London Rifle Brigade

London Rifle Brigade
Cap badge of the London Rifle Brigade.
Active	14 December 1859 – 1 May 1960
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Infantry
Size	Battalion
Service	First World War Second World War

The London Rifle Brigade was a volunteer unit of the British Army.

The regiment was first raised in the City of London on 14 December 1859 as 1st London (City of London Volunteer Rifle Brigade) Rifle Volunteer Corps, a rifle volunteer unit made up of five companies. On 1 July 1881 it was made part of the King's Royal Rifle Corps as its 9th Volunteer Battalion. Ten years later, in December 1891, it was renamed the 1st London Volunteer Rifle Corps (City of London Volunteer Rifle Brigade). One of its early officers was Sir Charles Hunter. In 1893 its headquarters was moved to Bunhill Row in London. When the volunteer and militia units were re-organised as the Territorial Force (TF) in 1908 the unit was again renamed, becoming the 5th (City of London) Battalion of the new London Regiment.

On the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 it formed a part of the 2nd London Brigade within the 1st London Division. It was mobilised and sent to Bisley. It was moved to Crowborough in September 1914 and landed in France on 5 November, at Le Havre, upon which it left 1st London Division. On 19 May 1915 it was transferred to General Headquarters (GHQ) Troops to form a composite unit with the 1/12th and 1/13th Battalions of the London Regiment, though this only lasted until the following 11 August, when the three battalions regained their original identities. On 25 October 1915 the battalion was transferred to 8th Brigade in 3rd Division.