Hi,

Does anyone know why officers were frequently 'Attached' between regiments, and even between different battalions of the same regiment? Was is to do with paperwork or something like that? How temporary was it?

Thanks in advance,

Hugh Pattenden

My father was commissioned in the 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards, and always wore the uniform of that regiment regardless of what regiment he was attached to, which was the 3rd and 17th Battalions of the Kings Liverpool Regiment, and finally the Welsh Regiment. The periods that he was attached to was anywhere from a year to 18 months.
It appears that officers were attached to other regiments due to their experience and because of the high casualty rates in the regiments that they were attached to. My father served in the Matabele War of 1896, and the entire Boer War, so he had considerable experience which may have been why he was shifted around a lot.
Hope that this answers some of your question. Montague Chapin

Officers are meant to be adaptable little creatures. Thus they go where they are sent.

Normally an attachment implys that they have some special skill or are required to fill a position for a short time only. By being attatched, as opposed to posted in, their parent unit retains them. (And expects them back in good working order.)

Think of it as an attachment being short term only, a posting was long term.

Many thanks, that's cleared up something that's been bugging me for a while.

Hugh Pattenden

Many cavalry officers were attached to infantry units during the war, as stated above the loss rate among infantry officers was very high.

Also, officers from the RAMC and Veterinary Corps were attached to infantry and cavalry regiments.

Hugh,
Although your question is directed at Officers,this may assist
From the History of the 8th Royal Scots a Pioneer Battalion
November/December 1915:Various Companies of the 17th Northumberland Fusiliers were attached to the Battalion for instruction.
January 1916:The 1/6th Scottish Rifles were attached to the Battalion for instruction.
I should also add the obvious when mentioning the 8th Royal Scots Prior to embarkation to France in 1914 a draft of 1/8th Highland Light Infantry was attached to the 8th Royal Scots to bring the Battalion up to War strength.In particular Lt J. Martin 1/8th H.L.I..It was Lt. Martin who Corporal W. Angus V.C.(8th H.L.I. attached 8th Royal Scots)) recovered from No Man's Land on the 12th June 1915 under enemy fire.
Lt. Martin was still attached to the 8th Royal Scots on 14/1/1916 when he was awarded the M.C.
George

The case for the RFC and the Tank Corps was slightly different; some of the officers remained attached to their new corps, wearing their orginal capbadge with pride.