Royal Netherlands Motorized Infantry Brigade
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The Royal Netherlands Motorized Infantry Brigade was initially formed from approximately 1500 Dutch troops, including a small group guarding German POWs, who arrived in the UK in May 1940 following the collapse of the Netherlands. Elements of this force became the nucleus of what was originally called the “Dutch Legion.” Although augmented by conscription among overseas citizens, the Dutch force also detached troops for other duties and as a consequence grew very slowly. At the beginning of 1941 the unit was renamed “Royal Netherlands Brigade” and by the end of the year received the honorific “Princess Irene's.”
In August 1944 the brigade landed in Normandy and served under the Canadian 1st Army until it moved forward with the British 2nd Army, crossing onto Dutch soil on 20 September. Around this time it was involved in combat with the Dutch volunteer SS formation Landstorm Nederland. It spent the winter in the region of Walcheren and North Beveland before participating in the final stages of the campaign. It entered The Hague on 9 May 1945.
Organization in 1944:
- Three motorized infantry companies
- One reconnaissance battalion
- One artillery battery
After the war, the traditions of the brigade were perpetuated by the Regiment Prinses Irene.