It was formed on 20 March 1916, converted to 2nd Cyclist Division in July 1916 and broken up on 16 November 1916.

The Headquarters was at Colchester[5] and Brigadier-General (Major-General from 26 May) Lord Lovat was appointed to command.

All but 12 regiments were converted to cyclists:[4] the rest were dismounted, handed over their horses to the remount depots and were issued with bicycles.

[8] The Headquarters remained at Colchester and the brigades at Wivenhoe, Kelvedon, Manningtree and West Malling.

It was assigned to the Southern Army, Home Defence Troops,[5] and Lord Lovat remained in command.