The Territorials 1908-1914 is a unique, comprehensive record of the
part-time soldiers who made up the Territorial Force that supported the regular
army in the years immediately before the outbreak of the First World War.
Previously information on the history and organization of these dedicated
amateur soldiers has been incomplete and scattered across many sources but now,
in this invaluable work of reference, Ray Westlake provides an accessible
introduction to the Territorial Force and a directory of the units raised in
each county and each town.
The origin, aims and organisation of the Territorial Force are
described as well as the terms of service, recruitment, equipment and training.
But the bulk of the book consists of details of over 600 Territorial units plus
a comprehensive account of every city, town or village associated with them.
Essential information on the all the infantry formations is supplied, but also
covered are the yeomanry, the artillery, the engineers, the Royal Army Medical
Corps and the Army Service Corps.
Ray Westlake’s historical guide of the Territorial Force – the
forerunner of the present-day Territorial Army - will be of enduring value to
military and family historians.
