Highland Light Infantry - 9th (Glasgow Highland) Bn - 1908-1914

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 9th (Glasgow Highland) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry between 1908 and 1914.

The 9th Battalion, which had previously existed at the 5th (Glasgow Highland) Volunteer Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, was formed on the 1st April 1908. The Territorial Year Book for 1909 recorded that the battalion strength was 30 officers and 696 men. At the annual camp in 1908, 344 officers and men attended for eight days whilst 286 officers and men attended for 15 days. Private J Chisholm of D Company was the best shot of the battalion. 

The following year, The Territorial Year Book for 1910 recorded that the strength was 31 officers and 1000 other ranks, a steady increase on the previous year, and in line with increases in other HLI Territorial Force Battalions. At the annual camp in 1909 438 officers and men attended for 8 days whilst 477 officers and men attended for 15 days. Serjeant J W Mathieson of A Company was the best shot of the battalion. Camp for 1910 was scheduled for Stirling from the 16th July.

The battalion was headquartered at 81 Greendyke Street, Glasgow and used the Drill Hall at Glasgow Green. There was a shooting range at Patterton, five miles from HQ. 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 9th (Glasgow Highland) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry.

457 joined on the 9th April 1908
815 joined on the 15th March 1909
1207 joined on the 23rd February 1910
1295 joined on the 16th January 1911
1457 joined on the 12th February 1912
1746 joined on the 7th April 1913
1949 joined on the 28th January 1914
2205 joined on the 6th 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 1568 he would have joined the battalion between February 1912 and April 1913.

The image that I have used for this post shows officers and men of the Highlnad Light Infantry on Laffans Plain. To search for photos of your Highland Light Infantry ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website.

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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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Devonshire Regiment - 5th Battalion (TF) - 1908-1914

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 5th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment between 1908 and 1914.

The 5th Battalion was formed on the 1st April 1908, taking in men from the former 2nd and 5th (Hay Tor) Volunteer Battalions which had been amalgamated to meet the requirements of the Territorial Forces Act of 1907. It was headquartered at Millbay, Plymouth.

The Territorial Year Book for 1909 recorded that the battalion strength was 33 officers and 693 men. Private F Slade of F Company (Torquay) was the best shot of the battalion and at the annual camp in 1908, 279 officers and men attended for eight days whilst 306 officers and men attended for 15 days.

The following year, The Territorial Year Book for 1910 recorded that the strength was 37 officers and 821 men. Corporal W Coways was the best shot this year and at the annual camp at Whitchurch Down in 1909, 273 officers and men had attended for 8 days whilst 493 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: Tavistock
B Company: Plymouth
C Company: Plymouth, with drill stations at Ivybridge & Kingsbridge
D Company: Devonport
E Company: Newton Abbot, with a drill station at Chudleigh
F Company: Teignmouth, with drill stations at dawlish and Torquay
G Company: Moretion Hampstead, with drill stations at Bovey Tracey and Chagford
H Company: Totnes, with drill stations at Ashburton and Buckfastleigh

The battalion formed part of the Devon & Cornwall Infantry Brigade in the Wessex Division.

Understanding the company distribution is important if you know where your 5th Battalion soldier lived as it would likely suggest the company he served with. For instance, men living in Devonport and wishing to join this battalion would have logically been assigned to D 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.

861 joined on the 20th November 1908
978 joined on the 17th March 1909
1044 joined on the 20th January 1910
1354 joined on the 22nd February 1911
1591 joined on the 2nd September 1913
1803 joined on the 26th May 1914
1887 joined on the 7th August 1914
2094 joined on the 3rd September 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 1900 he would have joined the battalion between August and September 1914.

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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Devonshire Regiment - 4th Battalion (TF) - 1908-1914

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 4th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment between 1908 and 1914.

The 4th Battalion was formed on the 1st April 1908, taking in men from the former 1st and 3rd Volunteer Battalions which had been amalgamated to meet the requirements of the Territorial Forces Act of 1907. The 1st Volunteer Battalion claimed to be the oldest Volunteer Battalion.

The Territorial Year Book for 1909 recorded that the battalion strength was 34 officers and 791 men. Private H Squires was the best shot of the battalion and at the annual camp at East Anstey in 1908, 403 officers and men attended for eight days whilst 222 officers and men attended for 15 days.

The following year, The Territorial Year Book for 1910 recorded that the strength was 28 officers and 932 men. At the annual camp at Whitchurch Down in 1909, 463 officers and men had attended for 8 days whilst 260 officers and men had attended for 15 days. Camp for 1910 was scheduled for West Down South from the 23rd July.

The battalion was headquartered at Exeter, and its eight companies drew men from the following areas.

A Company: Exeter, with a drill station at Broad Clyst
B & C Companies: Exeter

D Company: Exmouth, with drill stations at Budleigh Salterton and Lympstone
E Company: Tiverton, with drill stations at Bampton and Dulverton
F Company: Sidmouth, with drill stations at Ottery St Mary, Newton Poppleford, Honiton and Colyton
G Company: Cullompton, with drill stations at Burelscombe and Uffculme
H Company: Axminster, with drill stations at Chardstock and Lyme Regis

The battalion formed part of the Devon & Cornwall Infantry Brigade in the Wessex Division.

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

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the 4th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment.

33 joined on the 1st April 1908
429 joined on the 2nd March 1909
1394 joined on the 7th October 1910
1411 joined on the 20th February 1911
1772 joined on the 6th December 1912
2234 joined on the 6th November 1913
2279 joined on the 5th August 1914
2440 joined on the 5th September 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 1555 he would have joined the battalion between February 1911 and December 1912.

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.

Norfolk Regiment - 5th Bn (TF)

In this post I will be looking at regimental numbering in the 5th (Territorial Force) Battalion, Norfolk Regiment between 1908 and 1914. 

On the 1st April 1908, the 5th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment was formed from what had previously been the 3rd Volunteer Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. The newly formed 5th (TF) Battalion was headquartered at East Dereham and distributed as follows:

A Company: King's Lynn

B Company: Downham, with drill stations at Hunstanton, Thornham, Hilgay and Stoke Ferry

C Company: Fakenham, with drill stations at Wells, Syderstone, Aylsham and Corpusty

D Company: Dereham, with drill stations at Castle Acre and Swaffham

E Company: Sandringham, with drill stations at Dersingham, Wolderton, Hillington and West Newton

F Company: Cromer, with drill stations at Melton Constable, Holt, Sheringham, North Walsham, and Gunton

G Company: Great Yarmouth

H Company: Great Yarmouth

By August 1914 the battalion formed part of the Norfolk & Suffolk Infantry Brigade in the East Anglian Division. 

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

353 joined on the 22nd April 1908 

1323 joined on the 14th May 1910 

1480 joined on the 10th May 1911 

1582 joined on the 3rd January 1912 

1816 joined on the 14th January 1913 

2077 joined on the 13th January 1914 

2187 joined on the 4th August 1914 

A reserve or ‘second-line’ battalion was formed at East Dereham in September 1914, the original 5th Battalion now becoming the 1/5th Battalion and the new reserve battalion becoming the 2/5th Battalion. A 3/5th Battalion was formed at East Dereham in early 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 regimental 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. For example, if your man had the number 1700 and lived in Holt he would have joined the battalion between January 1912 and January 1913 - and probably served with F Company. 

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

Yorkshire Regiment - 4th Bn (TF)

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 5th (Territorial Force) Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment) between 1908 and 1914. 

On the 1st April 1908, the 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment was formed from what had previously been the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. The newly formed 4th (TF) Battalion was headquartered at Northallerton and distributed as follows:

A Company: Middlesbrough

B Company: Middlesbrough

C Company: Yarm-on-Tees, with drill stations at Great Ayton, Stokesley and Hutton Rudby

D Company: Guisborough, with drill stations at Eston, South Bank and Grangetown

E Company: Richmond, with drill stations at Catterick, Eppleby and Reeth

F Company: Redcar, with a drill station at Marske by the Sea

G Company: Skelton, with drill stations at Carlin How, Lingdale and Loftus

H Company: Northallerton, with drill stations at Bedale, Thirsk, Easingwold, Brompton and Helperby

By August 1914 the battalion formed part of the York & Durham Infantry Brigade in the Northumbrian Division. 

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the the 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment:

14 joined on the 1st April 1908 

682 joined on the 25th February 1909

1125 joined on the 18th May 1910 

1153 joined on the 25th January 1911 

1338 joined on the 1st February 1912 

1602 joined on the 22nd February 1913 

1832 joined on the 12th February 1914 

1979 joined on the 11th August 1914 

A reserve or ‘second-line’ battalion was formed at Northallerton on the 4th September 1914, the original 4th Battalion now becoming the 1/4th Battalion and the new reserve battalion becoming the 2/4th Battalion. The Long, Long Trail website picks up the story of the 2/4th:

"Formed at Northallerton on 4 September 1914 as a home service (“second line”) unit. Troops began to arrive from 10 September. Supplied first drafts for overseas service in May 1915. 1 March 1915: came under orders of 189th Brigade, 63rd (2nd Northumbrian) Division, which was broken up in July 1916. 9 November 1916: transferred to 220th Brigade, 73rd Division. July 1917: reduced in strength; eventually disbanded in England November 1917."

A 3/4th Battalion was formed at Northallerton in March 1915 but never served overseas.  All three battalions - the 1/4th, 2/4th, 3/4th - issued numbers from the same regimental number series and from 1917 reissued numbers to serving soldiers and to new recruits from a brand new regimental numbers series which began at 200001 and extended to 240000. 

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 1200 and lived in Redcar, he would have joined the battalion in 1911 - and probably served with F Company. 

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

Yorkshire Regiment - 5th Bn (TF)

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 5th (Territorial Force) Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment) between 1908 and 1914. 

On the 1st April 1908, the 5th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment was formed from the amalgamation of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, and the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. The 2nd VB, East Yorkshire Regiment had had six companies at Howden, Bridlington, Beverley, Driffield, Market Weighton and Hessle. Meanwhile, the 2nd VB, Yorkshire Regiment had had seven under-strength companies at Malton, Hovingham, Scarborough (two companies and the HQ), Hemsley and Pickering. The newly formed 5th (TF) Battalion was headquartered at Scarborough and distributed as follows:

A Company: Market Weighton, with drill stations at Pocklington, Newbald and Stamford Bridge

B Company: Bridlington, with drill stations at Filey, Hunmanby and Flamborough

C Company: Beverley, with a drill station at Cottingham

D Company: Driffield, with a drill station at Sledmere

E Company: Scarborough

F Company: Scarborough

G Company: Pickering, with drill stations at Helmsley, Kirbymoorside, Grosmont, Ebberston and Thornton Dale

H Company: Malton, with drill stations at Sand Hutton, Sheriff Hutton and Hovingham

By August 1914 the battalion formed part of the York & Durham Infantry Brigade in the Northumbrian Division. 

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

29 joined on the 4th May 1908 

726 joined on the 2nd March 1909

1022 joined on the 19th February 1910 

1149 joined on the 29th March 1911 

1244 joined on the 16th April 1912 

1453 joined on the 2nd May 1913 

1608 joined on the 20th March 1914 

1784 joined on the 12th August 1914 

A reserve or ‘second-line’ battalion was formed at Scarborough in September 1914, the original 5th Battalion now becoming the 1/5th Battalion and the new reserve battalion becoming the 2/5th Battalion. The Long, Long Trail website picks up the story of the 2/5th:

"Moved to Darlington in November 1914 and Benton in April 1915. Later moved to Catterick. On 1 March 1915 came under orders of 189th Brigade, 63rd (2nd Northumbrian) Division, which was broken up in July 1916. All category A1 men, now deemed by the Military Service Act to be available for overseas service, were posted. On 9 November 1916, battalion transferred to 220th Brigade, 73rd Division and moved to Blackpool. By January 1917 was at Chelmsford. 29 March 1918, disbanded in England."

A 3/5th Battalion was formed at Scarborough 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 regimental 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. For example, if your man had the number 1500 and lived in Driffield, he would have joined the battalion in 1913 - and probably served with D Company. 

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

To search for photos of your Yorkshire Regiment 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.

West Yorkshire Regiment - 5th Bn (TF)

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 5th (Territorial Force) Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) 1908 and 1914. 

Until the 1st April 1908, the 5th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment had been the 1st Volunteer Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment and by 1914 it was headquartered at York, its eight companies drawing men from the following areas: 

A Company: York, with a drill station at Tadcaster

B Company: York

C Company: York

D Company: Selby

E Company: Harrogate 

F Company: Harrogate, with a drill station at Wetherby

G Company: Knaresborough, with drill stations at Borobridge and Starbeck

H Company: Ripon, with a drill station at Pateley Bridge

By August 1914 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:

70 joined on the 1st April 1908 

604 joined on the 4th March 1909

1101 joined on the 22nd December 1910 

1114 joined on the 20th February 1911 

1292 joined on the 7th March 1912 

1378 joined on the 18th February 1913 

1537 joined on the 24th February 1914 

2001 joined on the 10th August 1914 

A reserve or ‘second-line’ battalion was formed at York on the 28th September 1914, the original 5th Battalion now becoming the 1/5th Battalion and the new reserve battalion becoming the 2/5th Battalion. This battalion, only ever formed as draft-finding battalion for the 1/5th Battalion, eventually served overseas in its own right from February 1917. Meanwhile, a 3/5th Battalion had been formed at York 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 200001 and extended to 240000. 

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 1432 and lived in Harrogate, he would have joined the battalion in 1913 - and probably served with E or F Company. 

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.

Somerset Light Infantry - 5th Bn (TF)

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 5th (Territorial Force) Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry) between 1908 and 1914. 

Until the 1st April 1908, the 5th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry had been the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry and by 1914 it was headquartered at Taunton, its eight companies drawing men from the following areas: 

A Company: Taunton

B Company: Williton, with drill stations at Watchet, Minehead and Washford

C Company: Bridgwater, with a drill station at North Petherton

D Company: Langport, with drill stations at Highbridge & Somerton

E Company: Yeovil, with drill stations at Martock and Langport

F Company: Crewkerne, with a drill station at South Petherton

G Company: Wellington, with drill stations at Milverton and Wiveliscombe

H Company: Chard, with a drill station at Iminster

By August 1914 the battalion formed part of the South Western Infantry Brigade in the Wessex Division. 

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the the 5th Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry).

404 joined on the 18th April 1908 

853 joined on the 10th March 1909

1066 joined on the 11th February 1910 

1234 joined on the 21st February 1911 

1530 joined on the 11th April 1912 

1837 joined on the 7th July 1913 

2035 joined on the 2nd April 1914 

2197 joined on the 12th August 1914 

A reserve or ‘second-line’ battalion was formed at Taunton in September 1914, the original 5th Battalion now becoming the 1/5th Battalion and the new reserve battalion becoming the 2/5th Battalion. A 3/5th Battalion would be formed at Taunton in March 1915. The 2/5th Battalion - along with the 2/4th Battalion -  was serving overseas (in India) as early as December 1914, but the 3/5th Battalion only ever remained in the UK, feeding recruits through to, for the most part, the 1/5th Battalion. 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. For example, if your man had the number 1700 and lived in Yeovil, he would have joined the battalion between April 1912 and July 1913 - and probably served with E Company. 

The image on this post shows the 3/5th Battalion football team in 1916.

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

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

Somerset Light Infantry - 4th Bn (TF)

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 4th (Territorial Force) Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry)  between 1908 and 1914. 

Until the 1st April 1908, the 4th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry had been the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry and by 1914 it was headquartered at Lower Bristol Road, Bath, its eight companies drawing men from the following areas: 

A Company: Bath

B Company: Bath

C Company: Keynsham, with drill stations at Brislington, Whitchurch and Bitton

D Company: Frome, with drill stations at Bruton, Mells and Wenstrow

E Company: Weston-super-Mare, with drill stations at Winscombe and Cheddar

F Company: Castle Cary, with drill stations at Shepton Mallet and Evercreech

G Company: Midsomer Norton, with drill stations at Radstock, Bishop Sutton and Peasedown St John

H Company: Glastonbury, with a drill station at Wells

By August 1914 the battalion formed part of the South Western Infantry Brigade in the Wessex Division. 

Here are some sample regimental numbers and joining dates for the the 4th Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry).

480 joined on the 28th April 1908 

1058 joined on the 22nd March 1909

1204 joined on the 24th January 1910 

1458 joined on the 27th July 1911 

1555 joined on the 1st March 1912 

1815 joined on the 1st April 1913 

2082 joined on the 10th March 1914 

2497 joined on the 6th September 1914 

A reserve or ‘second-line’ battalion was formed at Bath in September 1914, the original 4th Battalion now becoming the 1/4th Battalion and the new reserve battalion becoming the 2/4th Battalion. A 3/4th Battalion would be formed at Bath in March 1915. The 2/4th Battalion was serving overseas (in India) as early as December 1914, but the 3/4th Battalion only ever remained in the UK, feeding recruits through to, for the most part, the 1/4th Battalions. All three battalions - the 1/4th, 2/4th, 3/4th - 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 200001 and extended to 240000. 

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 and lived in Midsomer Norton, he would have joined the battalion in the first quarter of 1910 and probably served with G Company. 

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