The front line unit had a 1 in from of the title e.g. 1/4th was the main unit.

To differentiate the reserve units had a 2 or 3 in front, hence 2/4th would be the second line unit.

The Essex second line units were based in the County with recruits being trained locally and then used for home defence and to supply recruits to replace casualties in the front line units.

Initially Essex had 2/4th , 2/5th, 2/6th and 2/7th Battalions and in May 1915 they were joined by the 3/4th ,3/5th/ 3/6th and 3/7th Battalions.

2/4th Commanded by Lieut-Colonel W C Shepherd and Captain B A Clapham mainly from the Brentwood area.

In May 1918 the 2/4th was renamed the 15th Essex and under the command of Lieut-Colonel G H J Wright were ordered to France.

2/5th Commanded by Lieut-Colonel F W Taylor mainly from the Chelmsford area.

In July 1916 command was taken by Lieut-Colonel G J Hornsby Wright.

2/6th Commanded by Lieut-Colonel E J K Savage mainly from the West Ham area.

In 1916 command was taken by Lieut-Colonel Hector Fraser who in turn was followed by Lieut-Colonel P D Castle.

2/7th Commanded by Lieut-Colonel J G Crosby mainly from the Walthamstow area.

Although this Battalion was at full strength for Officers, recruitment for men was limited to about one company so recruits were posted from other schemes.

In 1915 command was taken by Lieut-Colonel  H F Gillett who in turn was followed by Lieut-Colonel Savage Armstrong DSO and then Lieut-Colonel C W W Burrell.

3/4th Commanded by Lieut-Colonel H H Slade

3/5th Commanded by Lieut-Colonel W P N Ridley

3/6th Commanded by Lieut-Colonel W F Grant, Captain H Oliver TD was Adjutant, Lieutenants R E Cook, W F Cook and Daniel.

3/7th Commanded by Lieut-Colonel Anderson Neville.