| British 50th (Northumbrian) Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | World War I 1908 - July 1918; World War II 1940 - 1945 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Territorial Force |
| Type | Infantry |
| Engagements | Second Battle of Ypres Battle of the Somme (1916) Battle of Arras Third Battle of Ypres |
The British 50th (Northumbrian) Division was a first-line Territorial Force division. The division was sent to France in April 1915 and served on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War. The division suffered heavily during the Second Battle of the Aisne in May–June 1918 and underwent a reorganisation in July 1918.
For the division's formation and operations in World War II, see British 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division.
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Under the Army reforms of 1908, the Territorial Army was formed and organised into regional Divisions, area Brigades and local Battalions. There were 14 Territorial Divisions when war broke out in 1914. A Division (Divn) was in effect a self-contained army of approximately 18000 men including infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineer, medical, supply and signal units. The Northumberland Divn was typical, consisting of three infantry brigades (Bde), namely the 'Northumbrian', 'York and Durham' and 'Durham Light Infantry (DLI)' Bdes. Each Bde was composed of four infantry battalions (Bn). The Northumbrian Infantry Bde was composed of the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Bns of the Northumberland Fusiliers.
Northumbrian (Territorial) Division HQ - Richmond (Yorkshire) GOC - Major General B. Burton 1914 Infantry composed of 12 battalions organised into 3 Brigades:
Until July 1918:
From July 1918:
Until July 1918:
From July 1918:
Until February 1918:
From February to July 1918:
From July 1918:
Consisting only of 'A' Sqn from the Yorkshire Mounted Bde. 'A' Squadron Yorkshire Hussars
Composed of the 1st and 2nd Northumbrian Field Coys and 50th Division Signal Company (Royal Engineers):
The 50th Division Signal Company
Composed of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Northumbrian Bdes (Royal Field Artillery) and the Northumbrian Heavy Battery (Royal Garrison Artillery).
Royal Field Artillery
The 1st Northumbrian Ammunition Column. HQ - Newcastle
The 2nd Northumbrian Ammunition Column. HQ - Hull
The 3rd Northumbrian (County of Durham) Ammunition Column. HQ - Seaham Harbour
The 4th Northumbran (County of Durham) Ammunition Column. HQ - South Shields Royal Garrison Artillery Northumbrian (North Riding) Heavy Bty. HQ - Middlesbrough
was composed of the 50th Divisional Train (Army Service Corps):
Joined by 336 (Motor Transport) Company