69th (2nd East Anglian) Division


The 2nd East Anglian Division was a 2nd Line Territorial Force division of the British Army in World War I. The division was formed as a duplicate of the 54th Division in November 1914. As the name suggests, the division recruited in East Anglia, particularly Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk, but also Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and Northamptonshire. In August 1915, in common with all Territorial Force divisions, it was numbered as 69th Division. By January 1918 it had been extensively reorganized and lost its territorial identity; henceforth it was known as 69th Division.
It served on home defence duties throughout the war, whilst recruiting, training and supplying drafts to overseas units and formations. Initially, it was stationed in East Anglia, but from June 1916 it was in Northern Command. It never left England and was eventually disbanded in March 1919.

History

In accordance with the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907 which brought the Territorial Force into being, the TF was intended to be a home defence force for service during wartime and members could not be compelled to serve outside the country. However, on the outbreak of war on 4 August 1914, many members volunteered for Imperial Service. Therefore, TF units were split into 1st Line and 2nd Line units. 2nd Line units performed the home defence role, although in fact most of these were also posted abroad in due course.
On 15 August 1915, TF units were instructed to separate home service men from those who had volunteered for overseas service, with the home service personnel to be formed into reserve units. On 31 August, 2nd Line units were authorized for each 1st Line unit where more than 60% of men had volunteered for overseas service. After being organized, armed and clothed, the 2nd Line units were gradually grouped into large formations thereby forming the 2nd Line divisions. These 2nd Line units and formations had the same name and structure as their 1st Line parents. On 24 November, it was decided to replace imperial service formations as they proceeded overseas with their reserve formations. A second reserve unit was then formed at the peace headquarters of the 1st Line.
As a result, the 2nd East Anglian Division was formed in November 1914 with the 2nd Essex, 2nd East Midland and 2nd Norfolk and Suffolk Brigades as a 2nd Line duplicate of the East Anglian Division.

Order of battle

Organisation, November 1915

Organisation in November 1915 after reorganization when all 2nd Line formations became liable for overseas service.
Royal Engineers
Royal Army Medical Corps
69th Divisional Train, ASC

Commanders

The 69th Division had the following commanders:
FromRankName
24 November 1914Brigadier-GeneralW.F. Cavaye
14 November 1915Major-GeneralF.H. Kelly
3 February 1917Brigadier-GeneralF.A. Fortescue
18 February 1917Major-GeneralF.H. Kelly
8 September 1917Major-GeneralC. Ross
4 November 1918Major-GeneralSir R. Fanshawe