The 55th 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 took part in the Mesopotamian campaign and formed part of the occupation force for Iraq post-war.

55th Indian Brigade
ActiveJanuary 1918 – 1921
Country British India
AllegianceBritish Crown
Branch British Indian Army
TypeInfantry
SizeBrigade
Part of18th Indian Division
EngagementsFirst World War
Mesopotamian Campaign
Battle of Sharqat
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Br.-Gen. G.M. Morris

History

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The 55th Indian Brigade started forming in Mesopotamia from January 1918 as part of the 18th Indian Division. The brigade was formed from battalions transferred directly from India so time was needed for them to become acclimatized. It remained with the division for the rest of the war, taking part in the action at Fat-ha Gorge on the Little Zab (23–26 October 1918) and the Battle of Sharqat (28–30 October 1918).[1]

At the end of the war, the 18th Division was chosen to form part of the occupation force for Iraq. It took part in the Iraq Rebellion in 1920. The division, and the brigade, was broken up in the following year.[1]

Order of battle

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The brigade had the following composition in the First World War:[2]

Commanders

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The brigade was commanded from 5 January 1918 by Brigadier-General A. J. Campbell. On 2 March 1918, Brigadier-General G. M. Morris took command.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Perry 1993, p. 150
  2. ^ Perry 1993, p. 148
  3. ^ Perry 1993, p. 135
  4. ^ Perry 1993, p. 147

Bibliography

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  • 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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