The Territorial Force (TF) played a significant part in Britain’s war effort particularly in 1915.
This talk will examine the contribution of Scotland’s Territorials during the early years of the First World War. It will look at the origins and organisation of the TF, the mobilisation, and its experience in the war.
The focus will be on the story of the Lowland TF infantry battalions particularly those from Lanarkshire including Glasgow, the Lothians and Ayrshire but not exclusively.
Allan Downie's interest in the history of the Lowland Territorials dates back a long time to when he enlisted in a Territorial Army (TA) Infantry Company in Glasgow which was part of the 52nd Lowland Volunteers.
Allan, who is now retired, was a Mathematics teacher in Edinburgh who served in the TA for 23 years. He was the Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion The Royal Highland Fusiliers from 1997 to 1999. After his TA service, Allan went on to be Commandant of the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion, Army Cadet Force.
Image: IWM (HU 94294)
Departure of the 1/5th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders from Wick railway station, 6th August 1914.