The division was formed on 14 June 1941. Based in Cyprus, it was notionally composed of '21st Infantry Brigade' (which did not exist), '22nd Infantry Brigade' (22nd Guards Brigade was actually fighting in the Western Desert at the time) and 23rd Infantry Brigade (which was actually in Syria). The divisional HQ commanded all troops actually in Cyprus, but ceased to exist on 23 August. However, the deception continued until June 1943.