London Pride examines the vital yet often overlooked contributions of London's Territorial Force from 1908 to 1921, exploring its unique structure, socio-economic composition, military operations during the Great War and enduring legacy. It offers the first comprehensive study of the London Territorial Force, addressing gaps in existing historiography.
Based on extensive research and previously unpublished sources, London Pride explores the organisation of the Territorial Force, which consisted of infantry, artillery, engineering, medical and logistical units, each with distinct traditions and identities. It explores how class, occupation and geography influenced recruitment, providing insights into the Territorial Force's connection to the social and economic fabric of Edwardian London.
London Pride also investigates the Territorial Force's adaptation to the demands of modern warfare, analysing its learning processes, operational challenges and integration into the British Army. Beyond battlefield contributions, it examines the post-war experiences of Territorial Force veterans, including their roles in commemorative activities, Old Comrades Associations and the preservation of the force's history.
This two-volume work provides a detailed and multifaceted exploration of the London Territorial Force and will appeal to historians of London as well as military and social historians. Volume 1 focuses on its formation, its social and economic context and the transition from peacetime to war. Volume 2 addresses its operational contributions during the First World War and the long-term legacy of its soldiers. Together, these volumes offer a nuanced understanding of the London TF's significance in the military and social history of the early twentieth century, preserving the memory of its substantial and enduring impact.
