200th (2/1st Surrey) Brigade

The 2nd Surrey Brigade was a 2nd Line Territorial Force Brigade of the British Army in World War I. The brigade was formed as a duplicate of the Surrey Brigade in October 1914 as part of the 2nd Home Counties Division. As the name suggests, the brigade recruited in Surrey. In August 1915, in common with all Territorial Force brigades, it was numbered as 200th (2/1st Surrey) Brigade. Between September 1917 and the end of the year, the brigade was extensively reorganized and lost its territorial identity; henceforth it was known as 200th Brigade. It was demobilized in February 1918.

2nd Surrey Brigade
200th (2/1st Surrey) Brigade
200th Brigade
ActiveOctober 1914–12 February 1918
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
TypeInfantry
SizeBrigade
Part of67th (2nd Home Counties) Division
ServiceWorld War I

History

In accordance with the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907 (7 Edw.7, c.9) which brought the Territorial Force into being, the TF was intended to be a home defence force for service during wartime and members could not be compelled to serve outside the country. However, on the outbreak of war on 4 August 1914, many members volunteered for Imperial Service. Therefore, TF units were split into 1st Line (liable for overseas service) and 2nd Line (home service for those unable or unwilling to serve overseas) units. 2nd Line units performed the home defence role, although in fact most of these were also posted abroad in due course.[1]

The Brigade served on home defence duties throughout the war, whilst recruiting, training and supplying drafts to overseas units and formations. It was twice warned to prepare to be transferred to Ireland, and in April 1917 for service on the Western Front, but in the event never left England. It was replaced in 67th (2nd Home Counties) Division by 214th Brigade on 12 February 1918 and the brigade was demobilized.

Order of battle

The composition of 200th Brigade was as follows:[2][3][4]

See also

References

  1. Baker, Chris. "Was my soldier in the Territorial Force (TF)?". The Long, Long Trail. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  2. Becke, Pt 2b, pp. 75–82.
  3. 67th (2HC) Division at Long, Long Trail.
  4. 67th (2HC) Division at Regimental Warpath.
  5. James, p. 43.
  6. James, pp. 74–5.
  7. James, p. 98.
  8. James, p. 48.
  9. James, p. 58.
  10. James, p. 88.
  11. James, p. 112.

Bibliography

  • Maj A.F. Becke,History of the Great War: Order of Battle of Divisions, Part 2b: The 2nd-Line Territorial Force Divisions (57th–69th), with the Home-Service Divisions (71st–73rd) and 74th and 75th Divisions, London: HM Stationery Office, 1937/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2007, ISBN 1-847347-39-8.
  • Brig E.A. James, British Regiments 1914–18, London: Samson Books, 1978/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2001, ISBN 978-1-84342-197-9.
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