The British Territorial Army (TA) has undergone significant changes since its formation in 1908 (before that, auxiliary forces like the Yeomanry and Volunteer Force existed). Over time, it has transformed and rebranded, most recently becoming the Army Reserve in 2014. Here's a timeline and list of British Territorial Army regiments, corps, and units from 1899 to 2024, along with resources and online associations:
Pre-Territorial Army (Pre-1908)
Yeomanry and Volunteer Force (1794–1907):
Yeomanry Regiments: Originally formed as volunteer cavalry units, such as the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars.
Volunteer Force Regiments: Independent units of local volunteers raised for the defense of the UK, e.g., the London Rifle Brigade and Artist's Rifles.
Territorial Force (1908–1920)
Formed in 1908 under the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, incorporating Yeomanry and Volunteer regiments.
Key Units (1914-1918 during WWI):
London Regiment (28 battalions, including London Scottish and London Irish Rifles).
Royal Artillery (TF): Volunteer batteries and brigades.
Royal Engineers (TF): Field companies and signal units.
Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) (TF).
Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) (TF).
Territorial Army (1921–1947)
Reformed in 1921 after being disbanded post-WWI.
Key Units in WWII:
Anti-Aircraft Command: TA units made up a significant part of Britain’s air defense.
Royal Artillery (TA): Field regiments, including London Regiment (Anti-Aircraft).
Royal Armoured Corps (TA): E.g., Nottinghamshire Yeomanry (Sherwood Rangers).
Royal Engineers (TA): Engineers and signaling units.
Notable Units (WWII):
51st (Highland) Division: Fought at Dunkirk, Alamein, and Normandy.
50th (Northumbrian) Division: Served in North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy.
Post-WWII Territorial Army (1947–1967)
Following WWII, the TA was re-established.
Royal Artillery: E.g., 72nd (Middlesex) Searchlight Regiment.
Royal Armoured Corps: Formations of armoured and cavalry units, like the Cheshire Yeomanry.
Royal Engineers: Field squadrons and regiments.
Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve (1967–1979)
Reformed under this new name after the 1967 reorganization.
Royal Corps of Signals: TA regiments focusing on communications.
Infantry Regiments: Often affiliated with regular regiments like the 4th Battalion, Parachute Regiment (4 PARA).
Territorial Army (1979–2014)
Reverted to the name "Territorial Army."
Key Units in the Late 20th Century:
Royal Engineers: Continuing TA service in roles like bomb disposal and field engineering.
Royal Logistic Corps (RLC): Transport and supply roles.
Army Medical Services: E.g., Field Hospitals (TA) supporting operations in the Balkans and Iraq.
Special Forces Support Group (SFSG): Involvement of TA units like the 21st and 23rd Special Air Service (SAS) Regiments.
Army Reserve (2014–Present)
The Territorial Army was renamed the Army Reserve in 2014, aligning more closely with regular forces.
Key Units (2024):
4th Battalion, The Rifles (4 RIFLES).
75 Engineer Regiment.
Royal Logistic Corps (Army Reserve).
Medical Corps (Army Reserve).
Key Territorial Army/Reserve Corps & Units
Royal Armoured Corps (TA/AR)
Units like Royal Wessex Yeomanry and Queen’s Own Yeomanry.
Royal Artillery (TA/AR)
Many field regiments, now batteries, such as 101 (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery.
Royal Engineers (TA/AR)
Units like 71 Engineer Regiment and bomb disposal squadrons.
Royal Corps of Signals
Communications units like 32 Signal Regiment.
Infantry (TA/AR)
Reserve battalions of regular infantry units (e.g., 7th Battalion, The Rifles).
Special Air Service (SAS) Reserve
21 and 23 SAS.
Royal Army Medical Corps
Field hospitals and medical units attached to major formations.
Online Resources & Associations
British Army Website - Army Reserve:
The official portal for the Army Reserve, detailing current regiments, units, and roles.
Frequently reports on updates and activities of the British Army Reserve.
Army Reserve Units & Locations:
Information on joining and locations of Reserve units.
The Royal Yeomanry Association:
Association supporting veterans and current members of the Royal Yeomanry.
The Rifles Regimental Association:
Connects former and current members of The Rifles regiment, including Reserve battalions.
Parachute Regimental Association:
Association for former members of the Parachute Regiment, including 4 PARA.
A network for serving and retired members of the Royal Artillery, including Territorial units.
Official support and news for members and veterans of the Special Air Service, including TA regiments.
This list provides an overview of Territorial Army regiments and units through history, with resources for those interested in learning more or joining online communities.