Home > Indian History > History of India > 31st Indian Armoured Division
31st Indian Armoured Division
31st Indian Armoured Division was a former armoured division of the British Indian Army. The battalion remained in service from the year 1940 to 1945.

Share this Article:

The 31st Indian Armoured Division was a former armoured division of the British Indian Army. The battalion remained in service from the year 1940 to 1945. It was raised with the purpose of providing service during the Second World War. The unit initially comprised two Armoured Brigades, namely 1st Indian Armoured Brigade and 2nd Indian Armoured Brigade; and one Motor Brigade, namely 3rd Indian Motor Brigade.

History of 31st Indian Armoured Division
The 31st Indian Armoured Division was raised in 1941. It was established from the 1st Indian Support Group. The brigades were renamed as the 251st and 252nd Indian Armoured Brigades and 31st Indian Support Group. The support group was dissolved in 1942 and the 251st brigade was detached. The remainder of the 31st Indian Armoured Division was attached with the British Tenth Army. Later it participated in military operations in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. The motor brigade was stationed in Egypt and took part in the Western Desert Campaign in 1942 and later from 1944 to 1945. In April 1944, the division was sent to Egypt.

On 1st September 1945, the 31st Indian Armoured Division was re-designated as the 1st Indian Armoured Division. After the country gained freedom from the supremacy of the British Empire in India on 15th August 1947, the nation was divided into the Union of India and the Dominion of Pakistan with the Partition of India. The regiment was assigned to the modern Army of India. Presently it is headquartered at Jhansi in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Brigades of 31st Indian Armoured Division
The 31st Indian Armoured Division consisted of the following British Indian brigades-
252nd Indian Armoured Brigade (Commander G. Carr White)
* 14th/20th Hussars
* 14th Prince of Wales`s Own Scinde Horse
* 1/4th Bombay Grenadiers

3rd Indian Motor Brigade (Commander A.A.E. Filose)
* 2nd Lancers (Gardner`s Horse)
* 11th Prince Albert Victor`s Own Cavalry (Frontier Force)
* 18th King Edward`s Own Cavalry
* 2/6th Gurkha Rifles
* 2/8th Gurkha Rifles
* 2/10th Gurkha Rifles

Divisional Units
* 13th Duke of Connaught`s Own Lancers
* 15th Field Artillery, Royal Artillery
* 144th Field Artillery, Royal Artillery
* 79th Antitank Regiment, Royal Artillery
* 32nd Field Squadron, QVO Madras Sappers and Miners
* 39th Field Park Squadron, QVO Madras Sappers and Miners
* 31st Indian Armoured Divisional Signals


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India

History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal architecture during Babur marked the foundation of a new architectural era in India, blending Timurid, Persian, and local influences. His reign emphasized garden design, notably the Charbagh layout, and modest yet elegant structures. As the first Mughal emperor in India who introduced this architecture during 16th century Babur’s creations reflected symmetry, functionality, and a deep appreciation for nature.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.