Surname:
Beds
Yeomanry Memorial Poziers
Bedfordshire
Yeomanry founded as a volunteer cavalry unit
in 1794, disbanded in 1827, refounded as the Duke of Manchester's
Light Horse Volunteers in 1859, disbanded c.1882; then re-founded
as Compton's Horse in 1899, served in South Africa, also
known as the Bedfordshire Lancers and the Bedfordshire Dragoons,
became Bedfordshire Imperial Yeomanry in 1920, and converted
to artillery in 1920. The unit was only connected to yeoman
farmers to the extent that many of them joined its ranks.
Short
History
1/1st
August
1914 : in Bedford. Part of the Eastern Mounted Brigade.
June
1915 : moved to France.
12
June 1915: attached to 9th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry
Division
March
1918 : left Brigade, became a Cyclist unit, then a machine-gun
battalion with the Essex Yeomanry. Remounted, and returned
briefly to 1st Cavalry Division. Split up, one squadron
going to each of the 8th,15th and 19th Hussars.
2/1st
Formed
September 1914, and remained in UK throughout the war.
October
1915 : attached to 61st (South Midland) Division
February
1916 : left Division
June
1916 : attached to 16th Mounted Brigade, 4th Mounted Division.
For a period late 1916-March 1917, the Squadrons were split
and attached to other units (A to 57th Division; B to 66th;
C to 68th).
March
1917 : attached to 1st Mounted Division (C Squadron attached
to 71st Division)
July
1917 : absorbed into 1st Reserve Cavalry Regiment
3/1st
Formed
in 1915. Remained in United Kingdom until July 1917, when
absorbed into 1st Reserve Cavalry Regiment.