Yeomanry Mounted Division: The Cavalry Force of the Palestine Campaign
The Yeomanry Mounted Division was a specialized Territorial Force cavalry division of the British Army, active during a critical phase of the First World War. Formed in June 1917 at Khan Yunis, Palestine, the division played a pivotal role in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, operating primarily as part of the Desert Mounted Corps to secure strategic victories against Ottoman forces.
The division's history is one of rapid evolution, transitioning from a purely British Yeomanry force—volunteer cavalry from the Territorial Force—to an "indianized" formation, eventually becoming the 4th Cavalry Division by mid-1918.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Active Period: June 1917 – April 1918.
- Primary Theater: Palestine and the Sinai Peninsula.
- Notable Commander: Major-General G. de S. Barrow.
- Major Engagements: Third Battle of Gaza, Battle of Beersheba, and the Capture of Jerusalem.
- Final Designation: Renamed the 1st Mounted Division in April 1918, and later the 4th Cavalry Division in July 1918.
Formation and Organization
In June 1917, the British command decided to reorganize the mounted troops of the Desert Column. To optimize command and control, the existing ANZAC and Imperial Mounted Divisions were restructured, leading to the creation of the Yeomanry Mounted Division. This new division was composed of three mounted brigades, each bringing distinct regional strengths to the theater.
The Three Mounted Brigades
- 6th Mounted Brigade: Transferred from the Imperial Mounted Division, including the Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars, Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry, and Berkshire Yeomanry.
- 8th Mounted Brigade: Arrived from Salonika in June 1917, consisting of the County of London Yeomanry, City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders), and 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).
- 22nd Mounted Brigade: Transferred from the ANZAC Mounted Division, featuring the Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, and East Riding of Yorkshire Yeomanry.
Supporting Units
To ensure operational independence, the division was supported by the XX Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery (T.F.), which included the Hampshire, Berkshire, and Leicestershire batteries. Additional support was provided by a newly formed Field Squadron of Royal Engineers, a signal squadron, and a dedicated divisional train consisting of four Army Service Corps (ASC) companies.
Combat History and Major Battles
The Yeomanry Mounted Division served as a mobile strike force within the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. Its operational history is marked by several high-intensity engagements that shifted the tide of the war in the Middle East.
Starting on October 31, 1917, the division participated in the Third Battle of Gaza. This included the famous Battle of Beersheba and the Capture of the Sheria Position. Following these successes, the division engaged in the Battle of Mughar Ridge (November 13–14) and the Battle of Nebi Samwil (November 17–24).
The division's most prestigious achievement came in late November 1917. Attached to the XXI Corps, the Yeomanry Mounted Division successfully withstood Turkish counter-attacks during the Capture of Jerusalem between November 27 and 29.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Restructuring and "Indianization"
By early 1918, the strategic needs of the British Army shifted. In April 1918, the division underwent a process known as "indianization," where British units were replaced or merged with Indian Army cavalry regiments arriving from France.
During this transition, six Yeomanry regiments were withdrawn and sent to the Western Front in France. These units were converted into battalions of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC): C Battalion, D Battalion, and E Battalion. The remaining structure was merged with Indian cavalry brigades (the 2nd Sialkot, 5th Mhow, and 8th Lucknow brigades).
On April 24, 1918, the unit was renamed the 1st Mounted Division. This was the third time in history a division had held that title. Finally, on July 22, 1918, it was renumbered as the 4th Cavalry Division, with its brigades becoming the 10th, 11th, and 12th Cavalry Brigades.
Summary of Divisional Evolution
| Date | Designation | Primary Composition | Key Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1917 | Yeomanry Mounted Division | British Yeomanry | Initial formation at Khan Yunis |
| April 1918 | 1st Mounted Division | Mixed British/Indian | Indianization; Yeomanry sent to France as MGC |
| July 1918 | 4th Cavalry Division | Mixed British/Indian | Final renumbering of division and brigades |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Yeomanry Mounted Division?
It was a British Territorial Force cavalry division formed in June 1917 to serve in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign during the First World War.
Which major battles did the division participate in?
The division was involved in the Third Battle of Gaza, the Battle of Beersheba, the Capture of the Sheria Position, the Battle of Mughar Ridge, the Battle of Nebi Samwil, and the Capture of Jerusalem.
What happened to the Yeomanry regiments in 1918?
Six of the Yeomanry regiments were withdrawn from Palestine and sent to France, where they were merged in pairs and converted into battalions of the Machine Gun Corps.
What does "indianization" mean in this context?
Indianization refers to the restructuring of the division where British Yeomanry units were replaced by Indian Army cavalry regiments, bringing the division in line with British Indian Army standards.
What was the final name of the division?
After being renamed the 1st Mounted Division in April 1918, it was finally designated as the 4th Cavalry Division on July 22, 1918.