1942
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Iceland:
The division trained here untill 1942. this is till the responsibility has been handed over to the United States. then it got transferred back to the United Kingdom. This is were the 70th Brigade (from the disbanded 23rd Division) got attached to the 49th Division. A junior officer of the 1st Tyneside Scottish wrote of the experience in Iceland: "Iceland had given us so much. More than anything it had forged a firm and abiding link between all who wore the Polar Bear". From 1942 till 1944 the Division got trained for the invasion of Europe. initialy it got assigned as an assault Division but just before the invasion took place the Division got assigned as a "follow on" Division. This ment that they wouldn't participate in the D-day landings but would come ashore just after the allies got a beachhead open. |
1st Pattern 49th infantry division patch.
Item is in my own collection.
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April 1942
26th April 1942 the 147th Brigade and HQ elements of 49th Division were withdrawn to England.
Leaving only the 146th Brigade and assorted support and administrative forces to represent the UK on the island.
Leaving only the 146th Brigade and assorted support and administrative forces to represent the UK on the island.
may 1942
18 may, 70th brigade becomes a part of the 49th infantry division.
Augustus 1942
20 August 1942, the 146th Brgade were withdraw to England and the HQ British troops in Iceland got disbanded.
