‘Yeoman Yeoman’ by Paul BAKER.

This book was published in October 1971 see enclosed ‘Introduction’ to this book for as explained it does not aspire to be a complete history of the Regiment during the period 1920 to 1956, however it does provide a fascinating insight into the life and experiences of those who served during WW2 with the Warwickshire Yeomanry.

There are 35 photographs, many evoking memories of the three phases of the Regiment during WW2: Horses, Trucks and Tanks. There are seven maps and five Appendices:

Appendix A - Honours and Awards.

Appendix B - Roll of Honour those Killed in Action.

Appendix C - Wounded in Action.

Appendix D - Prisoners of War.

Appendix E - List of Abbreviations (for those not familiar with the)

This is an exceptionally good book and is well worth reading – original copies occasionally turn up in www.abebooks.co.uk

The Museum Trustees are indebted to Paul MORGAN who compiled an index to this book in 1995 which has proved exceptionally useful as a first reference point when responding to research enquiries.

Observation

My copy of this book which I purchased in 1971 has long since lost its book cover.

Return To Books Index

‘The Standing Orders of the Warwickshire Yeomanry (1912) by Lieut. Colonel F. DUGDALE, C.V.O.,T.D, Commanding Warwickshire Yeomanry.

This book was published in 1912 and was compiled by the Adjutant of the Warwickshire Yeomanry, Captain T.H.S. MARCHANT (13th Hussars).

The expectation being that ‘Every Officer, NCO and man in the Regiment will have in his possession a copy of these Regimental Standing Orders.’

The book is very thorough covering all aspects of the Regiment’s operating procedures.

By way of example here are the details re Mobilisation (pages 47 & 48).

Your attention is drawn to the requirement that every man in the Regiment must have in his possession a copy of ’Instructions on Receipt of Orders to Mobilise’ – see blue card.

Clearly the work done in 1911 to update and compile these procedures coupled with exceptionally good training enabled the Warwickshire Yeomanry to commence mobilising on 4th August 1914. All four Squadrons are in Warwick by 10th August, complete with horses, entraining at Milverton for Bury St Edmunds on the 13th August 1914.

Observation

Captain T.H.S. MARCHANT, 13th Hussars was the Adjutant of the Warwickshire Yeomanry from September 1909 to Sept 1913. He retired from the Army with the rank of Brigadier-General in 1925.

For more than 17 years before his final retirement in 1947 he was the Secretary of the Institute of the Horse and Pony Club. During the period 1940-42 MARCHANT was Officer Commanding 2nd County of London Bn, Home Guard.

Truly a remarkable man whose pastel portrait is to be found in the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum.

Return To Books Index

‘The Yeomanry Cavalry of Worcestershire 1914-1922’ by C.

This book was published in 1926 and is dedicated to ‘The Yeoman of Worcestershire Who Laid Down Their Lives 1914-1918.’

As explained in the enclosed preface it is a sequel to ‘The Yeomanry Cavalry of Worcestershire, 1794-1913’ published in 1913. The use of diarised dates throughout the book enables the reader to evaluate the narrative and see what transpired alongside other printed material for the same date during 1914-18.

The book contains 18 photographs, 14 maps and two appendices.

Appendix A. Record of the 2/1st Worcestershire Yeomanry

Appendix B. Nominal Roll of the 1/1stWorcestershire Yeomanry and the Rolls of subsequent Drafts.

On Mobilisation in August 1914 the Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire Yeomanries formed the 1st South Midland Mounted Brigade and later the 5th Mounted Brigade serving with distinction in the Sinai and Palestine.

In March 1918 the Warwickshire Yeomanry was selected for dismounted service as Machine Gunners in France on the Western Front. They parted company with the Worcesters and Gloucesters at a mounted parade on 1st April 1918. ‘The memories of Suvla Bay, and Romani, Rafa and Gaza, and the bloody brotherhood of Huj, provide an unbreakable chain’ binding together both the Warwickshire Yeomanry and the Worcestershire Yeomanry.

Observation

I purchased both books for my private collection back in the 1980s from an Antiquarian Book dealer at the Stratford Medal Fair. They have proved to be a good investment for they rarely turn up in the second-hand book market and when they do they command high prices.

Return To Books Index

‘Warwickshire Yeomanry Pocket Book’

This book was published on 1 November 1911 followed by a reprint on 1 March 1914. The book has a fold over flap to protect contents.

The requirement being that every Officer, N.C.O. and Man would furnish themselves with a copy for 6d (sixpence old money) and that it should always be carried on parade during Peacetime Training or on Active Service.

Corrections and additions appeared in Regimental Orders and should be entered on the blank pages provided for this purpose in the book.

Enclosed is the Preface to the book issued by Captain T.H.S. MARCHANT, Adjutant Warwickshire Yeomanry, which explains the purpose of this book together with the Contents Pages.

Also enclosed is the page relating to ‘The Principal Duty of Cavalry in War.’

The 1914 Reprint was issued by Captain E.H. STOCKER, Adjutant, Warwickshire Yeomanry on 1st March 1914.

Observation

This Pocket Book provides a fascinating insight into the role of Cavalry and their training for ‘Surprise is the greatest of all foes.’

Return To Books Index

‘The Warwickshire Yeomanry in the Nineteenth Century: Some Fresh Aspects - With a Transcript of the three surviving Troop Rolls.’

Booklet No.36 in the DUGDALE Society Occasional Papers was compiled by Paul MORGAN in 1994 to coincide with the 200th Anniversary of the formation of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry.

This seventy nine page booklet provides a fascinating glimpse into different aspects and personalities within the Regiment since its formation on 25 June 1794 ‘when it was resolved to raise a Corps of Yeomanry Cavalry of four Troops of 54 men, including Officers’ [1]

By the 1831 the Regiment had six Troops and ‘from the Parliamentary Return of that year both Warwickshire and Staffordshire were allowed to be kept up to their full strength, at this time the former had a total of 427, including Officers.’ [2]

In 1895 the Regiment consisted of eight Troops and was ordered to stand in Four Squadrons. [3]

Regrettably only three Troop Rolls are known to have survived covering the periods as specified and these together with the Articles of Enrolment have been transcribed and reproduced in this booklet:

The Roll of First Troop of the Warwickshire Yeomanry commonly called the Vellum Roll c.1836-1868. (Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum)

The Roll of the Second Troop of the Warwickshire Yeomanry c.1836-1895. (Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum)

The Roll of the Sixth Troop of the Warwickshire Yeomanry 1852-1868 (Shakespeare Birthplace Trust)

This booklet includes a most useful Index of Persons (23 pages).

The first page of this index is enclosed - the level of detail is exceptionally good.

There is also an Index of places mentioned within the above three Rolls.

[1] See page 10 ‘History of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry’ by ADDERLEY.

[2] See pages 50 & 51 ‘History of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry’ by ADDERLEY.

[3] See page 142 ‘History of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry’ by ADDERLEY.

Observation

The whereabouts of the missing Troop Rolls remains a mystery to this day.

Return To Books Index

‘Warwickshire Imperial Yeomanry Roll of A or Major J.D .MILLS Squadron ‘ (undated)

This fifteen page booklet was published in April 1911 and provides the names of four Officers in ‘A’ Squadron together with their home addresses:

Major J.D. MILLS

Captain Lord GUERNSEY *

Lieutenant R.S. WILSON

and 2nd Lieutenant L.B. JOYNSON **

The booklet provides the following details for 90 enlisted men serving in ‘A’ Squadron, Warwickshire Yeomanry, Birmingham:

Date of enlistment

Regimental Number

Rank

Name and Initials

Home address

Remarks

One page of enlisted men is enclosed by way of example.

The last man to join the Squadron prior to this booklet being published was 1718 Trooper F. STRINGER - he enlisted on 11 February 1911 and served with the Regiment during WW1.

This copy of the ‘A’ Squadron 1911 Roll in the Museum Archive includes ink annotations, for it was used to compile the ‘Warwickshire Yeomanry Roll of ‘A’ Squadron commanded by Major J.D. MILLS 1912.’ The annotations on several pages of the booklet indicate that some men were late with their saddlery.

Unfortunately, we do not have a complete run of Squadron Rolls in the Museum for the period 1900 to 1912. Those Squadron Rolls we do have are most useful indeed when responding to research enquiries.

Observation

Captain Lord GUERNSEY *(Lieut. late Irish Guards), Capt. 17 August 1910, re-joined Irish Guards August 1914, k-in-a France (Battle of Aisne, 14 Sept 1914.

L.B. JOYNSON MC * Lieut. 10 Feb 1912, Captain 7 January 1916, seconded as Brigade Signalling Officer, mentioned in despatches.

Return To Books Index

‘Warwickshire Yeomanry Roll of ‘A’ Squadron-Commanded by Major J.D. MILLS 1912.’

This fifteen page booklet was published in late April 1912. It lists the Regimental Staff on page 2 (see enclosure) and provides the names of the four Officers in ‘A’ Squadron together with their home addresses on page 3:

Major J.D. MILLS

Captain Lord GUERNSEY *

Captain R.S. WILSON

and Lieutenant L.B. JOYNSON **

The booklet provides the following details for 103 enlisted men serving in ‘A’ Squadron, Warwickshire Yeomanry, Birmingham, compared with 90 men in the 1911 booklet:

Date of enlistment

Regimental Number

Rank

Name and Initials

Home address

Remarks

The last man to join ‘A’ Squadron prior to this booklet being published was:

1879 Pte H.O. COTTERILL who enlisted on 10 April 1912 and had the misfortune to be killed in action at Gallipoli on 10 September 1915.

There are twenty-two men listed as Recruits - 9 men having left the Squadron during the twelve month period ended 10 April 1912. Troopers in the 1911 version are now listed as Privates.

Unfortunately, we do not have a complete run of printed Squadron Rolls covering the period 1900 to 1912 in the Museum Archive. Those Rolls we do have, continue to prove most useful when responding to research enquiries.

Observation

Captain Lord GUERNSEY *(Lieut. late Irish Guards), Capt. 17 August 1910, re-joined Irish Guards August 1914, k-in-a France (Battle of Aisne, 14 Sept 1914.

L.B. JOYNSON MC * Lieut. 10 Feb 1912, Captain 7 January 1916, seconded as Brigade Signalling Officer, mentioned in despatches.

Return To Books Index

‘Warwickshire Yeomanry Roll of ‘A’ Squadron-Commanded by Major J.D. MILLS 1913.’

This fifteen page booklet was published in April 1913. It lists the Regimental Staff on page 2 and provides the names of the five Officers in ‘A’ Squadron together with their home addresses on page 3:

Major J.D. MILLS

Captain Lord GUERNSEY *

Captain R.S. WILSON

Lieutenant L.B. JOYNSON

and 2nd Lieutenant G.A. LLOYD (commissioned 8.6.1912) ***

The booklet provides the following details for 106 enlisted men serving in ‘A’ Squadron, Warwickshire Yeomanry, Birmingham, compared with 103 men in the 1912 booklet:

Date of enlistment

Regimental Number

Rank

Name and Initials

Home address

and Remarks

The last man to join ‘A’ Squadron prior to this booklet being published was 1994 Pte J.R. RUSSELL who enlisted on 28 February 1913. RUSSELL was one of eight dismounted men serving in ‘A’ Squadron. He later served with the Reserve Regiment during WW1.

Twenty-two Recruits and two additional Dismounted Men joined ‘A’ Squadron to replace twenty-one who had left during the previous 12 months, making a net gain of three. Five men are listed as being on leave at the time of publication of this Roll.

Unfortunately, we do not have a complete run of printed Squadron Rolls covering the period 1900 to 1912 in the Museum Archive. Those Rolls we do have continue to prove most useful when responding to research enquiries.

Observation

Captain Lord GUERNSEY *(Lieut. late Irish Guards), Capt. 17 August 1910, re-joined Irish Guards August 1914, k-in-a France (Battle of Aisne, 14 Sept 1914.

G.A LLOYD *** Lieutenant 11.12.14. Captain 1.6.16. Special Service E.E.F. & Aust. Imp. Force Staff (Sir G.A. LLOYD G.C.I.E., D.S.O. later became Lord G.A. LLOYD)

Return To Books Index

‘Warwickshire Yeomanry Roll of ‘A’ Squadron-Commanded by Major J.D. MILLS 1914.’

This fifteen page booklet was published in April 1914. It lists the Regimental Staff on page 2 see enclosure and provides the names of the six Officers in ‘A’ Squadron together with their home addresses on page 3:

Major J.D. MILLS

Captain Lord GUERNSEY *

Captain R.S. WILSON

Lieutenant L.B. JOYNSON

2nd Lieutenant G.A. LLOYD ***

2ndLieutenant H.C. COULSON (Commissioned 21.5.1914) ****

The booklet provides the following details for 105 enlisted men serving in ‘A’ Squadron, Warwickshire Yeomanry, Birmingham, compared with 106 men in the 1913 booklet:

Date of enlistment

Regimental Number

Rank

Name and Initials

Home address

and Remarks

The last man to join ‘A’ Squadron prior to this booklet being published was 2088 Pte Z.P. SHEEN who enlisted on 27 February 1914. He served with the Regiment overseas from 24 April 1915 and was discharged on 11 February 1919.

Twenty-two recruits joined ‘A’ Squadron plus three transfers in, to replace twenty-six men who had left during the previous 12 months, which accounts for the net reduction of one man.

Unfortunately, we do not have a complete run of printed Squadron Rolls covering the period 1900 to 1912 in the Museum Archive. Those Rolls we do have continue to prove most useful when responding to research enquiries.

A picture of Major J. D. MILLS who commanded ‘A’ Squadron. Warwickshire Yeomanry is enclosed. This image is from page 178 of ADDERLEY’s ’The Warwickshire Yeomanry in the Great War’ published in May 1922.

Observation

Captain Lord GUERNSEY *(Lieut. late Irish Guards), Capt. 17 August 1910, re-joined Irish Guards August 1914, k-in-a France (Battle of Aisne, 14 Sept 1914.

G.A LLOYD *** Lieutenant 11.12.14. Captain 1.6.16. Special Service E.E.F. & Aust. Imp. Force Staff (Sir G.A. LLOYD G.C.I.E., D.S.O. became Lord G.A. LLOYD)

2nd Lieutenant H.C. COULSON ****Joined 1911, Lieutenant 21.5.14. Captain 24.8.16.

Return To Books Index

‘Combe Park 1912’ - a photographic record.

ADDERLEY records that ‘on the 17th May 1912 the Regiment assembled at Combe Park, by kind permission of the Earl of CRAVEN to undergo the Annual Training, and the muster was within very few of full strength, comprising 21 Officers and 399 N.C.O.s and men.

This booklet published by ELLIOT & FRY, London contains 14 group photographs:

Officers,

Sergeants,

Corporals,

Regimental Staff,

Permanent Staff

‘A’ Squadron,

‘B’ Squadron, ‘

C’ Squadron,

‘D’ Squadron

Band,

Trumpeters,

Signallers,

Scouts,

Maxim Gun

This is a unique photographic record and whilst it’s possible to identify most of the Officers and some of the senior N.C.O.’s from other photos in the Museum, when it comes to identifying individual Yeoman this has proved extremely challenging.

Thankfully some families of those who served in the Regiment in 1912 have assisted in recent years to identify their ancestor.

Enclosed is a picture of ‘A’ Squadron commanded by Major J.D. MILLS.

There were four Officers in ‘A’ Squadron in 1912: Major J. D. MILLS, Captains Lord GUERNSEY and R.S. WILSON, and Lieut. L.B. JOYNSON.’

There are only three Officers in this photo – two of whom we have so far identified: MILLS and JOYNSON but the challenge is to identify the Officer with his stick resting on his right arm.

Observation

Occasionally copies of this booklet turn up in the second-hand book market on-line.

Return To Books Index

Booklet ‘Combe Park 1912’ and Booklet No.9: ‘Warwickshire Yeomanry.’

The Booklet ‘Combe Park 1912’ includes the enclosed image of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Band which was reconstituted under new arrangements in 1912. The Bass Drum in this picture is displayed in the Museum

ADDERLEY records that ‘the services of the Leamington Spa Prize Band was secured with a strength of 25 men, embodied and qualified to draw pay as Yeoman in camp. Mr TITCOMBE acted as Bandmaster.’

On the 24th May 1912 the Regimental Band performed in the Public Gardens in Coventry and subsequently played the Regiment back to camp through the main streets of Coventry.

Booklet No.9: ‘Warwickshire Yeomanry in The Uniforms of the British Yeomanry Force 1794-1914’ by BARLOW and SMITH published in 1987 provides a fascinating, illustrated account of the uniforms of the Regiment from 1794 to 1914.

The authors thanked the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum Trustees for allowing them access to the collection of early uniforms including copies of various Dress Regulations of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry during the 19th Century held in the Museum.

Pages 30 and 31 of this booklet include the earliest known reference to there being a Regimental Band, when they played for the 50th Anniversary Dinner at Umberslade on 6 August 1844.[1]

The Regimental Band was present on the Lawn at Warwick Castle for the arrival & departure of Queen VICTORIA on the 16th June 1858. [2]

The Illustrated London News published a woodcut covering this event which includes a small group of dismounted bandsmen which can be seen in the Museum archive.

Observation

Those of you who are familiar with the Museum will know that the Regiment had a Mounted Band in the 19thCentury, for we have two early Kettle Drum Banners on display in the Museum. The whereabouts of the kettle drums and instruments are not known.

[1] See page 71 of ADDERLEY’s ‘History of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry, published in 1912.

[2] See page 84 of ADDERLEY’s ‘History of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry, published in 1912.

Return To Books Index

‘The Warwickshire Yeomanry Roll 1913 - Commanded by Colonel F.DUGDALE, C.V.O., T.D.’

This sixty page booklet was published in April 1913. It lists the Regimental Staff on page 2 see enclosure and provides details of the Officers and Men serving in the Regiment, which I have summarised as follows:

‘A’ Squadron 5 Officers 106 enlisted men

‘B’ Squadron 9 Officers* 122 enlisted men 1 Hon Chaplain

‘C’ Squadron 4 Officers 100 enlisted men

‘D’ Squadron 5 Officers 107 enlisted men

Total 23 Officers 435 enlisted men.

Total inc. Hon Chaplain 459.

* Includes Regimental Staff

This booklet provides the following details for the 435 enlisted men in Squadron Order:

Date of enlistment

Regimental Number

Rank

Name and Initials

Home address

and Remarks

Observation.

This booklet along with that for 1914 is a unique record and has proved an extremely valuable resource when responding to research enquiries.

Those wishing to learn more about individual Officers and Men serving with the Regiment during this period are requested to complete the Museum Enquiry Form see www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk

This booklet was recovered from Regimental HQ, Priory Road, Warwick prior to its closure in June 1968 and includes ink annotations to construct the booklet for the 1914 Regimental Roll which fortunately has survived the ravages of time.

Regrettably the Museum does not have copies of the printed Regimental Rolls covering the period 1900 to 1912.

Return To Books Index

‘Combe Park 1912 – a photographic record’ of the Warwickshire Yeomanry at their Annual Training Camp

published by ELLIOT & FRY.

Part 1

ADDERLEY records that ‘the camp was pitched on a sandy slope in a convenient position and for the first time Electric Lighting was employed in camp. The messing was still carried out Regimentally under Lieut. and Quartermaster VALINTINE and proved highly satisfactory

The first week was occupied in Squadron Training, the remainder of the time being devoted to tactical work. A new system of training was adopted for Recruits who were separately trained under the Permanent Staff’ - see enclosed picture above.

The Permanent Staff are listed on page 213 of ADDERLEY’s ‘History of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry:’

Adjutant, Captain T.H.S. MARCHANT (13th Hussars) (seated)

Reg. Sergt-Major W. WILKES (8th Hussars) (seated)

S.S.M. CURTIS, ‘A’ Squadron (5th Lancers)

S.S.M. H. FORBES, ‘B’ Squadron (5th Lancers) (standing to the right of WILKES)

S.S.M. G. SENIOR, ‘C’ Squadron (16th Lancers)

S.S.M. R. TREDGER, ‘D’ Squadron (5th Lancers)

Observation

At this juncture whilst working from home I have only been able to identify three of the six men in this photo - the image is from my copy of the 1912 Booklet which I purchased many years ago.

Occasionally copies of this booklet turn up in the second-hand book market on-line.

Return To Books Index

‘Combe Park 1912 – a photographic record’ of the Warwickshire Yeomanry at their Annual Training Camp

published by ELLIOT & FRY.

Part 2

The booklet contains 14 group photographs and whilst there are helpful captions these do not include names of individuals.

The enclosed picture shows eleven Signallers with their signal flags and signalling equipment, some faces are recognizable, and others are not.

ADDERLEY records that ‘Flag Signalling had been practised since 1884 and in 1886 signalling at night had been practised with the flashing lamp from the Tower of St Mary’s Church, Warwick to the Castle Towers with great success.’ In 1911 those serving as Regimental Signallers in the Regiment were classified as 1st Class Signallers except two.

In 1913 the Regimental Signals Officer was Lieut. L.B. JOYNSON – he is not in this photograph.

The 1913 Regimental Roll lists the following Signallers:

1500 Sig-Sgt R. TOZER (‘A’ Squadron) he is standing to the left with signalling lamp, holding signal flag in this picture.

1266 Cpl R. GADSDEN (‘A’ Squadron)

1364 L/Cpl A. READ (‘A’ Squadron)

1492 Sgt-Sig G. TYRRELL (‘A’ Squadron)

1623 Pte G.W. BARTLE (‘A’ Squadron)

1703 Pte H.N. BURROWS (‘A’ Squadron)

1858 Pte P. BUSHBY (‘A’ Squadron)

1859 Pte M. LANGDON (‘A’ Squadron) * promoted to Cpl by 1914.

1719 Pte H.F. TWINE (‘A’ Squadron)

1535 Pte W.J. BUTLIN (‘C’ Squadron)

Enclosed (Above) is an extract from ‘’The Warwickshire Yeomanry Pocket Book 1914’ re Semaphore.

Observation

At this juncture I am not sure who the Squadron Sgt-Major sitting in the middle of the front row is. * The answer may be in Cpl M. LANGDON’s pre WW1 photograph album. LANGDON served with the Signal Troop during WW1 – his two photograph albums provide a unique record with supporting captions. When I am in the Museum next I will see if I can identify this S.S.M.

Return To Books Index

Return To Books Index

 ‘Combe Park 1912 – a photographic record’ of the Warwickshire Yeomanry at their Annual Training Camp

published by ELLIOT & FRY.

Part 4

The booklet contains 14 group photographs and whilst there are helpful captions these do not include names of individuals.

The enclosed picture shows fifteen Warwickshire Yeomanry Scouts, most NCO’s are wearing a distinctive badge on their right arm above their chevrons - see image of badge.

The 1913 Squadron Rolls include:

1 Scout, 14 Regimental Scouts and 9 Squadron Scouts all with enlistment dates prior to May 1912. So by inference the 15 Scouts in this picture taken in May 1912 include the following Regimental Scouts:

1152 L/Sergt. COOPER, ‘A’ Squadron, ‘A’ Squadron, Scout

1087 L/Sergt. R.V. PAYTON, ‘A’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted16.12.03)

1043 Corpl. H. WATKINS, ‘A’ Squadron, Regt. Scout, (enlisted 1.5.03)

1606 L/Cpl. W.W. STURLEY, ‘B’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 26.3.09)

1596 Corpl. B. JONES, ‘C’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 23.3.09) *

1653 Corpl.F. STATHAM, ‘C ’Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 20.1.10)

788 L/Cpl. T. CARDALL, ‘C’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 9.1.02)

1548 L/Cpl. H.A.M. HUTBER, ‘C’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 30.1.09)

1152 L/Cpl. M. STOKES, ‘C’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 9.5.05)

1638 L/Cpl. J.E. CARLEY, ‘C’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 20.11.09)

1689 Pte. A. KING, ‘C’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 7.12.10)

1032 Sergt. H. J. MORRIS, ‘D’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 11.4.03)

1194 L/Cpl. F.T. COX, ‘D’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 17.3.05)

1098 L/Cpl. I.B. WHITEHOUSE, ‘D’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 24.1.04)

1468 L/Cpl. E.J. COX, ‘D’ Squadron, Regt. Scout (enlisted 30.3.08).

Observations.

Trying to put faces to names is proving difficult for most of these men have not been the subject of research enquiries during the past six years.

However we do have a picture of a Warwickshire Yeomanry Corporal on horseback (circa 1912) wearing a scout badge on his arm, together with two other pictures of him attending a wedding on 22 November 1916. The reverse of one wedding photo identifies his as Ben and the other as Benj,

Well the chances are that the Corporal on horseback is 1596 Corpl. B. JONES, ‘C’ Squadron Regimental Scout, for he is sitting in the front row of the 1912 group photo – see enlarged image of him.

1596 Corpl JONES may well have served with 2/1st or 3/1st WkY during the Great War, for we have no medal index card for him. This level of detail takes time to produce - a quiet afternoon here at home has been spent constructively.

I have not included the names of the 9 Squadron Scouts’ for they are not included in the group photo taken in May 1912

Return To Books Index

‘Combe Park 1912 – a photographic record’ of the Warwickshire Yeomanry at their Annual Training Camp

published by ELLIOT & FRY.

Part 5

Enclosed is a picture of eleven Yeoman in the Maxim Gun Team in 1912.

ADDERLEY’s ‘History of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry’ records that ‘the 1904 Annual Camp was held at Ragley Park in May, Colonel Lord HERTFORD in command. The Inspection was held on1st June by Colonel COURTNEY. A Maxim Gun was supplied to the Regiment for the first time, and on 27th May a Scheme of Reconnaissance was carried out in the neighbourhood of Feckenham in conjunction with the Worcestershire Yeomanry, who were in camp at Westwood Park.’

An examination of the 1912 & 1913 Squadron Rolls provides eleven names of those serving in the Warwickshire Yeomanry Maxim Gun Team, commanded by Captain R.S. WILSON, ‘A’ Squadron, who is not in this picture:

SSM. H.N. FORBES DCM, 5th Lancers (Permanent Staff) *standing wearing his medals ‘B’ Squadron Maxim Gun

1778 Pte. F. GOULD, ‘B’ Squadron Maxim Gun (enlisted 28.8.1911)

1866 Pte. F. GREEN, ‘B’ Squadron Maxim Gun (enlisted 2.3.1912)

1842 Pte. J. RAVENHALL,’B’ Squadron, Maxim Gun (enlisted 24.2.1912)

1812 Pte. T.H. SANFORD, ‘B’ Squadron, Maxim Gun (enlisted 13.1.1912)

1844 Pte. F.A. VALE, ‘B’ Squadron, Maxim Gun (enlisted 6.2.1912)

778 Sergt. J.W. ARMSTRONG, ‘D’ Squadron, Maxim Gun (enlisted 8.12.1901)

1112 L/Cpl. E. BROWN, ‘D’ Squadron, Maxim Gun (enlisted 19.3.1904)

1488 L/Cpl. C.A. GILBERT, ‘D’ Squadron, Maxim Gun (enlisted 14.8.1908)

1873 Pte. G.H. BULL, ‘D’ Squadron, Maxim Gun (enlisted 28.2.1912)

1629 Pte. W. RITCHINGS, ‘D’ Squadron, Maxim Gun (enlisted 28.9.1909)

Most of these men have not been the subject of research enquiries during the past six years and therefore at this juncture we cannot easily identify them.

Observation

In the winter of 1910 a new departure in training of the Regiment commenced. In place of the old system by which Scouts and Signallers were drawn from all parts of the County it was decided that each Squadron should specialise in one or other of these duties, to make it possible for classes to be held and properly attended by members:

‘A’ Squadron - Signallers,

‘B’ Squadron - Pioneers,

‘C’ Squadron - Scouts.

‘D’ Squadron - Machine Gun Detachment.

Return To Books Index

‘The Warwickshire Yeomanry Roll 1914 - Commanded by Colonel F. DUGDALE, C.V.O., T.D.’

This sixty-five booklet was published in May 1914. It lists the Regimental Staff on page 2 see enclosure and provides details of the Officers and Men serving in the Regiment, which I have summarised as follows: 

‘A’ Squadron     6 Officers  105 enlisted men

‘B’ Squadron    10 Officers*  129 enlisted men    1 Hon Chaplain 

‘C’ Squadron     5 Officers  117 enlisted men 

‘D’ Squadron     5 Officers  105 enlisted men

Total           26 Officers  456 enlisted men. Total inc. Hon Chaplain 483. 

* Includes Regimental Staff

This booklet provides the following details for the 456 enlisted men in Squadron Order:

Date of enlistment

Regimental Number 

Rank  

Name and Initials

Home address

and Remarks 

Observation.

This booklet is an extremely valuable resource when responding to research enquiries for those serving in the Regiment as at the 29th April 1914. The last two numbers allocated on that date are 2108 Shoeing-Smith H.G. WHEELER ‘D’ Squadron and 2109 Pte C.W. OSBORNE ‘B’ Squadron. 

Those wishing to learn more about individual Officers and Men serving with the Regiment during this period are requested to complete the Museum Enquiry Form see www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk

This booklet along with that for 1913 was recovered from Regimental HQ, Priory Road, Warwick prior to its closure in June 1968. 

Regrettably, the Museum does not have copies of the printed Regimental Rolls covering the period 1900 to 1912.

Return To Books Index

‘Reserve Warwickshire Yeomanry Roll of ‘B’ Squadron commanded by Major Lord WILLOUGHBY DE BROKE - 1915’ 

This nineteen-page booklet was published in May 1915. It lists the Regimental Staff on page 2, see enclosure and provides details of the Officers and Men serving in ‘B’ Squadron, which I have summarised as follows: 

Regimental Staff     

Officers  5     

RSM    1 

Reserve ‘B’ Squadron 

Officers  7     

ORs   152

Total               

Officers  12     

ORs   153 

Total 165

It includes home addresses for the Officers.

The following information is provided for the ORs:



Date of enlistment

Regimental Number 

Rank  

Name and Initials

Home address

and Remarks 

Observation.

This ‘lawnmower copy’ is the only Squadron Roll that I have seen for the Reserve Regiment which became the 2/1st Warwickshire Yeomanry. 

The War Office issued a letter dated 31st August 1914 authorising the County Associations to form Reserve Units for each Service Unit of the Territorial Force, 60% of which had volunteered for general service, to be raised and trained at the original Headquarters of the Unit. 

The Warwickshire Yeomanry formed three Reserve Squadrons in early September 1914; the men were initially billeted in Warwick: ‘B’ Squadron commanded by Major Lord WILLOUGHBY DE BROKE; ‘C’ Squadron commanded by Major R.J. BEECH; and ‘D’ Squadron commanded by Major R. EMMET.

After some weeks the hiring of horses was authorised, and a full complement was eventually acquired. Mounted training was carried out in earnest, and the three Squadrons exercised in scouting and outpost duty in the country, including field days and night attacks. Trenches were dug in Warwick Park. For further details see Chapter V11 ‘The Warwickshire Yeomanry in the Great War’ by ADDERLEY. 

Enclosed is a picture of Major Lord WILLOUGHBY De BROKE on horseback facing the entrance to Warwick Castle on Castle Hill, Warwick.

If anybody in this group has a copy of the booklet for ‘C’ or ‘D’ Squadron of the Reserve Regiment will they please contact me direct. 

Those wishing to learn more about individual Officers and Men serving with the Regiment during this period are requested to complete the Museum Enquiry Form see www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk

Return To Books Index

Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry Regulations 1861

This twenty-four page booklet was published in 1861.

Pages 4 to 9 contain: Extracts from the Act of Parliament,44 G.III, cap 54, entitled to consolidate and amend the several Acts relating to Corps of Yeomanry and Volunteers, in Great Britain and to make further regulations thereto.

Pages 10 to 17 cover Rules and Regulation in considerable detail: Duties of Officers, the Officer’s Mess. Troop Fines, Duties of the Quartermaster, Permanent Serjeants, Non-Commissioned Officers, Privates, and the Band.

Pages 18 to 19 – General Regulations- see enclosure.

Page 20 - Directions for the Care and Cleaning of ‘The Arms and Equipment’.

Pages 21 to 24 – Dress for Officers, N.C.O.’s and Privates. *

Observation.

The various orders of dress as published in ‘The Regimental Standing Orders of 1861’ can be found on pages 14 and 15 of ‘Booklet No.9 Warwickshire Yeomanry’ in the Uniforms of the British Yeomanry Force 1794-1914. 

A step to conversion to Hussar Style dress was taken in 1863, when busbies of the Regular 1857 pattern were introduced to replace the shakos. The busby bags were white, as were the new upright plumes, which were of egret feathers for the Officers and horsehair brushes for the men - see fig 12: Private Full Dress 1863-1866.

From 1857 until 1876 the fashion for wearing cap lines at first with the shako and then the busby was to have them secured around the neck with about six inches of the loose end with egg moulds allowed to fall freely from the throat. Longer busby lines were adopted in 1876, which were looped up on the right breast, near the shoulder.

In 1867 the process of conversion to Hussar dress was completed by the introduction of six loops of Hussar braid to the fronts of the tunics of all ranks. 

Those wishing to learn more about individual Officers and Men serving with the Regiment during this period are requested to complete the Museum Enquiry Form see www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk

Return To Books Index

 Standing Orders of the Warwickshire Imperial Yeomanry 

This thirty-two page booklet was published in 1903.

Pages 4 to 7 cover ‘The Statute Law relating to The Imperial Yeomanry’ in particular The Militia and Yeomanry Acts of 1901 and 1902.

Pages 8 to 16 contain relevant extracts from The Militia and Yeomanry Act: 

Part 1. Governance,

Part 11. Voluntary Enlistment 

Part 111. General Provisions such as Service & Oath, Training, Embodiment, Desertion and Fraudulent Enlistment.

Pages 17 to 20 cover Rules and Regulation in considerable detail: Duties of Officers, the Officer’s Mess. Troop Fines, Duties of the Quartermaster, Permanent Serjeants, Non-Commissioned Officers, Privates, and the Band.

Pages 21 to 29 cover General Regulations.

Pages 30 to 32 cover Dress for Officers, N.C.O.’s and Privates – see enclosures together with a photograph of The Warwickshire Imperial Yeomanry at their Annual Camp in Ragley Park in 1905.

Observation.

This booklet was originally owned by Surgeon-Major R. BULLOCK, who was appointed Medical Officer for The Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry on 25 April 1895. 

BULLOCK was promoted to Hon. Lt.-Colonel Warwickshire Imperial Yeomanry 30 August 1902. The booklet in the Museum includes his signature, dated 1903.

He was appointed Medical Officer for the 2nd Composite Yeomanry Regiment in Western Frontier Sennussi Expedition, August 1915 and was mentioned in despatches March 1916.

Those wishing to learn more about individual Officers and Men serving with the Regiment during this period are requested to complete the Museum Enquiry Form see www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk

Return to Books Index

Regimental Standing Orders of the Warwickshire Yeomanry 1954

This 41-page booklet includes a useful four-page history of the Regiment, which when first published in 1954 may well have raised a few eyebrows, for the purists amongst us today would spot the glaring errors. Suffice to say my copy here at home now has annotations by way of corrections which will be added to the Museum copy by way of a typed insert. *

The level of detail in terms of the Standing Orders is quite considerable - see enclosed Contents Pages.

Observation 

In 1954 the Warwickshire Yeomanry was commanded by Lieut.-Colonel S.O. EDWARDS MC, TD. The Warwickshire Yeomanry was part of the 9th Independent Armoured Brigade.

In 1954 the Regiment went with the Brigade for the Annual Camp at Tilshead Lodge Camp on Salisbury Plain for what proved to be two of the most ambitious armoured exercises since WW2.

The first week of Camp was spent on preparation and the first two days of the second week was devoted to ‘Exercise Forearm’ which was designed to forewarn the participants of the difficulties they would experience in ‘Exercise Marengo;’ which commenced on the Monday with an approach march in Tanks on the Marlborough Downs . The details of which can be found in ‘Yeoman Yeoman’ on pages 109 to 111 which includes the enclosed picture of the ‘O’ Group for ‘Exercise Marengo’ – Lieut.- Colonel Edwards is leaning in front of the table.

* When studying events it’s important to go back and examine primary sources rather than just rely on one or more person’s interpretation of history which may not always be entirely accurate.

Those wishing to learn more about individual Officers and Men serving with the Regiment during this period are requested to complete the Museum Enquiry Form see www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk

The Charge of The Warwickshire Yeomanry and Q.O. Worcestershire Yeomanry at HUJ 8th November 1917.

by Major E.G. PEMBERTON, O.B.E; M.C., T.D.

This eleven-page pamphlet was produced by Major E.G. PEMBERTON, O.B.E; M.C., T.D. and was published to accompany ‘The Plan of the Charge of The Warwickshire and Q.O. Worcestershire Yeomanry at HUJ, 8th November 1917’ which he presented to the Warwickshire Yeomanry Officers on his retirement on 28th October 1927.

This pamphlet is based to a great extent on that in ‘The Cavalry Journal,’ however Major PEMBERTON did not append his name to this pamphlet. The Plan of the Charge can be seen in the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum. 

Many years ago I purchased two copies of ‘The Cavalry Journal,’ numbers 100 and 102 which included articles on The Warwickshire Yeomanry, had I not done so then the true identity of the author of this pamphlet might not have revealed itself.

Major Oscar TEICHMEN, D.S.O., M.C., T.D., writing in ‘The Cavalry Journal Vol XXV1, No.102, October 1936 on ‘The Yeomanry at HUJ’ refers on page 503 “to the respective strengths of both Regiments taken from Major E.G. PEMBERTON’s pamphlet which differ from those given in ‘The Official History’ and in the Warwickshire and Worcestershire War Histories.The latter were written soon after the War and were probably copied by the Official Historian.” 

See attached Tabular Table from PEMBERTON’s Pamphlet.

Enclosed is a picture of Major E.G. PEMBERTON circa 1924.

Much has been written on ‘The Affair at HUJ’. During lockdown we have been busy updating the History Section of the Museum website, which includes this account by way of example  https://www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk/huj

Observation 

Those wishing to learn more about individual Officers and Men serving with the Regiment during this period are requested to complethe Museum Enquiry Form see www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk

To read more of the History of the Charge at Huj in this website select here

Memorial Booklet Richard FORDHAM FLOWER.

Richard FORDHAM FLOWER was born at Stratford in 1867, and was educated at Eton and Cambridge, after which he came back to live at Stratford, where he joined the local volunteer Corps, and afterwards the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry. When the War with the South African Republic was declared, and the Yeomanry were asked to volunteer, he responded to the call. And in January 1900 left Warwick with the 5th Company Warwickshire Imperial Yeomanry for the Cape.

He fell on the 20 August 1900 at Haman’s Kraal, while serving with General PAGET and fighting a rear-guard action with De WET’s forces – see extract from pages 9 and 10.

This forty-three page illustrated booklet was privately published in 1902 and contains extracts from ‘The Evesham Journal’, ‘Stratford Herald’ and ‘The Field,’ including those from letters of condolence received by his family. 

The booklet provides an account of the unveiling of three memorial windows in his memory which can be found at:

Broadway Parish Church, Shakespeare’s Church, Stratford upon Avon and in St Mary’s Church, Warwick.

At the Church Parade on 1 June 1902 a memorial window was unveiled in the North Chancel of St Mary’s Church, Warwick which includes the armorial bearings of Major ORR-EWING and Lieut. FORDHAM FLOWER. The window is dedicated to the memory of the Officers and the men who fell during the South African War whilst serving with the Warwickshire Imperial Yeomanry. See image.

The first contest for ‘The FORDHAM FLOWER Memorial Cup’ took place in October 1901 - see page 28. This cup is on display in the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum.

Observation 

The FORDHAM FLOWER family established Flowers Brewery, Stratford upon on Avon in 1831 - five generations of this family ran this Brewery. The compiler of this booklet did not include his name in this publication which was privately printed by Edward FOX Stratford on Avon possibly in the second half of 1902. 

This booklet was signed by ‘Spencer FLOWER, Stratford on Avon’ and donated by the family to the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum in May 1981. 

Those wishing to learn more about individual Officers and Men serving with the Regiment during this period are requested to complete the Museum Enquiry Form see www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk

Souvenir Booklet

Yeomanry Centenary and visit by HRH the Prince of Wales

 May 1894

 The Warwickshire Yeomanry was ordered to assemble at Litchfield in May 1894, in conjunction with the Queen’s Own Royal Staffordshire Yeomanry, the two Regiments forming together the 8th Brigade, 4th Division of Yeomanry Cavalry. 

ADDERLEY’s ‘History of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry’ published in 1896 pages 129 to 141 provides a good account of the 1894 Yeomanry Centenary at Lichfield. See composition of the 8th Brigade. 

The Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry arrived in Litchfield on 22 May by five special trains, transporting both men and horses and were billeted in the Town. The Headquarters of the Staffordshire Yeomanry was at the ‘George Hotel’ and the Warwickshire Yeomanry H.Q. at the Swan Hotel.

A Souvenir of the Queen’s Own Royal Staffordshire Yeomanry – Centenary Celebration and Visit of H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES records the proceedings in some considerable detail, together with photographs, as published in the Litchfield Mercury of the 2 June 1894 including ‘The Marching-In-State.’ 

Unfortunately, the group photographs in this souvenir booklet do not include captions to easily identify individual Officers present, other than the Staffordshire Yeomanry who list them alongside the photo of their Officers at Yeomanry House. 

ADDERLEY records ‘Tuesday, the 29th was a trying day for men and horses. The usual mounted drill on the Heath was performed in the morning, and later in the day the two Regiments paraded in full dress, for the Reception of His Royal Highness. The escort was provided by the Staffordshire Yeomanry and the remainder of the Brigade were detailed to line the streets from the Trent Valley Station to the Town.

The following day the Brigade was inspected on Whittington Heath by the PRINCE OF WALES. The Birmingham Gazette’s account of the proceedings can be found on pages 135-138 of ADDERLEY’s ‘History of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry.’ 

The Celebration of the Centenary of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry took place in 1895, as the Hundredth Anniversary had been spent away from home. 

Those wishing to learn more about individual Officers and Men serving with the Regiment during this period are requested to complete the Museum Enquiry Form see www.warwickshire-yeomanry-museum.co.uk

The following is an extract from ‘The Teddy Bear Lancers – the experiences of a Warwickshire Yeoman in the Second World War’ by Len FLANAKIN. [1]

‘On the 5^th June the 5^th Army entered the outskirts of Rome. The following day came the announcement of the Normandy Landings. On 13^th June 78^th Division reached Castiglione with ourselves in support. We had seen no enemy ourselves yet. It was most eerie. Unlike the desert there were so many places to hide that the German anti-tank guns could afford to wait until they were at point blank range.

The following morning while making a probe forward with B Squadron on the road and ourselves C Squadron, supporting on the flanks all hell broke loose. We were being supported by bombers of the US Air Force but unfortunately one of their bombs fell in front of a B Squadron tank which stalled. It was immediately hit by an 88mm which killed one crew member and injured the Squadron Leader and his driver.’

B Squadron was commanded by Major Dicky SAMUEL, who on the 14^th June 1944 was leading through Tordimonte, on the road alongside the River Paglia when it met the enemy’s anti-tank guns:

C Squadron had moved to high ground to cover the centre line and to overlook the town of Orvieto slightly to the left. A Squadron had been taken away eastwards to fight a separate battle. The engagement of the enemy by B Squadron was complicated by it being attacked at the critical moment by American fighter bombers, one of which dropped a bomb directly in front of the Squadron Leader’s tank causing it to stall. The moment it stopped it was hit by a shell from an 88 which killed one crew member and wounded Major SAMUEL and his driver. 

The full account of this action on the 14^th June 1944 can be read in ‘Yeoman Yeoman – The Warwickshire Yeomanry 1920-1956’ by Paul BAKER. This action led to the crossing of the River Paglia on the 15^th June enabling the 75^th Division to cut in North of Orvieto which was then captured by the 6^th South African Armoured Division.

For those wishing to learn more then please see the History Pages of the Museum Website which includes the Warwickshire Yeomanry in Italy during 1944. 

OBSERVATION

[1] In 2004 the Museum Trustees published ‘Teddy Bear Lancers-The experiences of a Warwickshire Yeoman in the Second World War’ by Len FLANAKIN.

Reprints of this 62-page illustrated booklet were produced in 2010 and are available for sale in the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum, for £5 each or £10 if posted.