Dates: 1940 -
The 1st Armoured Division is an armoured division of the British Army. It saw extensive service during World War II, was disbanded afterward, was reconstituted in 1976, and remains in service today. It should not be confused with 1st Infantry Division (United Kingdom) which saw service in World War II as a separate formation.
The 1st Armoured Division was a regular division in the British Army at the outbreak of World War II. It had formerly been designated The Mobile Division. It first saw service in incomplete form under the second British Expeditionary Force sent to France in 1940. It landed in France on 14 April 1940 and was evacuated on 16 June, having served south of the River Somme, isolated from the other British formations.
For the rest of 1940 and up until 27 August 1941, the division was stationed in the United Kingdom on anti-invasion duties. It then embarked for Egypt under the command of Major General Herbert Lumsden. Arriving in Egypt on 13 November 1941, it took part in many of the major battles of the later part of the campaign against Rommel including Gazala, Mersa Matruh, 1st El Alamein, 2nd El Alamein, Tebaga Gap, Akarit, El Kourzia and Tunis.
From the end of the Tunisian campaign the division remained in North Africa until May 1944. It then transferred to Italy, fighting one last battle at Coriano in the fighting on the Gothic Line before ceasing to be an operational unit on 28 October. The division was disbanded on 1 January 1945.
Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving Armoured Brigade
" Hi all still looking for anyone from the old squadron. The 1st Royal Tank Regiment. I was stationed in Demold Germany with the 7th Independent Armoured Brigade. My radio man was Baker and our driver was Smith. We had new gunners every time we went out, its hard to recall all their names. ..."
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" Garry, 7th Armoured Brigade Communications Happy Birthday son from your real dad. I would love to hear from you. Please reply and say hello."
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" My DAD, John Stokoe a proud former Desert Rat 1946 to 1952 who at the time was stationed in Demold Germany with the 7th Independent Armoured Brigade "ABLE SQUADRON" lost his battle with cancer. I am sad to say that my DAD has passed away on November 17/04. Our entire family was at his side. He is ..."
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" ’Over-reliance’ on TA as 800 volunteers called up for Iraq By Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent (Filed: 07/12/2005) The Government yesterday announced the call-up of 800 Territorial Army soldiers for service in Iraq amid fears that the regular military is becoming dangerously overstretched. ..."
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" Hi Alaisdair...That last one is indeed the (Red)Jerboa (Desert Rat ) Emblem Shoulder Flash as worn by members of the 7th Armoured Division...The 4th Armoured division wore a (Black) Jerboa (desert Rat) Emblem Shoulder Flash...Trev. [4th & 7th Armoured brigade signs.jpg] Last edited by Trevor Chapman"
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