Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoot
who exactly were the Essex Corps of Guides?.
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A very reasonable question, not s lot of info about them out there!
As I understand it (and would welcome any further info on this topic from members) they were one of several bodies formed prior to WW1 for home defence duties. In this case, to provide individuals with local knowledge of their County to support Home Army commanders.
They were at a County level although I couldn't say if every County formed one. I would suspect the Counties on the eastern side of the country were more likely to. The Essex one was formed in 1912 and I haven't been able to establish when they ceased to exist (possibly 1922 when the National Reserve was abolished.)
As they were not enlisted into the Army and therefore didn't get a uniform they were issued a lapel badge to meet The Hague Convention requirements.