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Information About

South African 2nd Infantry Division





HISTORY


The division was formed on 23 October 1940 with its divisional HQ at Voortrekkerhoogte , South Africa . On 21 June 1942 two complete infantry brigades of the division as well as most of the supporting units were captured at the fall of Tobruk .

The divisional commanders during its existence were:
  • From IP de Villiers

  • From FH Theron (acting)

  • From 5 September 1941 : Major General IP de Villiers

  • From 14 May 1942 : Major General HB Klopper



ORDER OF BATTLE


Many different units formed part of the division during its existence. As a representative example of the structure of the division, its order of battle just before the division's capture at the Battle of Tobruk (fighting as part of the British 8th Army ) can be given:


Note: After the capture of the rest of the division, III South African Infantry Brigade and the 1st Field Regiment, Cape Field Artillery, South African Artillery, formally became part of the South African 1st Infantry Division .


THEATRES OF OPERATION


The theatres that the division served in were as follows:



BATTLES, ACTIONS AND ENGAGEMENTS


The division took part in the following battles, actions and engagements:


1942