42nd (North West) Brigade and Headquarters North West

The 42nd Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North West, also known as 42 (North West) Brigade, is a brigade of the British Army.

History
The brigade was originally a formation of the 14th (Light) Division of the British Army in World War I. It was re-formed during the Second World War as a security force to protect lines of communication in North Africa.

In November 1943 the brigade HQ was redesignated as the HQ of the 57th Infantry Division for deception purposes. The brigade was disbanded in July 1944.

Current operations
42 (North West) Brigade today provides administrative support for the British Army in the region of North West England and the Isle of Man. Its headquarters are situated at Fulwood Barracks in Preston. The brigade controls two Territorial Army infantry battalions as well as a number of other TA units.

Today's brigade primarily perpetuates the history of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division, formed as part of the Territorial Force in 1907 and which fought in World War I and World War II.

Composition today

 * 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire and Border)
 * 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery
 * 75th Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
 * 156th Supply Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps

Future
Under Army 2020 it be renamed as 42nd Infantry Brigade and be the regional point of command for the North West of England. Its units will include the 2nd and 4th Battalions, the Mercian Regiment and 2nd and 4th Battalions the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.