the 30th armoured brigade was created on 27 december 1940 as part of northern command. it was initially formed from the 2nd battalion, the queen's westminsters, a motorized infantry unit, which was joined by a cavalry unit, the 23rd hussars, three days later, on 30 december. just over a week later, on 8 january 1941, the 23rd hussars were replaced by the 22nd dragoons, and on 28 january the brigade was transferred to western command.