5th Infantry Brigade (South Africa)


The 5th South African Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the army of the Union of South Africa during World War II. The Brigade formed part of the South African 1st Infantry Division and was formed on 13 August 1940. It served in East Africa and the Western Desert and was disbanded on 1 January 1943.

Order of battle

East Africa

Officer Commanding: Brigadier Bertram Frank Armstrong
The 5th Brigade was almost totally wiped out by the German 15th Panzer and Italian Ariete Divisions at Sidi Rezegh on 23 November 1941. Although partially re-staffed and re-equipped, the Brigade never served operationally after this defeat.

Citations