234th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)

The 234th Infantry Brigade was a Home Defence formation of the British Army during the Second World War. It was raised in 1940 as part of the reorganization of British forces following the Battle of France.

Formation and Service

The brigade was formed on 27 July 1940. It initially comprised units drawn from existing Territorial Army battalions and was assigned to the Suffolk and Essex County Division, later renamed the 77th Infantry Division. The brigade's primary role was coastal defence in the East Anglia region of England, guarding against potential German invasion.

Throughout its existence, the brigade was involved in constructing and manning coastal fortifications, conducting anti-invasion exercises, and providing support to the local civilian population. The units assigned to the brigade changed over time as units were transferred, reorganized, or disbanded.

The brigade did not see active service overseas. As the threat of invasion diminished, the brigade's training focus shifted towards preparing for potential counter-attacks and supporting the regular army in a home defence role.

The 234th Infantry Brigade was disbanded on 25 November 1944. Following its disbandment, its constituent units were largely dispersed to other formations, some of which were deployed overseas. The brigade's service was vital in bolstering Britain's home defenses during a critical period of the war.