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List of military divisions — List of British divisions in WWI — List of British divisions in WWII
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The British 42nd (East Lancashire) Division was a Territorial Army division. Originally called the 'East Lancashire Division', it was redesignated as the 42nd Division in 1915. It was the first Territorial division to be sent overseas during World War I. The division fought at Gallipoli, in the Sinai desert and on the Western Front in France. In 1940 the division was deployed as part of the British Expeditionary Force in France.
In the modern British Army the division survives as the British 42 North West Brigade.
The division was sent to Egypt in September 1914 to protect the Suez Canal from Turkish attack. In early May 1915 the division was sent to Cape Helles following the failure of the Allies to achieve the anticipated swift success at Gallipoli during April. The 125th Brigade landed in time to participate in the Second Battle of Krithia on May 6. The entire division was involved in the Third Battle of Krithia on June 4.
The division carried out the Helles diversion at the start of the Battle of Sari Bair in what became known as the 'Battle of Krithia Vineyard'. It remained at Gallipoli until the final evacuation of Helles in January 1916 but was severely depleted by casualties and illness.
After the evacuation of Gallipoli, the division returned to Egypt and participated in the advance across the Sinai without becoming seriously engaged in the fighting.
In February 1917 the division moved to France.
The division comprised three infantry brigades:
; 125th Brigade (Lancashire Fusiliers Brigade) :
The British Army in the Great War: The 42nd (East Lancashire) DivisionUnit History
World War I
World War II
Formation
; 126th Brigade (East Lancashire Brigade) :
; 127th Brigade (Manchester Brigade) :
; Independent :
Battles
External Links
