2nd Line Territorial Divison

[Guest JasonS]

Hi

Please help me - What does the "2nd Line" mean when referring to the Territorial Division? Hence... "2nd Line Territorial Division"

It is written in a 'Field Ambulance' context.

Thanks so much

Jason

[Tony Lund]

Based largely on what happened with the local territorial company my standard explanation is this:

In 1914 the government decided they wanted to send the territorial force overseas, but were hesitant to leave the country without its home defence units. In any case the territorials had volunteered for home defence only and at that time could not legally be sent outside the country against their wishes. The solution chosen was to double the size of the force by turning each territorial battalion into two, those men who elected to volunteer for active service, about 75%, formed the new first line battalions, and went into training for the front, and those who wished to retain their home defence status formed the new second line battalions. In both cases the battalion’s numbers were made up to full strength with new recruits.

After January 1916 the 2nd line units could be sent anywhere the army liked.

Tony.

[Paul Nixon]

Welcome aboard Jason.

See also: http://www.1914-1918.net/tf.htm

[Guest JasonS]

Thanks ever so much for your help guys.

God Bless