THE KENSINGTONS 13TH LONDON REGIMENT - Concise Historical Account

In this review of THE KENSINGTONS 13TH LONDON REGIMENT the reviewer finds a concise, well-focused regimental history aimed at readers interested in the Territorial Force and early First World War battalion movements. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its clear account of the 13th (County of London) Battalion (Kensington) role from the TF reforms of 1908 through its early wartime deployment, making it a useful reference for military history readers who want a readable narrative of unit assignments and first actions.

Key Features

• Pre-war background: The opening chapter provides a brief account of the Kensingtons before the Great War, giving context for the battalion's identity and local roots.
• Territorial Force focus: Coverage explains the 1908 TF reorganisation and the creation of the London Regiment with its 26 battalions, clarifying the structural changes that affected the unit.
• Operational timeline: The narrative follows the battalion through mobilisation, the November 1914 move to France, and arrival on 4th, so readers can trace early wartime movements.
• Battle detail: The book describes the battalion's first major engagement at Neuve Chapelle in March 1915, useful for readers researching that action.
• Brigade and division context: It documents allocations to the 4th London Brigade, 2nd London Division, 25th Brigade of 8th Division, and later to 168th Brigade in the re-formed 1st London Division, helping situate the unit within larger formations.

Who It's For

This book is best for readers who want a focused regimental history rather than an exhaustive campaign study, including local historians, family researchers tracing Kensington men who served, and collectors of First World War unit histories. Its emphasis on unit movements and early battles makes it a compact reference for those researching Neuve Chapelle or the early TF battalion deployments.

Readers seeking broad strategic analysis of entire campaigns or a detailed day-by-day operational diary should look elsewhere, as this work concentrates on the battalion narrative and its brigade assignments rather than extended tactical or corps-level discussion.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Readable account clarifies the battalion's pre-war origins and the impact of the 1908 TF reforms on the London Regiment.
• Clear timeline of mobilisation and the November 1914 transfer to France helps researchers follow the unit's movements.
• Inclusion of the battalion's first major action at Neuve Chapelle provides a focused case study of its wartime baptism.

Cons

• The book is concise and does not provide extensive operational detail beyond the battalion's early assignments, which may disappoint readers seeking exhaustive tactical detail.

Specifications

Title	THE KENSINGTONS 13TH LONDON REGIMENT
Subject	Regimental history of the 13th (County of London) Battalion (Kensington)
Coverage period	Pre-war history through early First World War deployments
Key events	1908 TF formation, mobilisation, arrival in France in November 1914, Neuve Chapelle March 1915
Brigade assignments	4th London Brigade; 25th Brigade (8th Division); 168th Brigade (56th Division)
Focus	Unit movements, brigade and division context, early wartime actions

Our Verdict

For readers wanting a compact, well-organised regimental narrative, THE KENSINGTONS 13TH LONDON REGIMENT delivers useful context on the TF reforms and the battalion's early wartime service. It is good value for family historians and military enthusiasts who need a clear timeline and unit-level perspective, though those wanting exhaustive operational analysis should supplement it with broader campaign studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book cover the battalion's wartime actions?
The book covers the battalion's early wartime actions, including its arrival in France in November 1914 and its first major action at Neuve Chapelle in March 1915.

Is there background on the unit before the war?
Yes, the opening chapter gives a brief account of the Kensingtons before the Great War to set the context for their TF service.

Does it place the battalion within larger formations?
Yes, the narrative explains assignments to brigades and divisions, including the 4th London Brigade, 25th Brigade of the 8th Division, and later 168th Brigade in the re-formed 1st London Division (56th).