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.
1st Volunteer Battalion
Previously the 1st Essex Rifle Volunteer Corps and before that the 3rd Admin Battalion. At peak strength consisted of 14 Companies.
Helmet Plates.
First pattern: officer silvered and other ranks blackened Maltese Cross.
Second and third (Star) patterns. Officer (silvered) and other ranks blackened; other ranks white metal.
Glengarry Badges.
Officer silvered Glengarry badge; Other ranks first and second pattern Glengarry badges (blackened).
Cap Badges.
Officer silver and bronze cap badges; Other ranks white metal and blackened cap badges.
Other Badges.
Field service cap badge worn pre 1905 (blackened.)
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.
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.)
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”
4th Volunteer Battalion
Previously the 9th Essex Rifle Volunteer Corps (Silvertown.) At peak strength consisted of 11 Companies.
Helmet Plates. Maltese Cross first pattern. Officer silvered and other ranks blackened.
Second (Star) pattern. Officer silvered and other ranks blackened.
Third (white metal) and fourth (King’s Crown) pattern other ranks star.
Glengarry Badges.
Officer silvered Glengarry badge; Other ranks first and second pattern Glengarry badges (blackened.)
Cap Badges.
Officer silver cap badge; Other ranks white metal cap badge.
Successor unit: The Essex Regiment (TF) Battalions.