[1] 2nd Line units performed the home defence role, although in fact most of these were also posted abroad in due course.

Once assembled, it was assigned to the First Army (Home Forces) and was responsible for the defence of the East Coast.

[6] At first, rather than growing in size, the division shrunk as men were drafted off to active units overseas.

The division also suffered lack of equipment; the artillery batteries were issued with the older 15 pounder Breech Loading Converted rather than the 15 pounder Quick Firing gun that was the standard weapon of first line TF RHA units.

All but 12 regiments were converted to cyclists:[3] the rest were dismounted, handed over their horses to the remount depots and were issued with bicycles.

[7] At this time, the division was assigned to General Reserve, Home Defence Troops.

In October, the brigade at Maidstone moved to West Malling and the cyclists were concentrated at Bridge.

[18] In March 1918, the headquarters and two of the brigades were at Canterbury and the other at Littlebourne, Ash, and Wingham as part of the Independent Force, Home Defence Troops.

Throughout its existence, from March 1915, the division remained in the England on Home Defence duties.