[1][2][3][4][5] At the outbreak of World War I the unit consisted of a single Electric Lights Company based at 16 Bench Street, Dover, forming part of South East Coastal Defences.

Once organised, the division moved in January 1917 into Essex and Hertfordshire to form part of Southern Army (Home Forces); the engineers were stationed at Witham and Chelmsford.

[10][11] 73rd Division's main role was to train and physically condition men for drafting as reinforcements for units serving overseas.

[10][11][12] The two companies were engaged in engineering works associated with the rapid advance of the British Expeditionary Force in the final months of the war.

In July 1942 the company moved again, being assigned to First Army TRE in preparation for the Allied invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch).

When First Army was broken up at the end of the campaign, the unit was converted into a conventional field company and went to Italy as part of 14th GHQ Troops RE.

It continues to serve in the Army Reserve as part of 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).