43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division
| 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | World War II September 1939 - August 1945 |
| Branch | Territorial Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Engagements | Operation Market Garden Battle of the Bulge Operation Blackcock |
The 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division was a British Territorial Army division formed in September 1939.
History
It was organised as an infantry division and fought in Normandy, where it faced off against two elite German SS Divisions at Hill 112. It performed well, and is considered one of the best British Divisions in the 2nd World War. It later played a major role in Operation Market Garden , as the support to Guards Armoured Division. Durin Market Garden, a Battalion (4th Dorsets) successfully crossed the Rhine as a diversion, so that 1st Airborne could withdraw more safely, but many men of the 4th Dorsets were themselves left behind on the north Bank of the Rhine when the Division withdrew
The division later played a small part in the Battle of the Bulge, where it was placed on the Meuse as a reserve , and a large part in the invasion of Germany and the Crossing of the Rhine (Operation Veritable).
Commanders
- Major-General G. Thomas. Thomas was often called "The Butcher" by his men, because of his obliviousness to casualties when pursuing objectives, and was one of the most Loathed men in the British Army.
Order of Battle
- 4th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry
- 4th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment
- 5th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment
- 7th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment
- 4th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment
- 5th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment
- 7th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry
- 1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment
- 5th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Support Units
- 8th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment
- 43rd Reece, Royal Armoured Corps
- 94th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery
- 112th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery
- 179th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery
- 59th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery
- 204th Field Company, Royal Engineers (from Bath, Somerset).
- 260th Field Company, Royal Engineers ( from Chippenham, Wiltshire).
- 553rd Field Company, Royal Engineers
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