23rd Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)

The British 23rd Infantry Brigade was a Second World War brigade which eventually became a Chindit formation during the Burma Campaign, before this it was part of the British 70th Infantry Division and saw service in North Africa. It did not take part in the Second Chindit Expedition. Instead it was deployed in the Battle of Kohima to penetrate behind Japanese lines and interdict Japanese supplies.

In September 1939 this unit was known as the Canal Brigade, on duty on the Suez Canal. It was redesignated the 23rd Brigade on 20 September 1939.

Commanders

* Brigadier W. T. Brooks
* Brigadier Lance E. C. M. Perowne CBE: 32 HQ Column

Units

*1st Battalion, East Sussex Regiment
*1st Battalion, Essex Regiment
*1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry
*2nd Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment
*4th Battalion, Border Regiment

Chindit units

*1st Battalion, Essex Regiment:Columns 44, 56
*2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington's Regiment: Columns 33, 76
*4th Battalion, Border Regiment:Columns 34, 55
*60th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery: Columns 60, 68 (fighting as infantry)
*12th Field Company Royal Engineers & Medical Detachment: Support

Ghurka units

(A veteran said these Nepalese units need to be included. Contact the Burma Star Association for details.)

ee also

* Chindit
* Tobruk