The Territorial Force 1908 - 1919

The Territorial Force is the forgotten army of the First World War. Between the pre-war Regular Army, which attempted to stem the German advance in 1914, and the New Armies who took to the field with such disastrous consequences on the Somme in 1916, stood the Territorial Army.

Amazingly, the Territorials were never intended, trained or equipped for overseas service; their role was to defend the UK mainland against invasion.

The Speaker Dr Paul Knight was commissioned into the Territorial Army (now the Army Reserve) in 1997 and has lived in Liverpool since 1999. He holds a PhD in History. He is the author of "The Liverpool Territorials in the Great War" which tells the story of men across Liverpool’s diverse communities who volunteered for the Territorials in their thousands, forming the core of two divisions during the war. 

Formed in 1908, but building on the Volunteer tradition of the 1850s, the Territorials remain in Liverpool to this day. Renamed the Army Reserve, they are still training and volunteering for operations.

All are welcome to attend this event, and everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome with the doors opening at 6.30pm ready for a 7pm start.