Third line territorial units for RA and RE

[Wienand Drenth]

Dear all,

Regarding the Territorial Force I have a hopefully easy question.

Much had been published on the infantry and the yeomanry of the TF, and we all know that most, if not all, battalions formed a second line battalion first, and a third line afterwards; some even provided a fourth battalion. Same applies to the yeomanry of course.

However, it is a bit difficult to find anything on 3rd line units for the RA and RE. Second line units are documented of course, in Becke e.g.. Sometimes a third line unit appears in literature such as Becke's, but only when on active service, whilst I am referring to the reserve units of course!

My common sense tells me they were formed, but I cannot find anything. The odd thing is that with the renumbering in Feb. 1917 of the Field Companies (400+ series) several numbers were not used (according to a document found at Orbat.com). A little wishfull thinking shows that the "missing" reserve/third line companies fit nicely into those places in some instances, but not all unfortunately.

Any information will be appreciated, and would love to solve this "problem"!

Best wishes,

Wienand

[Simon R]

49th Division produced a duplicate 62nd Div. with it's TF Howitzer brigade being the 3rd line RFA recruits from Otley and Ilkley in West Yorkshire. So, not a reserve unit, a very active one, just under another name that you might not be familiar with. It was the 2nd West Riding Div. which gives you a clue.

[Wienand Drenth]

I am aware of this duplicate of course. What I am interested in are those brigades and battalions that were formed after the 2nd line and served as a reserve for the two lines serving overseas.

Those in the infantry are well known, these being (in most cases) the 3/xth battalion, which became "Reserve" battalions later.

Wienand