303rd Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)

The 303rd Infantry Brigade was a Home Defence formation of the British Army during the Second World War. It was raised in 1940 and formed part of the anti-invasion measures designed to defend the United Kingdom from potential German invasion.

The brigade was initially formed as part of the Dorset County Division, later redesignated as the 77th Infantry Division. Its primary role was coastal defence within its designated sector of Dorset, England. This involved constructing and manning defensive positions, patrolling the coastline, and preparing to repel any amphibious landings.

The brigade's constituent battalions were primarily composed of men ineligible for overseas service, including older men, those in reserved occupations, and younger recruits not yet fully trained. These soldiers were drawn from a variety of sources, including experienced veterans from earlier conflicts and local volunteers.

Throughout the war, the 303rd Infantry Brigade underwent various organizational changes as the strategic situation evolved. Its component battalions were sometimes reassigned to other formations or repurposed for different roles. As the threat of invasion diminished, the brigade's emphasis shifted from coastal defence to internal security and training.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade was disbanded after the end of the Second World War as part of the demobilization process. Its service, though primarily focused on home defence, was crucial in ensuring the security of the United Kingdom during a critical period in its history. The brigade contributed significantly to maintaining order and providing a degree of reassurance to the civilian population amidst the anxieties of wartime.