What was the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907?

Introduction The Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907 (7 Edw. 7, c.9) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that reformed the auxiliary forces of the British Army by transferring existing Volunteer and Yeomanry units into a new Territorial Force (TF); and disbanding the Militia to form a new Special Reserve of… Read More

What was the Reserve Forces Act 1937?

Introduction The Reserve Forces Act 1937 (1. Edw. VIII & 1. Geo. VI, c. 17) was an Act of Parliament of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It allowed “Class A” British Army reservists to be called up for active service during their first five years after leaving the Army. Background During the Army reforms… Read More

What was the Reserve Forces and Militia Act 1898?

Introduction The Reserve Forces and Militia Act 1898 (61 & 62 Vict. c. 9) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which came into force in 1898. background The Act allowed up to five thousand men of the Army Reserve to be called out on permanent service, without requiring the approval of… Read More

What was the Officers’ Commissions Act 1862?

Introduction The Officers’ Commissions Act 1862[1] (25 & 26 Vict. c. 4) was an Act of Parliament of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Background It provided that any officer’s commission in the British Army could be issued without the royal sign-manual, provided that it was signed by a principal secretary of state and the… Read More

What was the Esher Report (1904)?

Introduction The Esher Report of 1904, chaired by Lord Esher, recommended radical reform of the British Army, such as the creation of an Army Council, General Staff and Chief of the General Staff and the abolition of the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces. The change to the character of the Army has endured. Background The Second… Read More