There is often some confusion here so for the benefit of all:
Most Regular Bns had betwenn 1 to 4 Bns and were numbered as such.
Upto 1908 various Volunteer Battalions were formed from local civilians as Bns of Infantry. Not all Regular Bns had VBs but most did. They were part time and descended from the Rifle Volunteers in reponse to the perceived threat from France in the 1870s. These were numbered 1 VB upwards. At the same time there were militia bns.
In 1908 there was a reform of the VBs and the Territorial Force was raised. These TF Bns were more closely aligned to the Regular Army but remained volunteers ie part time and recrutied from the civilain populace. These TF are sometimes referrred to as volunteers but Territorial rather than Volunteer Bns. The Regular bns were usually (but not always) numbered 1st and 2nd, the militia were converted to reserve (home trg) bns generally numbered as the 3rd and the TF 4th upwards.
In 1914 the TF were mobilised for service and there were a number of 'pals' bns raised from volunteers. This term was due to the local nature of recruitment of some Bns. Later on there were Service Bns. These Bns are all liable for overseas service. From 1916 conscription is introduced. 1919 onwards these Bns are disbanded.
At the same time there is a formation of VTC - Volunteer Training Corps. A bit like the Home Guard of WW2 and made up of local volunteers who trained to resist any German invasion. They were at best semi-official with their own unifrms and rank insignia until 1916 when the War dept tried to bring them into one officially controlled body. Annoyingly enough they also had their own Bn numbers. They ceased in 1918.
Hope this is a little clearer.
Alan
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