Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Mounted Brigade
The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Mounted Brigade was a distinguished yeomanry formation of the British Army, established in 1908 as part of the Territorial Force. Throughout the First World War, the brigade underwent several redesignations—becoming the 7th Mounted Brigade and eventually the 14th Cavalry Brigade—reflecting the evolving nature of the conflict and the shifting needs of the British Empire's military strategy.
From its origins as a regional force drawn from the English Midlands, the brigade served across multiple theaters of war, transitioning from mounted cavalry to dismounted infantry and back again. Its journey took it from the coastal defenses of Norfolk to the rugged terrain of Gallipoli, the mountains of Macedonia, and the deserts of Egypt and Palestine.
Key Facts
- Active Period: 1908 – September 1919.
- Primary Roles: Yeomanry and Cavalry.
- Major Campaigns: Gallipoli (1915), Salonika (1916–17), and Egypt and Palestine (1917–18).
- Final Designation: 14th Cavalry Brigade.
- Allegiance: King of the United Kingdom.
Formation and Early Service
The brigade was created under the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907. Formed in 1908, it was composed of three yeomanry regiments, a horse artillery battery and ammunition column, a transport and supply column, and a field ambulance. As its name implies, the personnel were primarily recruited from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Upon the outbreak of the First World War on 4 August 1914, the brigade was embodied. After an initial concentration in Berkshire, it served with the 1st Mounted Division and later the 2nd Mounted Division, where it performed coastal defense duties in Norfolk during late 1914.
The Gallipoli Campaign and Egypt
In April 1915, the brigade moved to Egypt, arriving in Alexandria before posting to Cairo. By May 1915, it was officially designated as the 3rd (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) Mounted Brigade. In August 1915, the unit was dismounted—meaning they fought on foot without their horses—to participate in the Gallipoli Campaign.
The brigade landed at Suvla Bay on the night of 17/18 August. They were involved in heavy fighting on 21 August, advancing toward Chocolate Hill and supporting the attack on Hill 112. Due to significant losses during the Battle of Scimitar Hill, the brigade was reorganized into a battalion-sized unit known as the 3rd Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment as part of the 2nd Composite Mounted Brigade. By December 1915, the unit returned to Egypt to be reformed and remounted.
Transition to the 7th Mounted Brigade
In February 1916, the brigade was deployed to the Salonika Campaign in Macedonia. On 31 March 1916, the British Army standardized the numbering of its mounted brigades, and the unit was redesignated as the 7th Mounted Brigade.
Returning to Egypt in June 1917 (excluding the Derbyshire Yeomanry, who remained in Macedonia), the brigade continued its service as Corps Troops. During this period, the 20th Machine Gun Squadron was formed at Ismailia, and the Essex Battery, RHA (Royal Horse Artillery), joined the formation.
Evolution into the 14th Cavalry Brigade
A major reorganization occurred in April 1918 following the arrival of Indian Army units in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF). The 7th Mounted Brigade merged with elements of the 9th (Secunderabad) Cavalry Brigade to form a new structure on the Indian Establishment.
This merger resulted in several changes: the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry remained, while the South Nottinghamshire Hussars were merged with the Warwickshire Yeomanry to form B Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, and sent to France. The brigade gained the 20th Deccan Horse and the 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse. On 22 July 1918, the unit was officially renumbered as the 14th Cavalry Brigade, part of the 5th Cavalry Division.
The 14th Cavalry Brigade played a vital role in the final stages of the war, participating in the Affair of Abu Tellul, the Battle of Megiddo, the capture of Damascus, and the occupation of Aleppo. Following the Armistice of Mudros, the brigade remained in Palestine for occupation duties until it was broken up during demobilization in September 1919.
Brigade Summary
| Period | Designation | Primary Location/Campaign | Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 – May 1915 | Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Mounted Brigade | UK / Egypt | 2nd Mounted Division |
| May 1915 – Mar 1916 | 3rd (Notts and Derby) Mounted Brigade | Gallipoli / Egypt | 2nd Mounted Division |
| Mar 1916 – July 1918 | 7th Mounted Brigade | Salonika / Egypt / Palestine | Various / 2nd Mounted Division |
| July 1918 – Sept 1919 | 14th Cavalry Brigade | Palestine / Syria | 5th Cavalry Division |
Notable Commanders
- Colonel P.A. Kenna, VC, DSO: Commanded from 1912; later wounded and died of wounds in August 1915.
- Brigadier-general F. Fitz H. Lance: Served as acting commander and later Brigadier-general between 1915 and 1917.
- Brigadier-general J.T. Wigan, CMG, DSO: Commanded from July 1917.
- Brigadier-general G.V. Clarke, DSO: Commanded from December 1917.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the brigade "dismounted" during the Gallipoli Campaign?
The terrain and nature of the Gallipoli Campaign were unsuitable for cavalry operations. Consequently, the brigade fought as infantry, leaving a small contingent of officers and men in Egypt to care for their horses.
What happened to the South Nottinghamshire Hussars in 1918?
During the reorganization in April 1918, the South Nottinghamshire Hussars merged with the Warwickshire Yeomanry to form B Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, and were subsequently deployed to France.
Which Indian Army units joined the brigade in 1918?
The brigade incorporated the 20th Deccan Horse and the 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse from the 9th (Secunderabad) Cavalry Brigade.
What were the final major engagements of the brigade?
As the 14th Cavalry Brigade, the unit participated in the Affair of Abu Tellul, the Battle of Megiddo, the capture of Damascus, and the occupation of Aleppo.
When was the brigade officially disbanded?
The brigade was broken up in September 1919 during the general demobilization process following the end of the war.