17th (Service) Battalion (British Empire League) Formed in London on 16 May 1915 by the British Empire League. Moved to Paddockhurst. July 1915 : attached to 117th Brigade in 39th Division. Moved in September 1915 to Hursley Park and on to Witley in January 1916. Moved briefly to Aldershot and returned to Witley. 8 March 1916 ; landed at Le Havre. 16 May 1918 : reduced to cadre strength. 16 August 1918 : transferred to 197th Brigade in 66th (2nd East Lancashire) Division. remained on lines of Communication work at Durcat.
