15th Essex a brief history
On the declaration of war so many recruits came forward to join the Essex Territorial Battalions that the 4th Essex were able to form a second battalion known as the 2/4th Essex.
In June 1915, the men suitable for reinforcing the main Battalion were taken to the front line as were men from other second line battalions.
The men that were left were joined together as the 65th Provisional Battalion. The new battalion took overt from the 2/4th Essex in a coastal defence role near to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.
In January 1917 when the new battalion was established it was renamed the 15th Essex Battalion.
Training ensued to make the battalion ready for the front line and in May 1918 the 15th Essex embarked for France with 133 Officers and 1062 men.
As the battalion contained a number of men who were carrying wounds sustained in the war or who had some disability that would debar them from active service the battalion was declared a Grade B battalion which meant that it would not be forced to march with packs or used in front line duty.
On its arrival in France the Battalion was initially used for reserve defence building and designated a Garrison Battalion.
Later in 1918 it was involved in fighting as part of the 56th Division in the re occupation of Lille, Crossing of the Scheldt and the subsequent advance that it was regarded as a Grade A Battalion able to play a full role.
After the Armistice the Battalion was in a charge of a demobilisation camps at Calais and Dieppe and so were not subject to an early demobilisation themselves.
On 23 January 1919 they were presented with their colours while stationed at Marie Eglise in France. Second in Charge Major N W Stead, MC represented the Battalion in this ceremony.
After demobilisation the colours were deposited in St Mary's Church, Ilford in July 1921 by Captain A W Stapley, Captain P W Tabrum and Lieutenant J H P Hamilton.
In March 1926 the Colours were moved to the Essex Regimental Chapel in Warley.
The 15th Essex lost 2 Corporals, 5 Lance Corporals and 31 Privates of which 8 died after the Armistice with the last being George James Evered who died on 11 February 1921.
