30th Division (United Kingdom)

The 30th Division was an infantry division of the British Army, raised during the First World War as part of Kitchener's New Armies. It was formed in October 1914 as part of the K4 formation, composed primarily of volunteers. The division served on the Western Front throughout the war.

Formation and Early Service:

Upon formation, the division was comprised of infantry brigades raised from various parts of the United Kingdom. These brigades typically consisted of four battalions each. Following a period of training in England, the 30th Division was deployed to France in November 1915.

Western Front Service:

The division participated in several major battles during the First World War, including:

• The Battle of the Somme (1916): The 30th Division saw heavy fighting on the first day of the Somme, suffering significant casualties. They continued to participate in the offensive throughout the summer and autumn.

• The Battle of Arras (1917): The division was involved in the Arras offensive, including the Battle of the Scarpe.

• The Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) (1917): The division endured the grueling conditions of Passchendaele.

• The German Spring Offensive (1918): The division played a role in the defensive battles against the German offensive.

• The Hundred Days Offensive (1918): The division participated in the Allied advance to victory in the final months of the war.

Composition:

The specific composition of the 30th Division's brigades and battalions changed during the war due to casualties and reorganizations. Typical infantry brigades that formed part of the division included:

• 21st Brigade
• 89th Brigade
• 90th Brigade

Post-War:

The 30th Division was demobilized after the Armistice in November 1918.