List of British Army formations during the Victorian era

This is a list of British divisions formed during the Victorian era. During this period, divisions were raised on an ad hoc basis for a particular conflict. Not all of them are seen as being connected to the divisions raised by the British Army in the 20th Century. For example, Everard Wyrall, the official historian of the 2nd Division during the First World War, described the division's lineage as only including the Crimean and the Second Boer War.

Eighth Xhosa War

+DivisionsFormation nameCreatedCeased to existLocations servedNotes1st Division2nd Division1851 1851 Cape ColonyA 1,250 strong 2nd Division was organised in 1851 under Colonel George Mackinnon

Crimean War

Second Opium War

This force was raised from the Presidency armies and British forces based in India.

+DivisionsFormation nameCreatedCeased to existLocations servedNotes1st Division2nd DivisionMajor-General Robert Napier commanded a division made up of British and Indian forces

Second Anglo-Afghan War

This force was raised from the Presidency armies and British forces based in India.

+DivisionsFormation nameCreatedCeased to existLocations servedNotes1st Division2nd Division

Anglo-Zulu War

+DivisionsFormation nameCreatedCeased to existLocations servedNotes1st Division18791879Natal colony, ZululandAlso known as No. 1 Division. The division, under the command of Major-General Henry Hope Crealock was formed from troops that had arrived in southern Africa. At the start of the campaign, it comprised 6,508 Imperial and irregulars and 2,707 men of the Natal Native Contingent. 2nd Division18791879Natal colony, ZululandAlso known as No. 2 Division. The division, under the command of Major-General Edward Newdegate, was formed from troops that had arrived in southern Africa. At the start of the campaign, it comprised 6,867 Imperial and irregulars and 3,371 men of the Natal Native Contingent.

Anglo-Egyptian War

+DivisionsFormation nameCreatedCeased to existLocations servedNotes1st Division18821882EgyptDuring August 1882, the division was formed from troops that had arrived in Egypt. It was placed under the command of Lieutenant-General George Willis2nd Division18821882EgyptDuring August 1882, the division was formed from troops that had arrived in Egypt. It was placed under the command of Lieutenant-General Edward Bruce HamleyCavalry Division18821882EgyptDuring August 1882, the division was formed from troops that had arrived in Egypt. It was placed under the command of Major-General Drury Drury-Lowe

Second Boer War

Footnotes

Citations

References