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.
3rd Volunteer Battalion
Previously the renumbered 3rd Essex Rifle Volunteer Corps (Plaistow.) At peak stregth consisted of 13 Companies.
Helmet Plates. First pattern. Officer silvered and other ranks blackened Maltese Cross.
Second (Star) pattern. Officer silvered and other ranks blackened.
Third (white metal) and fourth (King’s Crown) patterns.
Other ranks, white metal.
Glengarry Badges.
Officers silvered Glengarry badge; Other ranks first and second pattern Glengarry badges (blackened.)
Field Service Cap.
Officers silvered badge.
Cap Badges.
Officer silver cap badge;
Other ranks white metal cap badges.
- First pattern, 3rd Vol Battn to top tablet;
- second pattern, blank tablet and 3 V.B to bottom scroll;
- third pattern, second scroll added with “South Africa 1900 – 02”
Successor unit: The 6th (TF) Bn Essex Regiment.