Duke of Yorks Own Loyal Suffolk Hussars

The Duke of Yorks Own Loyal Suffolk Hussars was a unit of the British Army from 1794 to 1961.

In accordance with the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907 (7 Edw.7, c.9) which brought the Territorial Force into being, the TF was intended to be a home defence force for service during wartime and members could not be compelled to serve outside the country. However, on the outbreak of war on 4 August 1914, many members volunteered for Imperial Service. Therefore, TF units were split in August and September 1914 into 1st Line (liable for overseas service) and 2nd Line (home service for those unable or unwilling to serve overseas) units. Later, a 3rd Line was formed to act as a reserve, providing trained replacements for the 1st and 2nd Line regiments.

1/1st Duke of Yorks Own Loyal Suffolk Hussars

The 1/1st was embodied in August 1914 at Bury St. Edmunds and became part of the Eastern Mounted Brigade, 1st Mounted Division.

In September 1915, they were dismounted and moved to the ANZAC bridgehead at Gallipoli and came under the command of the British 54th Division. After they were withdrawn from Gallipoli they moved to Egypt in December 1915, the first party being evacuated to Mudros on December 14 and the rest following five days later. They were next attached to the 3rd Dismounted Brigade on Suez Canal defences, from February 22, 1916.

In January 1917, they were converted to an infantry battalion and formed the 15th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Battalion, the Suffolk Regiment in the 74th (Yeomanry) Division, which moved to France in May 1918.

2/1st Duke of Yorks Owns Loyal Suffolk Hussars

The 2/1st was formed in September 1914, and remained in United Kingdom converting into a cyclist unit in 1916. In May 1918 when they moved to Ireland.

3/1st Duke of Yorks Own Loyal Sufolk Hussars

The 3/1st was formed in 1915. They remained in United Kingdom until they were disbanded in early 1917.

World War II

The Regiment was attached to various Divisions during the war

54th (East Anglian) Division, September 1939

79th Armoured Division, September 1942 – April 1943

49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, July 1943 – August 1945