SHORT HISTORY OF THE LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE

This book gives a summary of the history of the London Rifle Brigade (LRB) prior to the outbreak of war and then goes on to record the experiences of the first line battalion, 1/5th LRB, from mobilization to February 1916. The battalion arrived in France on 5 November 1914 and was allocated to 11th Brigade (Hunter-Weston or “Hunter-Bunter”), 4th Division and served with it till May 1915 when it was transferred to GHQ troops. In October the battalion moved back to the line to join 8th Brigade, 3rd Division in the Ypres salient and this record ends in February 1916 when the battalion was again transferred, this time to its final home in 169th Brigade of the 56th (London) Division which was then being reformed in France. This short account is written with censorship very much in mind, so it does get into too much detail; it is meant to give some idea of the battalions doings to those who were not out in France at the time, and to be an aid to the memory of those who were there. There is a list of Honours and Awards, headed by the VC to Sgt Belcher in May 1915; there is an alphabetical list, by ranks, of LRB officers with service in France up to 16 August 1916 (excluding those currently serving in the battalion, banned by the censor) showing casualties; and there is a list of attached officers who have served with the battalion, again excluding any currently serving.