5th South African Infantry Brigade | |
---|---|
Active | 13 Aug 1940 – 24 Nov 1941 |
Disbanded | Destroyed by Axis forces at Sidi Rezegh: 24 Nov 1941. Officially disbanded 1 Jan 1943 |
Country | ![]() |
Allegiance | Union of South Africa |
Branch | South African Army |
Type | Infantry |
Size | Brigade |
Engagements | |
Commanders | |
Commander November 1941 | Brigadier Bertram Frank Armstrong |
The 5th South African Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the army of the Union of South Africa during World War II. The Brigade formed part of the South African 1st Infantry Division and was formed on 13 August 1940. It served in East Africa and the Western Desert and was disbanded on 1 January 1943.
Officer Commanding: Brigadier Bertram Frank Armstrong [nb 1] [1]
The 5th Brigade was almost totally wiped out by the German 15th Panzer and Italian Ariete Divisions at Sidi Rezegh on 23 November 1941. [2] Although receiving some replacements and being re-equipped, the Brigade never served operationally after this defeat.
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