1 (Reserve) Garrison Bn Suffolks

[charlesmessenger]

Can anyone with a knowledge of the Suffolk Regiment solve a little mystery for me? It concerns the 1st (Reserve) Garrison Bn, which in theory provided drafts for Garrison bns abroad and also was part of the Medway defences. In May 1917 it despatched two `Service Companies’ to the Mediterranean and also appears to have sent another company to France. The latter formed, with some Labour Corps Garrison Guard companies, 5th Provisional Garrison Guard Bn at the end of April 1918. This in turn became 17th (Garrison Guard) Bn Royal Sussex and finished the war as a Service battalion.

My question is why the Suffolks were sent overseas in formed companies? I have not come across this for any other Reserve Garrison bn. Also what was their role once they arrived? I am especially interested in the company which went to France. This may have been called 1 (Service) Coy, since those which went to the Med were numbered 2 and 3 Service Companies.

Any light that can be shed would be gratefully received.

Charles