Command was given to Captain H J Young  with an establishment of four officers and 144 other rank although in practice the number varied according to the recruiting, usually at a much higher level.

This unit was not earmarked for home defence so all recruits were graded suitable for foreign service.

Recruitment by Captain Young and Sergeant M Grice went so well that there were over 100 men within the first week including Lieutenants Tyson and Court.

The addition of Colour Sergeant Heath from the 2/8th Battalion strengthened the training and resolve of the men and their Officers to the extent that by June the first men were able to transfer to front line units.

Even when Colour Sergeant Heath was replaced by Sergeant J R Hesketh this rate of successful training continued with the transfer in of officers with experience of the front line.

Officers included 2nd Lieutenant'sThompson, S Lambert, Amos, Oddey, H H Jones, Hillman, Thornton, F Lambert, Gillings, Barwell, Critchley, Wiggins, Heap and Fitch. In March 1916 all 3rd reserve Battalions were closed and the personal sent to the 1/8th or the 2/8th.