British Army

Tables of Organization (T/Os) / War Establishments (W/Es)

in World War II (c. 1939-1945):

MRS has created Tables of Organization (T/Os) for British Army units in World War II. The T/Os use the same format as for the United States Army Tables of Organization. Data has been extracted from official British War Office documents published during WWII including War Establishments (W/Es - the British equivalent to US T/Os) and other official documents, such as, "Infantry Training, Part VIII - Fieldcraft, Battle Drill, Section and Platoon Tactics", dated 4 March 1944.

"D" in the "Type" column indicates that detail is available down to each man, including rank and individual weapon carried. "D*" in the "Type" column indicates that detail is available down to each man, except for individual weapon carried. "S" in the "Type" column indicates that the T/O provides summary data for the unit.

Infantry T/Os

The following T/Os are based upon War Establishment II/233/3, dated 12 Nov 1944. An Infantry Battalion consisted of a Headquarters Company, a Support Company (which contained mortar, carrier, antitank, and pioneer platoons), and four Rifle Companies. Three Infantry Battalions were assigned to an Infantry Brigade, and three Infantry Brigades were assigned to each Infantry Division. A single Infantry Brigade was also assigned to each Armored Division.

Motorized Infantry T/Os

The Motor Battalion T/Os are based upon War Establishment II/231/3, dated 19 Jan 1944. An Motor Battalion consisted of a Headquarters Company, a Support Company (which contained three antitank and two machine gun platoons), and three Motor Companies. One Motor Battalion was assigned to the Armored Brigade of an Armored Division.

The Independent Machine Gun Company T/O is based upon War Establishment II/139/2, dated 11 Feb 1944. One Independent Machine Gun Company (containing both .303-inch medium machine guns and 4.2-inch mortars) was assigned to the Infantry Brigade (non-motorized) of an Armored Division.

Armored T/Os

The following T/Os are based upon War Establishment II/157/1, dated 1 May 1945. An Armored Regiment consisted of a Headquarters Squadron and three Armored Squadrons. Three Armored Regiments were assigned to each Armored Brigade. An Armored Division contained a single Armored Brigade.

Note: A British Armored Regiment was the equivalent size of an US Army Armored Battalion. Similarly, a British Armored Squadron was the equivalent size of an US Army Tank Company.