Composition of a Battalion
The War Office approved the creation of new Battalions and provided instructions as to the numbers that made up a Battalion.
Reproduced below are the recommended numbers for Infantry battalions at the start of WW1 in 1914
Headquarters
One each of Officers - Lt Colonel ,Major, Adjutant,
Quartermaster, Transport OfficerOne each or Warrant Officers - Sergeant Major
One each of Sergeants - Quartermaster Sergeant, Orderly room clerk , Sergeant drummer, Sergeant cook, Pioneer sergeant, Signaler sergeant Transport sergeant, Sergeant shoemaker,
Other Ranks - 9 First line vehicle drivers, 2 First line animal drivers, 6 Batmen, 10 Pioneers, 1 Signaler Corporal, 15 Signaler privates, 9 Cyclist signalers, 1 Medical cart driver, 2 Water cart drivers,2 Limbered wagon drivers, 2 Animal drivers, 16 Stretcher bearers, 2 Medical orderlies.
Attached to HQ - 1 RAMC Officer plus 5 men , 1 Armourer Sergeant , 4 ASC Drivers for train transport
Machine Gun Section
1 Officer, 1 Sergeant, 1 Corporal, 12 Privates, 2 Drivers , 1 Batman.
Each Company
1 Company Commander (either Major or Captain), 1 Captain ( 2nd in charge), 4 Officers, 1 Company Sergeant Major, 1 Company Sergeant Quartermaster,8 Sergeants, 4 Drummers or Buglers, 10 Corporals, 188 Privates, 3 Drivers , 6 Batmen, 2 Ammunition cart drivers, 1 Travelling kitchen drivers.
Reserve left at Base
1 Officer , 2 Sergeants and 91 men forming the first reserve, 1 Orderly Sergeant, 1 Sergeant of the band, 1 Sergeant tailor, 4 Store men.
