Territorial Soldiers on the march were popular subjects for postcard makers in the Edwardian era, unlike the regular army which did not always have the best reputation, the Territorials were seen as brave volunteers who gave up their spare time in defence of their country. This week’s postcard shows a territorial unit on the march, with two officers on horseback leading the main unit:

The postcard was sent in 1912 and includes a lovely message indicating the recipient was a soldier himself:

The Territorial Army was founded in 1907 and comprised Yeomanry (cavalry) units, artillery and service troops and making up the bulk of the force the infantry. Initially men would only be called up for service within the UK, but men were heavily encouraged to agree to overseas service, for which they were awarded a small silver badge to wear on their tunics.