The Hampshire Yeomanry (Carabiniers)

Although officially raised in 1830 the Hampshire Yeomanry, in common with many other yeomanry regiments, can trace its origin in the volunteer movement of the Napoleonic period. In the House of Commons on 5 Mar 1794 the Prime Minister, William Pitt, announced his proposals for the raising of yeomanry cavalry to strengthen Britain’s defences. But Hampshire had foreseen the need for mounted troops to guard their part of the south coast; a year before Pitt’s speech there had been a meeting at the Castle, Winchester, on 5 April 1793, to discuss ways and means of forming independent cavalry Troops within the county of Hampshire. It was agreed that these Troops were to be raised, and subscriptions were received from various landowners, also from Winchester College and Winchester Corporation.

Basingstoke Troop

The first Troop to be raised was the Basingstoke Troop, on 31 May 1794. They began with a strength of 50 all ranks, commanded by Captain Charles Shaw-Lefevre who became Major Commandant in 1797. They increased to 3 Troops in 1795, one of which was the Odiham Troop, then down to one Troop in 1799. They had a strength of 134 in 1806 having continued to serve after the Peace of 1802, and in 1803 added ‘North Hampshire’ to their title. Colonel Shaw-Lefevre died in 1823 and was succeeded as commandant by his son of the same name. He became Viscount Eversley and was Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Hampshire Yeomanry from 1831 to 1868.

New Forest Rangers

The Gentlemen and Yeomen of the New Forest were the next to be raised, on 5 June 1794. The officers named are Major V H Gilbert and Captain W Harbin.They consisted of the Lyndhurst Troop and the Romsey Troop and later changed their title to the New Forest Light Dragoons. Their uniform was dark green with black facings, white breeches and black boots, and a light dragoon helmet (Tarleton). In the 1806 Willson’s chart they are listed as the New Forest Rangers commanded by Major William S Rose, and having a strength of 276. The same uniform is described but the breeches are green. They were also called the New Forest Rifle Light Dragoons, and as such were called out for riot duty when a seditious paper was found fixed to a wall in Romsey market place on 17 Feb 1800. However, no riot occurred. On 29 June there was a review at Cuffnells Park, near Lyndhurst, at which the New Forest Rifle Light Dragoons and the Minstead Troop were inspected by King George III. He was apparently pleased with what he saw.

Christchurch Yeomanry Cavalry

This Troop was raised in the west of the county on 5 Feb 1795, commanded by Captain G H Rose. At first they were part of the New Forest corps but in April and May 1798 they expanded into two Troops; The East Troop (Lymington) and the West Troop (Christchurch). The returns for 1800 give the Christchurch Yeomanry a strength of 84 including 6 officers. In 1802 they continued to exist when other units were disbanding.

The Alton and Petersfield Yeomanry Cavalry

The Alton Corps of Gentlemen Yeomanry was formed in 1795. On 10 may 1796 Lord Henry Stanwell raised the Petersfield Troop which within a few months reached squadron strength, with 3 captains. The Alton and Petersfield Troops combined and later were renamed the North East Hants Yeomanry Cavalry. In 1812 they had a strength of 82, and increased to 3 Troops in 1817. Disbanded before 1820.

Portsdown Cavalry

The Portsdown Troop was raised on 6 May 1795, commanded by T A Wools. A Troop was authorised for West Meon in 1795, increased to two Troops in 1797. However, no officers can be found in the War Office lists nor any mention in the local newspapers. On 6 April 1797 the Portsdown Troop became a squadron with Thomas Croucher as Major Commandant. In June 1799 there were three Troops and the Hon Henry Wood was appointed lieut-colonel commandant. They did not dissolve at the Peace of 1802, and in 1803 were increased to 4 Troops:

The Catherington & Fareham Troop (the Colonel’s Troop)
The Portsdown & Portchester Troop
The Portsmouth Troop
The Gosport Troop

In August 1803 there was mention of them as the South East Hants Light Dragoons, and also the Portsdown Light Dragoons. In 1805 Colonel Wood resigned and was replaced by Lt-Col Thomas Thistlewaite. In 1806 they were reduced from 4 Troops to 3. Willson’s Chart gives the South East Hants Cavalry as having 133 men commanded by Major Carter (no uniform details). P W Reynolds’ notes however, say that in Sep 1807 Captain John Lindegreen became lieut-colonel. After the Napoleonic Wars the corps was styled East Hampshire Yeomanry Cavalry until disbandment, along with the rest of the Hampshire yeomanry in 1827. A jacket exists that belonged to Captain Thomas Butler who served in the Portsdown Troop from 1803 to 1817. It is blue with yellow facings and silver braid.

Southampton Volunteer Cavalry

This troop was raised with 50 men, on 17 Feb 1797. The uniform was blue with black facings and white braid (silver for officers), white leather breeches and black boots. The Light Dragoon helmet (Tarleton) had a scarlet and white plume on the side. Willson’s chart of 1806 gives a strength of 100, commanded by Major William Smith. On 16 Sep 1800 there was a riot in Southampton in which a mob seized large quantities of butter and other food. Two days later the mob cleared out all the butter that was there and attacked bakeries. The Troop by this time had expanded to two Troops and they were both called out to disperse the mob, but there was little violence.

Fawley Light Dragoons

In March 1797 the Fawley Troop was raised in Winchester with similar uniforms to the Southampton Troop i.e. blue jacket with black facings, and a light dragoon helmet with red and white plume. This unit gained a high state of proficiency under Captain Lowther and were very active with many drills and parades. They were often employed in a police role, being called out for riot duty in 1800 to deal with the troubles in Winchester. They continued beyond 1802 but do not appear after 1807.

Fordingbridge Troop

The Fordingbridge Troop was Raised on 7 May 1798 in the west of the county. Willson’s chart of 1806 gives a strength of 53 under the command of Captain Charles Hulse. The uniform was blue with silver lace for the officers. A waist-belt has survived from this period said to have belonged to Captain Hulse. It may date c1815 and is leather with gold oak-leaf pattern lace. They continued until 1817 but were revived in 1819 with 35 men. They disbanded on or before 1827.

Minstead Troop

The Minstead Troop was raised in the New Forest on 24 May 1798. They were inspected by King George III at a review at Cufnells Park, near Lyndhurst on 29 June 1800. In 1802 they were depleted to the point of disbandment.

Bere Forest Rangers

This Troop was raised near the eastern borders of the county, also on 24 may 1798. They remained an independent Troop throughout their existence. Willson’s chart of 1806 gives them a strength of 50, commanded by Captain Jonathan Butler. Their uniform was blue with red facings and white breeches. Officers had gold lace.

Bramsdean Volunteer Cavalry Association

This Troop was raised in the eastern part of the county on 25 July 1798. They were commanded by Captain C H Calmady. Disbanded in 1802.

Whitchurch Troop

Raised in the north of Hampshire in 1798. Willson’s chart gives them a strength of 46 commanded by Captain Richard Warren. Disbanded in 1807.

Dogmersfield Troop

This Troop of 60 men was raised in 1798 from the small village of Dogmersfield by the local landowners and farmers. They were commanded by Captain Sir Henry St John-Mildmay Bt of Dogmersfield Park. They disappeared in 1809 but were revived in 1817 and survived until disbandment in 1827.

Ringwood Light Dragoons

The Ringwood Cavalry was raised on 12 May 1798 and had a long life. Also known as The Troop of Gentlemen and Yeomanry, they started with a strength of 51, commanded by Captain R Hicks. Willson’s chart of 1806 gives their strength as 54, commanded by Captain Thomas Lee. Their uniform was blue with white facings and blue breeches. Officers had silver lace. They renewed their services in 1802 when many Yeomanry units disbanded.

Isle of Wight Yeomanry Cavalry

Two Troops of volunteer cavalry were formed in the Isle of Wight in the spring of 1798; The West Medina Troop commanded by Captain M S Bissett, and East Medina Troop commanded by Captain R Forquett.

Isle of Wight Troop

They recruited on either side of the river Medina and were at first independent of each other. In April 1800 they were united as a squadron and Bissett was promoted to major, in command. In 1802, when peace was signed, they continued their services and appeared in the 1803 List, with the old dates of commission, as the Isle of Wight Cavalry. In 1805 Major B P Blackford replaced Major Bissett. Willson’s Chart gives the strength as 110 and the uniform as blue with black facings, silver braid and white breeches.

In 1808 only the West Troop remained, and this had dwindled to 23 members by 1817. In that year, however, with a rise in the number of civil disturbances, a revival of the yeomanry took place; Sir Leonard Holmes was appointed Captain Commandant of a squadron consisting of Captain Forquett’s West Troop, and a renewed East Troop, together raised to a strength of over 100. The corps appears in the Militia & Yeomanry List as Isle of Wight ‘Medina’ but the title Loyal Vectis Light Dragoons was used unofficially (Vectis being the ancient Roman name for the island). In 1820 the squadron had 113 members and had a band. They wore blue uniforms with red facings. They trained at Newport in the spring of 1824 but by the next year had completely disappeared. This may have been due to the death of Major Holmes who was a very energetic commander and obviously the driving force. No mounted corps special to the Isle of Wight was formed after this.

South Hants Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry 1803

In September 1802 it was proposed that the independent Troops of South Hampshire should be formed into a single regiment. Approval was granted on 31 Dec 1802 and the South Hants Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry was formed, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel George Henry Rose. They had a strength of 414 all ranks, including 29 officers. The uniform was blue with white facings, silver lace for officers, white breeches, black boots and the light dragoon helmet which had a scarlet and white plume. It consisted of these eight Troops:

1st Christchurch Troop
2nd Christchurch Troop
1st Southampton troop
2nd Southampton Troop
Lymington Troop
Romsey Troop
Lyndhurst or Stoneycross Troop
Ringwood Troop

In 1808 they were reduced to 6 Troops but retained a band. They continued after 1815 and an extra Troop was added in 1819. In 1823 there was an Eling Troop which may have been the extra Troop. The uniform of 1823 is described in the Salisbury Journal and conforms to the light dragoon uniform of the time. It was blue with white facings which included a plastron front, and a shako. They were disbanded in 1827.

Royal Review at Lyndhurst, 6 Dec 1803

With Napoleon’s army assembling at Boulogne the South Hants Yeomanry was on permanent duty. On 7 Nov 1803 they entered Southampton in impressive style according to contemporary reports. There was a Review on the racecourse at Lyndhurst in the New Forest, on 6 Dec 1803 attended by HRH the Duke of Cumberland. Also there were the Prince of Wales New Forest Rangers, 3 companies strong. They were support riflemen for the yeomanry but eventually became normal volunteer infantry. Another yeomanry unit present at the Review was the recently re-raised Fordingbridge Volunteer Cavalry which were separate from the South Hants Yeomanry. They had a strength of 53, and issued with 12 carbines per Troop. Managing to remain independent, they disbanded in 1817 and reformed in 1820.

North Hants Yeomanry, 1806

After Trafalgar in 1805 the Royal Navy dominated the seas, making Britain safer than before. The Volunteer spirit declined so that the dwindling independent Troops amalgamated. In 1806 the North Hants Yeomanry was formed, with a strength of only 124. By 1812 the South Hants yeomanry were down to 247. Fordingbridge was still independent, with only 36. The Eling Troop, 53 strong, of the South Hants Yeomanry are reported to have been entertained on 23 Nov 1823, by their Captain, William McKinnon, at the Anchor Inn, Redbridge whose landlord was a sergeant of the Troop. But in the winter of 1827 the government decreed that all yeomanry units in trouble-free areas should be disbanded. In 1828 there were no longer any Yeomanry Troops in Hampshire.

Revival of the South Hants Yeomanry, 1830-38

Unrest amongst agricultural workers brought about a revival of mounted volunteers to keep the peace and move speedily to trouble-spots in the county. The South Hants Yeomanry was re-formed in December 1830; the first unit to be re-raised was the Ringwood Troop, as one of the three Troops of the Valley of Avon Yeomanry Cavalry. The other Troops raised were:

1830 Fordingbridge Troop (December). Captain Coote commanded about 68 men. Disbanded 1838.

1830 Lymington Troop (December). Initially commanded by Captain Taylor. About 78 strong. It continued its services without pay after 1838 under the command of Captain McKinnon. When the Chartist troubles erupted in 1848 they were increased to squadron strength. Their uniform consisted of a black shako with gilt fittings and a black plume. The jacket was forest green with black velvet facings, trousers green with a red stripe. Officers had gilt buttons and epaulettes, and a black sheepskin saddle cover edged in red. Other ranks had a black pouch-belt and white sheepskins. They were finally disbanded in 1850, having given their services without pay for 12 years.

1830 New Forest East Troop, also called the Cadland Troop (December). Captain Drummond. In 1832 they had 69 men. Disbanded in 1838.

1831 Romsey Troop (February), Captain Stanley. About 58 strong. Disbanded in 1838.

1831 New Forest West Troop also called the Lyndhurst & Eling Troop ( February). There is mention of Fawley, Beaulieu & Hythe, Eling & Lyndhurst Corps, having a strength of 124. In 1832 the New Forest West Troop returned a strength of 85.They disbanded in 1838.

Andover Troop 1830-38

The Andover Troop was independent, raised in December 1830, commanded by Captain Asheton-Smith. They are described as wearing the usual light dragoon uniform with a bell-topped shako, horsehair plume for the men and cock feathers for the officers. At the disbandment of 1838 they continued their services without pay.

North Hants Yeomanry 1830 - 1853

In the north of the county the North Hants Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry was re-raised on 27 Dec 1830. It consisted of:

Arlesford or Stratton Troop commanded by Sir Thomas Baring. They became D Troop.

Basingstoke Troop commanded by W T Hawley. They became B Troop.

Hursley or Winchester Troop commanded by Sir William Heathcote. They became C Troop.

Odiham Troop commanded by Sir Henry St John Mildmay formerly of the 22nd Light Dragoons. This unit became A Troop.

Overton & Kingsclere Troop commanded by B Brocas. They became E Troop.

Overall command of the North Hants Yeomanry was given to Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Shaw Lefevre with Heathcote as his major. Their uniform is described in our Uniforms section. By 1853, as the North Hants was the only yeomanry in Hampshire the title was changed to the Hampshire Yeomanry Cavalry. The Basingstoke Troop had moved its HQ to Winchester and recruited from the Southampton area. An extra Troop was raised at Portsmouth.

1st Hampshire Mounted Rifles 1860 - 1877

Hants Mounted Rifles

In 1860 there was a revival of the volunteer movement which mainly brought about the raising of infantry Rifle Volunteers throughout Britain. But Lieutenant-Colonel J Bower, a former staff officer in India and officer of the 28th Madras Native Infantry, called for the raising of a mounted infantry unit, based in Droxford. This was separate from the yeomanry but the difference between mounted infantry and cavalry at that time was just a question of name. The date of the raising of the 1st Hampshire Mounted Rifle Volunteers was 25 April 1860, but in February 1861 the name was changed to 1st Hampshire Light Horse Volunteers. Then, in August 1863 they reverted to their first title and were once more 1st Hampshire Mounted Rifles, aka Droxford Light Horse.

Lt-Col Bower was ranked as captain commandant of the unit. Besides him there were two other officers in 1860; Lieutenant William J J Higgins and Cornet Charles Sartorious. Additionally there was an honorary Chaplain, Rev James Colpoys and an Honorary Assistant Surgeon George Perry. In 1874 two more officers joined, Lt Rowland Standish and Sub-Lt Edward Thompson. There were about 30 to 50 men in the regiment.

Hampshire Yeomanry Cavalry 1853

As the North Hants Yeomanry was the only yeomanry in Hampshire the title was changed so that ‘North’ was dropped. The Basingstoke Troop (B Troop) moved its HQ to Winchester and recruited from the Southampton area. An extra Troop (F) was raised at Portsmouth. In 1854 the regiment adopted the fur busby to complete the transformation from light dragoons to hussars. E Troop moved HQ in 1877 to the Bournemouth and New Forest areas but because of the decline in numbers was disbanded in 1881. B Troop moved to Southampton, but the Hampshire Yeomanry now numbered 118 so there were rumours that the end was near.

Carabiniers on Exercise

Colonel Crichton Takes Command 1884

With the disbandment of E Troop and the reduction in strength, the year 1881 found the regiment suffering from low morale and it seemed impossible for its former glory to be regained, but within a few years they were to rise like a phoenix to become one of the two premier yeomanry regiments of the country (The Middlesex Yeomanry was the other). The credit for this remarkable transformation was entirely due to Colonel the Hon Henry Crichton, who, with his inspiring leadership, completely revitalised what was a dying regiment.

The Hampshire Carabiniers 1884

Colonel Crichton assumed command of the Hampshire Yeomanry on 16 Jan 1884 and immediately set about the task of reforming the regiment. He changed the uniform, exchanging the small shako for a white metal helmet. The new regimental badge was almost identical to the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers), and the adoption of a dragoon-style blue tunic and helmet, as well as the change of name to Carabiniers, would lead us to believe that he had served in the 6th DG but his previous service as a professional soldier was 11 years in the 10th Hussars and 10 years in the 21st Hussars.

Recruitment Problem

In the next few years the Hampshire Carabiniers were brought to a very high state of efficiency. Not only was the regiment drilled before training, but mounted Troop drills were held even up to December, thus complying with Col Crichton’s idea of a yeomanry regiment being alive all the year round. He was ably supported by his adjutant, the Earl of Airlie a 10th Hussar officer but attached to the Hampshire Carabiniers from July 1889 to Nov 1893. Airlie was everywhere, finding recruits at markets, sheep fairs, farmer’s clubs, anywhere where suitable riding men could be found. However the low numbers of men in the regiment was a constant problem. In 1889 they were only 186, and in 1891 a General inspection resulted in a report that said this, ‘His Royal Highness extremely regrets that this excellent specimen of a Yeomanry Cavalry Regiment should be so deficient in numbers.’

The Portsmouth Brigade 1893

In Jan 1893 the Yeomanry Force was organised into numbered brigades. The Hampshire Carabiniers were brigaded with the Queen’s Own Dorset Yeomanry in the Portsmouth Brigade. The Troop system was abolished and the regiment was reorganised into squadrons. However, instead of the six Troops being formed into three squadrons, the weak strength of the regiment permitted only two squadrons:

The Redhill Troop

A Squadron — Portsmouth Troop, Island Troop, Redhill Troop
B Squadron — Southampton Troop, Winchester Troop, Basingstoke Troop.

The Island Troop was the natural successor of the former Isle of Wight Yeomanry aka the Loyal Vectis Yeomanry Dragoons. The command of the Portsmouth Brigade was given to Colonel Crichton, being the senior officer. This brigade system, although viewed with suspicion at the time, undoubtedly saved the regiment from amalgamation or possible disbandment. A further Troop was formed at Bournemouth in 1894 and the regimental strength gradually increased beyond the 200 mark. War games were held in this year and they and the Middlesex Yeomanry were both highly regarded for their up-to-date innovations.

Mobilisation, Jan 1900

Colonel Crichton relinquished his command in 1895 to take charge of the Portsmouth Infantry Brigade. In 1896 the strength of the regiment was 277 all ranks, and they were issued with the .303 Martini-Metford Carbine. In 1899 they provided an escort to Queen Victoria when she went from Osborne to Ryde on 19 June to open an Isle of Wight hospital. The Boer War broke out in October 1899 and in January 1900 the Hampshire Carabiniers were mobilised for service. The Commanding officer was Colonel William Woods, who worked hard organising training which took place in the New Forest. Their role was to be mounted infantry so swords were put into store. Khaki uniforms were issued and two active service squadrons of 120 men each were chosen to send out to South Africa. They were given .303 Lee Enfield Mark 1 rifles.

Imperial Yeomanry Companies

As they were now technically infantry, the squadrons were designated as the 41st and 50th (Hampshire Carabiniers) Companies, Imperial Yeomanry. They were allotted to different battalions in South Africa. The 41st sailed on 1 Feb 1900 on the SS Goth. The 50th sailed on 6 April 1900 on the SS Galekon.

41st Company IY

The 41st Company were in the 4th Battalion IY, 1st Yeomanry Brigade in General Rundle’s 8th Division. They took part in the capture of Prieska in Cape Province, and at the end of April skirmished with Boer Scouts at Wakkerstroom. When Roberts advanced towards Pretoria they guarded the army’s flank in the Orange Free State. On 26 May they suffered casualties when their brigade tried to relieve the 13th Battalion IY at Lindley. This was unsuccessful and they were beaten back. In the pursuit of de Wet they captured many prisoners and Boer supplies.

Convoy Escort, Oct 1900

In October 1900 the 1st Yeomanry Brigade escorted a convoy from Delanges Drift to Vrede. On 12 Oct they were in the rearguard when they came under attack from Boer snipers whose fire was incessant and harassing but, according to Major-General Campbell’s report, ‘All the troops of the rearguard behaved with cool boldness and discretion and….could not be improved upon. They displayed intelligence in using to the best effect exceptionally difficult ground, and to the good handling of the squadrons is attributed, in a great measure, the unimpeded passage of a large heavily-laden convoy..’

Yeoman in SA Kit 1900

Bethlehem District, 26 Oct 1900

Just two weeks after the attack on the convoy the 41st Company became involved in their toughest fight of the campaign. On 26 Oct they were trekking with General Rundle’s column in the Bethlehem district en route to Harrismith when they were confronted by a strong force of Boers under the command of Prinsloo. The enemy occupied hills overlooking the road, protected by excellent cover, making use of the rugged kopjes and ravines, so that the British were caught in the open and subjected to a withering and deadly fire. A general attack was made, the battle lasting from early morning until late afternoon. The 41st Company distinguished themselves by capturing the key Boer position.

When they completed their tour of duty in South Africa, the 41st Company had been in action no less than 85 times. Their casualty figures were, 4 men killed in action, 5 dead from other causes, 10 wounded, and one man taken prisoner.

50th Company IY

The 50th Company landed at Beira on 3 May 1900 having embarked at Portsmouth on 6 April. They were put in the 17th Battalion IY and proceeded inland to an unhealthy place called Bamboo Creek where three men died from tropical fever. They then went on to Bulawayo. Their first action was in the Orange River area where they were escorting a convoy to Boshof near Kimberley. They dismounted and made a bayonet attack which drove off the Boers. They saw much more action in several convoy escort duties which they were required to do. On the Modder River they were attacked by Boers several times.

C Troop Ambushed, 26 Mar 1901

During February 1901 the 50th Company was attached to the Kimberley Flying Column tasked with the capture of de Wet. On 26 Mar the Company was marching to Boshof to round up stock on surrounding farms. During the night at Rondal near Boshof they were separated from the main column. They saw a party of Boers who took off, pursued by 11 men of C Troop. They realised this was a ruse when they found themselves under attack from a much larger enemy force. The fight lasted 15 minutes before help arrived, during which two men were killed and three wounded. Corporal Pickford distinguished himself when he galloped back to help a comrade whose horse had fallen. This rescue was carried out under heavy fire.

Their last action was when the column was attacked and they went to the aid of the New Zealand Rough Riders. They had more men wounded in this action but the Boers were driven off towards the Vaal River. At the end of their service in the Boer War the 50th Company had lost two men killed in action, 6 died, and 6 wounded. One man, Private Suter, had been taken prisoner near Boshof. The Boers took him to the ruins of a farm which had been burned by the 50th Company, and told him that the next morning he would be shot in retaliation for the outrage. But during the night he managed to escape and rejoin his unit. The rest of their service was spent in general policing and patrols. They returned to England in 1902.

Hampshire Carabiniers Imperial Yeomanry

The active service squadrons returned from South Africa to Hampshire in 1902 and the regiment as a whole trained and adopted the role of mounted infantry. In Jan 1902 they were organised as three squadrons:

A Squadron — Portsmouth Troop, Isle of Wight Troop, Petersfield Troop.

B Squadron — Winchester & Alton Troop, Bishops Waltham Troop, Basingstoke Troop, Aldershot & Farnborough Troop.

C Squadron — Southampton Troop, Eastleigh Troop, Bournemouth Troop, Lymington & Andover Troop.

In 1907 a machine-gun section was added, as well as a signals section. The strength of the regiment was 402, a sign of the regiment’s prestige which was attributable to Colonel Crichton’s enthusiasm and leadership. He became Honorary Colonel of the regiment in 1905. In 1908 the Imperial Yeomanry became part of the new Territorial Force and the regiment added a further squadron, absorbing the New Forest Scouts Mounted Infantry Company from the 4th Volunteer Battalion, Hampshire Regiment.

Colonel’s Inspection 1914

Pre-War Organisation 1908 - 1914

On 19 June 1909 a detachment of the regiment attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle where Edward VII presented Colours to Infantry Volunteers and guidons to 12 yeomanry regiments, including the Hampshire Carabiniers. This was an opportunity for the Carabiniers to show off their new dress uniforms. On 22 June 1911 another detachment took part in the coronation of King George V. In 1914 the organisation of the regiment was:

A Squadron — Portsmouth Troop, Isle of Wight Troop, Petersfield Troop, Titchfield Troop.

B Squadron — Winchester & Alton Troop, Aldeshot & Farnborough Troop, Basingstoke Troop, Bishops Waltham Troop.

C Squadron — 1st Southampton Troop, 2nd Southampton Troop, Romsey Troop, Andover Troop, Eastleigh Troop.

D Squadron — 1st Bournemouth Troop, 2nd Bournemouth Troop, Ringwood Troop, Highcliffe Troop, Stuckton Troop, Beaulieu Troop.

Yeomanry Cyclist Regiment

Also in October the 2nd/1st Hampshire Carabiniers Yeomanry was formed at Winchester. Initially mounted, they were later converted to a Yeomanry Cyclist Regiment, used in a home defence role. In Feb 1917 they were amalgamated with the 2nd/1st West Somerset Yeomanry to form the 5th Yeomanry Cyclist Regiment, stationed in East Anglia. In May 1918 they were sent to Ireland until 2 April 1919 when they were disbanded.

Service in France

Meanwhile the 1st Hampshire Carabiniers Yeomanry continued their war, with coastal patrols between Beachy Head and Bexhill. The various squadrons became divisional cavalry for the 58th, 60th and 61st Divisions. It did seem that the regiment was destined never to see active service, especially when they had to supply horses to the North Somerset Yeomanry so that regiment could proceed overseas in early 1915.

Mounted Squadron WW1

It was not until late May 1916 that C squadron received orders to join the BEF in France. After a period of training with the 1st Cavalry Division they became Corps Cavalry to IXth Corps. B Squadron followed a month later but it was not until January 1917 that A Squadron was ordered to proceed to France. They sailed on the Zeviot and on entering Le Harvre they collided with another ship. The front hold flooded but the yeomen kept a cool head and they were able to disembark without loss of life. When all three squadrons were reunited the strength was 21 officers, 446 other ranks, and 443 horses.

While on active service C Squadron had been attached to the Wiltshire Yeomanry and B Squadron was with the Yorkshire Hussars. They now became IXth Corps Cavalry Regiment, carrying out, amongst other duties, maintaining telephone lines under the direct observation of the Germans. On 17June 1917, the regiment took part in the Battle of Messines Ridge, when, under a terrific barrage of shellfire the ridge practically blew up. The troopers had to cover their horses’ heads with sandbags to muffle the noise of artillery fire and explosions. An attempt at a mounted advance was stopped short of the enemy lines by a concentration of shell and machine-gun fire. Patrols continued and an attempt by B Squadron to lead the advance of the infantry ended in failure.

15th (Hampshire Carabiniers) Battalion 1917

The use of horsed cavalry in trench warfare was impractical so on 27 Sep 1917 the regiment gave up their horses and became infantry, as the 15th Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment. Not only were their cap badges replaced, but the yeomen were reissued with Hampshire Regiment numbers. However, when the 1914-18 War medals were issued to Hampshire Carabiniers Yeomanry they had their original regiment and numbers inscribed on them.

After a short period of training the 15th Bn was sent to the Italian front in November 1917 following the dramatic reverses of the Italian Army. Throughout the winter of 1917-18 the regiment was continually in the line, holding a sector along the River Piave near the foothills of the Italian Alps. By March 1918 the situation had stabilised on the Italian front and the British divisions returned to France.

In the final months of the war the Hampshire Carabiniers were almost continually in action, suffering its severest casualties. They took part in the final battles of the Somme, and in the ensuing Allied offensive, finally crossing the River Scheldt on 10 Nov 1918 to end their active service in the Great War. For the next few months the regiment carried out duties as part of the British Army of Occupation, stationed near Cologne, but by Jan 1919 most men had been demobilised.

95th Brigade RA 1930

95th (Hampshire Yeomanry) Field Brigade RA, 1920 - 37

With the reorganisation of the Territorial Army in 1920 the Hampshire Carabiniers were converted to a regiment of the Royal Artillery. They became 377th Battery and, together with 378th Battery RHA of Southampton, they formed 95th Field Brigade RA. Equipped with horses, and although now towing field guns, it did seem that the old yeomanry days had returned. By 1931, however, the horses were giving way to Morris gun tractors towing 18-pounder guns. The dawn of a new era of mechanisation had begun for the Hampshire yeomen.

72nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA, 1937

In 1937/38 the regiment’s role was changed yet again. The growing threat of German air power meant a greater emphasis on anti-aircraft defences throughout the country, especially in the southern counties. Consequently the 95th Field Regiment RA became the 72nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA. The 377th Battery became 217th (Hampshire Carabiniers) Battery, and the 378th Battery was renumbered as 218th Battery. The regiment was increased to a three-battery regiment by the inclusion of the 310th Battery from Poole, later replaced by the 393rd Battery.

Home Defence Role

The batteries were equipped with the new 3.7in mobile anti-aircraft guns. These guns were to receive their baptism of fire during the Battle of Britain, and the Blitz that followed. The Hampshire Yeomanry was now employed in the role for which they were originally conceived in 1794. From 1940 to 1941, as part of the 5th Anti-Aircraft Division, the yeomen of Hampshire were defending their county from enemy attack, responsible for the defences of Southampton and Portsmouth. Later in 1941 the regiment moved to Ramsgate, then to Bristol in early 1942. But the home defence role came to an end in November1942.

Active Service, North Africa 1942

The 72nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment became part of the 1st Army and took part in Operation Torch, the landings in North Africa. Landing at Bougie, Algeria, on 14 Nov 1942, the Hampshire Carabiniers fought in an air defence role throughout the Tunisian campaign. They were at Tebessa defending an American airfield when Rommel was attacking the Kasserine Pass. It was here that some guns were used in a direct fire supporting role, but unlike the German 88mm guns, the 3.7in mobile guns were not readily adapted for this kind of warfare. In the final breakthrough, the Hants Carabiniers claimed to be the second regiment of the 1st Army to enter Tunis.

Italy 1943

With the North African campaign over, the regiment rested and trained near Bizerta. Later in 1943 the 72nd HAA Regiment was posted to Naples and took over the air defence of the port. As the advance through Italy continued, so Luftwaffe activity decreased. By the end of 1944 the shortage of infantry replacement necessitated pruning non-essential units, including the Hants Carabiniers. Thus in Jan 1945 the regiment was disbanded, with most of the yeomen going to the Hampshire Regiment.

Unofficial Battle Honours for WW2

In the Second World War the regiment was part of the Royal Artillery and as such could not be awarded official battle honours. The RA could have innumerable honours but have to be content with UBIQUE (Everywhere). However, unofficially the Hampshire Carabiniers lay claim to the following:

BATTLE OF BRITAIN
DEFENCE OF SOUTHAMPTON AND PORTSMOUTH
HOME DEFENCE 1939 - 42
NORTH AFRICA 1942 - 43
ITALY 1943 - 45

Disbandment 1957

After the War the Hampshire Carabiniers re-formed in 1947 at Winchester as the 295th Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA (TA) still wearing their yeomanry cap badges and buttons. By 1957 however they were disbanded and put in suspended animation. In 1963 the regiment was reactivated in name only, and amalgamated with the 457th Heavy Air Defence Regiment RA, the full title being 457th (Wessex) Heavy Air Defence Regiment RA (Hampshire Carabiniers Yeomanry). Royal Artillery cap badges were worn but yeomanry collar badges were gradually introduced.

C Company Wessex RA 1967

When the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Territorials were formed in 1967 comprising former Hampshire TA units. The 457th (Wessex) Heavy Air Defence Regiment RA provided C Company. The new company preferred, however, to style themselves the Wessex RA Princess Beatrice’s, thus perpetuating their artillery predecessors, together with the Isle of Wight Rifles. The combined regiment was reduced to a cadre in 1969 but provided A (Duke of Connaught’s) Company of the 2nd Battalion Wessex Regiment (Volunteers) when that regiment was raised in 1971.

Bridging Rig 1993

Amphibious Engineer Squadron 1992

Ferrying Armoured Vehicles 1993

Following ‘Options for Change’ in 1992 the Hampshire Yeomanry was resurrected as a squadron formed in Aldershot and based at Seely House, consisting of an amphibious Troop, a support Troop and REME workshop. Two further Troops were raised in Southampton, all under the title 227 (Hampshire Yeomanry) Amphibious Engineer Squadron RE. They were equipped with 36 M2D Amphibious Bridging and Ferrying Equipment or Rigs, and it was unique in the TAVR for having the largest manpower establishment of any squadron or company sized unit. Their role was to provide vital bridging and ferrying support to 3 (UK) Division in its Allied Rapid Reaction Corps tasks. Each amphibious Troop could construct a 100 metre bridge over a river in about an hour, alternatively 4 tank ferries could be provided in only half that time. Summer camps were held at Hameln in Germany.

Return to Artillery Role 1999

The Strategic Defence Review of 1999 ended the short-lived Amphibious Engineers role so that they became 457 (Hampshire Carabiniers Yeomanry) Battery in the 106th (Yeomanry) Regiment RA. They were based at Milbrook, Southampton and equipped with high velocity missiles.