions being organised in West Africa be used.

The division was formed from the battalions of the existing Royal West African Frontier Force, which was being expanded. The Division's Headquarters was created on August 1, 1943. It followed the British 81st (West Africa) Division in the numbering sequence of British war-raised infantry divisions. The HQ took control of its sub-units (which had previously existed as independent "brigade groups") on November 1 that year. 1st (West Africa) and 2nd (West Africa) Brigades had previously taken part in the East African Campaign in 1940 and 1941. The division's formation sign was crossed spears on a porter's headband, in black (sometimes white) on a yellow shield.

On May 20, 1944, the division sailed for Ceylon, where the complete division was assembled on July 20. In August, the organisation was slightly changed, with supporting arms being controlled by the division HQ. The division was organised on a "head load" basis, with porters carrying all heavy equipment and supplies. Although many of the troops were from the savannah of northern Ghana and Nigeria, they were well-trained and effective when operating in jungle and mountains.

After further training, the division took part in the third Arakan Campaign in December, 1944. It first advanced south along the Kalapanzin valley, then crossed a steep and jungle-covered mountain range to converge with the British 81st (West Africa) Division on Myohaung at the mouth of the Kaladan River. This move forced the Japanese to evacuate the Mayu peninsula which they had held for almost four years, and retreat south along the coast. As they retreated, units of the Indian 25th Infantry Division landed in inlets and chaungs ahead of them. Caught between the troops landing from the sea and the pursuing 82nd African Division, the Japanese suffered heavy casualties.

Later in the season, operations along the Arakan coast had to be scaled back to allow the available transport aircraft to supply the Allied forces in Central Burma. The Japanese were able to hold the two main passes across the Arakan Range of hills, the An pass and Taungup pass. The 82nd Division nevertheless maintained pressure, capturing the port of Gwa shortly before the Japanese abandoned Burma.

[edit] Order of Battle (as of January 1, 1945)

General Officer Commanding : Major General George McIlree Stanton Bruce (replaced due to illness by Major General Hugh Charles Stockwell 12/01/1945)

1st (West Africa) Infantry Brigade
1st Bn. The Nigeria Regiment
2nd Bn. The Nigeria Regiment
3rd Bn. The Nigeria Regiment
2nd (West Africa) Infantry Brigade
1st Bn. The Gold Coast Regiment
2nd Bn. The Gold Coast Regiment
3rd Bn. The Gold Coast Regiment
4th (West Africa) Infantry Brigade
5th Bn. The Nigeria Regiment
9th Bn. The Nigeria Regiment
10th Bn. The Nigeria Regiment
Divisional Units
82nd (West Africa) Infantry Division Regiment
102 Light Regiment West African Artillery
1st Light Battery WAA
2nd Light Battery WAA
4th Light Battery WAA
42nd Mortar Regiment WAA
22nd Anti-Tank Regiment WAA
1st Field Company West African Engineers
2nd Field Company WAE
4th Field Company WAE
9th Field Park Company WAE

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[edit] External links

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