3rd Infantry Division (South Africa)

The 3rd Infantry Division was a formation of the South African Army during World War II. It was formed in early 1943 by redesignating the 1st South African Division and absorbing the 7th South African Infantry Brigade from the disbanded 2nd South African Division.

The division, under the command of Major-General Poole, was intended to spearhead further Allied operations in the Mediterranean theatre, particularly in Italy. However, it never saw active service. The manpower needs of other South African units in the field, particularly the 6th South African Armoured Division already fighting in Italy, resulted in the 3rd Division being gradually stripped of its personnel.

By the end of 1943, the decision was made to disband the division entirely. Its remaining personnel were reallocated to other units or returned to South Africa. The division officially ceased to exist in January 1944. Therefore, the 3rd Infantry Division (South Africa) exists primarily as a theoretical formation, intended for a specific role but ultimately never deployed in combat.