British 60th (2/2nd London) Division - Definition and Overview

60th (2/2nd London) Division Army Territorial Army Formed 31 August, 1914 Demobilised 31 May, 1919 British First World War divisions Previous Next 59th (2nd North Midland) 61st (2nd South Midland)

The British 60th (2/2nd London) Division was the second of two second-line Territorial Force divisions formed from the surplus of London recruits in 1914. Originally the division merely supplied the first-line Territorial divisions with drafts to replace losses through casualties. It was not until late 1915 that the division began to be equipped for a combat role and not until mid-1916 was it sent overseas to France. As a "lesser" infantry division it was sent to the minor fronts of Salonika and finally Palestine. In mid-1918 most British battalions were replaced with Indian battalions and the division effectively became an British Indian Army division.

The division's insignia was a bee.

Unit history

Formation

179th (2/4th London) Brigade 

• 2/13th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment
• 2/14th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (until May 1918)
• 2/15th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (until May 1918)
• 2/16th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (until May 1918)

In June 1918 three battalions were replaced by the 2/19th Punjabis, 2/127th Baluchis and 3/151st Infantry.

180th (2/5th London) Brigade 

• 2/17th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (until May 1918)
• 2/18th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (disbanded July 1918)
• 2/19th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment
• 2/20th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (until May 1918)

In July 1918 three battalions were replaced by the 2nd Guides, 2/30th Punjabis and 1/50th Kumaon Rifles.

181st (2/6th London) Brigade 

• 2/21st (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (disbanded in June 1918)
• 2/22nd (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment
• 2/23rd (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (until May 1918)
• 2/24th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (until May 1918)

In June 1918 three battalions were replaced by the 2/97th Infantry, 130th Baluchis and 2/152nd Infantry.

Battles

• Third Battle of Gaza
  • Battle of Beersheba

External links

• The British Army in the Great War: The 60th (2/2nd London) Division (http://www.1914-1918.net/60div.htm)