XXI Corps (United Kingdom)
The XXI Corps was an Army Corps of the British Army during World War I. The Corps was formed in Palestine in August 1917 under the command of Lieutenant General Edward Bulfin.[1] It formed part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) and served in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. At the Battle of Sharon it fought what has been described as 'one of the most overwhelmingly successful operations of the war'[2] and 'a precursor to the modern Blitzkrieg.'[3] It then carried out remarkable march up the coast of modern-day Lebanon as the war came to an end.
This article is about the United Kingdom Army unit. For other units of the same name, see XXI Corps.XXI Corps
12 August 1917–1919
Lt-Gen Sir Edward Bulfin
Origin[edit]
When General Sir Edmund Allenby took over command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) in Palestine in the Summer of 1917, he completely reorganised it.[4] XXI Corps Headquarters was formed on 12 August at Deir al-Balah to take responsibility for the left section of the EEF's line in front of Gaza City, including 52nd (Lowland), 54th (East Anglian) and 75th Divisions and three brigades of heavy artillery. It could also call on 10th (Irish) Division in GHQ Reserve.[1][5][6][7][8] A signal company[9] and XXI Corps Cavalry Regiment were formed for the corps, the latter by taking over three divisional cavalry squadrons.[10] Major-General Edward Bulfin of 60th (2/2nd London) Division was promoted to Lieutenant-General to command the new formation, which was built up during the late summer for the resumption of the offensive in October.[6][11]
The following officers commanded the corps during its service:[6]