 However, part of the division formed the improvised Robcol formation (comprising a regiment each of field artillery and light anti-aircraft artillery and a company of infantry), which held the Ruweisat Ridge between 2–3 July during the First Battle of El Alamein.In August, command passed to Major General Alan Bruce Blaxland while the division was sent to Cyprus with the responsibility of protecting the island.In July 1943, Major General Wilfrid Lewis Lloyd took command.