South-Eastern District (British Army)

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South-Eastern District
Active1856–1903
1967–1995
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
TypeHome Command
Garrison/HQDover (19th century)
Aldershot Garrison (1967–1995)
Constable's Tower, Dover Castle, command headquarters in the 19th century
Military Headquarters, Aldershot, command headquarters 1967–1995

South-Eastern District was a district command of the British Army from the mid-19th century until 1903. It was in existence again between 1967 and 1995.

History[edit]

Early formation[edit]

Historically troops based in the South-Eastern counties had reported direct to Army Headquarters in London[1] but in July 1856 South-Eastern District was formed under Lieutenant-General Sir Colin Campbell. Campbell was recalled to become Commander-in-Chief, India just three months later and Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Love was appointed to the command in his place.[2][3] The headquarters of the command was established at Dover Castle.[4][5]

Re-formation[edit]

The district was formed from Aldershot Command as part of the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve in 1967.[6] It had its headquarters at Aldershot Garrison, and was placed under the command of HQ UK Land Forces in 1972.[7] It was disbanded again on the formation of HQ Land Command in 1995.[8]

Commanders[edit]

General officers commanding included:[9]
South-Eastern District


South East District

Southern District

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Hart's Army List 1856". p. 456. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  2. ^ Hart, Henry George (1857). "Hart's Army List 1857". p. 304. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  3. ^ "Hart's Army List 1858". 1858. p. 403. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  4. ^ "South Wing of Constable's Gateway, the Stately Home of Dover Castle". Panoramio. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  5. ^ "Hart's Army List 1868". p. 499. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  6. ^ Steinberg, S. (1967). The Statesman's Year-Book 1967-68: The Encyclopaedia for the Businessman-of-The-World. Palgrave Macmillan UK. p. 106. ISBN 978-0230270961.
  7. ^ Paxton, J. (1972). The Statesman's Year-Book 1972-73: The Encyclopaedia for the Businessman-of-The-World. Palgrave Macmillan UK. p. 104. ISBN 978-0-230-27101-2.
  8. ^ "Land Command Shapes Up", Jane's Defence Weekly, 15 July 1995.
  9. ^ "Army Commands" (PDF). Retrieved 2 July 2016.