THIS week in Down Memory lane we start a series of First World War themes which we hope to carry on for some time to come.

I am interested to get as much information as possible from the Thurrock community about all aspects of life and death during the Great War to support the museum research for a major exhibition in the museum and touring displays.

One military area is the Territorial Army and the Grays-based unit (now the Post Office Sorting Unit and Army and Air cadet base).

Pre-war activities including regular week day and weekend meeting in the drill hall was a familiar routine.

The Grays unit was linked to the Essex Regiment but specialising in artillery.

Summer camps, weekly training and inspections kept the men on their toes and efficient in gun drill as well as mandatory foot drill.

Each week in the Grays & Tilbury Gazette an official notice of activities was published, so we will be able to check these records.

Another immediate concern that I would like to understand was the evacuation of the area (come the expected invasion) and food control, so any records or handed down family memories would be most welcome.

Sadly many thought the war would be over by Christmas 1914, but were very mistaken.

My featured photograph is of territorial soldiers on inspection with their officers, sergeants, corporals and gunners outside the sheds at the Grays Drill Hall, thought to date from 1914.