The first recruits did not reach the initial three battalions until April 1940, and by May 1940 it had already been decided to reform the outfit as two brigades, named the 101st RM Brigade and 102nd RM Brigade to avoid confusion with the 1st &amp; 2nd Army Brigades then on service with the BEF. The 2nd &amp; 3rd RM Battalions were to form the 102nd Brigade, whilst the 1st RM Battalion was to be joined by a new 5th RM Battalion to form the 101st RM Brigade (the 4th RM Battalion having been permanently disbanded as a mark of honour for their sacrifice at Zeebruge in 1918).