Organization
of the
British
Infantry Battalion
1938
to 1945
The British Infantry Battalion
existed in a number of forms prior to and during the conflict itself. For the purposes of this study the following
types of Battalion are examined;
1.
The Infantry (Rifle) Battalion of the Infantry
Brigade of an Infantry Division from 1938 to 1940. (Note that the same Battalion was used in the
Motor Divisions of 1939 to 1940).
2.
The Infantry Battalion of the Infantry Brigade
of an Infantry Division from 1941 to 1942, including the modified organization
used in the campaign in North Africa.
3.
The Infantry Battalion of the Infantry Brigade
of an Infantry Division or an Armoured Division from 1943 to 1945.
Other variations of British
Infantry Battalions will be detailed separately, as and when they are compiled.
Below are links to the files
that make up this study. The first is a
narrative of the Battalion organization and how it evolved between 1938 and
1945. This also includes appendices on
weapons, ammunition and signal equipment.
There are then separate files detailing in full the information as found
in the War Establishment for the unit concerned. This gave the authorised numbers of
personnel, transport and weapons for the unit at full strength and in all cases
is derived from copies of the original War Establishment tables. Where they are available amendments are also
included, likewise will be any relevant information from additional documents.
All files in the below links
are in PDF.
British Infantry
Battalion organization 1938 to 1945 3rd draft
uploaded January 2022
British Infantry Battalion April 1938
British Infantry Battalion April 1940
British Infantry Battalion June 1941
British Infantry Battalion (Middle
East) April 1942
British Infantry Battalion (Middle
East) November 1942
British Infantry Battalion April 1943
revised June 2019
British Infantry Battalion November
1944
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