18th Indian Infantry Brigade

For the First World War formation, see 18th (Belgaum) Brigade.

18th Indian Infantry Brigade
Active	1939–1943
Country	British India
Allegiance	British Crown
Branch	British Indian Army
Size	Brigade
Engagements	Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran North African Campaign

The 18th Indian Infantry Brigade was an Infantry formation of the Indian Army during World War II. It was formed in October, 1940 at Meerut in India and assigned to the 8th Indian Infantry Division. It was then detached for independent duties in Abadan in Persia. In June 1942, 18th Brigade, having been rushed over to North Africa from Mosul, and attached to the 10th Indian Infantry Division had only two days to prepare defensive positions, was overrun by Rommel's tanks at Deir el Shein in front of the Ruweisat Ridge. In the process, however, they gained valuable time for British Eighth Army to organise the defences for what was to be the first battle of Alamein halting Rommel's advance towards Egypt. The remnants of the Brigade were then sent to the 5th Indian Infantry Division and the Brigade was officially disbanded in August 1942.

Formation

• 2nd Battalion, 3rd Gurkha Rifles October 1940 to July 1942
• 3rd Battalion, 10th Baluch Regiment October 1940 to October 1941
• 1st Battalion, 2nd Gurkha Rifles November 1940 to April 1942
• 2/5th Battalion, Essex Regiment December 1941 to July 1942
• 4th Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment April to July 1942
• 2nd Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment August 1942

See also

• List of Indian Army Brigades in World War II