Highland Light Infantry - 6th (City of Glasgow) Bn - 1908-1914

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 6th (City of Glasgow) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry between 1908 and 1914. 

The 6th Battalion, which had previously existed at the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, was formed on the 1st April 1908. The Territorial Year Book for 1909 recorded that the battalion strength was 23 officers and 562 men. At the annual camp in 1908, 135 officers and men attended for eight days whilst 366 officers and men attended for 15 days. Lance-Serjeant E Patience was the best shot of the battalion. 

The following year, The Territorial Year Book for 1910 recorded that the strength was 21 officers and 974 men, a good increase on the previous year. At the annual camp in 1909 377 officers and men attended for 8 days whilst 553 officers and men attended for 15 days. Camp for 1910 was scheduled for Stirling from the 16th July.

The battalion was headquartered at 172 Yorkhill Street, Glasgow and had drill halls at its HQ and another at Westend Park. There was a shooting range at Dechmont, Cambuslang, nine miles from HQ. Like the 5th Battalion, the battalion’s eight companies drew men from the city of Glasgow. It too formed part of the Highland Light Infantry Brigade in the Lowland Division. 

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the 6th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry.

425 joined on the 19th August 1908
603 joined on the 13th April 1909
1168 joined on the 3rd June 1910
1210 joined on the 2nd May 1911
1318 joined on the 6th May 1912
1469 joined on the 11th February 1913
1656 joined on the 27th January 1914
1839 joined on the 5th August 1914

Use these regimental numbers to approximate when a man would have joined this battalion between 1908 and August 1914. For example if your man's number was 1600 he would have joined the battalion between February 1913 and January 1914. 

The image that I have used for this post shows men of the Highland Light Infantry in camp. To search for photos of your Highland Light Infantry ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website. 

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Devonshire Regiment - 6th Battalion (TF) - 1908-1914

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 6th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment between 1908 and 1914.

The 6th Battalion was formed on the 1st April 1908, taking in men from the former 4th Volunteer Battalion. It was headquartered at Barnstaple.

The Territorial Year Book for 1909 recorded that the battalion strength was 25 officers and 523 men. At the annual camp in 1908, 243 officers and men attended for eight days whilst 207 officers and men attended for 15 days.

The following year, The Territorial Year Book for 1910 recorded that the strength was 27 officers and 853 men. At the annual camp in 1909, 408 officers and men had attended for 8 days whilst 411 officers and men had attended for 15 days. Camp for 1910 was scheduled for West Down South from the 23rd July.

The battalion's eight companies drew men from the following areas.

A Company: Barnstaple, with a drill station at Muddiford
B Company: Okehampton, with drill stations at Hatherleigh, Bow, and Sticklepath
C Company: Bideford, with drill stations at Appledore, Parkham, and Hartland
D Company: Torrington, with drill stations at St Giles, Holsworthy, and Ashwater
E Company: South Molton, with drill stations at Witheridge, Molland, and Chittlehampton
F Company: Chulmleigh, with drill stations at Winkleigh, King's Nympton, Burrington, and Crediton
G Company: Combe Martin, with drill stations at Berrynarbor,Braunton and Croyde
H Company: Barnstaple

Understanding the company distribution is important if you know where your 6th Battalion soldier lived as it would likely suggest the company he served with. For instance, men living in South Molton and wishing to join this battalion would have logically been assigned to E Company. (Note that such logic was largely abandoned after 4th August 1914).

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the 5th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment.

386 joined on the 1st April 1908
665 joined on the 16th February 1909
1203 joined on the 28th April 1910
1442 joined on the 1st July 1911
1479 joined on the 22nd February 1912
1724 joined on the 9th June 1913

1825 joined on the 9th January 1914
2240 joined on the 26th August 1914

Use these regimental numbers to approximate when a man would have joined the 6th Battalion between 1908 and August 1914. For example if your man's number was 1500 he would have joined the battalion between February 1912 and June 1913.

The undated image on this post shows men of the 4th Battalion band. To search for photos of your Devonshire Regiment ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website.

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Cheshire Regiment - 6th Battalion (TF) - 1908-1914

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 6th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment between 1908 and 1914.

The 6th Battalion was formed on the 1st April 1908, taking in men from the former 4th Volunteer Battalion. The Territorial Year Book for 1909 recorded that the battalion strength was 35 officers and 652 men. The battalion had a firing range at Coombes Moss, 16 miles from its HQ at The Armoury, Stockport and Sergeant L Darwent was the best shot of the battalion. At the annual camp in 1908, 221 officers and men attended for eight days whilst 372 officers and men attended for 15 days.

The following year, the The Territorial Year Book for 1910 recorded that the strength was 35 officers and 845 men. At the annual camp at Conway in 1909, 192 officers and men had attended for 8 days whilst 590 officers and men had attended for 15 days. Brigade camp in 1910 was scheduled for Aberystwyth from the 15th May.

By 1914 the battalion was still headquartered at Stockport, and the battalion's eight companies drew men from the following areas.

A & B Companies: Stalybridge

C Company: Hyde

D Company: Glossop, with a drill station at Hadfield

E, F, G & H Companies: Stockport

The battalion formed part of the Cheshire Infantry Brigade in the Welsh Division.

Understanding the company distribution is important if you know where your 6th Battalion soldier lived as it would likely suggest the company he served with. For instance, men living in Hyde and wishing to join this battalion would have logically been assigned to C Company. (Note that such logic was largely abandoned after 4th August 1914).

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the 6th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment.

310 joined on the 14th April 1908
658 joined on the  23rd February 1909
919 joined on the 9th February 1910
1124 joined on the 5th December 1911
1171 joined on the 25th January 1912
1318 joined on the 21st January 1913
1609 joined on the 25th February 1914
2545 joined on the 29th September 1914

Use these regimental numbers to approximate when a man would have joined this battalion between 1908 and September 1914. For example if your man's number was 1234 he would have joined the battalion between January 1912 and January 1913.

Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) - 6th Battalion (TF) - 1908-1914

This is my final post on the Territorial Force battalions of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and this one will focus on the 6th Battalion. This was the only one of the four Territorial Force battalions to be headquartered outside Glasgow and it was administered by the Lanarkshire County Association whereas the other three battalions were all administered by the City of Glasgow Association. In this post I will look at regimental numbering in the 6th Battalion (TF), The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) between 1908 and 1914.

The 6th Battalion was formed on the 1st April 1908 and prior to this had been the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Scottish Rifles. The Territorial Year Book for 1909 recorded that the battalion strength was 25 officers and 722 men. 352 men attended camp in 1908 for 8 days, with eight 300 men attending for 15 days.

The following year, The Territorial Year Book for 1910 recorded that the strength was 25 officers and 957 men and at the annual camp at Troon in 1909, 363 officers and men had attended for eight days whilst 589 officers and men had attended for 15 days. Colour-Sergeant T Lavin was the best shot of the unit. Camp in 1910 was scheduled from the 16th July at Denny.

The battalion was headquartered at Muirhall, Hamilton drew its recruits from the following areas:

A Company: Muirhall, Hamilton

B Company: Muirhall, Hamilton

C Company: Uddingston

D Company: Larkhall, with a drill station at Strathaven

E Company: Bothwell, with a drill station at Palace Colliery

F Company: Blantyre

G Company: Motherwell

H Company: Motherwell

The battalion formed part of the Scottish Rifle Brigade with the Lowland Division.

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the the 6th Battalion (TF), The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). The battalion started a new number series beginning at 1 on the 1st April 1908.

3 joined on the 1st April 1908
798 joined on the 26th February 1909

1144 joined on the 8th March 1910

1326 joined on the 9th February 1911
1610 joined on the 15th April 1912
1707 joined on the 4th April 1913
1975 joined on the 26th March 1914
2180 joined on the 7th August 1914

Use the regimental numbers above to estimate when a man would have joined this battalion between 1908 and August 1914. For example if your man's number was 1500 he would have joined the battalion between February 1911 and April 1912. Furthermore, if he came from Motherwell, he probably served in G or H Company. 

The photograph on this post shows officers of the 1/6th Battalion. It was published in The Tatler on the 28th April 1915.

You may find these related posts of interest:

1st and 2nd Battalions, Cameronian, Scottish Rifles

3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion

5th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

7th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

8th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

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To search for photos of your Scottish Rifles ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website.

Black Watch - 6th Battalion (TF) - 1908-1914

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 6th (Perthshire) Battalion (TF), The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) between 1908 and 1914.

The 6th Battalion was formed on the 1st April 1908 and prior to this had been the 4th Volunteer Battalion of the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). The Territorial Year Book for 1909 recorded that the battalion strength was 17 officers and 354 men. 109 men attended camp in 1908 for 8 days and 133 attended for 15 days.

The following year, The Territorial Year Book for 1910 recorded that the strength was 23 officers and 752 men and at the annual camp in 1909, 349 officers and men had attended for eight days whilst 392 officers and men had attended for 15 days. Camp in 1910 was scheduled from the 16th July at Annsmuir.

By August 1914 the battalion was headquartered at Tay Street in Perth with recruits drawn from the following areas:

A Company: Perth

B Company: Perth

C Company: Dunblane, with drill stations at Bridge of Allan, Doune and Callander

D Company: Grieff, with a drill station at Comrie

E Company: Balirgowrie, with drill stations at Coupar, Angus and Alyth

F Company: Auchterarder with drill stations at Blackford and Dunning

G Company: Birnam, with drill stations at Pitlochry, Ballinluig, Stanley, Luncarty and Blair Atholl

H Company: Aberfeldy, with drill stations at Kenmore, Fortingall, Grandtully and Killin

The battalion formed part of the Black Watch Infantry Brigade with Scottish Coast Defences.

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the the 6th Battalion (TF), The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders).

331 joined on the 9th April 1908
499 joined on the 23rd March 1909

867 joined on the 28th February 1910

990 joined on the 14th February 1911
1113 joined on the 16th February 1912
1369 joined on the 12th February 1913
1492 joined on the 5th February 1914
1827 joined on the 10th August 1914

Use the regimental numbers above to estimate when a man would have joined this battalion between 1908 and August 1914. For example if your man's number was 1000 he would have joined the battalion between February 1911 and February 1912.

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To search for photos of your Black Watch ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website.

West Yorkshire Regiment - 6th Bn (TF)

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 6th (Territorial Force) Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) 1908 and 1914. 

Until the 1st April 1908, the 6th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment had been the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment and by 1914 it was headquartered at Belle Vue Barracks, Bradford, its eight companies drawing men from Bradford. The battalion formed part of the 1st West Riding Infantry Brigade in the West Riding Division. 

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the the 5th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment:

101 joined on the 1st April 1908 

693 joined on the 16th March 1909

993 joined on the 8th February 1910 

1123 joined on the 12th January 1911 

1287 joined on the 28th March 1912 

1419 joined on the 4th February 1913 

1575 joined on the 29th January 1914 

1740 joined on the 5th August 1914 

A reserve or ‘second-line’ battalion was formed at Bradford on the 12th September 1914, the original 6th Battalion now becoming the 1/6th Battalion and the new reserve battalion becoming the 2/6th Battalion. Although the  battalion had been formed to take in men surplus to establishment and then to provide drafts for the 1/6th Battalion, the 2/6th eventually served overseas in its own right from February 1917. Meanwhile, a 3/6th Battalion had been formed at Bradford in March 1915 but never served overseas.  All three battalions - the 1/5th, 2/5th, 3/5th - issued numbers from the same regimental number series and from 1917 reissued numbers to serving soldiers and to new recruits from a brand new numbers series which began at 240001 and extended to 265000. 

Use the regimental numbers above to estimate when a man would have joined this battalion between 1908 and August 1914. 

Remember. I research soldiers! Drop me a line if you need help 

To search for photos of your West Yorkshire Regiment ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website.

Sherwood Foresters - 6th Bn (TF)

Above, men of the 6th Bn march out of their annual camp, 1909.

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 6th (Territorial Force) Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment) between 1908 and 1914. The 5th and the 6th Battalions of this regiment were administered by the Derbyshire County Association whereas the 7th and 8th Battalions were administered by the Nottinghamshire County Association.

Until the 1st April 1908, the 6th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters had been the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Sherwood Foresters and it was headquartered at 10 Corporation Street, Chesterfield, its eight companies drawing men from the following areas: 

A Company: Chesterfield

B Company: Chapel-en-le-Frith with drill stations at Edale, Hathersage, Peak Dale and Chinley

C Company: Buxton, with a drill station at Ashbourne

D Company: Bakewell, with a drill station at Stoney Middleton

E Company: Wirksworth, with drill stations at Cromford and Matlock

F Company: Staveley, with drill stations at Clowne, Eckington and Brimington

G Company: Claycross, with drill stations at New Tupton and South Wingfield

H Company: Whaley Bridge, with drill stations at New Mills, Disley and Hayfield

By August 1914 the battalion formed part of the Notts & Derby Infantry Brigade in the North Midland Division. 

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the the 6th Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters.

21 joined on the 1st April 1908 

1134 joined on the 22nd April 1909

1216 joined on the 10th February 1910 

1317 joined on the 30th January 1911 

1524 joined on the 11th January 1912 

1870 joined on the 14th April 1913 

2121 joined on the 16th February 1914 

2250 joined on the 15th August 1914 

A reserve or ‘second-line’ battalion was formed at Chesterfield on the 14th September 1914, the original 6th Battalion now becoming the 1/6th Battalion and the new reserve battalion becoming the 2/6th Battalion. A 3/6th Battalion would be formed at Chesterfield on the 1st March 1915. The 2/6th Battalion would serve overseas from February 1917 but the 3/6th never did so, becoming the 6th Reserve Battalion in April 1916 and ultimately being absorbed by the 5th Reserve Battalion. 

Use the regimental numbers above to estimate when a man would have joined this battalion between 1908 and August 1914. For example, if your man had the number 1111 and lived in Bakewell, he would have joined probably in March or April 1911 and probably served with D Company which was the Bakewell company. 

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To search for photos of your Sherwood Foresters ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website.

Durham Light Infantry - 6th Bn (TF)

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 6th (Territorial Force) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry between 1908 and 1914. Use the information below to estimate when your ancestor joined this particular battalion. Note that all Territorial Force battalions had their own unique number series (and for that matter, some operated more than one number series). So if your ancestor served in the 7th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, this post won't be for you. Nothing to see here, move along...

The 6th Durham Light Infantry was headquartered at Bishop Auckland and its eight companies drew men from the following locations:

A Company: Bishop Auckland, with a drill station at Coundon; B Company: Bishop Auckland with a drill station at West Auckland; C Company: Spennymore; D Company: Crook, with a drill station at Willington; E Company: Stanhope, with drill stations at Rookhope and Wolsingham; F Company: Barnard Castle, with a drill station at Staindrop; G & H Companies drew men from Consett. The battalion was part of the Durham Light Infantry Brigade in the Northumbrian Division.

Here are some sample regimental numbers for the 6th Durham Light Infantry. These were issued sequentially, beginning at No 1 on the 1st April 1908. The vast majority of early recruits would have been men who were serving with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion.

192 joined on the 7th April 1908
1005 joined on the 30th March 1909
1161 joined on the 21st February 1910
1317 joined on the 26th January 1911
1531 joined on the 29th March 1912
1786 joined on the 8th February 1913
2003 joined on the 2nd March 1914
2238 joined on the 7th August 1914 

Use the regimental numbers above to estimate when a man would have joined this battalion between 1908 and August 1914. For example, if your man had the number 1500 and came from Crook, he would have joined in the first quarter of 1912 and would have probably served in D Company. 

Remember. I research soldiers! Drop me a line if you need help 

To search for photos of your Durham Light Infantry ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website.

King's (Liverpool Regiment) - 6th (Rifle) Battalion

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 6th (Rifle) Battalion, King's (Liverpool Regiment) between 1908 and 1914. 

The 6th (Rifle) Battalion was a Territorial Force unit which was formed on the 1st April 1908 and, prior to this, had been the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, the King's Liverpool Regiment. In 1908, as The Territorial Year Book for 1909 records, the battalion strength comprised 28 officers and 588 men. 341 men attended camp in 1908 for 8 days and 176 attended for 15 days. 

The following year, The Territorial Year Book for 1910 recorded that the strength of the battalion in 1909 stood at 29 officers and 968 men; a significant increase on the previous year. At the annual camp that year, 484 officers and men attended for eight days whilst 448 officers and men attended for 15 days. Best shots in the battalion were Sergeant J Pownall and Rifleman G Good. 

The battalion was headquartered at Prince's Park Barracks, Liverpool and recruited in Liverpool and the surrounding district. Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the the 6th (Rifle) Battalion, King's (Liverpool Regiment).

10 joined on the 1st April 1908 
811 joined on the 8th March 1909 
1129 joined on the 31st January 1910 
1189 joined on the 6th March 1911 
1249 joined on the 18th March 1912 
1396 joined on the 31st March 1913 
1553 joined on the 23rd March 1914 
1637 joined on the 1st August 1914 

The battalion appears to have no trouble in recruiting and the relatively low annual recruitment rates from 1910 is evidence of the battalion having already reached its establishment.

Use the regimental numbers above to estimate when a man would have joined this battalion between 1908 and August 1914. For example, if your man had the number 1234 he would have joined this battalion at some time between 6th March 1911 and 18th March 1912.

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To search for photos of your King's (Liverpool Regiment) ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website.