Gerard Russell Smallwood

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Gerard Russell Smallwood (born 1889; died 1977) was an officer in the British Army during World War II.

In 1939, at the outbreak of war, Brigadier Smallwood commanded the Nigerian Brigade. By 1940, his brigade was named the 3rd Nigerian Brigade. In July 1940, under the terms of a war contingency plan, the 3rd Nigerian Brigade was sent to East Africa. There, the Nigerian brigade was joined by two brigades of the King's African Rifles (KAR) to form the 1st African Division. Smallwood was the acting Commanding Officer of this division during its formation.

When Major-General H. E. de R. Wetherall officially took command of the 1st African Division, Smallwood once again reverted to command of his original brigade, now named the 23rd Nigerian Brigade.

In 1942, Smallwood was promoted to Major-General.

[edit] Command history

  • 1937 to 1939 General Staff Officer 1, British Military Mission to Egypt
  • 1939 to 1940 Commanding Officer, Nigerian Brigade, West Africa
  • 1940 Commanding Officer, 3rd Nigerian Brigade, West Africa
  • 1940 Acting General Officer Commanding, 1st African Division, East Africa
  • 1940 to 1941 Commanding Officer, 23rd Nigerian Brigade, East Africa
  • 1942 General Officer Commanding, Madagascar
  • 1945 Head Training Staff, Greek Army
  • 1946 Retired

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[edit] References