Green Howards - World War I

World War I

In common with all other infantry regiments, the regiment was greatly expanded in size for the duration of the war by the formation of extra battalions: either by the duplication of existing Territorial Force (TF) units or by the raising on new "service" battalions. The following battalions saw active service:

• 1st Battalion (regular army). Initially part of the 2nd (Sialkot) Cavalry Brigade, the battalion remained in India throughout the war. Took part in Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919.
• 2nd Battalion (regular army). On Western Front from October 1914.
• 3rd (Reserve) Battalion. (former North Yorkshire Regiment of Militia). Remained in UK providing trained drafts to other battalions.
• 1/4th Battalion (TF): On Western Front from May 1915.
• 1/5th Battalion (TF): On Western Front from May 1915.
• 6th (Service) Battalion: raised August 1914. Landed at Suvla Bay August 1915, took part in Gallipoli campaign. On Western Front from 1916 - 1918.,
• 7th (Service) Battalion: raised September 1914: on Western Front from July 1915 until disbandment in February 1918.
• 8th (Service) Battalion: raised September 1914: on Western Front from September 1915.
• 9th (Service) Battalion: raised September 1914: on Western Front from August 1915, moved to Italy in November 1917, returned to France in September 1918.
• 10th (Service) Battalion: raised September 1914: on Western Front from September 1915 until disbandment in February 1918.
• 12th (Service) Battalion (Teesside Pioneers): Formed as the "Middlesbrough Pals" by the Mayor and Town of Middlesbrough in December 1914, became part of the regiment August 1915 and converted to pioneers in the following month. Served on Western Front from June 1916 until disbandment in June 1918.
• 13th (Service) Battalion: formed July 1915 as a Bantam Battalion: moved to Western Front June 1916, returned to UK in June 1918, moved to Murmansk November 1918.
• 16th (Labour) Battalion: Raised June 1916, worked on lines of communication in France from July 1916 to May 1917.