Independent Company

An Independent Company was a formation of the British Army during the Second World War. Initially there were 10 independent companies, who were raised from volunteers in second line Territorial Army divisions in April 1940. They were intended for guerrilla-style operations in Norway following Operation Weserübung. Each of the 10 companies initially consisted of 21 officers and 268 other ranks. Another company was formed, No. 11 Company which was raised after the other Independent Companies on 14 June 1940. It was formed by asking for volunteers from the men already serving in the other companies and had an establishment of 25 officers and 350 other ranks. No.11 Company took part in the first British commando raid, Operation Collar

Companies
The 10 initial companies were formed from volunteers from Territorial Army divisions:
 * No. 1 Independent Company formed from 52nd Lowland Division
 * No. 2 Independent Company formed from 53rd Welsh Division
 * No. 3 Independent Company formed from 54th East Anglian Division
 * No. 5 Independent Company formed from 56th London Division
 * No. 4 Independent Company formed from 55th West Lancs. Division
 * No. 6 Independent Company formed from 9th Scottish Division
 * No. 7 Independent Company formed from 15th Scottish Division
 * No. 8 Independent Company formed from 18th Eastern Division
 * No. 9 Independent Company formed from 38th Welsh Division
 * No. 10 Independent Company formed from 66th East Lancs. Division