212th Brigade (United Kingdom)


The 212th Brigade was a Home Service formation of the British Army during World War I and World War II.

World War I

The 212th Brigade was part of the 71st Division, a Home Service division raised in late 1916. It had the dual role of training men for overseas drafts and providing forces for home defence. The brigade was previously known as the 6th Provisional Brigade.

Order of Battle

The following infantry battalions served in 212th Brigade during World War I:
On 10 January 1918 orders were issued to break up 71st Division. Disbandment began in January 1918 and its last elements disappeared on 8 April 1918.

World War II

Formation and Service

A new brigade was formed under the title of the 212th Independent Infantry Brigade for service in the United Kingdom on 7 October 1940 by No 12 Infantry Training Group in South Wales Area. It was commanded by Brigadier H.A.R. Aubrey and composed of newly raised infantry battalions.
The brigade moved to North Midland Area and then became an integral part of the new Lincolnshire County Division. When the county division ceased to function, the brigade was re-designated the 212th Independent Infantry Brigade, coming under the administrative control of 54th Infantry Division and then II Corps District.

Order of Battle

The composition of 212th Brigade was as follows:
The regiments converted to armour were sent to India, where they were reconverted to infantry and made up the newly reformed 72nd Infantry Brigade. On 16 August 1942, the Brigade HQ became an administrative HQ under GHQ Home Forces and eased to function as a command HQ.