The 61st (2nd South Midland) Division was an infantry division of the British Army raised in 1915 during the Great War as a second-line reserve for the first-line battalions of the 48th (South Midland) Division. The division was sent to the Western Front in May 1916 and served there for the duration of the First World War.

Unit history

The division landed in France in May 1916. On 19 July 1916, together with the 5th Australian Division, the 61st Division fought the Battle of Fromelles, designed as a feint attack as part of the Somme Offensive. The attack, against well prepared German positions based on a ridge, was a disaster and responsible for the subsequent poor reputation of the Division. The division later took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line and the Third Battle of Ypres.

Order of Battle

The order of battle was as follows: The brigade contained the following battalions until February 1918 when most of them were disbanded. Between February and June 1918 the 183rd Brigade contained the following battalions. From May 1918 the following battalions joined the Brigade.

Battles

General Officer Commanding

Commanding officers were: