Allitsen Road drill hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allitsen Road drill hall |
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| St John's Wood, London | |
Allitsen Road drill hall
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 Allitsen Road drill hall
Location within London
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| Coordinates | 51°32′03″N 0°10′08″W / 51.53408°N 0.16901°W |
| Type | Drill Hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1912 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1912-Present |
The Allitsen Road drill hall is a historic building located in St John's Wood, London. It was originally built as a training center for soldiers. Today, it is no longer used for military purposes.
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A Place for Training Soldiers
The Allitsen Road drill hall was finished in 1912. It was designed to be the main base for a group of soldiers called the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters). A "yeomanry" was a type of volunteer cavalry unit, often made up of citizens who trained as soldiers. The building is located in an area of London known as St John's Wood.
Serving in World War I
When World War I started in August 1914, the soldiers of the 3rd County of London Yeomanry gathered at this drill hall. They were "mobilised," which means they were called up for active duty. From here, they were sent to fight in a major campaign called Gallipoli.
Changes Over the Years
After the war, the military unit based at the drill hall changed its name several times. In 1920, it became the 5th (London) Armoured Car Company, part of the Tank Corps. Then, in 1922, it was renamed the 23rd (London) Armoured Car Company, Royal Tank Corps. However, in 1939, it went back to its original name, the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).
Role in World War II
During World War II, in August 1944, this regiment joined with another group, the 4th County of London Yeomanry. Together, they became the 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters). This joining of units is called an "amalgamation."
After the Wars
The regiment was re-formed at the Allitsen Road drill hall in 1947. However, in 1961, it amalgamated again with the 297 (Kent Yeomanry) Regiment, Royal Artillery to form the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry. After this, the drill hall was no longer needed for military training. It was "decommissioned," meaning it was taken out of military service. The building was then changed into offices for other uses.
