Meanwhile.....In The Middle East

Whilst the conflict on the continent was occupying the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Battalions, and had brought about the creation of the 7th, 8th and now, 9th Battalions of the 'New Armies,' thousands of miles away, the 1st Battalion still remained on Foreign Service in Khartoum.
The first news that the conflict was larger than feared, was in early September when Major Clifford was recalled to England to become the commanding officer of the much depleted 2nd Battalion. 
Much saddened by his loss, the men were joyed when in late September, news came that the Battalion was to return to England to play it's part in the Great European War. The Battalion embarked on 3rd October at Port Sudan and reached Alexandria a few days later. Here 'C' Company joined them from Garrison Duties in Cyprus, and within hours, the entire Battalion; whole again, were steaming for Gibraltar. Now under the command of Major D'Arch Smith, the Battalion arrived in Liverpool on 23rd October and disembarked immediately for Lichfield. 
Their time at Lichfield was one of great enthusiasm - of getting up to speed with training, and one of great loss. Five of the Battalion's most senior sergeants received emergency commissions, leaving the Battalion desperately short of senior NCOs. Former sergeants, now newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenants Biggs and Harrison, remained with the Battalion, whilst 2nd Lieutenants Eighteen, Garvey and Mumford went their respective ways to the Ox and Bucks L.I., the Norfolks and the Wiltshires. 
It would not be long before the Battalion would be home again in Suffolk; the first time for several years.

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