The district was formed from 54th (East Anglian) Infantry Division as part of the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve in 1967.

[1] It had its headquarters at Colchester Garrison and was placed under the command of HQ UK Land Forces in 1972.

[2] The district merged with North East District to form an enlarged Eastern District at Imphal Barracks in 1992.

[3] The enlarged district was disbanded on the formation of HQ Land Command in 1995.

[4] General officers commanding included:[5]