The British 42nd (East Lancashire) Division was a Territorial Armydivision. Originally called the 'East Lancashire Division', it was redesignated as the 42nd Division in 1915. It was the first Territorial division to be sent overseas during the First World War. The division fought at Gallipoli, in the Sinai desert and on the Western Front in France.
The division was sent to Egypt in September 1914 to protect the Suez Canal from Turkish attack. In early May 1915 the division was sent to Cape Helles following the failure of the Allies to achieve the anticipated swift success at Gallipoli during April. The 125th Brigade landed in time to participate in the Second Battle of Krithia on May 6. The entire division was involved in the Third Battle of Krithia on June 4.
The division carried out the Helles diversion at the start of the Battle of Sari Bair in what became known as the Battle of Krithia Vineyard. It remained at Gallipoli until the final evacuation of Helles in January 1916 but was severely depleted by casualties and illness.
After the evacuation of Gallipoli, the division returned to Egypt and participated in the advance across the Sinai without becoming seriously engaged in the fighting.
For instance, the second line 'Wessex Division' was originally called the '2nd Wessex Division' (later the 45th Division) and the second line battalion for the 1/5th East Surreys was the 2/5th East Surreys.
The 42nd and 52nd divisions were sent to Gallipoli as reinforcements for the Helles front in May and June of 1915.
Although the British Government, as national government, is responsible for the defence of the territories, and holds direct control of military units raised within them, the local forces are raised and funded by the governments or the territories.
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