Essex Territorial Soldiers
Essex has a long tradition of
volunteer soldiers.
In 1881 a major reform took place which
saw the 44th and 56th Regiments become the 1st and 2nd
Battalions of the new Essex Regiment.
Another part of this reform was
the formation of 4 Territorial battalions of the Essex Regiment
from the Existing Militia Units.
Thus began the life of the Essex
Regiment Territorial Army
The 8th Battalion was added in 1914 at
the outbreak of war for home defence.
Click below to visit the menu page for each Battalion
Many militia men volunteered to serve in the Boer War alongside the 1st Essex or as part of other regiments.
Essex Volunteers serving with 1st Essex in Boer War
