69th (2nd East Anglian) Division in the Great War - The Wartime Memories Project -

69th (2nd East Anglian) Division

Divisional History There is little reference in websites regarding this 3rd line Division formerly known as the 2nd East Anglian Division (Home Territorial Force). It remained in the UK on Home Defence Duties and provided reinforcements for other Divisions.
The 2nd East Anglian Division was formed from the Home Service men of the Territorial Force units in the 54th Division, formed in Great Britain late in 1914. The Division remained in Great Britain throughout the war providing many drafts for the units overseas.
Infantry Units
206th (2nd Essex) Brigade.

238th Graduated Battalion Summer 1917 - 27 Oct 1917. Became the 51st Graduated Bn Northumberland Fusiliers.
51st Graduated Bn Northumberland Fusiliers. 27 Oct 1917 - 11 Nov 1918.
52nd Graduated Bn Northumberland Fusiliers. 05 Mar 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
2/4th Bn Essex Regiment Dec 1914 - 06 Dec 1915. Disbanded.
2/5th Bn Essex Regiment Dec 1914 - Mar 1918. Disbanded.
2/6th Bn Essex Regiment Dec 1914 - Jan 1918. Disbanded.
2/7th Bn Essex Regiment Dec 1914 - 10 Oct 1917. To the 67th Division.
51st Graduated Bn Durham Light Infantry. 15 Jan 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
52nd Graduated Bn Durham Light Infantry. 15 Jan 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
237th Graduated Battalion Summer 1917 - 27 Oct 1917. Became the 51st Graduated Bn Rifle Brigade.
51st Graduated Bn Rifle Brigade. 27 Oct 1917 - Feb 1918. To the 67th Division.
4/1st Bn Hertfordshire Regiment 17 Nov 1915 - Aug 1917. Disbanded.

207th (2nd East Midland) Brigade.

242nd Graduated Battalion Summer 1917 - 27 Oct 1917. Became the 51st Graduated Bn West Yorkshire Regiment
51st Graduated Bn West Yorkshire Regiment 27 Oct 21917 - 11 Nov 1918.
52nd Graduated Bn West Yorkshire Regiment 23 Feb 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
2/5th Bn Bedfordshire Regiment Jan 1915 - 18 Mar 1918. Disbanded.
51st Graduated Bn Leicestershire Regiment 15 Jan 1918 - Autumn 1918. To the 208th Brigade.
52nd Graduated Bn Leicestershire Regiment 17 Jan 1918 - Autumn 1918. To the 208th Brigade.
52nd Graduated Bn Sherwood Foresters. 23 Feb 1918 - Apr 1918. To the 208th Brigade.
2/4th Bn Northamptonshire Regiment Early 1915 - 14 Mar 1918. Disbanded.
51st Graduated Bn King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. May 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
52nd Graduated Bn King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. May 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
241st Graduated Battalion Summer 1917 - 27 Oct 1917. Became the 52nd Graduated Bn Rifle Brigade.
52nd Graduated Bn Rifle Brigade. 27 Oct 1917 - Feb 1918. To the 67th Division.
2/1st Bn Cambridgeshire Regiment Dec 1914 - Feb 1915. To the 54th Division.
2/1st Bn Cambridgeshire Regiment Apr 1915 - 08 Oct 1917. To the 67th Division.
2/1st Bn Hertfordshire Regiment Early 1915 - 14 Mar 1918. Disbanded.

208th (2nd Norfolk and Suffolk) Brigade.

245th Graduated Battalion Summer 1917 - 27 Oct 1917. Became the 51st Graduated Bn Queen’s.
51st Graduated Bn Queen’s. 27 Oct 1917 - 20 Apr 1918. To the 68th Division.
2/4th Bn Norfolk Regiment Nov 1914 - Jun 1918. Disbanded.
2/5th Bn Norfolk Regiment Nov 1914 - May 1918. Disbanded.
2/4th Bn Suffolk Regiment Nov 1914 - Dec 1915. Disbanded, personnel to the 3/4th Battalion
2/5th Bn Suffolk Regiment Nov 1914 - 28 Sep 1917. To the 67th Division.
51st Graduated Bn Leicestershire Regiment Autumn 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
52nd Graduated Bn Leicestershire Regiment Autumn 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
246th Graduated Battalion Summer 1917 - 27 Oct 1917. Became the 51st Graduated Bn Sherwood Foresters.
51st Graduated Bn Sherwood Foresters. 27 Oct 1917 - 11 Nov 1918.
52nd Graduated Bn Sherwood Foresters. Apr 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
51st Graduated Bn King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. 15 Jan 1918 - May 1918. To the 207th Brigade.
52nd Graduated Bn King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Jan 1918 - May 1918. To the 207th Brigade.
4/1st Bn Cambridgeshire Regiment Nov 1915 - Oct 1917. Disbanded.

Attached Troops.

23rd Bn Welsh Regiment 13 May 1916 - 22 Jun 1916. To the 28th Division.
1/12th Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 13 May 1916 - 01 Jun 1918. To the 60th Division.
26th Bn Middlesex Regiment 01 Jun 1916 - 22 Jun 1916. To the 62nd Division.

16th November 1915 Move

19th December 1915 Move

24th Dec 1917 Reorganisation

21st Jan 1918 Course

5th Feb 1918 Course Ends

13th Feb 1918 Personnel

21st Feb 1918 Reorganisation

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Those known to have served with
69th (2nd East Anglian) Division
during the Great War 1914-1918.

Symes George William. 2nd Lt. 69th Company

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224140

2nd Lt. George William Symes MC. 69th Company Machine Gun Corps

George Symes was awarded the Military Cross and later the bar. Citation details: "69th Machine Gun Company - 2nd Lieut. George William Symes. During the attack on Le Sars on 7th of October 1916 this officer advanced along a communication trench and single-handed captured 20(twenty) Germans. After taking off the equipment of the prisoners he sent them back to our lines, while himself remaining alone to guard the trench. This officer also handled the guns with marked ability and has frequently made bold and valuable reconnaissances. Throughout the operation at Le Sars this officer has done work which only his great powers of physical endurance could have sustained. His coolness, judgement and courage have been of the utmost value to the Brigade." Lt Colonel, A A & 0 M G 23rd Division 69th Company, Machine Gun Corps.
"2nd Lieut. (temp. Lieut) George William Symes, M.C. Has carried out his duties with unfailing courage, ability and cheerfulness since February 1916, showing great gallantry at all the actions in which the Brigade had taken part. Throughout one battle he commanded his section with conspicuous ability. Meeting suddenly a hostile party when alone with his servant, he went straight at them, killing two with his revolver, and wounding and scattering the remainder who were afterwards captured. He again commanded his section with conspicuous success and gallantry in a subsequent Battle. Awarded the Bar to Military Cross, January 1918." March 1918, Brigadier General, Commanding 69th Infantry Brigade.
Anne Young

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69th (2nd East Anglian) Division

Want to know more about 69th (2nd East Anglian) Division?

Those known to have served with
69th (2nd East Anglian) Division
during the Great War 1914-1918.

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The Wartime Memories Project - 69th (2nd East Anglian) Division during the Great War -

69th (2nd East Anglian) Division

Want to know more about 69th (2nd East Anglian) Division?

Those known to have served with69th (2nd East Anglian) Divisionduring the Great War 1914-1918.

Can you help?

If you enjoy this site please consider making a donation.

Announcements

Recomended Reading.

Links

The Wartime Memories Project
- 69th (2nd East Anglian) Division during the Great War -

Those known to have served with
69th (2nd East Anglian) Division
during the Great War 1914-1918.