World War I
The Yorkshire Dragoons like other Yeomanry Regiments formed a second line regiment in September 1914, that served on the east coast of Yorkshire until April 1918 when it was sent to County Cork in Ireland, where it remained until 1919. When the officers and men learnt that the 2nd Regiment would not be going abroad they applied for transfers to other regiments, and were gradually replaced by others who were recovering from wounds and disabilities. A 3rd line regiment of Yorkshire Dragoons was raised early in 1915 to supply drafts for the other two regiments and was quartered first at York and later Tidworth.
The 1/1st Yorkshire Dragoons deployed to France in July 1915, as Divisional Cavalry
- A Squadron to 17th (Northern) Division
- B and HQ Squadrons to 37th Division
- C Squadron to 19th (Western) Division
In May 1916 the Regiment reassembled and became Corps Cavalry to II Corps with whom they remained until November 1917, when they were transferred to the Cavalry Corps. Up to this time their only chance of mounted action had been during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in April 1917. They were present at the battles of the Somme (1916), the Ancre, the Somme (1917) and Ypres (1917). Although in these battles there was no mounted fighting,they were often called upon to support infantry attacks with their Hotchkiss machine guns.
In December 1917, the Yorkshire Dragoons were posted to the Lucknow Cavalry Brigade, 4th Cavalry Division, where they relieved the King's Dragoon Guards and took part in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. As such they were one of only four Yeomanry Regiments posted to a Regular Cavalry Division. The Yorkshire Dragoons were dismounted in February 1918, and returned to II Corps as Corps Cyclists. From September to November 1918, the Regiment fought with the 9th Division in the offensive east of Ypres. In action on 15 and 20 October they captured over 100 prisoners with 7 field guns, 5 heavy guns, many machine guns and much transport.
Hostilities came to an end on 11 November 1918 and they were selected for the army of occupation and acted as advance guard to the 9th and 29th Divisions during the advance into Germany. The Regiment was stationed in the Cologne area until demobilization in July 1919, when Lord Scarborough received a letter of appreciation from the Corps Commander. "They have earned the gratitude of their country and county, in the way they have worked and fought all through the war, and have made a name for themselves which will never be forgotten".
Read more about this topic: Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons
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