When the Territorial Force was created in 1908 under the Haldane Reforms, the existing Volunteer units in the London area were brought together into a new London Regiment and organised into two divisions with a full complement of infantry brigades and supporting arms.

[7][8][9][10] In October 1914, 2nd London Division was selected for service on the Western Front and progressive training was carried out through the winter.

The 23rd and 24th Londons swept across the open ground and immediately captured the German front trenches with few losses.

However, German listening posts had given warning of the impending attack, and they had registered their artillery onto their own trenches.

[2][3][18] 142 Bde was reformed with its original battalions, and with brigade HQ at the Regimental Headquarters of the Welsh Guards at Wellington Barracks in Birdcage Walk.