This page represents the structure of the
British Army in 1989, the last year of the
Cold War.[1] As of 1 April 1989, the following amounts of troops were deployed around the world: 71,000 in
Great Britain, 56,000 (of which the Berlin brigade makes up 3,000), 10,200 in Northern Ireland (including 3,200 on roulement), 5,000 in Hong Kong, 4,000 in the Lines of Communications counties (
Netherlands and
Belgium), 3,200 in Cyprus (including 850 on roulement), 1,300 in Belize (including in 1,000 on roulement), 1,000 in the Falkland Islands, 800 in Gibraltar, 800 in Brunei, 100 in Suffield (including 175 temporary staff from March–November 1989), and 60 in Zimbabwe.[2] For the corps, the following formed each percentage of the army as at 1 April 1989: 27.0% the Infantry, 10.0% Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 9.7% Royal Engineers, 9.0% Royal Artillery (and Royal Horse Artillery), 8.5% Royal Corps of Signals, 7.3% Royal Armoured Corps, 6.9% Royal Corps of Transport, 5.4% Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 3.15% E2, 3.1% Army Catering Corps, 2.6% Royal Army Medical Corps, 1.5% Royal Military Police, 1.4% Royal Army Pay Corps, 1.2% Army Air Corps, 1.0% Royal Pioneer Corps, 0.9% Intelligence Corps, 0.3% Royal Army Educational Corps, 0.3% Royal Army Dental Corps, 0.3% Army Physical Training Corps, 0.1% Royal Army Chaplain Corps, 0.1% Royal Army Veterinary Corps, 0.1% Small Arms School Corps, 0.1% Military Provost Staff Corps, and 0.05% Army Legal Corps. The above figures are for United Kingdom Trained Adult Males (UKTAM) only; they exclude young soldiers, junior soldiers (boys), Women Services, and Gurkhas. The Military Personnel Target 1988 (Global) is divided into MPT (Defence) (135,897) and MPT (Military Assistants) (1,050), the total being 136,947.[2]
Preface
Units in bold are higher commands.
Note: all units are listed under their administrative organisations with their mobilisation assignments or those command which they operationally reported to in (parenthesis).
Units with the sub-tag of '(V)' indicates these are units of the
Territorial Army (TA), or another-words part-time unit.
All 5xx level signal troops have the same (rough) duty: they would remain at their location and support the unit in said brigade/formation.
Stars - important officers/offices and almost all commands will have a star rank next to them, this indicates the rank of the individual commanding the unit, and thereby representing the size of said unit, see
British Army officer rank insignia.
A 'group' in the Royal Pioneer Corps is equivalent to that of a battalion
A 'large workshop' in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers is lead by a Lieutenant Colonel and equivalent to that of a battalion, while a 'small workshop' is lead by a major, equivalent to that of a company.
Army Department
The Executive Committee of the Army Board was responsible for the 'detailed management of the Army.' It included the four military members of the Army Board, including the
Chief of the General Staff, General Sir
John Chapple in 1989, the Second Permanent Under Secretary, and the
Assistant Chief of the General Staff, a major general. The Army Department consisted of four components: the General Staff, the
Adjutant General's department, the
Military Secretary's department, and the
Quartermaster General's department.
According to the September 1988 Staff Officer's Handbook, as part of the "Army's Cabinet", many senior officers of the corps and areas were assigned. The list below does not show the large number of civilians who hold senior appointments in the Army Departments.[3]
The Army Department (Principle Military Directorates)[3]
Assistant General of the Defence Staff Operational Requirements (Land)
Director of Military Operations (Army) ,
Brigadier Francis G. Sugden (April 1989) then Brigadier James C. M. Gordon (from April 1989)
Director of Command, Control, Communication and Information Systems (Army) , Brigadier William J. P. Robins (from July 1989 to March 1992)
Director General of Territorial Army and Organisation , Major General
Charles A. Ramsay (to December 1989) then Major General
D. Murray Naylor (from December 1989)
Director of General Training and Doctrine (Army) , Major General Anthony J. G. Pollard (DGT&D reports to AG on individual training matters)
Director General of Army Manning and Recruiting , Major General
Anthony B. Crowfoot (to February 1989) then Major General
Patrick Brooking (from February 1989)
Director General of Personal Services (Army) , Major General Patrick P. D. Stone
Director General of Logistic Policy (Army) , Major General Peter W. E. Istead
Director of Logistic Operations (Army) , Brigadier Richard E. Barron (to November 1989) then Brigadier C. Roland S. Notley (from November 1989)
British Army of the Rhine
The second British Army of the Rhine was formed on 25 August 1945 from the
British Liberation Army.[4] Its original function was to control the corps districts which were running the military government of the British zone of
Allied-occupied Germany. After the assumption of government by civilians, it became the command formation for the troops in Germany only, rather than being responsible for administration as well.[5]
As the potential threat of
Soviet invasion across the
North German Plain into
West Germany increased, BAOR became more responsible for the defence of West Germany than its occupation. It became the primary formation controlling the British contribution to
NATO after the formation of the alliance in 1949. Its primary combat formation was
British I Corps. From 1952 the commander-in-chief of the BAOR was also the commander of NATO's
Northern Army Group (NORTHAG) in the event of a general war with the Soviet Union and its
Warsaw Pact allies. The BAOR was formerly armed with
tactical nuclear weapons.[6] In 1967, the force was reduced in strength to 53,000 soldiers, compared with 80,000 ten years earlier.[7]
101 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Caernarvon Barracks, Düsseldorf (detachments in Rheindahlen and Emblem Camp, Antwerp, Belgium) [to 5th Garrison Area]
102 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, in Rheindahlen
Headquarters Northern Army Group Provost Company, Royal Military Police
6 Support Platoon, Royal Military Police (close protection)
19 Support Platoon, Royal Military Police (escorts
SOXMIS)
Special Investigations Branch (Germany)[8], at Joint Headquarters, Rheindahlen (commander is Assistant Provost Marshal, BAOR)
Western Region, HQ in Düsseldorf
74 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Werl, Dortmund, and Münster
87 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Düsseldorf and Rheindahlen
93 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Berlin
Eastern Region
70 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Celle and Fallingbostel
72 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Osnabrück, Minden, and Bielefeld
76 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Detmold and Sennelager
Commander Royal Army Educational Corps, British Army of the Rhine[8]
Headquarters, Education Services, Rear Combat Zone, Royal Army Educational Corps
34 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps
43 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps
Headquarters, 1st British Corps, at Ripon Barracks, Bielefeld[8]
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, 1st British Corps , Lieutenant General Sir Peter Anthony Inge KCBPCDL (till September 1989), Lieutenant General
Sir Charles Ronald Llewelyn GuthrieMVOOBE from then
14 Transport Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport, at Ripon Barracks, Bielefeld
1st British Corps Headquarters Defence Company, Royal Pioneer Corps, at Ripon Barracks, Bielefeld
1st Corps Cash Office, Royal Army Pay Corps
2nd Corps Cash Office, Royal Army Pay Corps
Combat Engineer Training Centre, Royal Engineers, at Gordon Barracks, Hameln
Kiel Training Centre, Royal Engineers
British Army of the Rhine Rehabilitation Facility, Royal Army Medical Corps, in Iserlohn
No. 1 Dental Group, Royal Army Dental Corps, at Hammersmith Barracks, Herford
No. 2 Dental Group, Royal Army Dental Corps, at Shiel Barracks, Verden
British Army of the Rhine Defence Animal Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps (V), at Normandy Barracks, Sennelager
Sennelager Training Centre, British Army of the Rhine
1st British Corps Transit Camp
Forward Combat Zone Prisoner of War Camp
Corps Headquarters
Commander Communications, 1st British Corps[8][16]
Commander Communications, 1st British Corps, in Bielefeld
7th Signal Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals, at Maresfield Barracks, Herford
110 Provost Company, at Normandy Barracks, Sennelager
115 Provost Company, at Roberts Barracks, Osnabrück
Commander Aviation British Army of the Rhine and 1st British Corps[8][11][24] (all AAC units are under administrative control of this Commander, however remained under the operational command of their respective divisions/commands)[8]
11 Postal & Courier Squadron, Royal Engineers, at Shiel Barracks, Verden – under admin of 1st Postal & Courier Regiment, RE
1st Armoured Divisional Transport Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport, at Birdwood Barracks, Bunde[21]
1st Ordnance Battalion, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, at Shiel Barracks, Verden
7th Armoured Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Saint Barbara Barracks, Fallingbostel (Large Workshop, supporting 7 & 22 Armoured Brigades)
12th Armoured Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Mercer Barracks, Osnabrück (Small Workshop, supporting 12 Armoured Brigade)
1st Armoured Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, at Glyn Hughes Barracks, Hohne (Armoured Field Ambulance)
2nd Armoured Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, at Roberts Barracks, Osnabrück (Armoured Field Ambulance)
111 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Haig Barracks, Hohne
1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets, at Mercer Barracks, Osnabrück (Mechanised Infantry (Tracked)) – due to manpower issues, only 2 x platoons in each company, as apposed to the normal three[8]
201 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, at Campbell Barracks, Hohne
The Queen's Own Hussars, at Caen Barracks, Hohne (Type 57 Armoured, 14 x Challenger 1 MBTs, 43 x Chieftain MBTs) – in process of converted to the Challenger, A, C, and D Sqns with Chieftains, B Sqn with Challengers[8]
25th Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers, at Roberts Barracks, Osnabrück (General support)
2nd Infantry Division
Part of the cost cutting measures of the early 1980s, it was decided to disband an armoured division and and possibly reform it as a United Kingdom based infantry division. Therefore, in January 1983, the 2nd Infantry Division was reformed at Imphal Barracks, York with its HQ and divisional signal regiment retaining a forward deployed signal troop in Lippstadt, providing a forward communications link. The division remained part of the British Army of the Rhine, but was unique in its structure, since it commanded one regular brigade (24th Infantry, later Airmobile Brigade), and two Territorial Army brigades (15th at York and 49th at Nottingham). At the same time, the division assumed responsibility for North East District.[25][26]
23 Ordnance Company (V), at Harewood Barracks,
Leeds
15th Field Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Beach Head Lines, Catterick Garrison[28][29]
250th (Hull) Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (V), at Wenlock Barracks,
Kingston upon Hull (TA Field Ambulance)
251st (Sunderland) Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (V), in
Sunderland (TA Field Ambulance)
254th (City of Cambridge) Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (V), in
Cambridge (TA Field Ambulance)
12 Postal & Courier Squadron, Royal Engineers (V), at CVHQ Royal Engineers Postal & Courier Service, Inglis Barracks, Mill Hill – under admin of 1st Postal & Courier Regiment, RE
150 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Beach Head Lines, Catterick Garrison
204 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, at York Barracks, Münster
14th/20th King's Hussars, at York Barracks, Münster (Type 57 Armoured (Challenger)) [C Sqn detached to Berlin from September 1988 to 1991, see Berlin Infantry Brigade)
17th/21st Lancers, at Swinton Barracks, Münster (Type 57 Armoured (Challenger))
14 Postal & Courier Squadron, Royal Engineers, at Wentworth Barracks, Herford – under admin of 1st Postal & Courier Regiment, RE
4th Armoured Divisional Transport Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport[21], at Elizabeth Barracks, Minden
4th Ordnance Battalion, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, at Wentworth Barracks, Herford
4th Armoured Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Hobart Barracks, Detmold (Large Workshop, supporting 11th and 20th Armoured Brigades)
4th Armoured Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, at Kingsley Barracks, Minden (Armoured Field Ambulance)
19th Field Ambulance,
Royal Army Medical Corps, at Goojerat Barracks, Colchester Garrison (Field Ambulance (UK))[35] – supporting 19th Infantry Workshop
114 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Hobart Barracks, Detmold
British Rear Support Command (HQ BRSC), HQ in Mönchengladbach
British Rear Combat Zone
British Rear Combat Zone (BR RCZ), HQ in Düsseldorf[8]
Army Legal Aid Team, British Army of the Rhine [to British Rear Support Command]
Pool of Chaplains, Royal Army Chaplains' Department
20th Liaison Headquarters
21st Liaison Headquarters
23rd Liaison Headquarters
24th Liaison Headquarters
25th Liaison Headquarters
Joint Services Liaison Organisation
Public Information Team, British Forces Germany [to British Rear Support Command]
Army Training Area Haltern
Headquarters Education Services, Rear Combat Zone
34 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps
43 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps
British Communications Zone
British Communications Zone (BR Comm Z), HQ in
Emblem, Belgium[8]
United Kingdom Land Forces
Headquarters United Kingdom Land Forces commanded nine military districts until the spring of 1991. These districts controlled the regular army brigades in the UK (inc 1st and 5th Brigades) and the predominantly TA regional brigades. In 1984–85, the nine districts were Eastern District (19th and 54th (TA) Brigades), London District (56th), 2nd Infantry Division and Headquarters North East (District) (2nd Infantry Division – 15th (TA), 24th Airmobile, and 49th (TA) Brigades), North West District (42nd (TA) Brigade), Army Headquarters Scotland (51st (TA) and 52nd (TA) Brigades), South Eastern District (2nd (TA) and 5th Airborne Brigades), South West District (AMLF(L), 1st, and 43rd (TA) Brigades), Wales District (160th (TA) Brigade), and Western District (143rd (TA) Brigade).[26][30]
UKLF provided a training base and reserves for the reinforcement of the
British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) or other overseas locations in case of war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.[26] For administrative purposes these units were under command of brigade Headquarters based in the UK during peacetime.
Petroleum Centre, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, at
West Moors Depot, West Moors[23]
Headquarters, Central Vehicle Depot, United Kingdom
Vehicle Sub Depot Ashchurch
Vehicle Armoured Sub Depot, Ledgershall
Commander,
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (also Commander Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Territorial Army from 1982) [49] Note: The regional commanders REME oversaw all REME needs in said districts and oversaw and controlled the TA and regulars (not district workshops).[50]
Headquarters, Army Education Services (United Kingdom)[60]
Inspector of Army Education and Training Methods
2 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Imphal Barracks, YorkCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name (see the
help page).
3 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Catterick GarrisonCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name (see the
help page).
4 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at RAF Waterbeach, Waterbeach[60]
5 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at unknown location?
6 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster[60]
7 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Beachley Barracks, Chepstow[60]
8 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut[60]
9 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Prince Philip Barracks, Bordon Army Camp[60]
10 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Candahar Barracks, Tidworth Camp[60]
12 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Stirling Barracks, Larkhill Garrison[60]
14 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at unknown location?
15 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Bicester Garrison[60]
16 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at unknown location?
18 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Goojerat Barracks, Colchester Garrison[60]
20 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Gamecock Barracks, Bramcote[60]
22 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Brompton Barracks, Chatham[60]
24 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Victoria Barracks, Windsor
27 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh[60]
30 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Garrison[60]
31 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Garrison[60]
77 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Saint Omer Barracks, Aldershot Garrison[60]
78 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Jellalabad Barracks, Tidworth Camp[60]
United Kingdom Field Army
The 'United Kingdom Field Army' could be compared to its three-star equivalent in West Germany, 1st British Corps. However, the 'Field Army' is not a coherent organisation and more of an ad-hoc administrative command more than an operational one.[27]
2nd Signal Brigade was, until 1987, tasked with commanding and overseeing all home based communications, and Headquarters, United Kingdom Land Forces. In 1987, 1st Signal Group was disbanded, and its overseas communication duties were taken over by 2nd Signal Brigade, in addition to the independent district signal squadrons coming under administrative and equipment support control of the brigade. If mobilised, the brigade was tasked with providing clear communications throughout the United Kingdom.[81]
11th Signal Brigade (Volunteers) would provide rear area support to NATO in
Belgium and the
Netherlands. Each regiment would provide rear/reserve trunk communications for the respective NATO commands in Central Europe. If mobilised, the brigade would come under Commander Communications, BAOR.
12th Signal Brigade (Volunteers) was headquartered in Chelsea, London and oversaw the signal units tasked with supporting the logistic units in the Rear Combat Zone and Communications Zone.[8]
56 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals (V), in Eastbourne and Sandgate
81 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals (V), in Middlesbrough[88]
1st Infantry Brigade
1st Infantry Brigade was formed by redesignation of the old 6th Field Force, and by 1989 was the only remaining British field formation which would join
Allied Forces Baltic Approaches on mobilisation. The Infantry Brigade became known and was frequently referred to as the United Kingdom Mobile Force (UKMF), which was separate than the Allied Mobile Force, which was able to deploy anywhere within the NATO's eastern border.[26]
21 (Gibraltar 1779–83) Air Defence Battery, Royal Artillery (18 x Javelin MANPADS) [1 x Air Defence troop (3 x Javelins) each to 1st Infantry Brigade, 19th Infantry Brigade, and 24th Airmobile Brigade]
Note: no units under this group during peacetime, forms on mobilisation.
5th Airborne Brigade
5th Airborne Brigade was formed following the mobilisation of the former 5th Infantry Brigade after the
Falklands War. The brigade was under direct command of United Kingdom Field Army and was the 'rapid deployment' formation and would provide an operational reserve for West Germany if needed.[26]
82 (Parachute) Ordnance Company, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, at Aldershot Garrison[15]
10th Airborne Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Louisbourg Barracks, Bordon Army Camp[108][29]
16th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, at Aldershot Garrison[109] (Field Ambulance (UK))[110]
12th (Air Support) Engineer Brigade
12th (Air Support) Engineer Brigade oversaw those Royal Engineer units in the United Kingdom which were tasked with providing engineering support to RAF bases. The brigade also had administrative control over the TA squadrons until 1988, when they were brought under the operational control of the brigade.
212 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Wattisham
216 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Marham
218 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Brize Norton
219 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Coningsby
234 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Leeming
236 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Kinloss
267 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Waddington
277 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Leuchars
529 Specialist Team (Air Support), Royal Engineers
30th Engineer Brigade
The 30th Engineer Brigade (Volunteers) contained three United Kingdom-based Territorial Army engineer regiments. If mobilised, the brigade would come under Commander Royal Engineers, British Army of the Rhine and provide a reinforcement role.[111] The brigade was also tasked with keeping the main supply route open and clear of obstacles.[8]
30th Engineer Brigade Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (V), at HQ REME TA, Louisbourg Barracks, Bordon[114]
Headquarters Scotland
Army Headquarters Scotland encompassing
Scotland. During peacetime the HQ doubles as the No. 1 Region, which encompassed Scotland. During wartime, the region would take over from the district as the overall HQ, and would be divided into two 'zones', which in Scotland encompassed Highland Zone overseen by 51st (Highland) Infantry Brigade, and Lowland Zone overseen by 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Brigade. These zones were further divided into several 'TAORs' (Tactical Area of Operational Responsibility).
52nd (Lowland) Infantry Brigade encompassing the
Scottish Lowlands:
Lothian,
Scottish Borders,
Dumfries and Galloway, and
Strathclyde (minus
Argyll). 52nd Brigade's primary role was that of mobile defence of the UK, with a particular emphasis on defending the military infrastructure at the UK end of the
Greenland-Iceland-UK (G-I-UK) Gap alongside 51 Brigade.[123] During war, the 52nd Brigade would oversee Lowland Zone, which encompassed the following TAORs:
North Strathclyde,
Dumfries and Galloway,
Borders, and
Lothian. These TAORs were further divided into several 'KPs' (Keypoints), which would nominally be guarded by Home Defence battalions, but also the new Home Service Force.[26]
According to the 1991 Master Order of Battle, the 146th Brigade was a home defence formation overseeing the regional units based in the North East. On mobilisation this brigade would be tasked with home defence, while the 2nd Division left for Germany. It comprised No. 2 Zone (
County Durham,
Northumberland, and
Tyne and Wear).
223rd (Durham) Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (V), at Barnard Armoury,
Newton Aycliffe (Field Ambulance (UK)) [to Commander Medical, 4th Armoured Division][8]
54th (East Anglian) Infantry Brigade was reformed in the mid 1980s to provide a regional brigade HQ and home defence force based within
Eastern England. The brigade was tasked solely with home defence.[26] It comprised Region No. 4 (encompassing
East Anglia divided into No. 1 Zone (
Cambridgeshire,
Norfolk, and
Suffolk) and No. 2 Zone (
Bedfordshire,
Essex, and
Hertfordshire)).[26]
According to the 1991 Master Order of Battle, the 161st Brigade was a home defence formation overseeing the regional units based in East Anglia. It comprised Region No. 3 (East Midlands divided into No. 1 Zone (
Derbyshire,
Lincolnshire, and
Nottinghamshire) and No. 2 Zone (
Leicestershire,
Northamptonshire, and
Rutland)).
222nd (East Midlands) Field Ambulance,
Royal Army Medical Corps (V), in
Leicester (Field Ambulance (UK)) [to Commander Medical, 4th Armoured Division][8]
London District
London District comprising the
County of London in addition to the barracks in
Windsor. Like the other districts within the United Kingdom, London Distrust was assigned a regional number, which was in this case Region No. 5 (London), which was further divided into No. 1 Zone (London).
56 Transport Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport, at Royal Artillery Barracks,
Woolwich Garrison[130]
Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital, Woolwich, at
Woolwich Garrison (becomes 30th General Hospital, RAMC on mobilisation, General Hospital) [to Commander Medical, RCZ][8]
56th (London) Infantry Brigade
56th (London) Infantry Brigade provided home defence.
251 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, at Duchess of Kent Barracks, Aldershot Garrison
41 Transport Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport, at Mons Barracks, Aldershot Garrison[128]
55 Ordnance Company (Ammo), Royal Army Ordnance Corps (V) [to 5th Ordnance Bn, Commander Supply, 1st British Corps][8][15][80]
93 Ordnance Company (V), in
Hilsea[80] [to Logistic Support Group][15][79]
9th Field Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (V), in Hilsea[98] [to Logistic Support Group][29][79]
133 (Kent) Corps Troops Workshop Company, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (V), in Maidstone[98] [to Commander Maintenance, Corps Troops, 1st British Corps][8]
Cambridge British Military Hospital, Aldershot, at Aldershot Garrison (becomes 33rd Field Hospital, RAMC on mobilisation) [to Commander Medical, 1st British Corps][8][22]
2nd (Southeast) Infantry Brigade
2nd (Southeast) Infantry Brigade would provide mobile home defence, with a priority on defending the ports of
South East England.[140] 2nd Infantry Brigade was unique because it was one of only 6 of its type to not oversee a specific zone. This is because the brigade was in the mobile defence role, and would instead perform liaison tasks, command TAORs directly, or would be incorporated into the Regional Headquarters where needed.[26]
145th (Home Counties) Infantry Brigade was due to be formed in 1991 to provide another regional brigade for South East District. The expansion of the TA in the area was one of the main causes for this creation. The new brigade oversaw No. 2 Zone (encompassing the
Thames Valley (the
Royal County of Berkshire,
Buckinghamshire, and
Oxfordshire) and
Hampshire, and the
Isle of Wight.). In addition, the brigade took over responsibility for the defence of the South East, as 2nd Infantry Brigade was a mobile defence formation, and not a regional headquarters. In 1989 this brigade was known simply as 'Aldershot Area', though is listed as a brigade her as the formation was in the process of standing up by the end of 1989 (note: became operational in 1991).
Defence Medical Equipment Depot, British Army of the Rhine, in
Ludgershall (TTW to 4th Garrison Area, becomes 82nd Field Medical Equipment Depot, RAMC) [to Commander Medical, RCZ][8]
43rd (Wessex) Infantry Brigade
43rd (Wessex) Infantry Brigade would provide mobile home defence if mobilised. 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Brigade was unique because it was one of only 6 of its type to not oversee a specific zone. This is because the brigade was in the mobile defence role, and would instead perform liaison tasks, command TAORs directly, or would be incorporated into the Regional Headquarters where needed.
The Queen's Royal Irish Hussars (split as the Armoured Reserve Regiment, see RAC Training and RAC Centre regiments)[8] (Type 53 Armoured (Chieftain))[8]
42nd (North West) Infantry Brigade was reformed in 1982 to provide a regional brigade HQ and home defence force based within the
North West of England. The brigade was tasked solely with home defence.[26]
In 1991, troops in under Army Headquarters Northern Ireland comprised some 11,000 British soldiers and about 6,000 members of the
Ulster Defence Regiment. The command is technically part of United Kingdom Land Forces (as Region No. 8), however because of the
Troubles, thee General Officer Command, reports to the Ministry of Defence and
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland directly. The commanding officer also has local Royal Navy, and more important, Royal Air Force units under command.[161] During the 1980s, HQ Northern Ireland oversaw some 17,000 total troops based within
Ulster. These forces included: 6 x 'resident' infantry battalions, 2 x infantry battalions on 'short tours', 1 x SAS specialise squadron, 2 x engineer squadrons, 2 x AAC Squadrons, and 11 x battalions of the Ulster Defence Regiment.[26]
22 Postal and Courier Squadron, Royal Engineers[14]
Royal Army Ordnance Corps Ordnance Depot, Northern Ireland[14]
177 (Support) Platoon, Royal Military Police, at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn[163]
3rd Infantry Brigade
3rd Infantry Brigade's primary role was that of Home Defence and was permanently stationed in Northern Ireland, with a particular emphasis of guarding the United Kingdom–Ireland border and combating the IRA. In 1988, a reorganisation of HQ Northern Ireland saw the 3rd Infantry Brigade HQ reformed in Armagh which directed all Army operations in the border area, allowing the other two brigades to focus in Anti-IRA operations in other areas. The brigade also held territorial responsibility for
County Fermanagh.[164] The brigade's TAORs (Tactical Areas of Responsibility) snakes from near
Newry in the south-east all the way round to
Strabane in the west, some 300 miles along the outer parts of
County Armagh,
County Fermanagh, and
County Tyrone.[161]
173 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn[163]
8th Infantry Brigade
3rd Infantry Brigade's primary role was that of Home Defence and was permanently stationed in Northern Ireland, with a particular emphasis of combating the IRA.[167] 8th Infantry Brigade oversaw the north and centre-west of the province, which includes
County Londonderry and
County Tyrone (except the border).[161]
3rd Infantry Brigade's primary role was that of Home Defence and was permanently stationed in Northern Ireland, with a particular emphasis of combating the IRA.[167] The brigade also oversaw regional responsibility for several TAORs (Tactical Area(s) of Responsibility), including
County Antrim,
County Armagh (except the UK-Ireland border region),
County Down, and the
City of Belfast.[161]
175 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn[163] [to Provost Marshal, BAOR][8]
107th (Ulster) Brigade
107th (Ulster) Brigade was formed in 1988 as an administrative HQ to coordinate the TA units in Northern Ireland. However, it did not become a field formation until the mid 1990s.[176]
The British Army Training Unit Suffield, though normally shortened to BATUS is a training unit of the Army based on the
Canadian Prairies in
Alberta,
Canada. According to the 1991 Master Order of Battle, there were not permanently assigned/detached units based at the location. The British Army of the Rhine was 'assigned' to the unit provided training there, while UKLF used the
Salisbury Plain. Therefore, the area was heavily used by armoured/armoured infantry/wheeled infantry battlegroups.
75 (British Army Training Unit Suffield) Ordnance Company, Royal Army Ordnance Corps[15]
Adjutant General's Department
The Office of the Adjutant General to the Forces oversaw all training, recruiting, and personnel issues. It also oversaw 5 of the army corps headquarters and staff.
1st Deputy Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Brigadier Samuel T. Webber
1st Deputy Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Brigadier R. A. Weston
Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (Organisation and Training) Brigadier Michael H. Carey
Director Engineering Policy (Army)
Director of Production Engineering Brigadier James Dennis (till December 1989), then Brigadier R. Coop
Royal Marines
The
Royal Marines (RM) are not part of the British Army, however some army units provide support to the RM and 3 Commando Brigade, and these units are listed below. In the event of mobilisation, the brigade would be deployed to
Northern Norway tasked with defending
NATO's northern flank.[257]
Commando Ordnance Squadron, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, in Coypool, Plymouth[15]
Ministry of Defence
Of course the
Ministry of Defence (MoD) was not an army command by any means, but many officers and appointments reported directly to the MoD. Those who worked for the MoD were nicknamed the "Whitehall Johnnies".
British Forces Gibraltar was an oversees command of the Armed Forces headquartered at
Flagstaff House. The group was commanded in turn by a two-star commanding officer of the
Royal Navy, in the rank of
Rear Admiral.[265] The officer was designated as 'Flag Officer Gibraltar' (FOGIBRALTAR), which reported to
Commander-in-Chief Fleet (CINCFLEET). During this period, BF Gibraltar comprised: 720 Naval and Royal Marine personnel, 771 Army personnel, and 456 RAF personnel, totally some 2,000 deployed personnel.[267]
Fortress Troop, 2nd Postal and Courier Regiment, Royal Engineers
British Forces Belize
British Forces Belize was an oversees command of the Armed Forces headquartered at
Price Barracks in
Ladyville,
Belize. The group was commanded in turn by a one-star commanding officer, in the rank of
Brigadier.[265] The group was known as Belize Garrison throughout the Army.' During this period, BF Belize comprised: 1,200 Army personnel, 200 RAF personnel, totalling some 1,200 deployed personnel.[267][272] Note: RAF units are listed as the commander of BF Belize was an army officer, and therefore oversaw some other services' units.
1 x Infantry Battalion (HQ and 1 x Rifle Company at Airport Camp, Belize City, rest of battalion split as (Battle Group North and South)[249][133](Light Infantry, 15 x
Land Rovers, 8 x
81mm Mortars and 6 x
Milan Anti-Tank Missiles)
British Forces Cyprus was an oversees command of the Armed Forces headquartered at
RAF Akrotiri in the
Akrotiri sovereign base area. The group was commanded in turn by a two-star general commanding officer either of the
British Army (
Major General) or
Royal Air Force (
Air Vice Marshal).[265][249] During this period BF Cyprus comprised: 3,353 Army personnel, 1,393 RAF personnel, and 18 marines, totalling some 4,700 deployed personnel.[265]
1 x Armoured Reconnaissance Squadron (6 x
Ferret armoured cars and 2 x
Alvis Saracen APCs) – special organisation, referred to as the 'Cyprus Armoured Car Squadron' – deployed until December 1990[8][133][280]
2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, at Salamanca Barracks, Episkopi Garrison[136] (Light Infantry)[133] – deployed on 2 year roulement from February 1988 to February 1990
British Forces Hong Kong was an oversees command of the Armed Forces headquartered at
Flagstaff House. The group was commanded in turn by a two-star commanding officer, in the rank of
Major General.[265] During this period BF Hong Kong comprised: 8,017 Army personnel (1,917 British, 4,765 Gurkha, and 1,335 Locals), 650 (378 locals) Navy personnel, and 278 RAF personnel, totalling some 9,000 personnel.[265]
British Garrison Brunei was a subordinate overseas garrison of the British Army, overseen by British Forces Hong Kong. The garrison's headquarters were in
Seria. During this period, the garrison comprised some 900 deployed personnel.[265]
British Gurkhas Nepal was a subordinate overseas garrison of the British Army, overseen by British Forces Hong Kong. The garrison comprised some 1,500 locally enlisted personnel of the
Indian Army,
Royal Nepalese Army, and
Gurkhas.[265]
Military Engineering Services (Public Assistance) Nepal,
Royal Engineers
Unknown assignments
73rd Base Pay Office, Royal Army Pay Corps (V) [to Logistic Support Group]
2nd Field Hospital, Royal Army Medical Corps, in England?[8][301]
Footnotes
^Until 1995, the title of 'Group' in the Intelligence Corps indicated a Lieutenant Colonel's command, equivalent to that of battalion.
^7 Intelligence Company oversaw the 70 series intelligence sections attached to the Corps HQ and divisional HQs. The 700 series intelligence detachments were attached to brigade HQs.
^
abcdThe two armoured reconnaissance regiments in West Germany would come under the control of Brigadier Royal Armoured Corps, BAOR. These regiments along with No. 664 Squadron AAC would form the Corps
Border Surveillance Force, an ad-hoc reconnaissance-screening force.
^All Pro Coys in BAOR (less 101 Pro Coy) were nominally Corps Troops. However the Coys which sp the Divs were under administrative command of the Divs in peacetime. In addition in peace 110 Pro Coy was under admin command of 3 Armd Div and 115 Pro Coy was under admin command of 1 Armd Div in whose areas they were based.
^Cite error: The named reference Border Surveillance force was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
^2 YORKS were the reserve for the Corps Rear Area providing one Heliborne Reserve Company and three lorried infantry Companies. The Bn were to be prepared to support the rest of the Corps where necessary.
^The brigade was previously known as 24th Infantry Brigade and organised similarly to 19th Infantry Brigade (3rd Armoured Division), but after extensive trails swapped roles with the soon converted 6th Airmobile Brigade and became an airmobile formation itself. Note: 6th Airmobile Brigade was subsequently disbanded and reorganised as the 6th Armoured Brigade in West Germany.
^
abcThe field artillery regiments and air defence regiment remained under brigade control (for administrative purposes). However, if mobilised, these regiments would join the divisional artillery command.
^This battalion was extremely under-strength, so much so that only two rifle companies and a support company existed
^Oversaw the home defence companies (Home Service Force) for administrative purposes.
^Elements to 1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Airborne Brigade, Allied Mobile Force (Land), and UKSH.
^Sections at Colchester Garrison, Taunton, Bulford, Preston, York, and Edinburgh
^Conversion to Airmobile Infantry halted in 1988 and was to be replaced at next arms plot change (1991). Therefore, if mobilised the battalion would join the 24th Airmobile Brigade, was under 42nd Brigade otherwise. During this period, the battalion was also the Northern Ireland province reinforcement bn.
Notes
^Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
^Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
^Cite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
^Davies (see page above) notes "One Troop would be allocated to the post-1982 Falklands Garrison." Therefore the establishment of the battery here is different from that of the normal AD battery.
^Battle Group North is based at Airport Camp, with its main detachment at Holdfast Camp.
^Supported by a armoured recce troop of Scimitars and Scorpions, and a troop of 105mm light guns.
^Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
Citations
^British Army, 1991 Master Order of Battle, Ministry of Defence, London. London, United Kingdom. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
^
abc"Formation of the PC Regiments". British Forces Postal Office Veterans: Postal Courier Services Branch Royal Engineers Association. Retrieved 17 October 2021.{{
cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (
link)
The Military Balance,1986–1987. London, United Kingdom: International Institute for Strategic Studies. 1986.
ISBN978-0860790983.
OCLC923299446.
van der Bijl, Nick (2013). Sharing the Secret: A History of the Intelligence Corps 1940 – 2010. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom: Pen & Sword Military Books.
ISBN978-1848844131.
OCLC1023212074.
van der Bijl, Nick (2013). Sharing the Secret: The History of the Intelligence Corps: 1940–2010. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom: Pen & Sword Military.
ISBN978-1848844131.
OCLC886539875.
The Royal Army Ordnance Corps Gazette for September 1989. Corps Headquarters, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. 1989.
Lindsay, Oliver (1996). Once a Grenadier.... The Grenadier Guards 1945–1995. Pen & Sword Books.
ISBN978-1783837557.
OCLC880531320.
Beevor, Antony (1991). Inside the British Army. Reading, Royal County of Berkshire, United Kingdom: Corgi Books.
ISBN978-0552138185.
OCLC1109590043.
Watson, Graham E.; Rinaldi, Richard A. (2005). The British Army in Germany (British Army of the Rhine and After): an Organisation History 1947–2004. Tiger Lilly Publications.
ISBN978-0972029698.
OCLC241300352.
Heyman, Charles (2002). The British Army: a pocket guide 2002–2003. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom: Pen & Sword Books.
ISBN978-1783378968.
Chappell, Mike (1987). The British Army in the 1980s. Long Acre, London, United Kingdom: Osprey Publishings.
ISBN978-0850457964.
OCLC944154518.
Sutton, Brigadier John (1998). Wait for the Waggon: The Story of the Royal Corps of Transport and its Predecessors 1794 – 1993. London, United Kingdom: Pen & Sword Books.
ISBN978-0850526257.
OCLC925294562.
Kneen, Brigadier J. M.; Sutton, Brigadier D. J. (1996). Craftsmen of the Army: The Story of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Vol. Volume II: 1969 – 1992. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom: Pen & Sword Military Publishing.
ISBN978-0850525496.
OCLC863383583. {{
cite book}}: |volume= has extra text (
help)
Lord, Cliff; Watson, Graham (2004). The Royal Corps of Signals : unit histories of the Corps (1920-2001) and its antecedents. Solihull, West Midlands, England: Helion & Company.
ISBN978-1-874622-92-5.
OCLC184820114.
Watson, Graham E.; Rinaldi, Richard A. (2018). The Corps of Royal Engineers: Organization and Units 1889 – 2018. United Kingdom: Tiger Lilly Books.
ISBN978-1717901804.
This page represents the structure of the
British Army in 1989, the last year of the
Cold War.[1] As of 1 April 1989, the following amounts of troops were deployed around the world: 71,000 in
Great Britain, 56,000 (of which the Berlin brigade makes up 3,000), 10,200 in Northern Ireland (including 3,200 on roulement), 5,000 in Hong Kong, 4,000 in the Lines of Communications counties (
Netherlands and
Belgium), 3,200 in Cyprus (including 850 on roulement), 1,300 in Belize (including in 1,000 on roulement), 1,000 in the Falkland Islands, 800 in Gibraltar, 800 in Brunei, 100 in Suffield (including 175 temporary staff from March–November 1989), and 60 in Zimbabwe.[2] For the corps, the following formed each percentage of the army as at 1 April 1989: 27.0% the Infantry, 10.0% Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 9.7% Royal Engineers, 9.0% Royal Artillery (and Royal Horse Artillery), 8.5% Royal Corps of Signals, 7.3% Royal Armoured Corps, 6.9% Royal Corps of Transport, 5.4% Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 3.15% E2, 3.1% Army Catering Corps, 2.6% Royal Army Medical Corps, 1.5% Royal Military Police, 1.4% Royal Army Pay Corps, 1.2% Army Air Corps, 1.0% Royal Pioneer Corps, 0.9% Intelligence Corps, 0.3% Royal Army Educational Corps, 0.3% Royal Army Dental Corps, 0.3% Army Physical Training Corps, 0.1% Royal Army Chaplain Corps, 0.1% Royal Army Veterinary Corps, 0.1% Small Arms School Corps, 0.1% Military Provost Staff Corps, and 0.05% Army Legal Corps. The above figures are for United Kingdom Trained Adult Males (UKTAM) only; they exclude young soldiers, junior soldiers (boys), Women Services, and Gurkhas. The Military Personnel Target 1988 (Global) is divided into MPT (Defence) (135,897) and MPT (Military Assistants) (1,050), the total being 136,947.[2]
Preface
Units in bold are higher commands.
Note: all units are listed under their administrative organisations with their mobilisation assignments or those command which they operationally reported to in (parenthesis).
Units with the sub-tag of '(V)' indicates these are units of the
Territorial Army (TA), or another-words part-time unit.
All 5xx level signal troops have the same (rough) duty: they would remain at their location and support the unit in said brigade/formation.
Stars - important officers/offices and almost all commands will have a star rank next to them, this indicates the rank of the individual commanding the unit, and thereby representing the size of said unit, see
British Army officer rank insignia.
A 'group' in the Royal Pioneer Corps is equivalent to that of a battalion
A 'large workshop' in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers is lead by a Lieutenant Colonel and equivalent to that of a battalion, while a 'small workshop' is lead by a major, equivalent to that of a company.
Army Department
The Executive Committee of the Army Board was responsible for the 'detailed management of the Army.' It included the four military members of the Army Board, including the
Chief of the General Staff, General Sir
John Chapple in 1989, the Second Permanent Under Secretary, and the
Assistant Chief of the General Staff, a major general. The Army Department consisted of four components: the General Staff, the
Adjutant General's department, the
Military Secretary's department, and the
Quartermaster General's department.
According to the September 1988 Staff Officer's Handbook, as part of the "Army's Cabinet", many senior officers of the corps and areas were assigned. The list below does not show the large number of civilians who hold senior appointments in the Army Departments.[3]
The Army Department (Principle Military Directorates)[3]
Assistant General of the Defence Staff Operational Requirements (Land)
Director of Military Operations (Army) ,
Brigadier Francis G. Sugden (April 1989) then Brigadier James C. M. Gordon (from April 1989)
Director of Command, Control, Communication and Information Systems (Army) , Brigadier William J. P. Robins (from July 1989 to March 1992)
Director General of Territorial Army and Organisation , Major General
Charles A. Ramsay (to December 1989) then Major General
D. Murray Naylor (from December 1989)
Director of General Training and Doctrine (Army) , Major General Anthony J. G. Pollard (DGT&D reports to AG on individual training matters)
Director General of Army Manning and Recruiting , Major General
Anthony B. Crowfoot (to February 1989) then Major General
Patrick Brooking (from February 1989)
Director General of Personal Services (Army) , Major General Patrick P. D. Stone
Director General of Logistic Policy (Army) , Major General Peter W. E. Istead
Director of Logistic Operations (Army) , Brigadier Richard E. Barron (to November 1989) then Brigadier C. Roland S. Notley (from November 1989)
British Army of the Rhine
The second British Army of the Rhine was formed on 25 August 1945 from the
British Liberation Army.[4] Its original function was to control the corps districts which were running the military government of the British zone of
Allied-occupied Germany. After the assumption of government by civilians, it became the command formation for the troops in Germany only, rather than being responsible for administration as well.[5]
As the potential threat of
Soviet invasion across the
North German Plain into
West Germany increased, BAOR became more responsible for the defence of West Germany than its occupation. It became the primary formation controlling the British contribution to
NATO after the formation of the alliance in 1949. Its primary combat formation was
British I Corps. From 1952 the commander-in-chief of the BAOR was also the commander of NATO's
Northern Army Group (NORTHAG) in the event of a general war with the Soviet Union and its
Warsaw Pact allies. The BAOR was formerly armed with
tactical nuclear weapons.[6] In 1967, the force was reduced in strength to 53,000 soldiers, compared with 80,000 ten years earlier.[7]
101 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Caernarvon Barracks, Düsseldorf (detachments in Rheindahlen and Emblem Camp, Antwerp, Belgium) [to 5th Garrison Area]
102 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, in Rheindahlen
Headquarters Northern Army Group Provost Company, Royal Military Police
6 Support Platoon, Royal Military Police (close protection)
19 Support Platoon, Royal Military Police (escorts
SOXMIS)
Special Investigations Branch (Germany)[8], at Joint Headquarters, Rheindahlen (commander is Assistant Provost Marshal, BAOR)
Western Region, HQ in Düsseldorf
74 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Werl, Dortmund, and Münster
87 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Düsseldorf and Rheindahlen
93 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Berlin
Eastern Region
70 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Celle and Fallingbostel
72 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Osnabrück, Minden, and Bielefeld
76 Section, Special Investigation Branch, in Detmold and Sennelager
Commander Royal Army Educational Corps, British Army of the Rhine[8]
Headquarters, Education Services, Rear Combat Zone, Royal Army Educational Corps
34 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps
43 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps
Headquarters, 1st British Corps, at Ripon Barracks, Bielefeld[8]
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, 1st British Corps , Lieutenant General Sir Peter Anthony Inge KCBPCDL (till September 1989), Lieutenant General
Sir Charles Ronald Llewelyn GuthrieMVOOBE from then
14 Transport Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport, at Ripon Barracks, Bielefeld
1st British Corps Headquarters Defence Company, Royal Pioneer Corps, at Ripon Barracks, Bielefeld
1st Corps Cash Office, Royal Army Pay Corps
2nd Corps Cash Office, Royal Army Pay Corps
Combat Engineer Training Centre, Royal Engineers, at Gordon Barracks, Hameln
Kiel Training Centre, Royal Engineers
British Army of the Rhine Rehabilitation Facility, Royal Army Medical Corps, in Iserlohn
No. 1 Dental Group, Royal Army Dental Corps, at Hammersmith Barracks, Herford
No. 2 Dental Group, Royal Army Dental Corps, at Shiel Barracks, Verden
British Army of the Rhine Defence Animal Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps (V), at Normandy Barracks, Sennelager
Sennelager Training Centre, British Army of the Rhine
1st British Corps Transit Camp
Forward Combat Zone Prisoner of War Camp
Corps Headquarters
Commander Communications, 1st British Corps[8][16]
Commander Communications, 1st British Corps, in Bielefeld
7th Signal Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals, at Maresfield Barracks, Herford
110 Provost Company, at Normandy Barracks, Sennelager
115 Provost Company, at Roberts Barracks, Osnabrück
Commander Aviation British Army of the Rhine and 1st British Corps[8][11][24] (all AAC units are under administrative control of this Commander, however remained under the operational command of their respective divisions/commands)[8]
11 Postal & Courier Squadron, Royal Engineers, at Shiel Barracks, Verden – under admin of 1st Postal & Courier Regiment, RE
1st Armoured Divisional Transport Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport, at Birdwood Barracks, Bunde[21]
1st Ordnance Battalion, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, at Shiel Barracks, Verden
7th Armoured Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Saint Barbara Barracks, Fallingbostel (Large Workshop, supporting 7 & 22 Armoured Brigades)
12th Armoured Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Mercer Barracks, Osnabrück (Small Workshop, supporting 12 Armoured Brigade)
1st Armoured Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, at Glyn Hughes Barracks, Hohne (Armoured Field Ambulance)
2nd Armoured Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, at Roberts Barracks, Osnabrück (Armoured Field Ambulance)
111 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Haig Barracks, Hohne
1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets, at Mercer Barracks, Osnabrück (Mechanised Infantry (Tracked)) – due to manpower issues, only 2 x platoons in each company, as apposed to the normal three[8]
201 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, at Campbell Barracks, Hohne
The Queen's Own Hussars, at Caen Barracks, Hohne (Type 57 Armoured, 14 x Challenger 1 MBTs, 43 x Chieftain MBTs) – in process of converted to the Challenger, A, C, and D Sqns with Chieftains, B Sqn with Challengers[8]
25th Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers, at Roberts Barracks, Osnabrück (General support)
2nd Infantry Division
Part of the cost cutting measures of the early 1980s, it was decided to disband an armoured division and and possibly reform it as a United Kingdom based infantry division. Therefore, in January 1983, the 2nd Infantry Division was reformed at Imphal Barracks, York with its HQ and divisional signal regiment retaining a forward deployed signal troop in Lippstadt, providing a forward communications link. The division remained part of the British Army of the Rhine, but was unique in its structure, since it commanded one regular brigade (24th Infantry, later Airmobile Brigade), and two Territorial Army brigades (15th at York and 49th at Nottingham). At the same time, the division assumed responsibility for North East District.[25][26]
23 Ordnance Company (V), at Harewood Barracks,
Leeds
15th Field Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Beach Head Lines, Catterick Garrison[28][29]
250th (Hull) Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (V), at Wenlock Barracks,
Kingston upon Hull (TA Field Ambulance)
251st (Sunderland) Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (V), in
Sunderland (TA Field Ambulance)
254th (City of Cambridge) Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (V), in
Cambridge (TA Field Ambulance)
12 Postal & Courier Squadron, Royal Engineers (V), at CVHQ Royal Engineers Postal & Courier Service, Inglis Barracks, Mill Hill – under admin of 1st Postal & Courier Regiment, RE
150 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Beach Head Lines, Catterick Garrison
204 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, at York Barracks, Münster
14th/20th King's Hussars, at York Barracks, Münster (Type 57 Armoured (Challenger)) [C Sqn detached to Berlin from September 1988 to 1991, see Berlin Infantry Brigade)
17th/21st Lancers, at Swinton Barracks, Münster (Type 57 Armoured (Challenger))
14 Postal & Courier Squadron, Royal Engineers, at Wentworth Barracks, Herford – under admin of 1st Postal & Courier Regiment, RE
4th Armoured Divisional Transport Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport[21], at Elizabeth Barracks, Minden
4th Ordnance Battalion, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, at Wentworth Barracks, Herford
4th Armoured Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Hobart Barracks, Detmold (Large Workshop, supporting 11th and 20th Armoured Brigades)
4th Armoured Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, at Kingsley Barracks, Minden (Armoured Field Ambulance)
19th Field Ambulance,
Royal Army Medical Corps, at Goojerat Barracks, Colchester Garrison (Field Ambulance (UK))[35] – supporting 19th Infantry Workshop
114 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Hobart Barracks, Detmold
British Rear Support Command (HQ BRSC), HQ in Mönchengladbach
British Rear Combat Zone
British Rear Combat Zone (BR RCZ), HQ in Düsseldorf[8]
Army Legal Aid Team, British Army of the Rhine [to British Rear Support Command]
Pool of Chaplains, Royal Army Chaplains' Department
20th Liaison Headquarters
21st Liaison Headquarters
23rd Liaison Headquarters
24th Liaison Headquarters
25th Liaison Headquarters
Joint Services Liaison Organisation
Public Information Team, British Forces Germany [to British Rear Support Command]
Army Training Area Haltern
Headquarters Education Services, Rear Combat Zone
34 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps
43 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps
British Communications Zone
British Communications Zone (BR Comm Z), HQ in
Emblem, Belgium[8]
United Kingdom Land Forces
Headquarters United Kingdom Land Forces commanded nine military districts until the spring of 1991. These districts controlled the regular army brigades in the UK (inc 1st and 5th Brigades) and the predominantly TA regional brigades. In 1984–85, the nine districts were Eastern District (19th and 54th (TA) Brigades), London District (56th), 2nd Infantry Division and Headquarters North East (District) (2nd Infantry Division – 15th (TA), 24th Airmobile, and 49th (TA) Brigades), North West District (42nd (TA) Brigade), Army Headquarters Scotland (51st (TA) and 52nd (TA) Brigades), South Eastern District (2nd (TA) and 5th Airborne Brigades), South West District (AMLF(L), 1st, and 43rd (TA) Brigades), Wales District (160th (TA) Brigade), and Western District (143rd (TA) Brigade).[26][30]
UKLF provided a training base and reserves for the reinforcement of the
British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) or other overseas locations in case of war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.[26] For administrative purposes these units were under command of brigade Headquarters based in the UK during peacetime.
Petroleum Centre, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, at
West Moors Depot, West Moors[23]
Headquarters, Central Vehicle Depot, United Kingdom
Vehicle Sub Depot Ashchurch
Vehicle Armoured Sub Depot, Ledgershall
Commander,
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (also Commander Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Territorial Army from 1982) [49] Note: The regional commanders REME oversaw all REME needs in said districts and oversaw and controlled the TA and regulars (not district workshops).[50]
Headquarters, Army Education Services (United Kingdom)[60]
Inspector of Army Education and Training Methods
2 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Imphal Barracks, YorkCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name (see the
help page).
3 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Catterick GarrisonCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name (see the
help page).
4 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at RAF Waterbeach, Waterbeach[60]
5 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at unknown location?
6 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster[60]
7 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Beachley Barracks, Chepstow[60]
8 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut[60]
9 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Prince Philip Barracks, Bordon Army Camp[60]
10 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Candahar Barracks, Tidworth Camp[60]
12 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Stirling Barracks, Larkhill Garrison[60]
14 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at unknown location?
15 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Bicester Garrison[60]
16 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at unknown location?
18 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Goojerat Barracks, Colchester Garrison[60]
20 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Gamecock Barracks, Bramcote[60]
22 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Brompton Barracks, Chatham[60]
24 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Victoria Barracks, Windsor
27 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh[60]
30 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Garrison[60]
31 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Garrison[60]
77 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Saint Omer Barracks, Aldershot Garrison[60]
78 Army Education Centre, Royal Army Educational Corps, at Jellalabad Barracks, Tidworth Camp[60]
United Kingdom Field Army
The 'United Kingdom Field Army' could be compared to its three-star equivalent in West Germany, 1st British Corps. However, the 'Field Army' is not a coherent organisation and more of an ad-hoc administrative command more than an operational one.[27]
2nd Signal Brigade was, until 1987, tasked with commanding and overseeing all home based communications, and Headquarters, United Kingdom Land Forces. In 1987, 1st Signal Group was disbanded, and its overseas communication duties were taken over by 2nd Signal Brigade, in addition to the independent district signal squadrons coming under administrative and equipment support control of the brigade. If mobilised, the brigade was tasked with providing clear communications throughout the United Kingdom.[81]
11th Signal Brigade (Volunteers) would provide rear area support to NATO in
Belgium and the
Netherlands. Each regiment would provide rear/reserve trunk communications for the respective NATO commands in Central Europe. If mobilised, the brigade would come under Commander Communications, BAOR.
12th Signal Brigade (Volunteers) was headquartered in Chelsea, London and oversaw the signal units tasked with supporting the logistic units in the Rear Combat Zone and Communications Zone.[8]
56 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals (V), in Eastbourne and Sandgate
81 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals (V), in Middlesbrough[88]
1st Infantry Brigade
1st Infantry Brigade was formed by redesignation of the old 6th Field Force, and by 1989 was the only remaining British field formation which would join
Allied Forces Baltic Approaches on mobilisation. The Infantry Brigade became known and was frequently referred to as the United Kingdom Mobile Force (UKMF), which was separate than the Allied Mobile Force, which was able to deploy anywhere within the NATO's eastern border.[26]
21 (Gibraltar 1779–83) Air Defence Battery, Royal Artillery (18 x Javelin MANPADS) [1 x Air Defence troop (3 x Javelins) each to 1st Infantry Brigade, 19th Infantry Brigade, and 24th Airmobile Brigade]
Note: no units under this group during peacetime, forms on mobilisation.
5th Airborne Brigade
5th Airborne Brigade was formed following the mobilisation of the former 5th Infantry Brigade after the
Falklands War. The brigade was under direct command of United Kingdom Field Army and was the 'rapid deployment' formation and would provide an operational reserve for West Germany if needed.[26]
82 (Parachute) Ordnance Company, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, at Aldershot Garrison[15]
10th Airborne Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at Louisbourg Barracks, Bordon Army Camp[108][29]
16th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, at Aldershot Garrison[109] (Field Ambulance (UK))[110]
12th (Air Support) Engineer Brigade
12th (Air Support) Engineer Brigade oversaw those Royal Engineer units in the United Kingdom which were tasked with providing engineering support to RAF bases. The brigade also had administrative control over the TA squadrons until 1988, when they were brought under the operational control of the brigade.
212 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Wattisham
216 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Marham
218 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Brize Norton
219 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Coningsby
234 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Leeming
236 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Kinloss
267 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Waddington
277 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair), Royal Engineers (V), at
RAF Leuchars
529 Specialist Team (Air Support), Royal Engineers
30th Engineer Brigade
The 30th Engineer Brigade (Volunteers) contained three United Kingdom-based Territorial Army engineer regiments. If mobilised, the brigade would come under Commander Royal Engineers, British Army of the Rhine and provide a reinforcement role.[111] The brigade was also tasked with keeping the main supply route open and clear of obstacles.[8]
30th Engineer Brigade Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (V), at HQ REME TA, Louisbourg Barracks, Bordon[114]
Headquarters Scotland
Army Headquarters Scotland encompassing
Scotland. During peacetime the HQ doubles as the No. 1 Region, which encompassed Scotland. During wartime, the region would take over from the district as the overall HQ, and would be divided into two 'zones', which in Scotland encompassed Highland Zone overseen by 51st (Highland) Infantry Brigade, and Lowland Zone overseen by 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Brigade. These zones were further divided into several 'TAORs' (Tactical Area of Operational Responsibility).
52nd (Lowland) Infantry Brigade encompassing the
Scottish Lowlands:
Lothian,
Scottish Borders,
Dumfries and Galloway, and
Strathclyde (minus
Argyll). 52nd Brigade's primary role was that of mobile defence of the UK, with a particular emphasis on defending the military infrastructure at the UK end of the
Greenland-Iceland-UK (G-I-UK) Gap alongside 51 Brigade.[123] During war, the 52nd Brigade would oversee Lowland Zone, which encompassed the following TAORs:
North Strathclyde,
Dumfries and Galloway,
Borders, and
Lothian. These TAORs were further divided into several 'KPs' (Keypoints), which would nominally be guarded by Home Defence battalions, but also the new Home Service Force.[26]
According to the 1991 Master Order of Battle, the 146th Brigade was a home defence formation overseeing the regional units based in the North East. On mobilisation this brigade would be tasked with home defence, while the 2nd Division left for Germany. It comprised No. 2 Zone (
County Durham,
Northumberland, and
Tyne and Wear).
223rd (Durham) Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (V), at Barnard Armoury,
Newton Aycliffe (Field Ambulance (UK)) [to Commander Medical, 4th Armoured Division][8]
54th (East Anglian) Infantry Brigade was reformed in the mid 1980s to provide a regional brigade HQ and home defence force based within
Eastern England. The brigade was tasked solely with home defence.[26] It comprised Region No. 4 (encompassing
East Anglia divided into No. 1 Zone (
Cambridgeshire,
Norfolk, and
Suffolk) and No. 2 Zone (
Bedfordshire,
Essex, and
Hertfordshire)).[26]
According to the 1991 Master Order of Battle, the 161st Brigade was a home defence formation overseeing the regional units based in East Anglia. It comprised Region No. 3 (East Midlands divided into No. 1 Zone (
Derbyshire,
Lincolnshire, and
Nottinghamshire) and No. 2 Zone (
Leicestershire,
Northamptonshire, and
Rutland)).
222nd (East Midlands) Field Ambulance,
Royal Army Medical Corps (V), in
Leicester (Field Ambulance (UK)) [to Commander Medical, 4th Armoured Division][8]
London District
London District comprising the
County of London in addition to the barracks in
Windsor. Like the other districts within the United Kingdom, London Distrust was assigned a regional number, which was in this case Region No. 5 (London), which was further divided into No. 1 Zone (London).
56 Transport Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport, at Royal Artillery Barracks,
Woolwich Garrison[130]
Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital, Woolwich, at
Woolwich Garrison (becomes 30th General Hospital, RAMC on mobilisation, General Hospital) [to Commander Medical, RCZ][8]
56th (London) Infantry Brigade
56th (London) Infantry Brigade provided home defence.
251 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, at Duchess of Kent Barracks, Aldershot Garrison
41 Transport Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport, at Mons Barracks, Aldershot Garrison[128]
55 Ordnance Company (Ammo), Royal Army Ordnance Corps (V) [to 5th Ordnance Bn, Commander Supply, 1st British Corps][8][15][80]
93 Ordnance Company (V), in
Hilsea[80] [to Logistic Support Group][15][79]
9th Field Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (V), in Hilsea[98] [to Logistic Support Group][29][79]
133 (Kent) Corps Troops Workshop Company, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (V), in Maidstone[98] [to Commander Maintenance, Corps Troops, 1st British Corps][8]
Cambridge British Military Hospital, Aldershot, at Aldershot Garrison (becomes 33rd Field Hospital, RAMC on mobilisation) [to Commander Medical, 1st British Corps][8][22]
2nd (Southeast) Infantry Brigade
2nd (Southeast) Infantry Brigade would provide mobile home defence, with a priority on defending the ports of
South East England.[140] 2nd Infantry Brigade was unique because it was one of only 6 of its type to not oversee a specific zone. This is because the brigade was in the mobile defence role, and would instead perform liaison tasks, command TAORs directly, or would be incorporated into the Regional Headquarters where needed.[26]
145th (Home Counties) Infantry Brigade was due to be formed in 1991 to provide another regional brigade for South East District. The expansion of the TA in the area was one of the main causes for this creation. The new brigade oversaw No. 2 Zone (encompassing the
Thames Valley (the
Royal County of Berkshire,
Buckinghamshire, and
Oxfordshire) and
Hampshire, and the
Isle of Wight.). In addition, the brigade took over responsibility for the defence of the South East, as 2nd Infantry Brigade was a mobile defence formation, and not a regional headquarters. In 1989 this brigade was known simply as 'Aldershot Area', though is listed as a brigade her as the formation was in the process of standing up by the end of 1989 (note: became operational in 1991).
Defence Medical Equipment Depot, British Army of the Rhine, in
Ludgershall (TTW to 4th Garrison Area, becomes 82nd Field Medical Equipment Depot, RAMC) [to Commander Medical, RCZ][8]
43rd (Wessex) Infantry Brigade
43rd (Wessex) Infantry Brigade would provide mobile home defence if mobilised. 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Brigade was unique because it was one of only 6 of its type to not oversee a specific zone. This is because the brigade was in the mobile defence role, and would instead perform liaison tasks, command TAORs directly, or would be incorporated into the Regional Headquarters where needed.
The Queen's Royal Irish Hussars (split as the Armoured Reserve Regiment, see RAC Training and RAC Centre regiments)[8] (Type 53 Armoured (Chieftain))[8]
42nd (North West) Infantry Brigade was reformed in 1982 to provide a regional brigade HQ and home defence force based within the
North West of England. The brigade was tasked solely with home defence.[26]
In 1991, troops in under Army Headquarters Northern Ireland comprised some 11,000 British soldiers and about 6,000 members of the
Ulster Defence Regiment. The command is technically part of United Kingdom Land Forces (as Region No. 8), however because of the
Troubles, thee General Officer Command, reports to the Ministry of Defence and
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland directly. The commanding officer also has local Royal Navy, and more important, Royal Air Force units under command.[161] During the 1980s, HQ Northern Ireland oversaw some 17,000 total troops based within
Ulster. These forces included: 6 x 'resident' infantry battalions, 2 x infantry battalions on 'short tours', 1 x SAS specialise squadron, 2 x engineer squadrons, 2 x AAC Squadrons, and 11 x battalions of the Ulster Defence Regiment.[26]
22 Postal and Courier Squadron, Royal Engineers[14]
Royal Army Ordnance Corps Ordnance Depot, Northern Ireland[14]
177 (Support) Platoon, Royal Military Police, at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn[163]
3rd Infantry Brigade
3rd Infantry Brigade's primary role was that of Home Defence and was permanently stationed in Northern Ireland, with a particular emphasis of guarding the United Kingdom–Ireland border and combating the IRA. In 1988, a reorganisation of HQ Northern Ireland saw the 3rd Infantry Brigade HQ reformed in Armagh which directed all Army operations in the border area, allowing the other two brigades to focus in Anti-IRA operations in other areas. The brigade also held territorial responsibility for
County Fermanagh.[164] The brigade's TAORs (Tactical Areas of Responsibility) snakes from near
Newry in the south-east all the way round to
Strabane in the west, some 300 miles along the outer parts of
County Armagh,
County Fermanagh, and
County Tyrone.[161]
173 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn[163]
8th Infantry Brigade
3rd Infantry Brigade's primary role was that of Home Defence and was permanently stationed in Northern Ireland, with a particular emphasis of combating the IRA.[167] 8th Infantry Brigade oversaw the north and centre-west of the province, which includes
County Londonderry and
County Tyrone (except the border).[161]
3rd Infantry Brigade's primary role was that of Home Defence and was permanently stationed in Northern Ireland, with a particular emphasis of combating the IRA.[167] The brigade also oversaw regional responsibility for several TAORs (Tactical Area(s) of Responsibility), including
County Antrim,
County Armagh (except the UK-Ireland border region),
County Down, and the
City of Belfast.[161]
175 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn[163] [to Provost Marshal, BAOR][8]
107th (Ulster) Brigade
107th (Ulster) Brigade was formed in 1988 as an administrative HQ to coordinate the TA units in Northern Ireland. However, it did not become a field formation until the mid 1990s.[176]
The British Army Training Unit Suffield, though normally shortened to BATUS is a training unit of the Army based on the
Canadian Prairies in
Alberta,
Canada. According to the 1991 Master Order of Battle, there were not permanently assigned/detached units based at the location. The British Army of the Rhine was 'assigned' to the unit provided training there, while UKLF used the
Salisbury Plain. Therefore, the area was heavily used by armoured/armoured infantry/wheeled infantry battlegroups.
75 (British Army Training Unit Suffield) Ordnance Company, Royal Army Ordnance Corps[15]
Adjutant General's Department
The Office of the Adjutant General to the Forces oversaw all training, recruiting, and personnel issues. It also oversaw 5 of the army corps headquarters and staff.
1st Deputy Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Brigadier Samuel T. Webber
1st Deputy Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Brigadier R. A. Weston
Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (Organisation and Training) Brigadier Michael H. Carey
Director Engineering Policy (Army)
Director of Production Engineering Brigadier James Dennis (till December 1989), then Brigadier R. Coop
Royal Marines
The
Royal Marines (RM) are not part of the British Army, however some army units provide support to the RM and 3 Commando Brigade, and these units are listed below. In the event of mobilisation, the brigade would be deployed to
Northern Norway tasked with defending
NATO's northern flank.[257]
Commando Ordnance Squadron, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, in Coypool, Plymouth[15]
Ministry of Defence
Of course the
Ministry of Defence (MoD) was not an army command by any means, but many officers and appointments reported directly to the MoD. Those who worked for the MoD were nicknamed the "Whitehall Johnnies".
British Forces Gibraltar was an oversees command of the Armed Forces headquartered at
Flagstaff House. The group was commanded in turn by a two-star commanding officer of the
Royal Navy, in the rank of
Rear Admiral.[265] The officer was designated as 'Flag Officer Gibraltar' (FOGIBRALTAR), which reported to
Commander-in-Chief Fleet (CINCFLEET). During this period, BF Gibraltar comprised: 720 Naval and Royal Marine personnel, 771 Army personnel, and 456 RAF personnel, totally some 2,000 deployed personnel.[267]
Fortress Troop, 2nd Postal and Courier Regiment, Royal Engineers
British Forces Belize
British Forces Belize was an oversees command of the Armed Forces headquartered at
Price Barracks in
Ladyville,
Belize. The group was commanded in turn by a one-star commanding officer, in the rank of
Brigadier.[265] The group was known as Belize Garrison throughout the Army.' During this period, BF Belize comprised: 1,200 Army personnel, 200 RAF personnel, totalling some 1,200 deployed personnel.[267][272] Note: RAF units are listed as the commander of BF Belize was an army officer, and therefore oversaw some other services' units.
1 x Infantry Battalion (HQ and 1 x Rifle Company at Airport Camp, Belize City, rest of battalion split as (Battle Group North and South)[249][133](Light Infantry, 15 x
Land Rovers, 8 x
81mm Mortars and 6 x
Milan Anti-Tank Missiles)
British Forces Cyprus was an oversees command of the Armed Forces headquartered at
RAF Akrotiri in the
Akrotiri sovereign base area. The group was commanded in turn by a two-star general commanding officer either of the
British Army (
Major General) or
Royal Air Force (
Air Vice Marshal).[265][249] During this period BF Cyprus comprised: 3,353 Army personnel, 1,393 RAF personnel, and 18 marines, totalling some 4,700 deployed personnel.[265]
1 x Armoured Reconnaissance Squadron (6 x
Ferret armoured cars and 2 x
Alvis Saracen APCs) – special organisation, referred to as the 'Cyprus Armoured Car Squadron' – deployed until December 1990[8][133][280]
2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, at Salamanca Barracks, Episkopi Garrison[136] (Light Infantry)[133] – deployed on 2 year roulement from February 1988 to February 1990
British Forces Hong Kong was an oversees command of the Armed Forces headquartered at
Flagstaff House. The group was commanded in turn by a two-star commanding officer, in the rank of
Major General.[265] During this period BF Hong Kong comprised: 8,017 Army personnel (1,917 British, 4,765 Gurkha, and 1,335 Locals), 650 (378 locals) Navy personnel, and 278 RAF personnel, totalling some 9,000 personnel.[265]
British Garrison Brunei was a subordinate overseas garrison of the British Army, overseen by British Forces Hong Kong. The garrison's headquarters were in
Seria. During this period, the garrison comprised some 900 deployed personnel.[265]
British Gurkhas Nepal was a subordinate overseas garrison of the British Army, overseen by British Forces Hong Kong. The garrison comprised some 1,500 locally enlisted personnel of the
Indian Army,
Royal Nepalese Army, and
Gurkhas.[265]
Military Engineering Services (Public Assistance) Nepal,
Royal Engineers
Unknown assignments
73rd Base Pay Office, Royal Army Pay Corps (V) [to Logistic Support Group]
2nd Field Hospital, Royal Army Medical Corps, in England?[8][301]
Footnotes
^Until 1995, the title of 'Group' in the Intelligence Corps indicated a Lieutenant Colonel's command, equivalent to that of battalion.
^7 Intelligence Company oversaw the 70 series intelligence sections attached to the Corps HQ and divisional HQs. The 700 series intelligence detachments were attached to brigade HQs.
^
abcdThe two armoured reconnaissance regiments in West Germany would come under the control of Brigadier Royal Armoured Corps, BAOR. These regiments along with No. 664 Squadron AAC would form the Corps
Border Surveillance Force, an ad-hoc reconnaissance-screening force.
^All Pro Coys in BAOR (less 101 Pro Coy) were nominally Corps Troops. However the Coys which sp the Divs were under administrative command of the Divs in peacetime. In addition in peace 110 Pro Coy was under admin command of 3 Armd Div and 115 Pro Coy was under admin command of 1 Armd Div in whose areas they were based.
^Cite error: The named reference Border Surveillance force was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
^2 YORKS were the reserve for the Corps Rear Area providing one Heliborne Reserve Company and three lorried infantry Companies. The Bn were to be prepared to support the rest of the Corps where necessary.
^The brigade was previously known as 24th Infantry Brigade and organised similarly to 19th Infantry Brigade (3rd Armoured Division), but after extensive trails swapped roles with the soon converted 6th Airmobile Brigade and became an airmobile formation itself. Note: 6th Airmobile Brigade was subsequently disbanded and reorganised as the 6th Armoured Brigade in West Germany.
^
abcThe field artillery regiments and air defence regiment remained under brigade control (for administrative purposes). However, if mobilised, these regiments would join the divisional artillery command.
^This battalion was extremely under-strength, so much so that only two rifle companies and a support company existed
^Oversaw the home defence companies (Home Service Force) for administrative purposes.
^Elements to 1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Airborne Brigade, Allied Mobile Force (Land), and UKSH.
^Sections at Colchester Garrison, Taunton, Bulford, Preston, York, and Edinburgh
^Conversion to Airmobile Infantry halted in 1988 and was to be replaced at next arms plot change (1991). Therefore, if mobilised the battalion would join the 24th Airmobile Brigade, was under 42nd Brigade otherwise. During this period, the battalion was also the Northern Ireland province reinforcement bn.
Notes
^Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
^Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
^Cite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
^Davies (see page above) notes "One Troop would be allocated to the post-1982 Falklands Garrison." Therefore the establishment of the battery here is different from that of the normal AD battery.
^Battle Group North is based at Airport Camp, with its main detachment at Holdfast Camp.
^Supported by a armoured recce troop of Scimitars and Scorpions, and a troop of 105mm light guns.
^Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the
help page).
Citations
^British Army, 1991 Master Order of Battle, Ministry of Defence, London. London, United Kingdom. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
^
abc"Formation of the PC Regiments". British Forces Postal Office Veterans: Postal Courier Services Branch Royal Engineers Association. Retrieved 17 October 2021.{{
cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (
link)
The Military Balance,1986–1987. London, United Kingdom: International Institute for Strategic Studies. 1986.
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