20th Independent Infantry Brigade (Guards)
The 20th Independent Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army, raised during the Second World War.History
The brigade was formed in Aldershot Command in April 1940. It served with the 1st Armoured Division during the Battle of France in 1940, briefly defending Boulogne in May 1940 before being successfully evacuated. After return to the United Kingdom, the brigade served in Eastern Command and London District.
On 15 September 1941 the brigade was converted into the 5th Guards Armoured Brigade; a component of the Guards Armoured Division. It served with distinction through the battles in Normandy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.Commanders
The following officers commanded the brigade:
- Brig. Sir Oliver Leese
- Brig. William Fox-Pitt
Order of battle
The following units comprised the brigade: