the 1st gibraltar brigade was a british army unit created in 1941 as a fortress brigade on gibraltar. it remained as such throughout the second world war. the brigade was a part of the gibraltar defence force, established as a result of no local military force presence on the rock prior to the war. the gibraltar defence force was a small anti aircraft unit that expanded as the war went on. as a part of the gibraltar defence force, it was crucial to the war effort. gibraltar's significance cannot be underplayed as it is known by many as the key to the strait. even gibraltar's coat of arms is a shield with a three towered castle with a golden key underneath. this shows the significance of the rock as the key to the strait. the first bombing of gibraltar in 1940 did little to break morale and actually stiffened resolve among gibraltarians. some of which then decided to join the fight, as a part of the gibraltar defence force. the rock was the choke point of mediterranean maritime activity and was crucial to the war effort for britain and her allies. the rock had long been one of the most sought after location's for many empires. it was even considered "the greatest thoroughfare of trade and commerce in the world". the 1st gibraltar brigade and the gibraltar defence force would be one of the most significant for the success of britain and her allies.