1st Mounted Rifles

1st Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry)
Active1911–1944
CountryNew Zealand
AllegianceNew Zealand Crown
BranchNew Zealand Army
RoleMounted Rifles
SizeOne Regiment
Part ofNew Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade
EngagementsWorld War I
Middle Eastern Theatre during the Great War

Origins

The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry was established as a volunteer corps at Christchurch in 1864.[1] It was the oldest of twelve light cavalry units raised in New Zealand during the second half of the nineteenth century, using the British Yeomanry regiments as a model.[2]

While numbering less than 100 men, scattered in small detachments across Canterbury Province, the unit earned a reputation for well drilled smartness and provided honour guards and ceremonial escorts as required. It was brought together for a training camp of eight days each year. A scarlet and blue uniform was worn with black facings and a red plumed helmet.[3]

With the introduction of a conscription-based territorial system in 1911-12, the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry became "A" Squadron of the 1st Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry).[4]

Service before and during World War I

The 1st Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry) was formed on March 17, 1911. They were mobilised during World War I as a squadron of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment. They served in the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I and first saw action during the Battle of Gallipoli.

As a part of the larger New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade (of the ANZAC Mounted Division) they went on to serve in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.[5][6]

Great War Battles

Between the wars

In 1921 they were amalgamated with the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles and redesignated the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. By 1942, the regiment, as 1st Light Armoured Fighting Vehicles Regiment (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry), was part of the 5th Division's divisional troops, located at Ashburton.[7]

They were absorbed into the 3rd Armoured Regiment RNZAC on 29 March 1944.[5]

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References
  1. Major R.M. Barnes, page 174 "Military Uniforms of Britain and the Empire", Sphere Books Ltd 1972
  2. Pages 383-384 The Navy and Army Illustrated Dec. 23rd 1899
  3. Page 431 The Navy and Army Illustrated Jan. 6th 1900
  4. Major R.M. Barnes, page 174 "Military Uniforms of Britain and the Empire", Sphere Books Ltd 1972
  5. "firstaif". Archived from the original on 2008-07-24. Retrieved 1 August 2008.
  6. "diggerhistory". Archived from the original on 27 April 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2008.
  7. Cooke and Crawford, 2011, 275.
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