During the inter-war period, the Canal Brigade had been formed to defend the
Suez Canal. After the outbreak of the
Second World War, the brigade was redesignated as the 23rd Infantry Brigade on 20 September 1939. It was dispersed in the canal area, and became part of HQ Canal sub-Area troops. In May 1941, the brigade was re-formed to take part in the
Syria-Lebanon Campaign, during June and July 1941, as part of
6th Infantry Division. In October 1941, the 6th Infantry Division was re-designated as the
70th Infantry Division. The division, including the brigade, was transported to
Tobruk to relieve the
9th Australian Infantry Division. As part of the Tobruk garrison, the brigade helped to fend off Rommel's Axis forces until the
siege was relieved at the end of the year during
Operation Crusader.
In March 1942, the 70th Infantry Division arrived in India. Its brigades, including the 23rd Infantry Brigade, were assigned to the
Chindits. The brigade was retrained as a long range penetration unit. The brigade did not take part in the Second Chindit Expedition. Instead, it was deployed during the
Battle of Kohima behind Japanese lines, and interdicted Japanese communication and supplies.
^Boraston, J. H.; Bax, Cyril E. O. (2001) [1926]. The Eighth Division 1914–1918. Uckfield, East Sussex: Naval & Military Press. p. 283.
ISBN978-1-84342-189-4.
^* Becke, Major A. F. (1935). Order of Battle of Divisions Part 1. The Regular British Divisions. London:
HMSO. p. 90.
ISBN1-871167-09-4.