XXII Corps (United Kingdom)

XXII Corps was a corps of the British Army formed during the First World War. It served on the Western Front from 1916 until the end of the war.

Formation and Composition

XXII Corps was formed in France in September 1916, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Rawlinson. It was initially composed of the 41st Division and the 47th (1/2nd London) Division. Throughout its existence, the composition of XXII Corps fluctuated as divisions were moved between different corps according to operational requirements. Other divisions that served under XXII Corps at various times included the 7th Division, 9th (Scottish) Division, 21st Division, 30th Division, and 66th (2nd East Lancashire) Division.

Operational History

XXII Corps saw action in several major battles on the Western Front, including:

• The Battle of the Somme (1916): Involved in the later stages of the battle, primarily around the Ancre.
• The Battle of Messines (1917): Played a supporting role in this successful British offensive.
• The Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) (1917): Involved in some of the later, grueling phases of the battle.
• The German Spring Offensive (1918): Faced the German onslaught and participated in the defensive actions to halt their advance.
• The Hundred Days Offensive (1918): Took part in the Allied counter-offensive that ultimately led to the Armistice.

Commanders

The commanders of XXII Corps were:

• Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Rawlinson (September 1916 - January 1917)
• Lieutenant-General Sir Alexander Hamilton-Gordon (January 1917 - End of War)

Disbandment

XXII Corps was disbanded after the Armistice in November 1918, as part of the demobilization of the British Army.