4 July 1944) Brigadier M.S. Ekin (from 4 July 1944, KIA 4 November 1944) Lieutenant-Colonel M. Lewis ( Acting, from 4 to 9 November 1944) Brigadier W.F.H. Kempster (from 9 November until 3 December 1944) Lieutenant-Colonel T.H. Wilsey (Acting, from 3 to 9 December 1944) Brigadier W.F.H. Kempster (from 9 December 1944 until 20 January 1945) Lieutenant Colonel R.H.C. Bray (Acting, from 20 to 23 January 1945) Brigadier R.H. Senior (from 23 to 27 January 1945) Lieutenant-Colonel R.H.C. Bray (Acting, from 27 January until 6 February 1945) Brigadier R.H. Senior (from 6 February until 14 August 1945) Brigadier K.G. Exham (from 14 August 1945) Post War In 1986, in accordance with the latest policy of having all units in the UK under a Brigade headquarters, 56 (London) Brigade was formed with its headquarters in Horse Guards. (The Brigade was named in memory and recognition of 56 Division of Second World War fame.) The Foot Guards Lieutenant Colonels therefore ceased to command their Regiments. The Brigade Headquarters, commanded first by Brigadier DH B-H Blundell, was made responsible for administration and training of all London District units. The Gulabin sources gave the Deputy Commander London District and Brigade Commander, March 1985-May 1988 as Dermot H. Blundell-Hollinshead-Blundell. Antony Beevor's book Inside the British Army gave the formation date of the brigade as January 1987. Brigadier A G Ross, Scots Guards, was in command of the brigade when the 1992/93 training directive was issued. The brigade was disbanded in 1993. Victoria Cross recipients Lieutenant Thomas Orde Lawder Wilkinson, 7th (Service) Battalion, Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire), First World War Private James Miller, 7th (Service) Battalion, King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster), First World War Footnotes References External links Administrative Order No. 1: 56th Brigade - administrative orders issued in May 1944 in preparation for the Normandy landings Infantry brigades of the British Army in World War I Infantry brigades of the British Army in World War II Military units and formations established in 1914 Military units and formations disestablished in 1919