Mobilisation of the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Essex in 1914
War was declared with Germany on 4 August 1914 although it was not entirely a surprise given the political crisis that preceded it.
The Essex Brigade were packing up annual camp at Clacton when war was declared. The 4th Essex marched to Dovercourt, the 5th to Felixstowe, the 6th to Southend on Sea and West Ham while the 7th returned to base at Walthamstow.
The Brigade signal unit which was attached to the 6th Essex left Clacton and journeyed to Felixstowe by cycle. The unit was eighteen other ranks was commanded by Lieutenant E A Loftus. This unit was unusual in that it comprised entirely of ex cadets from Palmers School in Grays.
The 4th Essex set up HQ in Orwell House at Lower Walton Street under the control of Colonel Lawford, Brigade Major Fargus DSO and Staff Captain Butler Harris.
Outposts were manned at Ordnance Hotel, White Pavilion, Pier Gardens, Q Tower Post, Goyfield House, The Vicarage and Ferry Hill Redoubt.
There were real fears that this area could be suitable for an invasion which meant that defence trenches were dug at various points and an exclusion area was maintained from 8pm to 6am.
On 9th August 1914 the 4th Essex were relieved by the Befordshires and were able to return to base after an early taste of the war.
The 5th Essex performed similarly at Dovercourt.
The 6th patrolled Shoeberryness with detachments at Thames Haven and Coalhouse Fort.
The 7th were stationed at Landguard Fort, Felixstowe and Harwich.
The Territorials were formed primarily for home defence although recruits were able to volunteer for foreign service. These volunteers were then available to man up regular units.
The start of the war in Europe meant that the whole territorial battalions were needed for overseas service. At this stage there was no conscription so a request was made for all territorial men to volunteer for foreign service. The majority did so although some were unwilling , mainly due to personal circumstances and were instead drafted to service battalions or second line battalions that would stay in the UK.
Sadly this drop out meant the the Territorial Battalions who would serve in Gallipolli were all well under strength.
By January 1915 all 4 Essex Territorial battalions were still in the UK. The 4th, 6th and the 7th at Severals Hospital, Colchester, The 5th at West Bergholt . Detachments of the 6th were at Mistley and Manningtree.
In 1915 with foreign service expected The battalions moved to St Albans where training increased with especially long route marches in full kit.
The issue of pith helmets in July 1915 signified the embarkation for Gallipoli and with it the end of mobilisation and training for the Essex Territorial battalions. Life would never be the same again.
