216th Brigade (United Kingdom)

216th Infantry Brigade
Active 1916–8 April 1918
17 October 1940-13 December 1941
Country  United Kingdom
Branch British Army
Type Infantry Brigade
Role Training and Home Defence
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Brigadier Terence Battersby

216th Brigade (216 Bde) was a Home Service formation of the British Army during World War I and World War II.

World War I

216 Bde was raised in late 1916 as part of 72nd Division, which had the dual role of training men for overseas drafts and providing forces for home defence.[1]

Composition

The following infantry battalions served in 216 Bde during World War I:[1]

On 21 December 1917 orders were issued to break up 72nd Division. Disbandment began in January 1918 and its last elements disappeared on 8 April 1918.[1]

World War II

A new brigade under the title of 216th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home) was formed for service in the United Kingdom on 17 October 1940 under the Aberdeen Area headquarters. It was composed of Scottish infantry battalions, which assembled on 2 December 1940.[2]

Composition

The following units served in 216 Bde:[2]

Commanders

The following officers commanded 216 Bde:[2]

Service

216 Bde transferred from Aberdeen Area to Northumbrian Area on 25 February 1941, and then became part of Northumberland County Division when that formation was created on 12 March 1941. The Divisional headquarters began to disband on 1 December 1941, and 216 Bde HQ disbanded on 13 December, all its battalions having been previously posted away.[2]

Notes

References