King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

REGIMENTAL HISTORY
17th Century
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First World War
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The Territorial Force

In 1905 the newly appointed Secretary of State for War, Richard Haldane, set about reforming the Army.  In 1908 the Territorial Reserve Forces Act re-organised the Volunteer Forces creating the ‘Territorial Force’ - the forerunner of today's Territorial Army.  The objective of the Territorial Force was that it would be ready to serve within 6 months of mobilisation.

Two battalions were created containing the Volunteers of the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, namely the 4th and 5th Battalions.  Both were part of the North Lancashire Infantry Brigade within the West Lancashire Division.

4th Battalion, The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

Headquarters:  Ulverston.
A Company:  Ulverston, with a drill station in Grange over Sands.
B Company:  Ulverston, with drill stations at Greenodd, Haverthwaite and Lakeside.
C, D, E, F Companies:    Barrow in Furness.
G Company:  Dalton in Furness with a drill station at Askam.
H Company:  Millom with drill stations at Broughton-in-Furness, Coniston and Hawkshead.

5th Battalion, The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

Headquarters:  Lancaster.
A Company:  Lancaster, with a drill station at Galgate.
B, C, D Companies:  Lancaster.
E Company:  Morecambe.
F Company:  Carnforth with drill stations at Arnside, Silverdale and Caton.
G Company:  Fleetwood with drill stations at Poulton, Garstang and Blackpool.
H Company:  Fleetwood with drill stations at Preesall and Thornton.

First World War

In August 1914 both the 4th and 5th Battalions were mobilised.  They were initially employed on home defence, including guarding the docks at Barrow in Furness and, later, lines of communication in the South of England.  In mid-February 1915 the 5th Battalion left England for the Western Front, to be joined in May by the 4th Battalion.  Both Battalions were able to raise additional battalions during the war - the battalions were designated thus: 1st/4th Battalion; 2nd/4th Battalion; 1st/5th Battalion; 2nd/5th Battalion; 3rd/5th Battalion.  Only the 1st/4th, 1st/5th and 2nd/5th served overseas - but men from other battalions, having completed their training, were drafted to serve with other units.