EEF General Reserve

[ddycher]

All

Starting Nov '16 I have the 53rd Division in General Reserve at Moascar. The 53rd moved forward to Romani in the December.

The 54th Division then moved in to General Reserve in Moascar in the December.

After the 54th Division moved up the line in preperation for the attacks on Gaza the 52nd Division was in General Reserve at El Breij for 1st Gaza.

Would I be right in assuming that the then being formed 74th Division was the only division held in General Reserve by the start of 2nd Gaza ? Originally at In Seirat it then moved up behind Sheikh Abbas and Mansura Ridge. I understand that by 2nd Gaza one bde (229th) of the 74th was also in the line at Mansura and am assuming that this was released as the 75th Division Bde's came into being.

The 75th Division being in General Reserve at Mansura by the start of 3rd Gaza.

Trying to get a sense of how the General Reserve was maintained and where it was located through 1917. Most of the indication I have so far comes from Murrays despatches of 1916/17.

Anybody have a better sense?

Regards

Dave