As a result, the brigade acted mainly in a reserve role, sending drafts of trained infantrymen to the 144th Brigade, and it also acted in a home defence role.

Assigned to the 61st (2nd South Midland) Division, the brigade served on the Western Front from May 1916.

Throughout the spring and summer of 1939, the Territorial Army was doubled in size as a consequence of war with Nazi Germany becoming an increasing possibility.

However, the brigade never saw active service overseas and remained in the United Kingdom throughout the war, including a few months spent on anti-invasion duties in Northern Ireland.

On 18 July 1944 it reverted to its normal role and new units came under command:[3] On 21 July 1944 183 Brigade exchanged its commander and HQ staff with 184 Brigade; there were no changes in units assigned.