The Yorkshire County Division was activated on 24 February 1941, and became operation on 19 March. It was redesignated the East Riding District on 1 December 1941. It was commanded by three officers, Major General the Honourable E. F. Lawson until 11 September, Brigadier G. H. Gotto until 23 September, Major General E. C. Hayes until 20 November and then Gotto again. It commanded 201st Independent Infantry Brigade (Home), 218th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home) and 221st Independent Infantry Brigade (Home). It was directly under Northern Command until 9 March and then came under I Corps.