York and Lancaster Regiment - History

History

It was formed on 1 July 1881 through the amalgamation of two regiments of foot and a militia regiment:

  • 65th (2nd Yorkshire North Riding) Regiment
  • 84th (York and Lancaster) Regiment
  • 3rd West York Light Infantry Militia (two battalions)

Under the original scheme of amalgamation announced in March 1881 the title of the new regiment was to be The Hallamshire Regiment. This reflected the fact that the regimental district included an area of West Riding of Yorkshire known as Hallamshire. The proposed title was unpopular with the amalgamating units, who sought a more "suitable title... which at the same time would identify the Regiment with the county (Yorkshire), which the word 'Hallamshire' entirely fails to do." Four different titles were proposed, and following a vote of the officers of all four battalions, the title York and Lancaster Regiment was chosen. The regiment inherited the title "York and Lancaster" from the 84th Foot to which had been awarded in 1809. The 84th was one of the few Regiments of Foot lacking a county designation and the title was given in recognition of the fact that the unit had been raised in York in 1793, with a second battalion in Preston, Lancashire in 1808.

The new regiment saw service in both Egypt and Sudan immediately after its formation, and also during the Second Boer War, when it took part in the Relief of Ladysmith.

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