Four Volunteer Battalions were formed in 1883 from the various Rifle Volunteer units that existed as individual units or administered by one of the two remaining Admin Battalions. The units existed until 1908 when converted and renamed upon formation of the Territorial Force.
2nd Volunteer Battalion
Previously the 2nd Essex Rifle Volunteer Corps and before that the 1st Admin Battalion. At peak strength consisted of 10 Companies.
Helmet Plates. Officer silvered and other ranks blackened Maltese Cross pattern.
There was no Star pattern for this Battalion.
Glengarry Badges.
Officer silvered Glengarry badge; Other ranks first and second pattern Glengarry badges (blackened.)
Cap and other Badges.
Officer silvered cap badge; Other ranks white metal cap badge; Slouch Hat badge.
Successor unit: The 5th (TF) Bn Essex Regiment.