The brigade formed the garrison at Mersa Matruh in early December 1940.

In January 1941, with the rest of the 4th Indian Division were sent to fight in the Sudan campaign.

Returning to the Western Desert (and the 4th Indian Division), it took part in the Second Battle of El Alamein.

After reaching Tunisia the brigade come under command of the British 50th Infantry Division in March 1943.

Its commander, Brigadier John Dalvi, was the highest-ranking officer to be captured by the PLA.