British Military History (original) (raw)
- United Kingdom 1930 - 1938
- United Kingdom 1939 - 1940
- United Kingdom 1944 - 1947
- France & Norway 1940
- North West Europe 1944 - 1947
- Middle East 1930 - 1947
- Tunisia 1942 - 1943
- Sicily 1943
- Italy 1943 - 1945
- Persia & Iraq 1941 - 1947
- East, West and South Africa 1930 - 1947
- India 1930 - 1947
- Burma 1930 - 1947
- Far East 1930 - 1947
- Divisional Histories
- Biographies
United Kingdom 1930 - 1938
Aldershot Command
Introduction
Aldershot became the main centre of the British Army within the United Kingdom in 1854. The heathland was ideal for use by the military, and a series of barracks were constructed in the area. Those located to the north of the Basingstoke Canal became known as North Camp, while those to the south, South Camp. After the Great War, Aldershot Command was reconstituted in 1920 as the base for the 'Spearhead Corps' intended to be the first British formations sent overseas at times of crisis. The command comprised 1 Infantry Division and 2 Infantry Division, together with other ancillary units.
Formations
There were the two Regular Army divisional formations based in Aldershot. The 1 Infantry Division and 2 Infantry Division were the two key formations in the British Army between the wars. They were stationed in and around Aldershot and usually kept up to establishment. Units from the 1 Infantry Division were sent to Palestine in 1937 to deal with the Arab uprising. Aldershot Command was also the home of 1 Cavalry Brigade and 1 Anti-Aircraft Brigade (later renamed the 1 Anti-Aircraft Group)
With the outbreak of war, Aldershot Command formed Headquarters I Corps, which together with the 1 Infantry Division and 2 Infantry Division mobilised and deployed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. After evacuation from Dunkirk, I Corps concentrated in eastern England. The Headquarters I Corps saw service in North West Europe in 1944 and 1945, but the 1 Infantry Division had already left, being deployed in Tunisia, Panterreria and Italy, and the 2 Infantry Division saw active service in India and Burma.
