Y Division
ActiveMid February - 16 March 1943[1][2]
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
TypeInfantry
RoleInfantry
SizeDivision

Historian Richard Doherty wrote that the division was created as an ad hoc measure "to achieve stabilisation" followed the Battle of Kasserine Pass on February 19. Brigadier Nelson Russell was given command. Doherty stated that the division comprised the 38th (Irish) Brigade, the 1st Parachute Brigade, one French infantry battalion, and artillery support.[3] H.F. Joslen, compiler of the official history detailing British orders of battle, concurs that the Irish Brigade formed part of the division, but does not list the paratroopers as part of it. He recorded the division included the 1st Infantry Brigade (Guards). The latter joined the division on 27 February, while the Irish Brigade joined on 16 February, likely the formation date of the division.[4] The division was disbanded on 16 March. Richard Doherty wrote that "Russell never did find out why the formation was actually called Y Division".[1]

Order of battle

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Doherty 1993, p. 41.
  2. ^ a b c Joslen 2003, p. 373.
  3. ^ a b c Doherty 1993, p. 40.
  4. ^ Joslen 2003, pp. 225–226, 373, 407.
  5. ^ Joslen 2003, pp. 225–226.
  6. ^ Doherty 1993, pp. 40–41.

References

  • Doherty, Richard (1993). Clear the Way!: A History of the 38th (Irish) Brigade, 1941-1947. Blackrock, County Dublin: Irish Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-71652-542-4.
  • Joslen, H. F. (2003) [1960]. Orders of Battle: Second World War, 1939–1945. Uckfield, East Sussex: Naval and Military Press. ISBN 978-1-84342-474-1.
Categories