Mod British

British Orders of Battle & TO&Es 1980-1989 v3.
7
By R Mark Davies for Battlefront: Modern
British Army of the Rhine (NORTHAG)
(ah)
III (Fr) Corps (d)

I (Br) Corps (b)
I (NL) Corps (g)

Force dAction Rapide (d)
I (Ge) Corps (g)
I (Be) Corps (f)

US III Corps (e)
Northern Territorial Command

Berlin Field Force/Infantry Brigade (c)
(a) NATOs Central Command (AFCENT), which covered most of West Germany and the Low Countries, was organised into two Army Groups
the US-led Central Army Group (CENTAG) and the British-led Northern Army Group (NORTHAG). The General Officer Commanding the
British Army Of the Rhine (BAOR) was also therefore, commander of NORTHAG, comprising British, Netherlands, West German and Belgian
corps, as well as multi-national Army Group support troops. The British Army therefore fielded a full Army tactical headquarters element in
West Germany, in addition to the I (Br) Corps Headquarters.
(b) During the late 1970s and again in the late 1980s there was the intention to create a II (Br) Corps during any mobilisation for war.
However, it is highly unlikely that any new combat formations were to be created. The four British divisions, plus the Corps Troops of the large
I (Br) Corps were simply to be split in half.
(c) The Berlin Field Force (re-designated a Brigade from 1983) was administratively attached to BAOR, though in wartime it would come
under the joint US-UK-French Berlin Command. The Western Allied Berlin Brigades were actually outside the NATO command structure.
(d) While there were no permanent command structures in place, there was an understanding that the French III Corps would come under
NORTHAG command in wartime. There was also the additional possibility of support from the corps-sized Force dAction Rapide (FAR).
(e) The US III Corps was the main REFORGER reinforcement formation that would come under NORTHAG command in wartime. To aid this
deployment, a single brigade of the 2nd Armored Division was pre-positioned within the NORTHAG area, along with depots containing large
quantities of heavy equipment that could be made operational simply by flying in the personnel to man it. There was also the slim possibility
that the US XVIII Airborne Corps might come under NORTHAG command, though it was more likely that they would be deployed to
AFNORTH (i.e. Denmark & Norway), AFSOUTH (i.e. Mediterranean & Black Sea) or elsewhere in the world.
(f) The tiny Luxembourg Battlegroup was assigned to I (Be) Corps.
(g) Only a single brigade (plus Corps headquarters and some corps assets) of I (NL) Corps was deployed forward in West Germany during
peacetime. West German 3. Panzer-Division would therefore be assigned in wartime to that corps from I (Ge) Corps, in order to give I (NL)
Corps a fighting chance while the remainder of the corps was moving forward from the home country.
(h) Note that NATOs LANDJUT Corps, which had responsibility for the Danish-German border area east of the Elbe, reported to AFNORTH
and not to AFCENT or NORTHAG. This was essentially due to geography and the political necessity for LANDJUT to defend Denmark. In
wartime, these chiefly Danish-German forces would be reinforced by multi-national NATO forces from ACE Mobile Force (Land), including at
least one British brigade. These British forces would not come under BAOR command.
I (Br) Corps (circa 1980-82)
I (Br) Corps (circa 1982-89)
1st Armoured Division
1st Armoured Division
2nd Armoured Division
2nd Infantry Division

(Normally based in the UK)
3rd Armoured Division
3rd Armoured Division
4th Armoured Division
4th Armoured Division

(Div HQ & 19th Infantry Bde normally based in UK)
5th Field Force
Parachute Regiment Group
(aka 24th Infantry Brigade)
(1989 only - grouping of TA Para Bns based in UK)
7th Field Force

(aka 19th Infantry Brigade normally based in UK)
12 & 22 Air Defence Regiments Royal Artillery (a)
5 Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery (M107) (a)
32 & 39 Heavy Regiments Royal Artillery (M110) (a)
50 Missile Regiment Royal Artillery (Lance) (a)
12 & 22 Air Defence Regiments Royal Artillery (a)

5 Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery (M107) (a)
32 & 39 Heavy Regiments Royal Artillery (M110) (a)
50 Missile Regiment Royal Artillery (Lance) (a)
23 & 25 Engineer Regiments Royal Engineers
65 Corps Support Squadron Royal Engineers
28 Amphibious Regiment Royal Engineers
28 Amphibious Regiment Royal Engineers
32 Armoured Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers
32 Armoured Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers
65 Corps Support Squadron Royal Engineers
664 Army Aviation Squadron
Reconnaissance Regiment
(Rotated regiments - normally based in UK)
664 Army Aviation Squadron
(a) I (Br) Corps corps-level Royal Artillery assets were initially grouped as 1st Artillery Division. The Artillery Division headquarters was
downsized in 1985 and the formation was re-designated 1st Artillery Brigade. Nevertheless, the basic grouping of assets (x2 Air Defence
Regiments, x3 Heavy Regiments and x1 Missile Regiment, plus Artillery Transport and Locating Regiments) remained the same.
UK Land Forces (UKLF) (a)
Other Overseas Garrisons
6th Field Force/5th Airborne Brigade
48th (Gurkha) Infantry Brigade

(Hong Kong Garrison)
(Strategic Reserve)
8th Field Force/1st Infantry Brigade
Brunei Garrison
(UK Defence, then re-roled to UK Mobile Force from 1982)
2nd Infantry Brigade

(+) Cyprus
Garrison
3rd Infantry Brigade

(Northern Ireland)
Gibraltar Garrison
5th (Guards) Infantry Brigade

8th Infantry Brigade
(+)
Belize Garrison
(-)
Falklands Garrison (Pre-1982 War)
(+)
Falklands Garrison (Post-1982 War)
(Northern Ireland)

(Northern Ireland)
42nd Infantry Brigade
Bermuda Garrison
43rd (Wessex) Infantry Brigade
51st (Highland) Infantry Brigade
52nd (Lowland) Infantry Brigade
56th (London) Infantry Brigade
143rd Infantry Brigade
160th (Wales) Infantry Brigade
UK Special Forces (SAS & SBS) (a)
21 Special Air Service (TA)
22 Special Air Service
23 Special Air Service (TA)
Special Boat Squadron/Service (a)
3 Commando Brigade
(Under Royal Navy command, but affiliated to UKLF)
(a) UKSF was formed in 1987 to co-ordinate the previously separate
efforts of the SAS, SBS and 14th Intelligence Company. The SBS was
also reorganised and expanded at this time, to essentially mirror the
four-squadron organisation of 22 SAS. It was also renamed at this time
from Special Boat Squadron to Special Boat Service.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-01
British Armoured Division 1980-82 (ah)

(1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Armoured Divisions)
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-05
x2 Armoured Task Force (ab)
BG CWBR-20
x1 Reconnaissance Regiment
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
(a) In 1976 the British Army Of the Rhine was completely reorganised as four Armoured Divisions. The old Brigade
organisation was removed and in its place was the Task
Force concept, which was designed to be heavy on teeth
arms and light on organic logistical tail elements, which
would be massed at the divisional level and allocated where
needed. In addition, there were independent Field Forces
which contained their own organic logistical support
elements. Both Task Forces and Field Forces would be
extensively reinforced by regular Army and Territorial Army
Infantry Battalions in wartime.
ME CWBR-13
x1 Light Air Defence Battery (c)
(b) 1st Armoured Division comprised Task Force (TF) Alpha

& TF Bravo. 2nd Armoured Division had TFs Charlie &
Delta. 3rd Armoured Division had TFs Echo & Foxtrot.
4th Armoured Division had TFs Golf & Hotel.
ME CWBR-16
x3 Engineer Field Squadron
(c) The Light Air Defence Battery belonged administratively

to one of the two SP artillery regiments in the division.
However, it operated tactically as an independent unit.
ME CWBR-22
x1 Anti-Tank Guided Weapons Battery (d)
FIRE SUPPORT ELEMENTS

FSE CWBR-03
x2 Self-Propelled Light Field Artillery
(d) Prior to the 1976 reorganisations, the Swingfire ATGM

vehicles (both FV-438 and CVR(T) Striker) were operated as
ATGW Troops organic to the Armoured and Recce
Regiments. They were then massed under the command of
the Royal Horse Artillery as a Corps Guided Weapons
Regiment. In practice, the regiment was divided up into
batteries, with each battery being allocated to a division, as
shown here. This organisation was scrapped in the 1982
Regiment (ce) reorganisation and all Swingfire ATGM vehicles were
returned to the Armoured and Recce Regiments.
ORGANIC DIVISIONAL AVIATION ASSETS

x6 or x12 Gazelle AH Mk 1 Helicopter (f)
CWBR-43
x6 or x12 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (fg)
CWBR-42
(e) The M109 upgrade programme began in 1980. May

therefore convert x1 Self-Propelled Light Field Artillery
Regiment to a Self-Propelled Field Artillery Regiment (FSE
CWBR-01).
(f) The Division would have an Army Air Corps Regiment at
its disposal, equipped with three squadrons, each of x6
aircraft: Regiments would either have x2 Scout/Lynx
Squadrons and x1 Gazelle Squadron or x2 Gazelle
Squadrons and x1 Scout/Lynx Squadron.
(g) The Scout helicopters were steadily replaced through the
80s with Lynx. May therefore replace Scout with:
Lynx AH Mk 1 Utility Helicopter
CWBR-44
Lynx AH Mk 1 (TOW) Attack Helicopter
CWBR-45
(h) I (Br) Corps assets in West Germany comprised x2
Infantry Field Forces (BG CWBR-08), x2 Heavy Artillery
Regiments equipped with M107 175mm hoitzers (FSE
CWBR-09), x1 Heavy Artillery Regiment equipped with M110
SP 203mm howitzers (FSE CWBR-11), x2 x6 Air Defence
Batteries (Rapier) (ME CWBR-14), x3 Armoured Engineer
Squadrons (ME CWBR-31) and additional engineering and
aviation assets, including RAF Wessex, Puma and Chinook
transport helicopters. More such assets would deploy as
reinforcements from the UK. There was also a Missile
Regiment equipped with Lance Tactical Missiles.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-02

(1st & 3rd Armoured Divisions)
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-06
x3 Armoured Brigades (b)
BG CWBR-20
x1 Reconnaissance Regiment (c)
(a) Following the 1982 reorganisations, BAOR had two Armoured

Divisions (1st & 3rd) permanently deployed in Germany, with a third
Armoured Division (4th) partially deployed in Germany. In the event
of war, several reinforcement formations and units (including 2nd
Infantry Division) could be deployed at relatively short notice from the
UK. During the late 1980s a II (Br) Corps was also proposed, with
the four British divisions being split between it. However, although a
headquarters was formed, this plan does not seem to have come to
fruition before the end of the Cold War and no additional assets
seem to have been allocated as Corps troops.
(b) The three Armoured Brigades in each division had a total of x5
Mechanised Infantry Battalions and x4 Armoured Regiments
between them. One of the three Armoured Brigades would therefore
be heavy, having x2 Armoured Regiments and x1 Mechanised
Infantry Battalion, while the other two brigades would have x1
Armoured Regiment and x2 Mechanised Infantry Battalions. 7th,
12th & 22nd Armoured Brigades served with 1st Armoured Division,
while 4th, 6th & 33rd Armoured Brigades served with 3rd Armoured
Division.
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-13
x1 to x3 Light Air Defence Battery (d)
ME CWBR-13
Up to x1 Air Defence Battery (Rapier) (d)
(c) The 1st Armoured Divisions Recce Regiment was normally

deployed in the UK and would receive it upon mobilisation for war.
There were some slight organisational differences in UK-based
Recce Regiments following the 1982 reorganisation (see BG CWBR13). 3rd Armoured Divisions Recce Regiment was permanently
deployed in West Germany.
ME CWBR-16

FSE CWBR-01
x1 or x2 SP Field Artillery Regt (e)
FSE CWBR-03
x1 or x2 SP Light Field Artillery Regt (e)
CWBR-43
CWBR-42
(d) The divisional Light Air Defence element was increased between
1983 & 1985 from just x1 Light Air Defence Battery to a full regiment
of x3 Light Air Defence Batteries and x1 Air Defence Battery
(Rapier). These Rapiers had become available following the
introduction of Tracked Rapier at Corps level during this period.
(e) Following the 1982 reorganisations, the divisions each had x1 SP
Field Regiment (M109 155mm) and x2 SP Light Field Regiments
(Abbott 105mm). However, the M109 upgrade programme was
ongoing and each division had x2 SP Field Regiments (M109) and
x1 SP Light Field Regiment (Abbott) by the mid-1980s.
(f) The Division would have an Army Air Corps Regiment at its
disposal, equipped with three squadrons, each of x6 aircraft:
Regiments would either have x2 Lynx Squadrons and x1 Gazelle
Squadron or x2 Gazelle Squadrons and x1 Lynx Squadron.
(g) The Scout helicopters were steadily replaced through the 80s
with Lynx. May therefore replace Scout with:
CWBR-44
CWBR-45
(h) Following the 1982 reorganisation, I (Br) Corps assets in
Germany comprised x2 Heavy Artillery Regiments equipped with
M107 SP 175mm howitzers (FSE CWBR-09), x1 Heavy Artillery
Regiment equipped with M110 SP 203mm howitzers (FSE CWBR11), x4 Air Defence Batteries (Tracked Rapier) (ME CWBR-15), x4
Air Defence Batteries (Rapier) (ME CWBR-14), x1 Reconnaissance
Regiment (BG CWBR-20 (UK-based)), x3 Armoured Engineer
Squadrons (ME CWBR-31) and additional engineering and aviation
assets, including RAF Wessex, Puma and Chinook transport
helicopters. More such assets would deploy as reinforcements from
the UK. There was also a Missile Regiment equipped with Lance
Tactical Missiles.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-03

(4th Armoured Division)
(a) As can be seen, 4th Armoured Division was organised slightly

differently from 1st & 3rd Armoured Divisions following the 1982
reorganisations, with x2 Armoured Brigades and x1 Infantry Brigade.
(b) The two Armoured Brigades in 4th Armoured Division (11th &
20th Armoured Brigades) had a total of x3 Mechanised Infantry
Battalions and x3 Armoured Regiments between them. One of the
three Armoured Brigades would therefore be heavy, having x2
Armoured Regiments and x1 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, while
the other brigade had x1 Armoured Regiment and x2 Mechanised
Infantry Battalions.
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-06
x2 Armoured Brigades (b)
BG CWBR-09
x1 Infantry Brigade (c)
(c) The 19th Infantry Brigade was created from 7th Field Force
during the 1982 reorganisation. It would reinforce from the UK
during mobilisation for war. Some divisional assets would also
deploy from the UK, including the divisions single towed Field
Artillery Regiment.
BG CWBR-20
x1 Reconnaissance Regiment (d)
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
(d) The 4th Armoured Divisions Recce Regiment was permanently

deployed in West Germany.
ME CWBR-13
x1 to x3 Light Air Defence Battery (e)
(e) The divisional Light Air Defence element was increased between
ME CWBR-13
Up to x1 Air Defence Battery (Rapier) (e)
ME CWBR-16
(f) The Division would have an Army Air Corps Regiment at its
Regiments would either have x2 Lynx Squadrons and x1 Gazelle
Squadron or x2 Gazelle Squadrons and x1 Lynx Squadron.

FSE CWBR-01
x1 Self-Propelled Field Artillery Regiment
FSE CWBR-03
x1 Self-Propelled Light Field Artillery Regt
FSE CWBR-05
x1 Field Artillery Regiment (c)
CWBR-43
CWBR-42
CWBR-44
CWBR-45
(h) Following the 1982 reorganisation, I (Br) Corps assets in
Germany comprised x2 Heavy Artillery Regiments equipped with
M107 SP 175mm howitzers (FSE CWBR-09), x1 Heavy Artillery
Regiment equipped with M110 SP 203mm howitzers (FSE CWBR11), x4 Air Defence Batteries (Tracked Rapier) (ME CWBR-15), x4
Air Defence Batteries (Rapier) (ME CWBR-14), x1 Reconnaissance
Regiment (BG CWBR-20 (UK-based)), x3 Armoured Engineer
Squadrons (ME CWBR-31) and additional engineering and aviation
assets, including RAF Wessex, Puma and Chinook transport
helicopters. More such assets would deploy as reinforcements from
the UK. There was also a Missile Regiment equipped with Lance
Tactical Missiles.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-04
British Infantry Division 1982-89 (ai)

(2nd Infantry Division)
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-09
x1 Infantry Brigade (b)
(a) 2nd Infantry Division was created during the 1982 reorganisation,
replacing 2nd Armoured Division. The division was based in the UK
and was assigned to reinforce I (Br) Corps during mobilisation for
war. Many of its headquarters, logistic and support elements came
from the Territorial Army (TA: i.e. Volunteer Reserves), as did two of
its Infantry Brigades.
(b) The 24th Infantry Brigade was created from the 5th Field Force
during the 1982 reorganisation. It was permanently deployed
forward in West Germany during the early 1980s, but was eventually
withdrawn back to the UK. In 1988 it was re-roled to become 24th
Airmobile Brigade.
Alternative:
BG CWBR-11
x1 Airmobile Infantry Brigade (b)
(c) The Territorial Army provided the 15th & 49th Infantry Brigades,
BG CWBR-10
x2 Territorial Army (TA) Infantry Brigade (cd) two Yeomanry Recce Regiments, two Artillery Regiments and a
considerable amount of the supporting arms to 2nd Infantry Division.

It also provided the bulk of the forces defending the UK itself.
BG CWBR-21
x2 Yeomanry (TA) Reconnaissance Regt (cd) (d) The two TA Yeomanry Regiments were attached administratively
to the two TA Brigades. However, upon arrival in Germany they
would come under the direct control of the divisional commander.
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
(e) The divisional Light Air Defence element was increased between
ME CWBR-13
x1 to x3 Light Air Defence Battery (e)
ME CWBR-13
Up to x1 Air Defence Battery (Rapier) (e)
(f) The divisions artillery element was steadily upgraded during the
early & mid-1980s from the L118 105mm Light Gun to the FH-70
155mm Howitzer. Its likely that the regular Army regiment was
converted first, followed by the two TA regiments.
ME CWBR-16
x3 Engineer Field Squadron (i)

FSE CWBR-07
x3 Light Field Artillery Regiment (cf)
Alternative:
FSE CWBR-05
x3 Field Artillery Regiment (cf)
x6 or x12 Gazelle AH Mk 1 Helicopter (g)
CWBR-43
x6 or x12 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (gh)
CWBR-42
(g) The Division would have an Army Air Corps Regiment at its
Regiments would normally have either x2 Lynx Squadrons and x1
Gazelle Squadron or x2 Gazelle Squadrons and x1 Lynx Squadron.
However, one of the squadrons assigned to 2nd Infantry Division
was supplied by the TA, in which case replace x6 Lynx with:
Scout AH Mk 1 Attack Helicopter
CWBR-42
(h) The Scout helicopters were steadily replaced through the 80s
CWBR-44
CWBR-45
(i) Following the 1982 reorganisation, I (Br) Corps assets in Germany
comprised x2 Heavy Artillery Regiments equipped with M107 SP
175mm howitzers (FSE CWBR-09), x1 Heavy Artillery Regiment
equipped with M110 SP 203mm howitzers (FSE CWBR-11), x4 Air
Defence Batteries (Tracked Rapier) (ME CWBR-15), x4 Air Defence
Batteries (Rapier) (ME CWBR-14), x1 Reconnaissance Regiment
(BG CWBR-20 (UK-based)), x3 Armoured Engineer Squadrons (ME
CWBR-31) and additional engineering and aviation assets, including
RAF Wessex, Puma and Chinook transport helicopters. More such
assets would deploy as reinforcements from the UK. There was also
a Missile Regiment equipped with Lance Tactical Missiles.
(j) From 1988 replace x1 Engineer Field Squadron with an Airmobile
Engineer Field Squadron (ME CWBR-17).
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-05
British Armoured Task Force 1980-82 (abd)
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-06
British Armoured Brigade 1982-89 (ag)
Command
x1 Chieftain Mk 5 120mm Main Battle Tank
CWBR-01
Command
x1 Chieftain Mk 5 120mm Main Battle Tank (b) CWBR-01
x3 Infantry (1 MAW) (c)
CWBR-26
Transport
x3 CVR(T) Spartan APC
CWBR-10
Transport
CWBR-26
CWBR-10
BATTLEGROUPS
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-19
x1 or x2 Armoured Regiment (a)
BG CWBR-19
x1 or x2 Armoured Regiment (a)
BG CWBR-23
x1 or x2 Mechanised Infantry Battalion (a)
BG CWBR-23
x1 or x2 Mechanised Infantry Battalion (ad)
BG CWBR-24
Up to x2 Infantry Battalion Type A (bc)
ATTACHMENTS
BG CWBR-25
Up to x2 Infantry Battalion Type B
(Light Role) (bc)
ATTACHMENTS
Forward Air Controller
x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recce
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
(a) The TFs each had a minimum of x1 Armoured Regiment and x1

Mechanised Infantry Battalion permanently assigned, with additional
Infantry Battalions being allocated from the UK in wartime. TFA was
the heaviest, with x2 Armoured and x2 Mech permanently assigned.
TFB & TFC each had x2 Armoured and 1x Mech. TFD, TFE & TFG
each had x1 Armoured & x2 Mech. TFF & TFH each had x1
Armoured and x1 Mech.
(b) A pool of x12 regular Army Infantry Battalions and x19 Territorial
Army (TA volunteer reserves) Infantry Battalions were allocated to
reinforce BAOR in wartime. These would be split between the eight
TFs and the two FFs in I (Br) Corps, as well as providing security for
rear echelons. x3 battalions seems to have been the usual
allocation per TF or FF.
(c) Most of the regular battalions would be of Type A organisation,
though some might have been Type B. All TA battalions were Type
B. As far as I can discover, there were no Mechanised battalions
allocated to reinforce BAOR.
(d) The Task Force/Field Force concept was eventually abandoned
after six years in 1982, as it was found to be too unwieldy in the field.
The additional wartime reinforcements made the formation too large
for a small headquarters to control, despite the promises in 1976 that
advances in communications technology would allow more than the
traditional 3 or 4 battlegroups per brigade. The integration of nonmechanised battlegroups with mechanised battlegroups under the
same command also proved problematic and reduced the punch of
the armoured formations. It was also found that the lack of organic
logistical elements led to severe logistic problems. The reversion to
Brigades occurred very quickly, with some reverting before the end
of 1982.

x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recce
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
(a) Following the 1982 reorganisation, the three Armoured Brigades

in each Armoured Division had a total of x5 Mechanised Infantry
Battalions and x4 Armoured Regiments between them. One of the
three Armoured Brigades would therefore be heavy, having x2
Armoured Regiments and x1 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, while
the other two brigades would have x1 Armoured Regiment and x2
Mechanised Infantry Battalions. However, 4th Armoured Division,
having only two Armoured Brigades, had a total of x3 Armoured
Regiments and x3 Mechanised Infantry Battalions.
(b) From mid-1980s: May upgrade Chieftain Mk 5 to:
Chieftain Mk 10 120mm Main Battle Tank
CWBR-02
(c) From 1986: May upgrade Infantry with L85/L86 small-arms:

x3 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-27
From 1987: May replace all M72 66mm LAW and Carl-Gustav 84mm
MAW with the 94mm LAW-80 (see card).
(d) With the introduction of the Warrior MICV, Mechanised Infantry
Battalions that re-equipped with Warrior were re-designated as
Armoured Infantry Battalions. However, battalion organisation
remained essentially the same, so I have not differentiated them
here. Only three BAOR battalions managed to re-equip with Warrior
before the end of 1989 one in 1st Armoured Division and two in 3rd
Armoured Division. There had also been a Warrior demonstrator
battalion in the UK since 1984; it was briefly deployed to West
Germany for Exercise Lionheart 84 and again in 1986, though no
BAOR battalions were converted until 1988.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-07
British Berlin Field Force/Infantry Brigade (a)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 FV-432 Armoured Personnel Carrier
CWBR-11
x3 Infantry (1 MAW) (b)
CWBR-26
Transport
x1 Bedford MK 4-Ton Medium Truck
CWBR-22
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-23
x3 Infantry Battalion Type A (i)
BG CWBR-25
x1 Infantry Battalion Type B (Light Role) (c)
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
(a) The Berlin Infantry Brigade was known as the Berlin Field Force
from 1976 to 1982.
(b) From 1986: May upgrade Infantry with L85/L86 small-arms:
x3 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-27
(c) The fourth infantry battalion seems to have been a late addition.
It doesnt appear in the orbats I have for the Berlin Field Force circa
1980 and isnt mentioned in most books and articles on the Berlin
Infantry Brigade.
(d) The Berlin Armoured Squadron was organised somewhat
differently to other British Armoured Squadrons and was significantly
stronger. It did not upgrade its Chieftain MBTs to Challengers. It did
however, upgrade them to Chieftain Mk 10 standard in 1988. The
Berlin Brigade also did not upgrade its few FV-432 APCs to Warriors
and the brigade never received any CVR(T) variants. It did however,
receive twelve of the thirteen FV-432/30 Fire Support Vehicles in
existence. This of course, is all very non-standard and sources
conflict on exactly who had what in Berlin
(e) Some sources list the Light Air Defence Troop as only being
available from 1986 onwards (equipped with Javelin SAMs).
However, one source does list a troop of Blowpipe SAMs present in
1982.
ME CWBR-01
x1 Armoured Squadron (d)
ME CWBR-16
(f) Two batteries of Abbot SP 105mm howitzers are listed in 1982,

but these seem to have been withdrawn soon after. The Berlin
Brigade had no artillery element in the late 1980s.
ME CWBR-13
x1 Light Air Defence Troop (e)
CWBR-44
CWBR-45

FSE CWBR-04
Up to x2 Self-Propelled Light Field Artillery Battery (f)
(h) Be afraid, Ivan Be very afraid
ORGANIC BRIGADE AVIATION ASSETS
(i) These battalions operated under a unique organisation. They

never received Saxon APCs, but they did receive a small number of
FV-432 variants, including all of the FV-432/30s in service.
x1 Gazelle AH Mk 1 Helicopter
CWBR-43
x2 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (g)
CWBR-42
x1 Chipmunk T Mk 10 (Spitmunk) Air Observation Post (h)

x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recce
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-08
British Infantry Field Force (BAOR) 1980-82 (ae)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-09
British Infantry Brigade 1982-89 (af)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
CWBR-18
Transport
x1 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
Transport
x1 Ferret Scout Car (b)
x3 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-26
CWBR-26
Transport
x1 Bedford MK 4-ton Truck
CWBR-22
Transport
x1 Bedford MK 4-ton Truck (b)
CWBR-22
BATTLEGROUPS
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-21
x1 Yeomanry (TA) Reconnaissance Regt (b)
BG CWBR-24
x2 Infantry Battalion Type A
BG CWBR-24
BG CWBR-25
x1 Infantry Battalion Type B (Light Role) (d)
ATTACHMENTS
BG CWBR-25
(Light Role) (c)

x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recce
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
FSE CWBR-07
Up to x1 Light Field Artillery Regiment (d)
ATTACHMENTS
x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recce
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
(a) 5th Field Force was permanently deployed in West Germany, while
7th Field Force was based in the UK and would be deployed to West
Germany in wartime. The Task Force/Field Force concept was
developed in 1976, when it was assumed that advances in
communications technology would allow more than just the traditional
3-4 battlegroups to be controlled by a single Brigade headquarters.
However, in practice it was discovered that the advances in
technology did not increase speed of decision-making on the part of
the Brigadier and as a consequence, the Field Forces were converted
back into Infantry Brigades in 1982 5th Field Force became 24th
Infantry Brigade (2nd Infantry Division), while 7th Field Force became
19th Infantry Brigade (4th Armoured Division).
(b) In wartime the 5th & 7th Field Forces were each to be allocated a
Yeomanry (TA) Reconnaissance Regiment, which would be deployed
with the reinforcement wave from the UK. These two Yeomanry
Regiments were equipped with CVR(W) Fox armoured cars and
CVR(T) variants.
(c) In wartime the Field Forces would be reinforced by additional
infantry battalions, the majority (possibly all) of whom would be drawn
from the TA.
(d) Although Ive not seen any specific mention of artillery assets, it
does seem likely that the Field Forces would have been allocated
artillery regiments probably from the TA.
(a) The regular 19th Infantry Brigade was allocated to reinforce 4th
Armoured Division using this organisation. Another Infantry Brigade
(the 24th) was allocated to 2nd British Infantry Division until 1988,
when it was converted to the Airmobile role (see BG CWBR-08).
The British Army was also maintaining divisional-sized presence in
Northern Ireland with similar brigade organisations throughout the
1980s. The regular Army core of the Home Defence forces in the
UK used a similar organisation.
(b) From 1985: May replace all transport with:
Saxon APC
CWBR-14

x3 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-27
(d) The Type B (Light-Role) Infantry Battalion would be provided by
the TA.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-10
British TA Infantry Brigade (BAOR) 1982-89 (a)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-11
British Airmobile Infantry Brigade 1980s (ac)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
CWBR-08
CWBR-27
Transport
x1 Land Rover (b)
CWBR-20
Transport
x1 CVR(T) Sultan Command Vehicle
CWBR-26
x3 Infantry (L85/86) (1 MAW) (d)
Transport
x1 Bedford MK 4-ton Truck
CWBR-22
Transport
BATTLEGROUPS
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-25
x4 or x5 Infantry Battalion Type B (Light) (d)
BG CWBR-26
x2 Airmobile Infantry Battalion
BG CWBR-24
x1 Infantry Battalion Type A (b)
ATTACHMENTS
x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
(a) Following the 1982 reorganisation, two Territorial Army Brigades

(15th (Scottish) & 49th (West Riding) Infantry Brigades) were
assigned to reinforce the newly-created 2nd Infantry Division. Note
that each of these brigades had an integral Yeomanry Recce
Regiment administratively under command, though in Germany
these were normally placed directly at the disposal of the divisional
commander.
(b) May replace Land Rover with:
Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-10
CWBR-18
(c) May not upgrade Infantry the L85/L86 did not replace the
SLR/SMG/LMG combination in the TA (and supporting arms) until
the 1990s. They also did not receive the LAW 80.
(d) 15th Brigade had x4 Battalions, while 49th Brigade had x5.
ATTACHMENTS
x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recce
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
(a) The 24th Infantry Brigade of 2nd Infantry Division was re-roled in
1988 to become 24th Airmobile Brigade. Eventually the brigade
became primarily a rapidly-deployed anti-tank screen, with very high
quantities of Milan ATGMs. However, it is not clear if this
reorganisation took place in the 1980s or early 1990s.
(b) This infantry battalion was a regular infantry battalion mounted in
Saxon APCs and was not therefore airmobile.
(c) The Brigade had an entire Army Air Corps Regiment at its
disposal, equipped with three squadrons. RAF Puma and Chinook
helicopters were also allocated to lift its heavier equipment as
necessary.
(d) From 1987: May replace all M72 66mm LAW and Carl-Gustav
84mm MAW with the 94mm LAW-80 (see card).
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-12
British Field Force (Home Defence) 1980-1982 (ad)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
x3 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-26
Transport
x1 Bedford MK 4-Ton Truck (b)
CWBR-14
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-19
x1 Armoured Regiment
(a) Until the reorganisation of 1982, the 8th Field Force formed the
nucleus of Britains home defences, with a combined-arms force of
armour and infantry. Following the 1982 reorganisation it was redesignated as 1st Infantry Brigade and was re-roled as the UK
Mobile Force, with the primary wartime mission of reinforcing
Denmark.
(b) The British Army held sufficient stocks of Saracen APCs and
Humber Pig APCs to equip roughly two infantry brigades (however,
the majority of these were in Northern Ireland). May therefore
replace transport with:
Saracen APC
CWBR-63
Humber Pig APC
CWBR-64
(c) The Light Role Infantry Battalions would be provided by the TA,
as would at least some of the Royal Engineers and Royal Artillery.
BG CWBR-20
x1 Reconnaissance Regiment
(d) The artillery may have been upgraded to a Field Artillery

Regiment (FSE CWBR-05) equipped with FH-70 155mm howitzers.
However, only one regiment in the UK had been re-equipped with
FH-70 by the start of 1980.
BG CWBR-24
BG CWBR-25
(Light Role) (c)
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-13
x1 Light Air Defence Battery (c)
ME CWBR-25
x1 TA Engineer Field Squadron (c)

FSE CWBR-07
x1 Light Field Artillery Regiment (cd)
ATTACHMENTS
x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
CWBR-43
x4 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter
CWBR-42
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-13
British Infantry Brigade Group (UK Mobile Force) 1982-89 (ad)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
CWBR-18
CWBR-26
(a) Following the 1982 reorganisation, one regular Infantry Brigade

Group (1st Infantry Brigade) became the UK Mobile Force, with the
primary mission of reinforcing NATOs Northern Flank in Denmark.
Transport
CWBR-14
(b) From 1984: May replace transport with:

Saxon APC
CWBR-14

x3 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-27
BATTLEGROUPS
BG CWBR-24
BG CWBR-25
x1 Infantry Battalion Type B (Light Role) (g)
(d) RAF and most probably Royal Navy (as well as other Allied)
aviation assets would be allocated according to the mission.
(e) The attached Armoured Regiment had Chieftain tanks and was
not upgraded to Challenger. Some sources state that only a single
squadron was allocated to ACE Mobile Force.
BG CWBR-19
x1 Armoured Regiment (e)
BG CWBR-20
x1 Reconnaissance Regiment (f)
(f) The Reconnaissance Regiment was organised according to UK

scales, with mixed troops of CVR(T) Scimitar and CVR(T) Scorpion
(see BG CWBR-13 and ME CWBR-03).
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
(g) The Light Role Infantry Battalion and some Royal Engineers and
Royal Artillery would probably be provided by the TA.
ME CWBR-13
x1 Light Air Defence Battery (g)
(h) The Scout helicopters were steadily replaced through the 80s
CWBR-44
CWBR-45
ME CWBR-14
Up to x1 Light Air Defence Troop (Rapier)
(i) Some sources list the artillery as a Light Field Artillery Regiment
(FSE CWBR-07).
ME CWBR-16
x1 Engineer Field Squadron (gjk)
(j) These engineers may have been un-armoured, in which case

replace with a TA Engineer Field Squadron (ME CWBR-25).
(k) It is possible that the Engineer Field Squadron also had an

attached Armoured Engineer Troop. In which case, add the
following:
x1 Centurion AVRE 165mm Engineer Assault Tank
CWBR-04
x1 Chieftain AVLB
CWBR-05
x1 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
FSE CWBR-05
x1 Field Artillery Regiment (gi)
ATTACHMENTS
x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
CWBR-43
x4 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (h)
CWBR-44
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-14
British Field Force (Strategic Reserve)
1980-82 (a)
HQ
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-15
British Airborne Brigade 1982-89 (ad)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
CWBR-20
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 Land Rover (no MG)
Transport
CWBR-20
x3 Para Infantry (1 MAW) (c)
CWBR-37
x3 Para Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-37
Transport
x3 Land Rover (with MG)
CWBR-20
Transport
CWBR-20
BATTLEGROUPS
BATTLEGROUPS
BG-CWBR-27
x3 to x6 Para Infantry Battalion (ab)
BG-CWBR-27
x2 to x5 Para Infantry Battalion (b)
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-25
x1 Infantry Battalion Type B (Light Role) (a)
BG CWBR-24
BG CWBR-20
x1 Reconnaissance Regiment (d)
BG CWBR-20
x1 Reconnaissance Regiment (c)
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-13
x1 Light Air Defence Battery
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-13
x1 Light Air Defence Battery
ME CWBR-18
x1 Airborne Engineer Field Squadron
ME CWBR-18
x1 Airborne Engineer Field Squadron
FSE CWBR-07
x1 Light Field Artillery Regiment
FSE CWBR-07
x1 Light Field Artillery Regiment
ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENTS
x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
CWBR-20
(a) Prior to the 1982 reorganisation, the 6th Field Force was the
UKs Strategic Reserve, ready to deploy anywhere around the
world. Following the 1982 reorganisation, 6th Field Force was redesignated 5th Airborne Brigade and was re-roled.
(b) The British Army had x3 regular Para Battalions and x3 TA
Para Battalions, both organised identically. However one of the
regular battalions was always allocated to one of the Northern
Ireland garrison brigades (3, 8 or 39 Bdes) on rotation, which left
only x2 regular Para battalions permanently assigned to 6 FF. The
three TA battalions were not permanently assigned to 6 FF, though
it seems likely that they would have been allocated in wartime.
(c) One squadron from this Reconnaissance Regiment would have
been detached to the infantry battlegroup assigned to AMF(L) (see
BG CWBR-18).

x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
CWBR-20
(a) 5 Airborne Brigade was the UKs only Airborne formation and could
be assigned to reinforce any NATO command or act independently, as
the situation required. The Brigade had two regular battalions of the
Parachute Regiment (with a third battalion on rotation in Northern
Ireland), plus three TA Para Battalions (all organised identically) and a
parachute-trained Gurkha Battalion (organised as a Type B (Light
Role) Battalion).
(b) From the mid-1980s the three TA Para Battalions were tasked with
an independent BAOR-oriented mission in the event of war with
Warpac: They were to be assigned to 1st Armoured Division and were
to have considerably more than the normal complement of Milan
ATGMs. Their mission was to be rapidly deployed forward by air as
soon as war started and there to act as a forlorn hope antitank
screen. In 1989 this organisation was formalised as a special brigade
with the title Parachute Regiment Group.
CWBR-38
(d) One Reconnaissance Regiment would be allocated to support 5
Airborne Brigade in the event of a war with Warpac (using UK scales
of equipment see BG CWBR-13), though one squadron of this
regiment would be detached to support 3 Commando Brigade in
Norway.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-16
British Commando Brigade 1980s (ak)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 Bv-202 Tracked Carrier (no MG) (i)
CWBR-48
x3 Commando Infantry (1 MAW) (b)
CWBR-39
x1 General Purpose Machine Gun (Light) (c)
CWBR-28
Transport
x2 Bv-202 Tracked Carrier (with MG) (ij)
CWBR-48
BATTLEGROUPS
BG-CWBR-28
x3 Royal Marine Commando (a)
(a) 3 Commando Brigade retained the designation Brigade

throughout the era of Field Forces and Task Forces. It also did not
suffer the major reorganisations that took place in the Army between
1976 & 1982. The Brigades most likely role in the event of a war
with the Warsaw Pact, was reinforcing NATOs Northern Flank in
Norway. As a result, the Brigade trained intensively for Arctic
warfare and had large numbers of Bv-202 Carriers and other
equipment pre-positioned in Norway. For this mission, the Royal
Dutch Marines were also an integral part of the Brigade and were
organised very similarly, as well as being trained, uniformed and
equipped very similarly (with longer hair!). Consequently, a
Commando Battalion on the Northern Flank will normally have a
Royal Dutch Marine Company attached (see Netherlands TO&Es).
(b) From 1986: Upgrade Commando Infantry (SLR/LMG) to:
x3 Commando Infantry (L85/86) (1 MAW)
CWBR-40
From 1987: May replace all M72 66mm LAW and Carl-Gustav
(c) In wartime the Commandos would have their firepower beefed
up by as many GPMGs as they could carry.
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
(d) The Royal Marines had their own small air arm, equipped very
much like the Army Air Corps, with Gazelle and Scout (replaced by
Lynx in 1982) helicopters. 3 Commando Brigade had one dedicated
Royal Marines Squadron and could normally rely upon the Royal
Navy to provide additional troop-carrying Sea King helicopters, with
the RAF providing additional heavy lift (though it didnt really work
out that way in the Falklands!).
ME CWBR-14
x1 Air Defence Battery (Rapier) (h)
ME CWBR-13
x1 to x2 Light Air Defence Troop (h)
ME CWBR-19
x1 Commando Engineer Field Squadron
(e) Late 1982: Replace Scout helicopters with:

CWBR-44
The Lynx Helicopters may alternatively be equipped as attack
helicopters. May therefore replace with:
CWBR-45
ME CWBR-03
Up to x1 Reconnaissance Squadron (f)

FSE CWBR-07
Up to x1 Light Field Artillery Regiment (g)
ORGANIC BRIGADE AVIATION ASSETS
x3 Gazelle AH Mk 1 Helicopter (d)
CWBR-43
x4 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (de)
CWBR-42
ATTACHMENTS
x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
x3 Land Rover (with MG) (j)
CWBR-20
(f) 3 Commando Brigade only had a Reconnaissance Squadron

following the 1982 reorganisation, when it received the squadron
that had previously been allocated to the AMF(L) Battlegroup. The
squadron was equipped according to UK scales of equipment, with
mixed troops of Scimitar and Scorpion.
(g) Early 1980s: Only a single battery was Commando-roled. This
was expanded to a full regiment following the 1982 reorganisations
and in the Falklands this was even supplemented by a fourth
battery. There was also a Forward Observation Battery, providing
the capability for the artillery to co-ordinate with naval gunfire
support.
(h) The Royal Marines formed their own Air Defence Troop, with
Blowpipe SAMs (later replaced by Javelin). This was usually
supplemented by a Rapier Battery from the Royal Artillery and in the
Falklands, an additional Troop of Blowpipes/Javelins from the Royal
Artillery.
(i) Late 1980s: May replace Bv-202 with:
Bv-206 All-Terrain Tracked Carrier
CWBR-72
(j) In the Falklands, almost all transport was deleted from the order
of battle, bar some supply vehicles, some Bv-202s for Brigade HQ
and some prime-movers for Rapier SAMs and 105mm Light Guns.
The vast majority of units moved on foot or by helicopter.
(k) In addition to 3 Commando Brigade, there was also a reinforced
independent Royal Marine Company, designated Comacchio
Company (named for a WW2 Battle Honour won by the RM
Commandos in Italy and assuming the traditions of the defunct 43
RM Commando), was created in 1980 to take over the defence of
UK nuclear weapons and North Sea oil-rigs against terrorist/special
forces attack. Renamed Comacchio Group in 1987, it was doubled
in strength to that of a full Commando, though probably lacked the
full array of heavy weapons normally possessed by a Commando.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-17
British Infantry Brigade (Home Service) 1980s (ad)
(2, 3, 5, 8, 39, 42, 43, 51, 52, 54, 56, 143 & 160 Infantry Brigades)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
CWBR-26
Transport
CWBR-14
BATTLEGROUPS
A Brigade may have up to x6 Battlegroups
taken from the following:
BG CWBR-19
Up to x1 Armoured Regiment (d)
BG CWBR-21
Up to x1 Yeomanry Recce Regiment (e)
Alternative:
(a) At the peak in 1989, there were 13 Infantry Brigades in the UK

that were not otherwise assigned to BAOR or AMF(L) roles. These
brigades were spread fairly evenly around the country and contained
a bewildering array of different organisations, with regular Army and
TA often being mixed within the same brigades. These brigades
also varied enormously in strength, having anywhere between x2
and x7 battlegroups under command. However, it is likely that in
wartime these variances might have been evened out to around x4
battlegroups per brigade.
(b) The British Army held sufficient stocks of Saracen APCs and
Humber Pig APCs to equip roughly two infantry brigades (the
majority of these were with 3, 8 & 39 Brigades in Northern Ireland).
May therefore replace transport with:
Saracen APC
CWBR-63
Humber Pig APC
CWBR-64
(c) From 1986: May upgrade regular Army Infantry (not TA) with
L85/L86 small-arms:
x3 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-27
BG CWBR-22
(d) There was normally a single un-brigaded Armoured Regiment
Up to x1 Yeomanry Light Recce Regiment (f) stationed in the UK, which could be assigned to an Infantry Brigade
in wartime.
BG CWBR-23
Up to x1 Mechanised Infantry Battalion (g)
BG CWBR-24
Up to x3 Infantry Battalion Type A (h)
BG CWBR-25
Up to x4 Infantry Battalion Type B (i)
(Light Role) (c)
BG CWBR-29
Up to x4 Infantry Battalion
(Home Defence) (j)
BG-CWBR-27
Up to x1 Para Infantry Battalion (k)
(e) There was x1 Yeomanry (TA) Recce Regiment assigned to Home

Defence. This regiment was assigned to 2 Bde in SE England and
was equipped with obsolete Saladin, Ferret and Saracen AFVs until
1984, when it was re-equipped with CVR(W) Fox and CVR(T).
(f) There were x2 Yeomanry (TA) Light Recce Regiments. These
were assigned to 43 Bde in W England and to 54 Bde in the
Midlands.
(g) There were roughly x3 or x4 regular Army Mechanised Battalions
assigned to Home Service. These were generally stationed in the
southern half of England in 1989 they were with 2, 54 & 56 Bdes,
with one more being un-brigaded. In 1984 one battalion (56 Bde)
became Armoured Infantry, equipped with Warrior.
(h) Most Brigades had a single regular Army Type A Infantry
Battalion, though the three Northern Ireland brigades (3, 8 & 39)
usually had more (on rotation from other brigades), while 5 Bde had
three Type A battalions from the Guards normally assigned. Most
Type A battalions eventually converted to Saxon APCs.
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-13
Up to x1 Light Air Defence Battery (l)
(i) Most brigades had at least one Type B battalion present. These
could be either regular Army or TA.
ME CWBR-25
Up to x1 TA Engineer Field Squadron
(j) The TA Home Defence element was expanded through the 1980s
until it reached a peak in 1989 of x22 Home Defence Battalions,
spread across eight brigades (8, 42, 43, 51, 52, 54, 56 & 160 Bdes).

FSE CWBR-07
Up to x1 Light Field Artillery Regiment (l)
ATTACHMENTS
x3 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
Up to x2 Gazelle AH Mk 1 Helicopter
CWBR-43
Up to x4 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (m)
CWBR-44
(k) One Para Battalion was permanently assigned on rotation to one

of the Northern Ireland Brigades. One of the three TA Para
Battalions might also be assigned to Home Service.
(l) The vast majority of Royal Artillery units were assigned to BAOR
or AMF(L) roles. However, some of the Home Service Brigades
would have been able to scrape up artillery or air defence support
(probably from TA units).
(m) Aside from the single TA Army Air Corps Squadron, which kept
the Scout well into the 1990s, the Scout helicopters were steadily
replaced with Lynx. May therefore replace Scout with:
CWBR-44
CWBR-45
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-18
Infantry Battlegroup (AMF(L)) (a)
HQ
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-19
Armoured Regiment
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 Land Rover
CWBR-20
Command
x1 Chieftain Mk 5 120mm Main Battle Tank (a) CWBR-01
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-01
x3 or x4 Armoured Squadron (d)
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-08
x3 Infantry Company Type A
ME CWBR-02
Up to x1 Close Reconnaissance Troop (b)
ME CWBR-03
x1 Medium Reconnaissance Squadron
ME CWBR-20
Up to x1 Guided Weapons Troop (c)

FSE-CWBR-08
x1 Light Field Artillery Battery
(a) From 1986: Upgrade all Chieftain tanks in the regiment to:
CWBR-02
Or in one in three regiments from 1984: Replace all tanks with:
Challenger 120mm Main Battle Tank (d)
CWBR-03
ATTACHMENTS
Organic Fire Support
x4 L16A1 81mm Mortar
CWBR-34
Transport
x4 1-ton Land Rover (no MG)
CWBR-21
x2 Milan ATGM (b)
CWBR-30
Transport
x2 Land Rover (no MG) (b)
CWBR-20
x6 Milan ATGM (b)
CWBR-30
Transport
x3 1-ton Land Rover (no MG) (b)
CWBR-21
(a) A single infantry battalion battlegroup was allocated to the

ACE Mobile Force (Land). The most likely wartime task for this
force would have been to reinforce NATOs Northern Flank in
Norway or Denmark, in a joint brigade with other NATO
battlegroups from Canada, Italy and Luxembourg. Alternatively,
elements of the battlegroup could have been assigned to the
Southern Flank in a joint airmobile brigade with US, Belgian and
West German parachute battalions.
(b) The Milan ATGMs may be fired from Land Rovers, but not 1ton Land Rovers.
(b) Regimental Close Recce Troops were disbanded during the 1976
reorganisation, with all recce elements being retained by the Recce
Regiments. This was reversed during the reorganisations of 1982,
with Close Recce Troops then being returned to the Armoured
Regiments.
(c) The Guided Weapons Troops of Armoured Regiments were
massed in the Corps Anti-Tank Regiment (operated by the Royal
Horse Artillery) from 1978 to 1982 (see BG CWBR-21). The Guided
Weapons Troops then briefly returned to the Armoured Regiments
before being disbanded in 1986.
(d) All Armoured Regiments equipped with Chieftain had x4
Armoured Squadrons. However, with the upgrade to Challenger,
some of the upgraded regiments were reduced to x3 Squadrons.
Some sources state that all Challenger-equipped regiments were
reduced to x3 Squadrons, but this is not true. Indeed, there are
plenty of photos from the 1980s showing Challengers with D
Squadron markings, which could not be the case if they had only x3
squadrons. There is also the fact that most of the Challenger
regiments deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1991 had x4 squadrons.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-20
Reconnaissance Regiment (1980-82) (a)
Command/Recce
x1 CVR(T) Scorpion 76mm Recce Vehicle
CWBR-07
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-21
Yeomanry (TA) Reconnaissance Regiment
HQ
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-03
x3 Medium Reconnaissance Squadron
Command/Recce
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport/Recce
x1 Ferret Scout Car (a)
CWBR-18
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-04
x4 Yeomanry Reconnaissance Squadron
ME CWBR-21
x1 Close Reconnaissance Squadron
(a) This was the organisation used by BAOR Reconnaissance
Regiments during the late 1970s and early 1980s, when all Close
Recce functions of BAOR were to be carried out by the Recce
Regiments. This was found to be unworkable and the regimental
Close Recce Troops/Platoon were returned to Armoured
Regiments and Mech Infantry Battalions in the 1982 reorganisation.
Recce Regiments were then reorganised with the following orbat:
(a) May replace Ferret Scout Car with:

CVR(T) Sultan Command Vehicle
CWBR-08
ALTERNATIVE:
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-20
Reconnaissance Regiment (1982-89)
HQ
Command/Recce
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport/Recce
CWBR-08
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-03
x3 or x4 Medium Reconnaissance Squadron (bc)
ME CWBR-05
Up to x1 Anti-Tank Squadron (b)
(b) Two Recce Regiments in the UK were allocated as
reinforcements for BAOR, plus one to AMF(L) and another to
support 5 Airborne & 3 Commando Brigades. These UK-based
regiments had three organisational differences: First; They had
only x3 Medium Reconnaissance Squadrons, whereas the
Germany-based regiments had x4 Medium Recce Squadrons.
Second; the Medium Recce Squadrons in the UK had mixed
troops of Scimitar and Scorpion, whereas the two regiments
permanently based in Germany had no Scorpions. Third; The UK
regiments massed their Striker ATGM vehicles into an Anti-Tank
Squadron, whereas the German regiments had their Strikers
dispersed among the Medium Recce Squadrons.
(c) Note that one squadron of the Household Cavalry based in
London (either The Blues & Royals or The Life Guards, on
rotation) was always equipped much the same as a Yeomanry
Recce Squadron (ME CWBR-21), with CVR(W) Fox armoured
cars. Their primary role in wartime was in protecting and
evacuating members of the Royal Family and Government from
London.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-22
Yeomanry (TA) Light Reconnaissance Regt
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
CWBR-20
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-23
x3 Yeomanry Light Reconnaissance Squadron
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-23
Mechanised Infantry Battalion
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 FV-432 Armoured Personnel Carrier (a)
CWBR-11
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-06
x3 Mechanised Infantry Company
ME CWBR-07
x1 Close Reconnaissance Platoon (e)
ATTACHMENTS
x4 L16A1 81mm Mortar (b)
CWBR-34
Transport
x4 FV-432M Mortar Carrier (b)
CWBR-12
x8 Milan ATGM (cd)
CWBR-30
Transport
x4 FV-432 Armoured Personnel Carrier (cd)
CWBR-11
(a) The Warrior MICV was produced during the 1980s as the
replacement for FV-432. However, Warrior entered service very
slowly while technical problems and tactical doctrine were ironed
out. A Warrior-equipped demonstrator battalion was formed in
1984 and briefly went on Exercise Lionheart 84 in West Germany
during that year, returning to West Germany again in 1986.
However, it wasnt until 1988 that Warrior began replacing FV-432
in the Mechanised Infantry Battalions of BAOR, with only three
battalions being converted in BAOR by the end of 1989, plus the
single battalion in the UK. Battalions re-equipped with Warrior
were re-designated as Armoured Infantry Battalions rather than
Mechanised, though there were no significant organisational
changes beyond the upgrade to Warrior. In BAOR the Warriors
were issued initially to those brigades that already contained
Armoured Regiments equipped with Challenger. Therefore, may
replace the FV-432 of the Battalion HQ with:
Warrior MICV
CWBR-15
(b) The 81mm Mortars may be fired from their FV-432M Carriers.
(c) Mid-1980s: Increase strength of Antitank Platoon to x12 Milan
ATGM and x6 FV-432. (d)
(d) In 1989, but not in a Warrior-equipped battalion: May replace
two Milan ATGM sections with self-propelled Milan ATGMs. Delete
x2 Milan ATGM Teams and x1 FV-432 and replace with:
x2 CVR(T) Spartan MCT (Milan Compact Turret)
CWBR-51
(e) There was no Close Recce Platoon until after the 1982
reorganisations.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-24
Infantry Battalion Type A (am)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
Transport
x1 Land Rover (bc)
CWBR-25
CWBR-20
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-08
x3 Infantry Company Type A (de)
ME CWBR-07
x1 Close Reconnaissance Platoon (f)
ATTACHMENTS
(a) Type A Infantry Battalions could also be known as Mech (Wh)

when equipped with Saxon APCs in 1985.

CWBR-34
Transport
x4 1-ton Land Rover (no MG) (e)
CWBR-21
x8 Milan ATGM (gil)
CWBR-30
Transport
x4 1-ton Land Rover (no MG) (eghi)
CWBR-21
x2 Milan ATGM (gi)
CWBR-30
(d) From 1985, but not in Berlin, these Infantry Companies were
mechanised through replacing their 4-ton trucks with Saxon APCs.
Transport
x2 Land Rover (no MG) (egi)
CWBR-20
x3 L7A2 GPMG (SF Mode) (jkl)
CWBR-29
(e) In the two Guards Battalions sent to the Falklands: Remove all
transport. The Close Recce Platoon also operates dismounted, as
for a Light-Role Infantry Battalion.
Transport
x3 Land Rover (no MG) (ek)
CWBR-20
(f) There was no Close Recce Platoon until after the 1982
reorganisations.
Up to x2 L2A1 .50 Cal Heavy Machine Gun (n) CWBR-35
(b) In the Berlin Brigade, replace Battalion Commanders transport

with:
Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
(c) From 1985 but not in the Berlin Brigade: Replace the Battalion
Commanders transport with:
Saxon APC
CWBR-14
(g) Milan ATGMs and Wombats may be fired from Land Rovers, but
not from 1-ton Land Rovers or Saxon APCs.
(h) In 1987: a second tranche of Saxon APCs was issued, enabling
the Anti-Tank Platoons 1-ton Land Rovers to be replaced. The
Mobile Milan Platoon retained its light Land Rovers. May therefore
replace all 1-ton Land Rover Milan transports with:
Saxon APC
CWBR-14
(i) In the Berlin Brigade: Battalion Antitank Platoons adhered to an
older organisation that was probably better suited to the close
engagement ranges expected in the city. This consisted of:
x3 Milan ATGM (g)
CWBR-30
x3 BAT L6 Wombat 120mm Recoilless Rifle (g)
CWBR-52
x6 Land Rover (no MG) (g)
CWBR-20
(j) May convert GPMGs from Sustained Fire to Light mode:
L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (LMG Mode) CWBR-28
(k) The SFMG Platoons Land Rovers are classed as being armed
with MGs when the GPMGs are mounted.
(l) The Milans and GPMGs may alternatively be attached to Infantry
Companies, in which case they may be transported by their Saxons.
(m) In the Berlin Brigade, add the following general-purpose APCs to
the Battlegroup. These may be attached to the Infantry Companies
to provide armoured transport or for fire support:
x1 FV-432 Armoured Personnel Carrier
CWBR-11
x2 FV-432/30 30mm Fire Support Vehicle
CWBR-50
(n) The two Guards battalions involved in the Falklands War were
each issued a platoon of x2 L2A1 .50 Cals on AA mounts. These
were withdrawn immediately following the war.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-25
Infantry Battalion Type B (Light Role)
HQ
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-26
Airmobile Infantry Battalion
Command
x1 Commander
Transport
x1 Land Rover (no MG) (i)
CWBR-25
CWBR-20
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
CWBR-20
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-09
x3 Infantry Company Type B (Light Role) (hi)
ME CWBR-10
x3 Airmobile Infantry Company
ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENTS

CWBR-34

CWBR-34
Transport
x4 1-ton Land Rover (no MG) (i)
CWBR-21
Transport
CWBR-21
x3 BAT L6 Wombat 120mm RR (adef)
CWBR-52
x12 Milan ATGM (a)
CWBR-30
Transport
x3 Land Rover (no MG) (aei)
CWBR-20
Transport
x12 Land Rover (no MG) (a)
CWBR-20
Up to x2 L2A1 .50 Cal Heavy Machine Gun (b) CWBR-35
x2 L2A1 .50 Cal Heavy Machine Gun
CWBR-35
Transport
Up to x2 Land Rover (no MG) (bi)
CWBR-22
Transport
CWBR-20
CWBR-26
Recce
x3 Infantry (L85/86) (1 MAW)
CWBR-27
Transport
CWBR-20
Recce
x3 Infantry (1 MAW) (g)
Transport/Recce
x3 Land Rover (with MG) (i)
CWBR-22
Up to x3 Combat Engineers (c)
CWBR-36
Transport
Up to x1 Bedford MK 4-Ton Truck (i)
CWBR-20
(a) Milan ATGMs and Wombats may be fired from their transport.
(b) Some Type B infantry battalions seem to have been issued with .50
Cals during the late 80s.
(c) The Assault Pioneer Platoon was removed from Infantry Battalions
of all types during the reorganisations of the 1970s. However, during
the mid-1980s the Assault Pioneer Platoon was re-established in Type
B Infantry Battalions, as it was thought that these battalions might have
minimal access to Divisional/Corps Engineer assets.
(d) Regular Army battalions dedicated to BAOR and other NATO roles
had replaced their Wombats with Milan ATGMs before the end of the
1970s. However, TA battalions designated to reinforce BAOR were not
equipped with Milan until 1984. The regular Army and TA battalions
assigned to Defence of the UK and in far-flung garrisons probably
received theirs later still. May therefore replace Wombat 120mm
Recoilless Rifles in these battalions with:
Milan ATGM Team (a)
CWBR-30
(e) Mid-1980s: Increase strength of Antitank Platoon in regular Army
battalions assigned to BAOR to x6 Milan ATGM and x6 Land Rover.
(f) In battalions stationed in Hong Kong and Brunei, add the a Milan AT
Platoon alongside the Wombat-equipped AT platoon:
x3 Milan ATGM Team (a)
CWBR-30
CWBR-22
(g) In regular Army battalions from 1986: May replace Infantry with:
Infantry (L85/L86) (1 MAW)
CWBR-27
(h) In Gurkha Battalions: add x1 Infantry Company Type B.
(i) In 1/7th Gurkhas in the Falklands: Remove all transport.
(a) The Milan ATGMs may be fired from their Land Rovers.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-27
Parachute Infantry Battalion
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
Transport
x1 Land Rover (no MG) (e)
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-28
Royal Marine Commando
CWBR-25
CWBR-20
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 Bv-202 All-Terrain Carrier (with MG) (de)
CWBR-48
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-11
x3 Parachute Infantry Company
ME CWBR-12
x3 Commando Infantry Company (a)
ME CWBR-32
x1 Parachute Infantry (Patrols) Company
ME CWNL-11
Up to x1 Netherlands Marine Infantry Company (a)
ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENTS

CWBR-34

CWBR-34
Transport
x4 1-ton Land Rover (no MG) (e)
CWBR-21
Transport
CWBR-48
Up to x3 BAT L6 Wombat 120mm RR (af)
CWBR-52
x3 to x8 Milan ATGM (c)
CWBR-30
Transport
Up to x3 Land Rover (no MG) (af)
CWBR-20
Transport
x1 to x3 Bv-202 Carrier (with MG) (de)
CWBR-48
x3 Milan ATGM (ad)
CWBR-30
x3 L7A2 GPMG (SF Mode)
CWBR-29
Transport
x3 Land Rover (no MG) (ae)
CWBR-20
Transport
CWBR-48
Up to x3 L2A1 .50 Cal HMG (b)
CWBR-35
Recce
x3 Commando Infantry (1 MAW) (b)
Transport
Up to x2 Land Rover (no MG) (be)
CWBR-20
Recce
x1 General Purpose Machine Gun (Light) (c)
CWBR-28
Recce
x3 Para Infantry (1 MAW) (c)
CWBR-37
x3 Combat Engineers
CWBR-36
Transport/Recce
x3 Land Rover (with MG) (e)
CWBR-20
x3 L7A2 GPMG (SF Mode) (g)
CWBR-29
(a) The Milan ATGMs and Wombats may be fired from their transport.
(b) The Para Battalions in the Falklands were each issued with x3
L2A1 .50 Cal HMGs on AA mounts. These were then withdrawn
following that war, but a platoon of x2 L2A1 .50 Cal HMGs (with
transport) was added during the mid to late 1980s.
(c) From 1986: May upgrade Para Infantry with L85/L86 small-arms:
Para Infantry
CWBR-38
(d) Late 1980s: In TA Para Battalions operating under BAOR
command, increase Antitank Platoon to x10 Milan ATGMs. Note that
there is also a conversion of Infantry sections to Milan Teams in the
Para Companies at this time, for a total of x22 Milan in the battalion.
However, note that there is no increase in motor transport.
(e) In the Falklands: Remove all transport.
(f) The Wombats were certainly on the orbat, alongside the Milans,
until 1982 and there is some evidence to suggest that the Wombats
were embarked for the Falklands but not used (perhaps this platoon
provided the personnel to man the .50 Cal HMGs in the Falklands?).
They seem to have disappeared from the orbat after 1982.
(g) May convert GPMGs from Sustained Fire to Light mode:
General Purpose Machine Gun (Light)
CWBR-28
CWBR-39
(a) In an ACE Mobile Force mission, at least one Dutch Commando

Group (BG CWNL-13) was a permanent fixture of 3 Commando
Brigade. They worked extremely closely and well with British
Commandos. Tactically, one Dutch Marine Company was usually
allocated to each RM Commando. In theory, there should also have
been a company of Royal Marine Reserves in each RM Commando,
but in practice these men were distributed among the regular
Sections, Troops and Companies. Our resident ex-RM Commando
rates both the Dutch Commandos and Royal Marine Reserves very
highly. From the late 1980s a new doctrine was adopted for fighting
the Soviets in Norway instead of being rapid-deployment assault
infantry, the Commandos would revert to their roots and would fight
as individual Troop (i.e. Platoon) stay-behind teams, raiding and
causing havoc behind enemy lines once the main Soviet force had
passed by. There was only one Main Supply Route (MSR) down the
spine of Norway and the Commandos mission was to disrupt that
MSR as much as possible.
(b) From 1986: Upgrade Commando Infantry (SLR/LMG) to:
Commando Infantry (L85/86) (1 MAW
CWBR-40
(c) In the Falklands, the Commandos firepower was beefed up by
the addition of as many GPMGs and Milans as they could carry. it is
highly likely that this pattern would have been repeated in the event
of a war with the Warsaw Pact. The call-up of Royal Marine
Reserves provided the extra manpower required.
(d) Late 1980s: May replace Bv-202 with:
CWBR-72
(e) In the Falklands: No more than x3 Bv-202 for the whole BG.
BATTLEGROUP CWBR-29
Infantry Battalion (Home Defence) (ad)
HQ
MANOEUVRE ELEMENT CWBR-01

Armoured Squadron
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Command
x1 Chieftain Mk 5 120mm MBT (b)
CWBR-01
Transport
CWBR-20
x5 Chieftain Mk 5 120mm MBT (abc)
CWBR-01
MANOEUVRE ELEMENTS
ME CWBR-24
x3 or x4 Infantry Company (Home Defence) (ab)
ATTACHMENTS
CWBR-34
Transport
CWBR-21
Recce
x3 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-26
Transport/Recce
CWBR-22
x3 Combat Engineers (c)
CWBR-36
Transport
x1 Bedford MK 4-Ton Truck
(a) From 1982: Organisational changes meant that each Squadron

was reduced from five Troops to four Troops. Therefore, reduce to
x4 MBTs plus x1 command MBT in all units except the Berlin
Brigade Armoured Squadron.
(b) From 1986 (1988 in Berlin): Upgrade all Chieftain MBTs to:
CWBR-02
Or in one in three regiments from 1984: Replace all tanks with:
Challenger 120mm Main Battle Tank
CWBR-03
(c) The Berlin Brigade Armoured Squadron had a unique and very
strong organisation, reflecting its independent role. Therefore, in the
Berlin Brigade, increase to x8 Chieftain MBTs plus x1 Command
Chieftain. This squadron did not upgrade to Challenger.
CWBR-20
(a) Home Defence battalions were mainly formed from the TA,
though in wartime they would be approximately one-third manned
by regular reservists called up to war. The sole exception to this
rule was the Ulster Defence Regiment, which was raised for home
defence in Northern Ireland and had some full-time regular
battalions in addition to volunteer reservists.
(b) Most Home Defence battalions had at least one additional
company (some had as many as three more companies) which
were designated Home Service Force (HSF). The HSF
companies were to defend rear areas, provide security and assist
with civil defence. HSF companies were armed only with
smallarms and no heavy weapons. HSF fall outside the scope of
these TO&Es.
(c) As Home Defence battalions were likely to be operating far from
the support of the Royal Engineers, they retained an integral
Assault Pioneer Platoon.
(d) Home Defence battalions do not appear to have possessed
Anti-Tank Platoons. However, large quantities of L6 Wombat
120mm Recoilless Rifles and ammunition remained in war reserve
storage following the regular Armys recent upgrade to Milan
ATGMs, so its not inconceivable that some battalions may have
received Wombat in the run-up to war.

Close Reconnaissance Troop
Command/Recce
x1 CVR(T) Scorpion 76mm Recce Vehicle (a) CWBR-07
Recce
(a) Late 1980s: May replace x2 or all CVR(T) Scorpion with:
CVR(T) Scimitar 30mm Recce Vehicle
CWBR-06

Medium Reconnaissance Squadron
HQ
Command/Recce
x1 Commander
Transport/Recce

Anti-Tank Squadron
CWBR-25
Command/Recce
CWBR-08
CWBR-08
Recce
x8 CVR(T) Striker ATGM Vehicle
CWBR-09
Recce
Recce
x2 Infantry (1 MAW) (bc)
CWBR-26
Transport/Recce
x2 CVR(T) Spartan APC (e)
CWBR-10
Recce
Up to x2 CVR(T) Striker ATGM Vehicle (d)
CWBR-09
(a) In the 1982 reorganisation: Replace CVR(T) Scorpion vehicles

with:
x6 CVR(T) Scimitar 30mm Recce Vehicle
CWBR-06
However, the two BAOR reinforcement Reconnaissance Regiments
based in the UK retained a different organisation from 1982 onwards,
with mixed Scorpion and Scimitar:
CWBR-06
CWBR-07

Mechanised Infantry Company
HQ
(b) The infantry of the Support Troop may conduct engineering

tasks.
x2 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-27
(d) CVR(T) Striker ATGM Vehicles were added to Recce Regiments
in 1984, when the independent RHA Anti-Tank Batteries were
disbanded. However, note that UK-based Recce Regiments massed
all their Strikers into a single Anti-Tank Squadron (ME CWBR-05).
(e) Late 1980s: x1 Spartan might be fitted with Ground Surveillance
Radar.

Yeomanry (TA) Reconnaissance Squadron
HQ
Command/Recce
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport/Recce
CWBR-18
Recce
x10 CVR(W) Fox 30mm Armoured Car (c)
CWBR-17
Recce
x2 Infantry (1 MAW) (bc)
CWBR-26
Transport/Recce
x2 CVR(T) Spartan APC (c)
CWBR-10
(a) Early 1980s: replace Ferret Scout Car with:

CWBR-08
(b) The infantry of the Support Troop may conduct engineering

tasks.
(c) The single Yeomanry Recce Regiment allocated to home
defence used obsolete equipment until 1984. May therefore replace
all CVR(W) Fox in that regiment with:
x5 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
x5 Saladin 76mm Armoured Car
CWBR-63
Increase to x4 Infantry (1 MAW) and replace Spartan APCs with:
x2 Saracen Armoured Personnel Carrier
CWBR-16
Note that a garrison squadron in Cyprus also used this organisation,
though in 1987 it replaced its Saladins with additional Ferrets.
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
CWBR-26
x1 L7A2 GPMG (SF Mode) (a)
CWBR-29
Self-Observed Fire Support

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
Transport
x5 FV-432 Armoured Personnel Carrier (bd) CWBR-11
(a) May convert GPMGs from Sustained Fire to Light mode:
CWBR-28
(b) In Armoured Infantry Battalions, replace all FV-432 APCs with:
Warrior MICV
CWBR-15
x9 Infantry (3 MAW)
CWBR-27
(d) Modelling note: x2 to x3 of the FV-432s in the company were
usually fitted with a small MG turret (QRF produce this model in
15mm). This makes no difference in game terms, but is useful to
know if youre modelling a unit.

Infantry Company Type B (Light Role)
HQ

Close Reconnaissance Platoon
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 Land Rover (no MG) (c)
CWBR-20
x9 Infantry (3 MAW) (b)
CWBR-26
CWBR-29

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
Transport
x3 Bedford MK 4-Ton Truck (c)
CWBR-22

CWBR-28
Command/Recce
x1 CVR(W) Fox 30mm Armoured Car (a)
CWBR-17
Recce
x3 CVR(W) Fox 30mm Armoured Car (a)
CWBR-17
(a) In all Mechanised and Armoured Infantry Battalions (BG CWBR12): Replace Fox armoured cars with:
CVR(T) Scimitar 30mm Recce Vehicle
CWBR-06
(b) From 1986: May upgrade Infantry in regular Army battalions

with L85/L86 small-arms. The TA did not receive these until the
1990s:
x9 Infantry (3 MAW)
CWBR-27
(c) In Gurkha companies sent to the Falklands and some other
overseas deployments: Remove all transport.

Infantry Company Type A
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
x9 Infantry (3 MAW) (a)
CWBR-26

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
Transport
x4 Bedford MK 4-Ton Truck (bc)
CWBR-22
(a) From 1986: May upgrade Infantry with L85/L86 small-arms:

x9 Infantry (3 MAW)
CWBR-27
(b) From 1985 but not in the Berlin Brigade: Replace transport with:
Saxon APC
CWBR-14
(c) In Guards companies sent to the Falklands and some other
overseas deployments: Remove all transport.

Airmobile Infantry Company (a)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
x9 Infantry (L85/86) (3 MAW) (ab)
CWBR-27

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
(a) The intended concept for the Airmobile Brigade was one of a
rapidly-deployable antitank barrier. However, this concept does not
seem to have been realised until the early 1990s. Nevertheless, if
you wish to try this concept, exchange x3 Infantry for:
Milan ATGM Team
CWBR-30
(b) From 1987: May replace all M72 66mm LAW and Carl-Gustav

Parachute Infantry Company
HQ
Command
x1 Commander

Light Air Defence Battery (a)
CWBR-25
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
CWBR-20
x9 Para Infantry (3 MAW) (ab)
CWBR-37
Transport
x1 Land Rover (no MG) (b)

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
x18 Blowpipe SAM Team (ce)
CWBR-31
Transport
x18 Land Rover (with MG) (de)
CWBR-20

CWBR-38
(b) Late 1980s: In TA Para Battalions operating under BAOR
command, replace x3 Infantry with:
Milan ATGM Team
CWBR-30
(a) May deploy as individual unit attachments to other units in the

brigade, or alternatively as x3 Troop MEs, each of x6 SAMs.
Designate one SAM unit as the Troop Commander.
(b) In Armoured Divisions, replace Commanders transport with:
CVR(T) Sultan Command Vehicle
CWBR-08
(c) From 1985: Upgrade Blowpipe SAMs to:
Javelin SAM
CWBR-32
(d) In Armoured Divisions, replace transport with:

CWBR-10
(e) SAMs may be fired while mounted in their carrier vehicles.

Commando Infantry Company
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
x9 Commando Infantry (3 MAW) (a)
CWBR-39
x3 L7A2 GPMG (LMG Mode)
CWBR-28

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
(a) From 1986: May upgrade Commando Infantry (SLR/LMG) to:

x9 Commando Infantry (L85/86) (3 MAW)
CWBR-40

Air Defence Battery (Rapier) (a)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
CWBR-20
x6 Rapier SAM
CWBR-24
Transport
x6 1-Ton Land Rover Light Truck
CWBR-21
(a) May deploy as individual unit attachments to other units in

the brigade, or alternatively as x3 Troop MEs, each of x2
SAMs. Designate one SAM unit as the Troop Commander.

Airmobile Engineer Field Squadron
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
CWBR-20
x8 Combat Engineers
CWBR-36
Transport

Air Defence Battery (Tracked Rapier) (a)
CWBR-20
x4 Combat Engineers (a)
CWBR-36
Transport
x2 Saxon Armoured Personnel Carrier (a)
CWBR-14
CWBR-18
CWBR-19
Command
x1 FV-432 APC
CWBR-11
Recce
x6 Tracked Rapier SAM Vehicle
CWBR-23
x2 FV-180 Combat Engineer Tractor
(a) May deploy as individual unit attachments to other units in

the brigade, or alternatively as x3 Troop MEs, each of x2
SAMs. Designate one SAM unit as the Troop Commander.
CWBR-22
Recce
(a) One troop in the squadron is mounted in Saxon APCs and is

not airmobile.

Engineer Field Squadron
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 CVR(T) Sultan Command Vehicle (a)
CWBR-08
x12 Combat Engineers
CWBR-36
Transport
x8 CVR(T) Spartan APC (a)
CWBR-10
x2 FV-180 Combat Engineer Tractor (b)
CWBR-19
Recce
x3 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
(a) Replace transport in the Berlin Brigade Engineer Squadron with:

x1 Ferret Scout Car
x3 Bedford MK Medium Truck
CWBR-22
(b) I can find no specific mention of the Berlin Brigade Field
Squadron ever receiving FV-180 CETs.

Airborne Engineer Field Squadron
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
CWBR-20
x9 Combat Engineers
CWBR-36
Recce
CWBR-20

Commando Engineer Field Squadron
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 Bv-202 All-Terrain Tracked Carrier (no MG)CWBR-48
x3 Combat Engineers
CWBR-36
Transport
x3 Bv-202 All-Terrain Tracked Carrier (MG)
CWBR-48
x6 Combat Engineers
CWBR-36

Guided Weapons Troop

Anti-Tank Guided Weapons Battery (a)
Command
x1 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
Command
x1 Ferret Scout Car
CWBR-18
x3 FV-438 Swingfire ATGM Vehicle
CWBR-13
x15 FV-438 Swingfire ATGM Vehicle
CWBR-13
x3 CVR(T) Striker Swingfire ATGM Vehicle
CWBR-09
(a) The battery may alternatively be deployed as troop-sized

MEs, each of x3 FV-438 or x3 CVR(T) Striker. Designate one
vehicle in each troop as the troop commander.
MANOEUVRE ELEMEN CWBR-23

Yeomanry Light Reconnaissance Squadron
HQ

Close Reconnaissance Squadron
HQ
Command/Recce
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Recce
x8 Infantry (up to 4 MAW)
CWBR-26

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
Transport/Recce
CWBR-20

Infantry Company (Home Defence)
Command/Recce
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport/Recce
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
CWBR-08
Recce
Transport
CWBR-20
CWBR-06
x9 Infantry (up to 3 MAW)
CWBR-26
Recce
x2 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-26
CWBR-29
Transport/Recce
CWBR-10

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
Transport
CWBR-22
HQ

CWBR-28

TA Engineer Field Squadron
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
CWBR-20
Recce
CWBR-20
x9 Combat Engineers
CWBR-36
Transport
CWBR-22

RAF Regiment Air Defence Squadron (a)
HQ
Command/Recce
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
CWBR-25
Transport
Transport/Recce
CWBR-08
CWBR-20
x4 Rapier SAM
CWBR-24
Recce
CWBR-07
Transport
x4 1-Ton Land Rover Light Truck
Recce
x6 Infantry (3 MAW)
CWBR-26
CWBR-21
Transport/Recce
CWBR-10
Recce
x3 Infantry (no MAW)
CWBR-26
Transport/Recce
CWBR-20
Recce
x2 L7A2 GPMG (SF Mode) (b)
CWBR-29
Transport/Recce
CWBR-20
Command
x1 Commander
HQ
(a) The RAF Regiment had x9 Air Defence Squadrons; x4 or which

were based in West Germany. One of the UK-based Squadrons
would provide a Flight (half-Squadron) to the Cyprus garrison on
rotation. After the 1982 Falklands War, one of the UK-based
Squadrons was on constant rotation to the Falkland Islands. Other
detachments also deployed to Belize at various times of tension
with Guatemala.
Command/Recce
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport/Recce
CWBR-08
(a) No.1 Squadron RAF Regiment had a specialist coup de main

Airfield Assault role. The concept was that mixed teams of CVR(T)
and Land Rovers would be landed by C-130 Hercules directly onto
an objective airfield, using their mobility to rapidly secure key
locations on the objective airfield. All members of the squadron
were also para-qualified, so the squadron could also function as
traditional paratroops.
Recce
CWBR-07
(b) May convert GPMGs from Sustained Fire to Light mode:

CWBR-28
Recce
x9 Infantry (3 MAW)
CWBR-26
Recce
CWBR-29
Self-Observed Fire Support/Recce

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
Transport/Recce
CWBR-10

RAF Regiment Light Armour Squadron (a)
HQ

RAF Regiment Light Armour/Para Squadron (a)
(a) There were x5 RAF Regiment Light Armour Squadrons: x3 in

Germany, x1 in Cyprus and x1 in the UK. Their role was to
provide defence in depth for air-bases by patrolling out into the
surrounding countryside, as well as to act as a rapid-reaction force
against enemy airborne landings and special forces attacks.
CWBR-28

RAF Regiment Field Squadron (a)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
CWBR-20
x9 Infantry (3 MAW)
CWBR-26
CWBR-29

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33
Transport
CWBR-22
Recce
x3 Infantry (1 MAW)
CWBR-26
Transport/Recce
CWBR-20
(a) The RAF Regiment had x1 regular Field Squadron based in

Northern Ireland and x7 Royal Auxiliary Air Force (i.e. volunteer
reserve equivalent of the TA) Field Squadrons. In wartime, the
RAuxAF Field Squadrons would be deployed to West Germany and
key sites in the UK (such as RAF Stations, HQs, radar sites, SAM
sites, Harrier hides and helicopter landing sites), to defend them
chiefly against enemy airborne, fifth columnist and special forces
attack. Following the 1982 Falklands War, one of the RAuxAF Field
Squadrons was converted to Light AA (see ME CWBR-30).

Armoured Engineer Squadron (c)
Command
CWBR-08
x2 FV-180 Combat Engineer Tractor
CWBR-19
x3 Centurion AVRE 165mm Assault Tank (ab) CWBR-04

CWBR-28
x3 Chieftain AVLB (b)
CWBR-05
Recce
CWBR-18
(a) From 1985: Redundant Centurion Mk V 105mm tanks, which had

been in reserve storage since the mid-1970s when they were retired
as Royal Artillery OP tanks, were converted into AVREs,. They
retained the original 105mm gun, but were equipped exclusively with
HESH ammunition. Note that these AVRE 105s were normally fitted
with mine-ploughs, whereas AVRE 165s normally had dozer-blades
fitted. Therefore, replace x1 Centurion AVRE 165 in each squadron
with:
Centurion AVRE 105mm Engineering Assault Tank
CWBR-57
(b) Mid-1980s: A fourth troop was added to the Armoured
Engineering Squadron organisation. Add x1 Centurion AVRE 165,
x1 Chieftain AVLB & x1 Ferret Scout Car.

RAF Regiment Light Anti-Aircraft Squadron (a)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
CWBR-20
x6 Oerlikon GDF Twin 35mm AA Gun
CWBR-65
Transport
CWBR-22
(a) Following the Falklands War of 1982, a single RAF Regiment

Field Squadron of the RAuxAF (i.e. volunteer reserves) was
converted to a Light Anti-Aircraft Squadron, using captured
Argentine Oerlikon guns.
(c) The squadron may be split up into Troops, which may act as
independent MEs, or as direct attachments to other units. The two
FV-180 CETs form a CET Troop designate one CET as the Troop
Commander. The remaining vehicles form mixed troops of x1
AVRE, x1 AVLB and x1 Ferret. Designate the AVREs as Troop
Commanders.

Parachute Infantry (Patrols) Company
HQ
Command/Recce
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Recce
x9 Para Infantry (3 MAW) (a)
CWBR-37
Self-Observed Fire Support/Recce

x1 L9A1 51mm Mortar
CWBR-33

CWBR-38
Overseas Garrisons
There were a number of garrisons worldwide that I will briefly outline here:
Hong Kong 48 (Gurkha) Infantry Brigade
x2 Infantry Battalion (Type B) (Gurkha) BG CWBR-25
x1 or x2 Infantry Battalion (Type B) (British) BG CWBR-25
x1 Infantry Battalion (Home Defence) (Hong Kong Regt) BG CWBR-29
x1 Commando Company ME CWBR-12
x2 Engineer Field Squadron ME CWBR-25
x1 Light Field Artillery Battery ME CWBR-08
x5 Wessex HC Mk 2 Transport Helicopter (CWBR-53)
x5 Scout AH Mk 1 Light Attack/Observation Helicopter (CWBR-42)
Brunei
x2 Infantry Battalions (Type B) (Gurkha) BG CWBR-25
Cyprus
x2 Infantry Battalion (Type B) BG CWBR-25
x1 Reconnaissance Squadron Organised as Yeomanry Recce Squadron (ME CWBR-04) with obsolete equipment (Ferret, Saladin & Saracen)
x1 RAF Regiment Air Defence Squadron ME CWBR- 26
x1 RAF Regiment Light Armour Squadron ME CWBR-27
x1 Gazelle AH Mk 1 Light Observation Helicopter (CWBR-43)
x2 Harrier GR Mk 3 Close Support Aircraft (CWBR-47)
Gibraltar
x1 Infantry Battalion (Home Defence) (Gibraltar Regt) BG CWBR-29
Bermuda
x1 Infantry Battalion (Home Defence) (Bermuda Regt) BG CWBR-29
Belize
x1 Medium Reconnaissance Troop ME CWBR- (x1 Scorpion, x1 Scimitar, x1 Infantry & x1 Spartan)
x1 Light Field Artillery Battery FSE CWBR-08
x1 Gazelle AH Mk 1 Light Observation Helicopter (CWBR-43)
x2 Harrier GR Mk 3 Close Support Aircraft (CWBR-47)
Falkland Islands (Pre-1982 War)

x1 Infantry Company (Home Defence) (FIDF) ME CWBR-24
x1 Commando Platoon Part of ME CWBR-12
Falkland Islands (Post-1982 War)

x1 Engineer Field Squadron - ME CWBR-25
x1 RAF Regiment Air Defence Squadron ME CWBR-26
x1 Infantry Company (Home Defence) (FIDF) ME CWBR-24
x1 Chinook HC Mk 1 Heavy Transport Helicopter (CWBR-54)
x3 Phantom FGA Mk 2 Fighter-Bomber (CWBR-60)
FIRE SUPPORT ELEMENT CWBR-01

Self-Propelled Field Artillery Regiment
x4 Self-Propelled Field Artillery Battery
On-Table Attachment
x1 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
x1 FV-432 Armoured Personnel Carrier CWBR-11
Fire Support
x3 M109 Self-Propelled 155mm Howitzer

Field Artillery Regiment
x3 Field Artillery Battery
On-Table Attachment
x1 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
CWBR-20
Fire Support
x3 FH-70 155mm Howitzer (b)
(a) May replace Land Rover with:
Ferret Scout Car

Self-Propelled Light Field Artillery Regiment
x4 Self-Propelled Light Field Artillery Bty
On-Table Attachment
x1 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
x1 FV-432 Armoured Personnel Carrier CWBR-11
Fire Support
x3 Abbot Self-Propelled 105mm (a)
CWBR-61
(a) Early to Mid-1980s: The M109 upgrade programme resulted in

large numbers of Abbots going spare. As a result, some regiments
increased the battery strength to x4 Abbots for a time.
CWBR-18
(b) Early to Mid-1980s: Some regiments had an increased strength

of x4 FH-70.

Light Artillery Regiment
x3 or x4 Light Artillery Battery (a)
HQ
Command
x1 Commander
CWBR-25
Transport
x1 Land Rover (no MG) (ac)
CWBR-20
On-Table Attachment
x1 Forward Observer
CWBR-41
Transport/Recon
x1 Land Rover (no MG) (ac)
CWBR-20
Fire Support
x3 L118 105mm Light Gun
CWBR-49
Transport/Recon
x3 1-Ton Land Rover Light Truck (c)
CWBR-21
(a) The Commando Light Regiment had a fourth (reservist) battery.

The other Light Regiments (including the Airborne Light Regiment)
each had three batteries.
(b) May replace Land Rover in some instances with:

Heavy Artillery Regiment (203mm)
(1 such regiment in BAOR)
CWBR-49
(c) In the Falklands virtually all transport was deleted. Guns and
ammunition were moved by helicopter, while FOs had to move on
foot or by scout helicopter.

Heavy Artillery Regiment (175mm)
(2 such regiments in BAOR)

x3 Heavy Artillery Battery
General Fire Support

x3 Heavy Artillery Battery
General Fire Support
British Special Forces

The British Special Forces were initially separate units, reporting to their own service chain of command: The Special Air Service (SAS) was
part of the Army, while the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) belonged to the Royal Marines; itself part of the Royal Navy.
Created in 1987, the Directorate of UK Special Forces comprised the three regiments of the Special Air Service (SAS) 21 SAS, 22 SAS & 23
SAS, plus the Royal Marines Special Boat Service (SBS), all of whom reported to Director of Special Forces.
21 SAS and 23 SAS were part of the Territorial Army (volunteer reserves), but were selected and trained to the same standards as the regular
22 SAS and SBS and were no less special (as subsequent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan later proved).
22 SAS had x4 Squadrons (company-equivalent), while 21 SAS & 23 SAS each had x5 Squadrons.
There is little point in drawing up a Squadron orbat, as SAS/SBS patrols would vary enormously in terms of size, composition, equipment and
mobility from one mission to the next. SAS Squadrons each had four Troops, each equating to x2 Special Forces Infantry units (CWBR-69).
22 SAS deployed two full squadrons (D & G) to the Falklands War in 1982, each equating at full strength to x1 Commander and x8 Special
Forces Infantry.
The SBS was initially organised as a single large Squadron of six Sections, each consisting of x2 to x3 Special Forces Infantry units (CWBR69). The SBS deployed three Sections (1, 2 & 6) to the Falklands in 1982, for a total of x1 Commander and x9 Special Forces Infantry. In
1987 the SBS was renamed as Special Boat Service and was expanded and reorganised as x4 Squadrons; each organised in the same
manner as SAS Squadrons (though one squadron specialised in boats and other marine craft).
Note that Special Forces infantry units (CWBR-69) may each be broken down into x2 Special Forces Patrol units (CWBR-70).
Royal Air Force and Royal Navy Air Support

RAF Tactical Air Support/Aviation Assets in RAF Germany
x8 Squadrons, each with x6 Tornado GR Mk 1 (CWBR-58) These replaced Buccaneer and Jaguar aircraft 1983-85.
x1 Squadron with x6 Jaguar GR Mk 1 (CWBR-56) These were in the tactical recce role, with ground-attack as a secondary role.
x2 Squadrons, each with x6 Phantom FGA Mk 2 (CWBR-60) These were air defence fighters with ground-attack as a secondary role.
x2 Squadrons, each with x8 Harrier GR Mk 3 These would be dispersed into field hides in wartime.
x1 Squadron with x9 Chinook HC Mk 1 (CWBR-54) These had replaced Wessex HC Mk 2 in the early 1980s.
x1 Squadron with x8 Puma HC Mk 1 (CWBR-46)
RAF Air Support/Aviation Assets in the UK

(Note that I have not included aircraft such as interceptors, patrol aircraft, training aircraft and transport aircraft that are unlikely to feature in a
BF game)
x3 Squadrons, each with x8 Buccaneer S Mk 2 (CWBR-59) These were in the maritime strike role, with ground-attack as a secondary role.
x4 Squadrons, each with x8 Jaguar GR Mk 1 (CWBR-56) One of these squadrons was in the tactical recce role.
x3 Squadrons, each with x6 Tornado GR Mk 1 (CWBR-58) These squadrons were formed during the mid-1980s.
x3 Squadrons, each with x6 Phantom FGA Mk 2 (CWBR-60) These were air defence fighters with ground-attack as a secondary role.
x1 Squadron with x8 Harrier GR Mk 5 (CWBR-66) These replaced Harrier GR Mk 3 aircraft 1987-89.
x1 Squadron with x8 Harrier GR Mk 3 (minus the detachments to Cyprus and Belize)
x1 Squadron with x9 Chinook HC Mk 1 (CWBR-54)
x1 Squadron with x8 Puma HC Mk 1 (CWBR-46)
x2 Squadrons, each with x6 Wessex HC Mk 2 (CWBR-53)
x8 Squadrons, each with x8 Hawk T Mk 1 (CWBR-67) These aircraft were fast-jet trainers, with point air defence and CAS as wartime roles.
x1 Squadron with x5 Hawk T Mk 1 (CWBR-67) The Red Arrows
Royal Navy Air Support/Aviation Assets

x3 Squadrons, each with x6 Sea Harrier FRS Mk 1 (CWBR-62)
x3 Squadrons, each with x8 Sea King Commando HC Mk 4 (CWBR-55) These had replaced x4 Squadrons, each with x8 to x12 Wessex
HU Mk 5 (CWBR-68) during the early 1980s.
British Card List & Model Availability

(Annotations QRF = QRF Models/LKM Direct, SOG = Skytrex/Old Glory, OG = Old Glory, PP = Peter Pig, MJ = MJ Figures)
CWBR-01 Chieftain Mk 5 120mm Main Battle Tank
QRF
CWBR-02 Chieftain Mk 10 120mm Main Battle Tank
QRF
CWBR-03 Challenger 120mm Main Battle Tank
QRF, SOG
CWBR-04 Centurion AVRE 165mm Engineering Assault Tank
QRF
CWBR-05 Chieftain AVLB
QRF
CWBR-06 CVR(T) Scimitar 30mm Reconnaissance Vehicle
QRF, MJ
CWBR-07 CVR(T) Scorpion 76mm Reconnaissance Vehicle
QRF, MJ
CWBR-08 CVR(T) Sultan Command Vehicle
QRF
CWBR-09 CVR(T) Striker Swingfire ATGM Vehicle
QRF
CWBR-10 CVR(T) Spartan Armoured Personnel Carrier
QRF
CWBR-11 FV-432 Armoured Personnel Carrier
QRF, SOG
CWBR-12 FV-432M 81mm Mortar Carrier
QRF, SOG (identical to standard FV-432)
CWBR-13 FV-438 Swingfire ATGM Vehicle
QRF
CWBR-14 Saxon Armoured Personnel Carrier
QRF, SOG
CWBR-15 Warrior 30mm Infantry Combat Vehicle
QRF, SOG
CWBR-16 Saracen Armoured Personnel Carrier
QRF
CWBR-17 CVR(W) Fox 30mm Armoured Car
QRF
CWBR-18 Ferret Scout Car
QRF
CWBR-19 FV-180 Combat Engineer Tractor
QRF
CWBR-20 Land Rover Light Utility (MG Option)
QRF, PP
CWBR-21 1-Ton Land Rover Light Truck
QRF
CWBR-22 Bedford MK 4-Ton Medium Truck
CWBR-23 Tracked Rapier SAM Vehicle
QRF
CWBR-24 Rapier SAM
QRF, MJ
CWBR-25 Commander
QRF, MJ
CWBR-26 Infantry SLR/LMG (84mm MAW & 66mm LAW)
QRF, MJ
CWBR-27 Infantry L85/L86 (84mm MAW & 66mm LAW or 94mm LAW-80)
QRF, OG
CWBR-28 General Purpose Machine Gun (LMG Option)
QRF, MJ
CWBR-29 General Purpose Machine Gun (SFMG Option)
QRF
CWBR-30 Milan ATGM Team
QRF
CWBR-31 Blowpipe SAM Team
QRF
CWBR-32 Javelin SAM Team
QRF
CWBR-33 L9A1 51mm Mortar
QRF
CWBR-34 L16A1 81mm Mortar
QRF
CWBR-35 L2A1 .50 Calibre Heavy Machine Gun
QRF
CWBR-36 Combat Engineers SLR/LMG (M72 66mm LAW)
QRF
CWBR-37 Para Infantry SLR/LMG (84mm Carl-Gustav MAW & M72 66mm LAW)
QRF, MJ
CWBR-38 Para Infantry L85/L86 (84mm Carl-Gustav MAW & M72 66mm LAW or 94mm LAW-80) QRF, OG
CWBR-39 Commando Infantry SLR/LMG (84mm Carl-Gustav MAW & M72 66mm LAW)
QRF, MJ
CWBR-40 Commando Infantry L85/L86 (84mm CG MAW & M72 66mm LAW or 94mm LAW-80) QRF, OG
CWBR-41 Forward Observer
QRF
CWBR-42 Scout AH Mk 1 Attack Helicopter (MG or SS-11 ATGM)
CWBR-43 Gazelle AH Mk 1 Observation Helicopter (MG)
QRF, Heller
CWBR-44 Lynx AH Mk 1 Utility Helicopter (MG)
QRF
CWBR-45 Lynx AH Mk 1 Attack Helicopter (TOW ATGM)
QRF
CWBR-46 Puma HU Mk 1 Utility Helicopter (MG)
QRF, Heller, Revell
CWBR-47 Harrier GR Mk 3 Close Support Aircraft
Takara, Revell
CWBR-48 Bv-202 All-Terrain Tracked Carrier (MG Option)
QRF (coming soon)
CWBR-49 L118 105mm Light Gun
QRF, OG
CWBR-50 FV-432/30 30mm Fire Support Vehicle
QRF
CWBR-51 CVR(T) Spartan MCT (Milan Compact Turret) ATGM Vehicle
QRF
CWBR-52 BAT L6 Wombat 120mm Recoilless Rifle
QRF
CWBR-53 Wessex HC Mk 2 Transport Helicopter
Italeri
CWBR-54 Chinook HC Mk 1 Heavy Transport Helicopter
QRF, OG
CWBR-55 Sea King HC Mk 4 Commando Transport Helicopter
Italeri
CWBR-56 Jaguar GR Mk 1 Ground-Attack Aircraft
QRF, Italeri
CWBR-57 Centurion AVRE 105mm Engineering Assault Tank
(easy to convert from QRF parts)
CWBR-58 Tornado GR Mk 1 Ground-Attack Aircraft
Italeri, Revell
CWBR-59 Buccaneer S Mk 2 Ground-Attack Aircraft
Tamiya
CWBR-60 Phantom FGA Mk 2 Fighter-Bomber
QRF, Tamiya, Italeri
CWBR-61 Abbot Self-Propelled 105mm Howitzer
QRF
CWBR-62 Sea Harrier FRS Mk 1 Fighter-Bomber
Italeri, Corgi
CWBR-63 Saracen 76mm Armoured Car
QRF
CWBR-64 Humber Pig Internal Security Armoured Personnel Carrier
QRF (early, open-backed version only)
CWBR-65 Oerlikon GDF-002 Twin 35mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
CWBR-66 Harrier GR Mk 5 Close Support Aircraft
QRF, Italeri, Revell
CWBR-67 Hawk T Mk 1 Advanced Training Aircraft
Italeri
CWBR-68 Wessex HU Mk 5 Assault Helicopter (MG & AS-12 ASM option)
Italeri
CWBR-69 Special Forces Infantry
QRF, PP, MJ
CWBR-70 Special Forces Patrol
QRF, PP, MJ
CWBR-71 Stinger SAM Team (Special Forces)
CWBR-72 Bv-206 All-Terrain Tracked Carrier (MG Option)

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British Orders of Battle & TO&Es 1980-1989 v3.

III (Fr) Corps (d)

I (NL) Corps (g)

I (Ge) Corps (g)

I (Be) Corps (f)

Northern Territorial Command

I (Br) Corps (circa 1980-82)

I (Br) Corps (circa 1982-89)

1st Armoured Division

1st Armoured Division

2nd Armoured Division

2nd Infantry Division

3rd Armoured Division

3rd Armoured Division

4th Armoured Division

4th Armoured Division

5th Field Force

Parachute Regiment Group

(aka 24th Infantry Brigade)

(1989 only - grouping of TA Para Bns based in UK)

7th Field Force

12 & 22 Air Defence Regiments Royal Artillery (a)

65 Corps Support Squadron Royal Engineers

28 Amphibious Regiment Royal Engineers

28 Amphibious Regiment Royal Engineers

32 Armoured Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers

32 Armoured Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers

65 Corps Support Squadron Royal Engineers

664 Army Aviation Squadron

UK Land Forces (UKLF) (a)

Other Overseas Garrisons

6th Field Force/5th Airborne Brigade

48th (Gurkha) Infantry Brigade

8th Field Force/1st Infantry Brigade

(UK Defence, then re-roled to UK Mobile Force from 1982)

2nd Infantry Brigade

3rd Infantry Brigade

5th (Guards) Infantry Brigade

Falklands Garrison (Pre-1982 War)

Falklands Garrison (Post-1982 War)

39th Infantry Brigade

42nd Infantry Brigade

British Armoured Division 1980-82 (ah)

(b) 1st Armoured Division comprised Task Force (TF) Alpha

(c) The Light Air Defence Battery belonged administratively

FIRE SUPPORT ELEMENTS

(d) Prior to the 1976 reorganisations, the Swingfire ATGM

ORGANIC DIVISIONAL AVIATION ASSETS

x6 or x12 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (fg)

(e) The M109 upgrade programme began in 1980. May

British Armoured Division 1982-89 (ah)

(a) Following the 1982 reorganisations, BAOR had two Armoured

(c) The 1st Armoured Divisions Recce Regiment was normally

FIRE SUPPORT ELEMENTS

x6 or x12 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (fg)

British Armoured Division 1982-89 (ah)

(a) As can be seen, 4th Armoured Division was organised slightly

(d) The 4th Armoured Divisions Recce Regiment was permanently

FIRE SUPPORT ELEMENTS

x6 or x12 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (fg)

British Infantry Division 1982-89 (ai)

considerable amount of the supporting arms to 2nd Infantry Division.

FIRE SUPPORT ELEMENTS

x6 or x12 Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter (gh)