The 42nd Indian Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Indian Army that saw active service with the Indian Army during the First World War. It served in the Mesopotamian Campaign on the Euphrates Front throughout its existence. It was not reformed for the Second World War.[1]

42nd Indian Brigade
Active1 April 1916 – March 1919
Country British India
AllegianceBritish Crown
Branch British Indian Army
TypeInfantry
SizeBrigade
Part of15th Indian Division
EngagementsFirst World War
Mesopotamian Campaign
Capture of Ramadi
Action of Khan Baghdadi

History

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The 2nd Battalion, 6th Gurkha Rifles of 42nd Indian Brigade march towards the action of Khan Baghdadi

The 42nd Indian Brigade was formed in April 1916 and, on arrival in Mesopotamia, joined the 15th Indian Division when it was formed on 7 May 1916. The division replaced the 12th Indian Division on the Euphrates Front. The brigade remained with the division on the Euphrates Front until the end of the war. It took part in the action of As Sahilan (11 September 1916), the Capture of Ramadi (28 and 29 September 1917), the Occupation of Hīt (9 March 1918) and the action of Khan Baghdadi (26 and 27 March 1918).[2]

At the end of the war, the division was rapidly run down and it (along with the brigade) was disbanded in March 1919.[2]

Order of battle

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The brigade had the following composition in the First World War:[3]

Commander

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The brigade was commanded from 1 April 1916 by Brigadier-General F.G. Lucas.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Kempton 2003b, p. 44
  2. ^ a b Perry 1993, p. 136
  3. ^ Perry 1993, p. 134
  4. ^ Perry 1993, p. 131

Bibliography

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  • Kempton, Chris (2003b). 'Loyalty & Honour', The Indian Army September 1939 – August 1947. Vol. Part II Brigades. Milton Keynes: The Military Press. ISBN 0-85420-238-2.
  • Perry, F.W. (1993). Order of Battle of Divisions Part 5B. Indian Army Divisions. Newport: Ray Westlake Military Books. ISBN 1-871167-23-X.
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