Thursday 2 August 2007

The lineage book, part II

And thus a book-like thing was born of some 230 pages, which was titled

"The Territorial Army 1967 - 2000"

Above I used the term "book-like" thing, as it never became an official publication of course. All changes including the Strategic Defence Review of 1999 was included. So it proved to form a nice concice history and lineage of the TA from the creation of the TAVR in 1967 through the end of the cold war into the 21st century.

As far as possible all units of the TA were taken into consideration. However, given the more prominent presence of combat units (yeomanry, artillery and infantry) these have by far the most complete lineage. Followed closely by the Royal Engineers and Royal Signals. Supporting corps are far less well documenten unfortunately.

The main features of the book can be summed up as follows:

1. Lineage of all units of the TA (except RAMC) between 1967 and 2000
2. Lineage of the various brigades, divisions and commands into which the units were organised and administered
3. Outline history of the Territorial Army, giving the most important dates and events
4. Tables showing strength at specific years
5. Overview of the differences between TA units assigned to the BAOR, and assigned for ND

Despite all this, and given the fact that not all lineages are 100% complete, this book-like thing was well appreciated by the people I met via the internet with a similar interest in lineages. Most notably of course mr Mills, and dr Graham Watson from Wales.

Mr Watson had a big interest in the TA as well, and had performed some very good research in the years before 1999 (even before I took an interest in the subject). Mr Watson was so kind to provide me with his notes. Main reason was that he lacked time to put those notes into good use, and I could continue his work.

Following this book on the TA for 1967 - 2000, it was a natural step to extend the period to 1947. Whereas 1967 was of course a logical choice, the end of the Second World War and reconstitution of the post-war TA in 1947 was a logical choice as well.

Creating a "book-like thing" on the history of the TA for the period 1947 - 200? was the next task ahead!

To be continued ...