The Cheshire Yeomanry Squadron

In 1971, four years after the Cheshire Yeomanry was disbanded, ‘ C’ (Cheshire Yeomanry) Squadron was formed at Chester to serve in the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, which had its headquarters at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. This new Territorial Army regiment also incorporated squadrons representing other yeomanry regiments which had also been disbanded in 1967.

As part of a reorganization of the Territorial Army in 1999, the Cheshire Yeomanry Squadron remained in Chester and became part of the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry which had its headquarters in Telford. Many of its soldiers served on operations in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Another reorganization in 2014 saw the Territorial Army being re-named ‘The Army Reserve’. The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry were disbanded and the Cheshire Yeomanry Squadron has once again joined the Queen’s Own Yeomanry. The QOY is an Army Reserve Combat Regiment and as such are a part of The Royal Armoured Corps, with a Light Cavalry role. They are paired with the Light Dragoons, a Regular Army regiment.

The majority of the Cheshire Yeomanry Squadron are resident in Cheshire but a number come from neighbouring counties. Annually they are expected to attend one training evening each week, eight weekends and a fortnights camp. When required, Army Reserve soldiers are expected to serve with their Regular Army regiment abroad for periods ranging from two weeks to twelve months.