The Lost Division

Along with the 2/4 & 2/5 Lincolns the 2/4 & 2/5 Leicesters formed the 177th Infantry Brigade. The brigade was part of the 59th (2nd North Midland Division) along with the 176th (2nd Staffords Brigade) & 178th (2nd Notts & Derby) Brigade. The 2nd Line Territorial Divison was formed in January 1915 and subsumed those territorials who did not undertake the overseas service obligation. The battalions did not receive full equipment outfits until early 1916. From June 1915 the the battalions supplied replacement drafts the the 1st Line Territorial units of the 46th Division.

In September 1914 the 2/4 and 2/5 Battalions of the Leicestershire Regiment formed at Leicester and Loughborough respectively. In January 1915 both battalions moved to Luton to form the 177th Brigade.

In April 1916 the Division was moved to Ireland to combat the Republican uprising of 1916.

In May 1916 the battalions were moved out of Dublin.

On 6th January 1917 the Division returned to England leaving Southampton for France on 24th February.