Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry
Cap badge
Active	1798–present
Country	Kingdom of Great Britain (1798–1800) United Kingdom (1801–present)
Branch	British Army
Type	Yeomanry
Size	1–3 Regiments Squadron (current)
Part of	Royal Armoured Corps
Engagements	Second Boer War First World War France and Flanders 1915–18 Second World War Italy 1943–45 North-West Europe 1944–45
Battle honours	See battle honours below
Commanders
Honorary Colonel	Lieutenant Colonel The Hon. Ralph C. Assheton, TD, DL

The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry (DLOY) was a special part-time cavalry unit of the British Army. It existed from 1798 until 1992.

Originally, these soldiers rode horses and helped defend Britain at home. They also helped keep order inside the country. Later, the DLOY sent soldiers on horseback to fight in the Second Boer War.

During World War I, they served in Egypt and Palestine and on the Western Front. By 1917, some of their reserve units became cyclists. The main regiment on the Western Front joined an infantry (walking soldier) battalion. They fought in big battles like the Battle of Passchendaele and against the German Spring Offensive. They also took part in the final Allied push called the Hundred Days Offensive.

At the start of World War II, the DLOY stopped using horses. They became two regiments of medium artillery (big guns). These units served in the Middle East, Italy, and North West Europe. After the war, they became an armored unit with tanks.

Today, their history lives on through B (Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry) Squadron, which is part of the Queen's Own Yeomanry.

How the DLOY Began: French Wars (1798-1815)

Britain was fighting in the French Revolutionary Wars in the late 1700s. In 1794, the Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger, suggested that counties should form volunteer cavalry units. These units, called Yeomanry, would defend the country from invasion. They would also help local leaders keep peace if there was trouble.

Many counties quickly formed these units. By 1797–98, the threat of invasion was serious. The government encouraged local groups of armed cavalry and infantry (foot soldiers) for defense. The County of Lancaster (Lancashire) created several independent troops (small groups of soldiers). Some of these included:

Liverpool Light Horse (1797)
Manchester & Salford Light Horse (1797)
Bolton Light Horse Volunteers (1798)
Ashton-in-Makerfield Association (1798)

Most volunteer cavalry units were disbanded after a peace treaty in 1802. But the peace didn't last long. Many troops were reformed or new ones were created. For example:

Liverpool Light Horse (reformed 1802)
Bolton le Moors Cavalry (reformed 1802)
Loyal Ashton Yeomanry Cavalry (reformed 1802)
Manchester & Salford Light Horse (reformed 1802)

The 1800s: Keeping the Peace

After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the Yeomanry became less important. However, there were no police forces yet. So, the Yeomanry were still used to help local authorities keep order. This was especially true in the busy industrial areas of Northern England.

The Manchester & Salford Light Horse reformed in 1817. In 1819, they were involved in an event called the Peterloo Massacre. This happened when they were called to control a large demonstration in Manchester.

In 1827, the government stopped paying the Yeomanry for duty. But units could continue to serve without pay. The remaining Lancashire troops joined together on August 18, 1828. They became the Lancashire Corps of Yeomanry Cavalry.

In 1834, King William IV gave them the special title Duke of Lancaster's Corps of Yeomanry Cavalry. Since then, the King or Queen, who is also the Duke of Lancaster, has traditionally been the special leader (Colonel-in-Chief) of the DLOY.

By 1839, the DLOY had only 171 members. But Lancashire had a large and sometimes restless population. So, the DLOY added more troops in Rochdale (1844) and Worsley (1845). The main headquarters (RHQ) moved to Worsley.

In 1859, there was a fear of invasion. This led to the creation of the Volunteer Force. Many Rifle Volunteer Corps (RVCs) were formed across Britain. Some Mounted Rifle Volunteers (later called Light Horse Volunteers) were also created. These units were meant to scout for the RVCs.

By the late 1800s, the DLOY was organized into squadrons (larger groups of troops). On April 1, 1893, the DLOY had:

RHQ (Headquarters) at Worsley
A Squadron: Oldham and Rochdale Troops
B Squadron: Liverpool and Bolton Troops
C Squadron: Broughton and Worsley Troops
D Squadron: Blackburn and Blackpool Troops

The DLOY was ranked 12th among Yeomanry regiments. This was based on when the Bolton Troop was first formed.

Imperial Yeomanry: Fighting in South Africa

A typical Imperial Yeoman on campaign

In December 1899, the British government realized they needed more soldiers for the Second Boer War in South Africa. They decided to let volunteer forces serve. On December 24, the Imperial Yeomanry (IY) was officially created.

This new force was made up of county companies, each with about 115 men. They signed up for one year. Volunteers from the Yeomanry and civilians quickly joined. They were trained to fight as Mounted infantry (soldiers who rode horses but fought on foot). They used rifles and bayonets instead of cavalry swords.

The Duke of Lancaster's Yeomanry helped create the 24th and 32nd (Lancashire) Companies. These companies served in the 8th and 2nd IY Battalions.

The 2nd Battalion, including the 32nd (Lancashire) Company, arrived in South Africa in February 1900. The 8th Battalion, with the 23rd (Lancashire) Company, arrived in March 1900.

In May 1900, the 23rd and 24th Companies were part of a column led by Sir Charles Warren. They were operating in Griqualand West. On May 26, the column camped at Faber's Put. The Boers (Dutch settlers in South Africa) surrounded the camp before dawn on May 30. They attacked, leading to a fierce fight. The Yeomanry's machine guns helped. The Imperial Yeomanry advanced, forcing the Boers to retreat. After this fight, Warren was able to clear the area.

The first group of Imperial Yeomanry finished their service in May 1901. A second group replaced them until the war ended in 1902. These companies earned the DLOY its first special award: South Africa 1900–02.

The Imperial Yeomanry were successful as mounted infantry. So, before the war ended, all existing Yeomanry regiments in Britain, including the DLOY, became Imperial Yeomanry. They had a headquarters and four squadrons, plus a machine gun section. The DLOY headquarters moved to Manchester.

Territorial Force: A New Era (1908)

In 1908, the Imperial Yeomanry became part of the new Territorial Force (TF). This was part of the Haldane Reforms. The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry joined this new force.

Their units were spread out:

RHQ (Headquarters) at Manchester
A Squadron at Oldham, with a small group in Rochdale
B Squadron at Bolton, with a small group in Liverpool
C Squadron at Whalley Range (Manchester)
D Squadron at Preston, with a small group in Blackpool

For training, the DLOY was linked with the Lancashire Hussars and the Westmorland & Cumberland Yeomanry. They were part of the Welsh Border Mounted Brigade. But if war broke out, they would join other larger groups.

World War I: From Horses to Foot Soldiers

When World War I started in August 1914, the TF was meant for home defense. But many members volunteered to serve overseas. So, TF units were split into three groups:

1st Line: For overseas service.
2nd Line: For home service, for those who couldn't go overseas.
3rd Line: A reserve group to train new soldiers.

1/1st Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry (1st Line)

This unit formed in August 1914 in Manchester. It was part of the Welsh Border Mounted Brigade. Later, its parts were split up. The headquarters and 'C' Squadron joined the 23rd Division in France. 'A' Squadron went to Egypt, then Palestine. 'D' Squadron joined the 14th (Light) Division.

By May 1916, most of the 1/1st DLOY reunited in France. They formed the III Corps Cavalry Regiment. However, there wasn't much need for soldiers on horseback on the Western Front. So, in the summer of 1917, many cavalry regiments became foot soldiers.

On July 31, the DLOY soldiers were sent for infantry training. Their commanding officer was sad about this. He wondered why they were being turned into foot soldiers when many cavalry soldiers were still being trained in England.

12th (DLOY) Battalion, Manchester Regiment

On September 24, 1917, the 1/1st DLOY (7 officers and 125 soldiers) joined the 12th (Service) Battalion, Manchester Regiment. This unit was then renamed 12th (Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry) Battalion.

This battalion had already seen a lot of fighting. They had been in the Ypres Salient in 1915–16, on the Somme in 1916, and in the Arras Offensive in 1917.

With their new name, the battalion fought in the final stages of the Third Ypres Offensive. After the terrible experiences at Passchendaele, they spent the winter training.

When the German Spring Offensive began on March 21, 1918, the 17th (Northern) Division, which included the 12th (DLOY) Battalion, was in a tough spot. On March 22, the Germans attacked Havrincourt, held by the 12th (DLOY) Bn. All attacks were stopped. But German breakthroughs elsewhere forced the division to retreat.

During the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, the 17th (Northern) Division fought in the Second Battle of the Somme. The 12th (DLOY) Bn helped capture Martinpuich on August 25. They also helped take Le Transloy on September 1 by moving around the enemy's side.

The advance continued towards the German Hindenburg Line. The 12th (DLOY) Bn had a very hard fight at Neuvilly on October 12. After this, they had only four officers and about 300 soldiers fit to fight. They were reinforced with new and old soldiers. On October 31, they advanced again, crossing a river and pushing forward.

During the Battle of the Sambre on November 4, the battalion reached its goals. They had many casualties, some from Mustard gas. The pursuit continued until fighting ended with the Armistice with Germany on November 11, 1918.

The 12th (DLOY) Battalion was officially disbanded on May 20, 1919.

2/1st Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry (2nd Line)

This 2nd Line regiment formed in September 1914. By July 1915, it was part of the 2/1st Western Mounted Brigade. In March 1916, it was in Scotland.

In July 1916, most 2nd Line Yeomanry units in the UK changed. All but 12 regiments became cyclists. So, the DLOY was dismounted, and their brigade became the 14th Cyclist Brigade. Later, it was renamed the 10th Cyclist Brigade.

By January 1918, the 10th Cyclist Brigade moved to Lincolnshire. Around May 1918, the brigade moved to Ireland. The regiment was stationed in Tralee, County Kerry. They stayed there until the end of the war.

3/1st Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry (3rd Line)

This 3rd Line regiment formed in 1915. It was a reserve unit that trained new soldiers. It was absorbed by the 6th Reserve Cavalry Regiment in early 1917.

Between the World Wars

After World War I, a group decided what the Territorial Force should look like. They realized there were too many cavalry units. They decided that only the 14 oldest regiments would stay as cavalry. Others would change roles, for example, joining the Royal Artillery or Royal Tank Corps.

However, the DLOY was the 12th oldest regiment. So, it was allowed to remain as cavalry (soldiers on horseback).

When the TF was reformed on February 7, 1920, the DLOY was set up again with:

RHQ at Manchester
AC Squadron at Manchester
B Squadron at Bolton and Rainhill
D Squadron at Blackpool and Preston

In 1921, the TF became the Territorial Army (TA). The DLOY was designated as 'Army Troops' in the 42nd (East Lancashire) Divisional Area.

World War II: From Horses to Big Guns

Mobilization

The TA was called into action on September 1, 1939, just before World War II began. The DLOY prepared as a cavalry regiment. While most other cavalry regiments went to Palestine in January 1940, the DLOY stayed behind.

On January 15, 1940, at Ramsbottom, Manchester, the DLOY changed. It became part of the Royal Artillery (RA), which uses big guns. On April 15, it split into two new regiments:

77th (Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry) Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery at Manchester.
78th (Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry) Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery at Haverfordwest, Wales.

77th (DLOY) Medium Regiment, RA

A 5.5-inch gun of 77th (DLOY) Medium Rgt being positioned to fire in support of 3rd Division advancing on Venray, 16 October 1944.

By the end of 1940, the 77th Medium Regiment was in Northern Ireland for over two years. In early 1943, it joined the 8th Army Group Royal Artillery (AGRA). An AGRA was a powerful artillery group, usually with three or four medium regiments and one heavy regiment.

The 8 AGRA units landed in Normandy, France, after D Day in June 1944. They supported VIII Corps in battles like Operation Epsom and Operation Jupiter. They also helped the II Canadian Corps in Operation Spring. Then, they went west with VIII Corps for Operation Bluecoat on July 30. The 77th (DLOY) Med Rgt directly supported the 11th Armoured Division. Within days, the German front broke open.

VIII Corps then helped provide transport and fuel for the Second Army's advance. They played a small part in Operation Market Garden (the Battle of Arnhem). The Second Army reached the River Maas by early December. On December 3, the 15th (Scottish) Division took the last German position west of the Maas. The 8 AGRA was one of three AGRAs supporting this attack.

By March 1945, the 21st Army Group was ready to cross the Rhine River (Operation Plunder). The 8 AGRA again supported the 15th (Scottish) Division. They crossed on March 24, with huge artillery support. After crossing the Rhine, the 21st Army Group quickly advanced across northern Germany. There wasn't much need for medium artillery anymore.

After the German surrender at Lüneburg Heath, the 21st Army Group became an occupation force. The 77th (DLOY) Medium Regiment began to be disbanded in February 1946.

78th (DLOY) Medium Regiment, RA

At the end of 1940, the 78th (DLOY) Medium Regiment was in Western Command. By March 1941, it was linked with the 47th (London) Infantry Division on the South Coast of England, which was threatened by invasion.

In December 1942, the 78th (DLOY) Medium Regiment prepared to go overseas. By February 1943, it had left for the Middle East Forces (MEF). It served in Palestine and Syria. By January, it moved to join the Italian Campaign as part of the 6th Army Group Royal Artillery (6 AGRA).

After World War II, the regiment was reorganized on October 21, 1945. It became the 78th (Auxiliary Police) Regiment, Royal Artillery (Duke of Lancaster's own Yeomanry). The regiment was officially disbanded on April 14, 1946.

After the Wars (Postwar)

When the TA was reformed on January 1, 1947, the 78th (DLOY) Regiment was officially disbanded. The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry was reformed in the Royal Armoured Corps. It became the armored regiment for the 42nd (Lancashire) Division.

In 1956, the regiment's job changed to reconnaissance (scouting). They used armored cars. But on April 1, 1967, they combined with another unit to become the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry, Royal Tank Regiment. Two years later, the combined regiment was reduced to a small core group.

In 1971, it reformed as an infantry unit (foot soldiers). On April 1, 1983, it rejoined the Royal Armoured Corps. It became a home defense reconnaissance unit, using Land Rovers.

The regiment was disbanded on November 1, 1992, due to changes in the army. Its units joined with those of The Queen's Own Mercian Yeomanry to form The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry.

After the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry was disbanded in 2014, the DLOY's history is now carried on by B (Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry) Squadron, which is part of the Queen's Own Yeomanry.

Heritage & Special Traditions

Uniform & Insignia

Cap badge and service cap of the DLOY, as worn at the outbreak of World War II.

By the late 1800s, the DLOY wore uniforms like Dragoons (a type of cavalry). Their tunics (jackets) were scarlet red with blue facings (collar and cuffs). They wore a white metal helmet with a white feather plume. Officers had gold lace on their uniforms, which was unusual. Their riding pants were blue with yellow stripes.

When the DLOY became Imperial Yeomanry in 1902, they started wearing khaki service uniforms for everyday use.

The official badge given to the regiment was 'The Red Rose of Lancaster'. On their white metal cap badge, the rose was inside a laurel wreath. Around it was a strap with the words 'DUKE OF LANCASTER'S OWN'. A royal ducal coronet (a small crown) was on top.

When the DLOY became part of the Royal Artillery, both new regiments were allowed to keep their cap badge. In World War II, their badge had the regimental title on a scroll around the wreath. They also wore Lancashire Rose Yeomanry collar badges and an embroidered shoulder title that said 'DLO YEOMANRY'.

Battle Honours

The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry earned special awards called battle honours for their bravery in battles. Honours in bold were displayed on their special flag (guidon):

Second Boer War	South Africa 1900–02	Honorary Distinction from the Second World War, awarded to the Shropshire Yeomanry for service as a Royal Artillery regiment. The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry Honorary Distinction was similar.
First World War	Somme 1916 '18, Albert 1916 '18, Ypres 1917, Passchendaele, St. Quentin, Bapaume 1918, Amiens, Hindenburg Line, Épehy, Cambrai 1918, Selle, Sambre, France and Flanders 1915–18
Second World War	The Royal Artillery fought in almost all battles. In 1833, King William IV gave them the motto Ubique (meaning "everywhere") instead of individual battle honours. Honorary Distinction: Badge of the Royal Regiment of Artillery with year-dates "1944–45" and two scrolls: "North-West Europe" and "Italy"

Honorary Colonels

1896–1912 Francis Egerton, 3rd Earl of Ellesmere