The 38th (Irish) Brigade was a British Army infantry formation that was created during the Second World War. It was composed primarily of units recruited from Ireland, and it operated under the command of various higher‑formation headquarters throughout its existence.
Formation and composition
The brigade was raised in 1942 as part of the British Army’s expansion for overseas service. Its order of battle typically included regular infantry battalions drawn from Irish regiments, such as the Royal Irish Fusiliers, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and the Royal Irish Rifles. The exact composition varied as units were transferred in and out according to operational requirements.
Operational history
After its formation, the 38th (Irish) Brigade was deployed to the Middle East, where it took part in the North African campaign against Axis forces. Following the conclusion of operations in North Africa, the brigade was transferred to Italy, contributing to the Allied advance up the Italian peninsula. Throughout these campaigns the brigade was attached at different times to larger formations, including armored divisions and corps-level commands, and performed both offensive and defensive roles.
Disbandment
With the end of hostilities in Europe in 1945, the 38th (Irish) Brigade was gradually reduced in strength and subsequently disbanded as part of the post‑war draw‑down of the British Army.
Legacy
The brigade is remembered for its association with Irish regiments and its participation in key campaigns of the Second World War. No subsequent regular British Army formation has carried the designation “38th (Irish) Brigade”, although its wartime service is documented in official histories of the units that comprised it.