The Berkshire Yeomanry is the County of Berkshire's senior volunteer unit, with over 200 years of voluntary military service. It was originally formed as a mounted cavalry unit, in 1794, and although most was disbanded in 1827, four troops, most notably the Hungerford troop, were reformed in 1830 following the Agricultural Riots of 1830. Only the Hungerford troop remained after further cuts in 1838.

In 1852 there were further expansions, with the Regiment renamed 'The Royal Berkshire Yeomanry Cavalry'. They went on to serve in the Boer War, and both World Wars.

The regiment has seen service as machine gunners, artillery, armour, infantry, and now signals, serving with the Royal Corps of Signals. In 1969 they became part of the Territorial Army (Signals), and  has bases at Ayelsbury and Windsor, where there is the Regimental Museum.

Formation of Yeomanry units: The Victorian County History mentions that in 1759 there were 560 men from Berkshire, including 30 sergeants, 20 drummers, divided between 8 companies. The full force was out in Hungerford, Marlborough and Devizes during the panic of French invasion in July 1759.

These forces appear to pre-date the formation of the yeomanry, which was originally formed as mounted cavalry in 1794 to counter the threat of invasion during the Napoleonic Wars.
^ top ^
During the French wars of 1793-1815 auxiliary troops were raised for home defence, known as yeomanry, volunteers, or fencible infantry and cavalry. Of these only fencibles were regular troops. Most of the forces were volunteers, but some were paid. By 1800 there were about 100,000 men in these units and by 1805 there were 330,000.

The degree of public anxiety about what had become pan-European war can be judged by an item published in The Reading Mercury of 2 Jul 1798 listing local Hungerford contributors to the "Voluntary Subscription, For the Defence of the Country exclusive of Assessed Taxes". The 80 individuals (or small groups), had contributed various amounts (from £400 by John Willes (of Hungerford Park), to 1s by John Sawyer).

In the spring of 1794 the first troop of Berkshire Yeomanry, styled the Abingdon Independent Cavalry, was formed, and by 1804 eleven independent troops had been raised in Berkshire. In 1804 four of these troops were united to form 'The First Regiment of Berkshire Gentlemen and Yeomanry Cavalry'.

Around this time (1813-14) a large Ordnance Depot storing 106,000 barrels of gunpowder was built close to the Barracks near Highclose Farm.

As a result of Government cutbacks in 1827 all yeomanry cavalry troops in Berkshire were disbanded. But following riots by agricultural workers in 1830, four troops were re-established and actively deployed in dealing with civil unrest.

Further Government economies in 1838 forced the disbandment of three troops leaving the Hungerford Yeomanry Cavalry as the sole troop in Berkshire.

The Captain Commandant appointed 31 Oct 1839 was William Honeywoord, Esq, taking over from Dundas who had resigned (Gazette).

On 7 May 1844, William Honeywoord resigned, and the post passed to George Willes, Esq.

The Hungerford Troop nominal roll of 6 May 1845 comprised:
Captain: George Willes
Liet: Henry Coe Coape
Cornet: John Mathews
QMaster: (1) Thomas Hutchins
Serjts: (2) George Blamires, (3) Daniel Taylor,
     (4) William Barnes, (5) Henry Cundell,
     (6) William Alexander, (7)  Stephen Major,
Corpls: (8) Richard Allen, (9) Henry Moulding,
     (10) John Goading, (11) Edmund Hayter,
Tpter: (12)  Josiah Truman
Farrier: (13) James Davis
Privates: (14) James Allen, (15) Thomas Atlee
     (16) John Andrews, (17) F William Atherton
     (18) H Edwin Astley, (19) William Bartt,
     (20) Richard Barker, (21) Charles Batten Senr.
     (22) Charles Batten Junr., (23) John Beard,
     (24) John Belcher, (25) George Bathe Cundell,
     (26) Joseph Cundell, (27) Francis Cundell,
     (28) Francis Church, (29) John Foster,
     (30) John Frampton, (31) J Townsend Gray,
     (32) Richard Hill, (33) Edwin Harding,
     (34) Thomas Hutchings, (35) William Hambling,
     (36) William Keen, (37) John Kimber,
     (38) Joseph Langford, (39) Thomas Langfear,
     (40) Charles Loir, (41) John Langford,
     (42) H P Harry Major, (43) George Mathews,
     (44) Edwin Martin, (45) Joseph Neale,
     (46) John Fallow, (47) John Reeks,
     (48) Robert Read, (49) John Richens,
     (50) Thomas Smith, (51) William Toms,
     (52) George Wilson, (53) John Walker,
     (54) Thomas Winchcomb, (55) James Wentworth,
     (56) William Willes,
Supernumery: James Hireson

In 1847 a new guidon was presented by Mrs Willes, wife of Captain Willes. Cornet L Morris received it. The old standard which had been presented to the Troop by the Popham family was given to Mrs Willes.

During the 1840s the name of the unit slowly evolved by usage from the Hungerford Corps of Yeomanry Cavalry to the Royal Berks (or Berkshire) Yeomanry Cavalry. Without any record of official sanction, this Royal title properly refers to the County of Royal Berkshire - an honour awarded to the county by King George IV. The earliest mention of the RBYC name so far found is in the reading Mercury of 1846 (With thanks to Andrew French).

In 1852, following yet further fears of a French invasion, troops were again raised at Reading and Newbury, and some years later at Wantage, Wokingham and Windsor.

One member of what was to become a very prominent family in Hungerford, became commissioned into the Royal Berkshire Yeomanry.

Henry Edward Astley, (born 1817, the 8th child of Rev. Wolvey Astley, Rector of Quenington, Gloucestershire) came to Hungerford in 1847 at the age of 30 years. He was a solicitor, and joined John Matthews, whose practice had been at Bridge House (now 132 High Street) since he bought it in 1826.

In 1853 Henry Edward Astley was commissioned into the Hungerford branch of Royal Berkshire Yeomanry as a cornet. He was promoted Lieutenant in 1861, aged 44 years. The adjacent photographs show his uniform and accoutrements.

[Cornet was originally the third and lowest grade of commissioned officer in a British cavalry troop, after captain and lieutenant. The cornet by tradition carried the troop standard, which was also known as a "cornet". The rank of Cornet was the equivalent of the infantry rank of ensign, and was one of the subaltern ranks (along with lieutenant). The rank had been in use by the time of the English Civil War, but was abolished in 1871, at the same time that the purchase of commissions in the army was abolished in the Army Reform Act of 1871 and was replaced by Second Lieutenant. In practice, the style "Cornet" is still used for Second Lieutenants in the Blues and Royals and the Queen's Royal Hussars.]

Two years later, in 1863 Henry Edward Astley, aged 46, resigned from the Yeomanry, and married a near neighbour, a widow, Mrs Benjamin Keen (who already had two daughters of her own), of Faringdon House, 128 High Street. Henry and his new wife had only one child, Henry d'Oyley Astley, born 1865, who went on to follow his father's profession as a solicitor in the town. His daughter, Barbara Astley married Mr W.K.T. Hope from Wellingborough. Henry Edward Astley died 1886.

Dr Richard Hemstead Barker was Surgeon to the Hungerford troop of Berkshire Yeomanry in the 1860s.
^ top ^
The 1869 Kelly Directory mentions that the Headquarters of the Royal Berks Yeomanry and Cavalry Store was in Park Street.

The Parish Magazine of October 1872 reports: "The Royal Berkshire Yeomanry Cavalry assembled for eight days permanent duty at Maidenhead, on Tuesday 24th September 1872. There are now four Troops, Captain Willes', Hungerford; Captain Tull's, Newbury; Captain Wroughton's, Wantage; and Captain Eykyn's, Maidenhead. The inspection takes place on 1st october."

In September 1874 it was announced in the Parish Magazine that "The Royal Berks Yeomanry Cavalry will assemble for their annual training, at Hungerford this year, on Tuesday, September 22; and the inspection will take place on Tuesday, September 29.". The October issue recorded "The Royal Berks Yeomanry Cavalry assembled at Hungerford for their annual eight days of permanent duty on Tuesday, September 22. In the absence of Col Honywood, Captain Willes took the command. The Regiment has been hard at work throughout the week on the Downs, and in the surrounding country. On Sunday morning officers and men attended the Parish Church in military state. The Review took place on the Downs on Tuesday the 29th, and attracted a great concourse of people from the town and neighbourhood."

The London Gazette of 24 November 1874 recorded that Captain George Shippen Willes had been promoted to Major of the Royal Berks Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry. A celebratory banquet was held on 13 September 1875 after he had been promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

The Royal Berkshire Yeomanry Cavalry had a field day on Hungerford Downs on Monday, 17 July (?1876), under the command of Colonel Willes, and in the presence of Colonel Riley, the Inspecting Officer, and Colonel Honywood, who for many years commanded the Regiment. The Regiment paraded in front of the Corn Exchange at half-past one and left for the Downs at two o'clock preceded by the regimental band. A smart drill was kept up for about two hours, at the conclusion of which Colonel Riley complimented the men on their appearance and efficiency. After the duties of the day the regiment was entertained by their Colonel at dinner in a large Marquee erected for the occasion at Hungerford Park.
^ top ^
The Yeomanry Cavalry assembled in Hungerford for ten days permanent duty on Friday 13 May 1887. "The Review will be held on the Downs on Monday, the 13th. Lieut Sloper has been promoted to Captain of the Hungerford Troop."

In June 1887 the Hungerford troop of the Berkshire Yeomanry were on parade in the town on the occasion of Queen Victoria's Jubilee celebration.

In May 1894 "Another link between Hungerford and the Royal Berks Yeomanry Cavalry is about to be severed by the resignation of Colonel Willes. It is understood that he will be succeeded in the command of the Regiment by Lieut-Colonel the Hon Osbert Craven."

The Boer War 1899-1901 and after: Volunteers from the Regiment saw service in the Boer War in the two volunteer Berkshire Yeomanry companies in the Imperial Yeomanry. The lessons of the Boer War led to a more recognised role for the Yeomanry as a whole which encompassed in the reforms of 1908 when the Regiment changed its title to the Berkshire Yeomanry.

A tribute medal was presented to local volunteers who had served in the Imperial Yeomanry and the Volunteer Service Company of the Berkshire Regiment. See The Hungerford Tribute Medal. Medals were presented at a Hungerford Patriotism Dinner in September 1901.
^ top ^
The Great War: Mobilised in August 1914 the Berkshire Yeomanry trained at Churn on the Berkshire Downs for three months and then proceeded to the East Coast to guard against a possible German invasion. In April 1915 the Regiment sailed for Egypt and from there a few months later they were shipped, this time without their horses, to the Gallipoli peninsular where, against the Turks, they first saw action. In a bloody battle on August 21, 1915, Private Fred Potts earned the first yeomanry VC for 'most conspicuous bravery in rescuing a comrade under heavy fire'. After three months in the trenches, the Regiment was withdrawn, their strength reduced by casualties and sickness to a mere 50 men.
^ top ^
Several Hungerford men served in the Berkshire Yeomanry during the First World War, and three gave their lives. Click each name below to find out more:
- Sgt William Horne
- Tpr Christopher Matthews
- Tpr Frederick North

Returning to Egypt and brought up to strength, the Regiment campaigned during the spring of 1916 in the Western Desert. In 1917 the Berkshire Yeomanry joined the British advance on Jerusalem. After two unsuccessful baffles in March and April to evict the Turkish Army from Gaza, the British forces were reorganised under their new commander General Allenby and the third Battle of Gaza was a notable success culminating in the capture of Jerusalem in December 1917. During this campaign the Berkshire Yeomanry were involved in two successful cavalry charges against the Turks.

In April 1918 the Regiment was amalgamated into 101 (Bucks & Berks Yeomanry) Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. They reached France in July and saw action in support of 51st Highland Division and in the final battles in Belgium in the Second Army.

The Second World War 1939-1945: In 1922 the Berkshire Yeomanry were re-established as part of the 99th (Bucks and Berks) Field Brigade RFA. With the doubling of the Territorial Army in 1939, the unit was split into two county regiments and 145 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment HA (TA) was born. Embodied at Newbury in September 1939 the Berkshire Yeomanry remained there until moving to Kingston Bagpuize in February 1940. The Regiment was deployed on airfield defence until July 1940 when it was moved to Northern Ireland until returning to England in July 1943. The Regiment was earmarked as one of the units to join the spearhead of the second front. Shortly before D Day, however, they were held back in order to serve as part of the breakthrough that was to follow the initial landings on the Normandy beaches.
^ top ^
Following better than anticipated progress with the invasion, and fewer casualties, it became War Office policy to make up units in France with individual reinforcements and within a few weeks the Berkshire Yeomanry provided more than fifty fully trained reinforcements. Late in 1944 many of those posted to France were returned to the Regiment and in January 1945 the Regiment sailed to India.

In July 1945 the Berkshire Yeomanry sailed with the invasionary force on Operation Zipper aimed at the recapture of Malaya. Landing on Morib beaches the Regiment was very soon occupied with wholesale rounding up and disarming of the Japanese, who had by then surrendered. After some time in Malaya the Regiment took ship once more for Java to help deal with the native Indonesian uprising against the Colonial Dutch. For a period of several months the Regiment was in the centre of bitter fighting almost daily in close support of Indian and Gurkha infantry brigades. Fighting continued into 1946 and it was not until May 1946 that most of the Regiment were en route back to England.

By May 1947 the Berkshire Yeomanry was reconstituted as two artillery regiments, later combined into 345th (Berkshire Yeomanry) Medium Regiment RA (TA) and in 1957 they became part of 299th Field Regiment HA (TA). In 1967 the Territorial Army was reorganised and the unit at Windsor was re-roled to infantry and became 'A' (Berkshire Yeomanry) Company, Royal Berkshire Territorials.

In January 1969 with the further reorganisation of all TAVR units, the Berkshire Yeomanry were again re-roled and renamed 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron with troops at Reading, Windsor, and Southampton. In 1977 a detachment was formed at Chertsey and in 1991, further Government cuts led to the loss of the Troop location at Southampton.

94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron now forms part of 39 (Skinners) Signal Regiment. They are currently based in three locations. The Headquarters of the Squadron is based in Windsor along with 885 troop and a support troop. The 886 troop TA centre in Chertsey, Surrey, will close at the end of March 2010. A new troop 860 in Aylesbury, the remnants of 60 (Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars) Signal Squadron, has now become part of the squadron.
^ top ^

Hungerford c1790
From an aquatint  engraved by F Jukes

A Berkshire Yeomanry Soldier

Henry Edward Astley's Uniform
(thought to be the Drill Uniform)

Henry Edward Astley's Mess Dress

Detail of the waistcoat

Henry Edward Astley's Mess Dress

Detail of the Mess Dress

Henry Astley's Commissioning Paper, upgrading from Cornet to Lieutenant
5th April 1861

We are very grateful to Dr Humphrey Hope for allowing us to include these photographs of Henry Astley's uniform and accoutrements

Rules & Regulations adopted in the Hungerford Troop of Yeomanry Cavalry

Extracts from The London Gazette:

Commissions signed by the Lord Lieutenant of the County of Berks: Hungerford Corps of Yeomanry Cavalry:

29 April 1853:
- Captain George Willes to be Major.
     Dated 20th April 1853.
- Lieutenant Henry Coe Coape to be
     Captain, vice Willes, promoted.
     Dated 20th April 1853
- Lieutenant Capel Coape to be Captain.
     Dated 20th April 1853.
- Henry Richmond Seymour, Esq., to be
     Captain. Dated 20th April 1853.
- Cornet William Willes to be Lieutenant,
     vice Henry Coe Coape, promoted.
     Dated 20th April 1853.
- Albert Richard Tull, Gent., to be
     Lieutenant, vice Capel Coape,
     promoted. Dated 20th April 1853.
- Henry Edward Astley, Gent., to be
     Cornet. Dated 20th April 1853.

16 April 1861:
- Cornet Henry Edward Astley, to be
     Lieutenant. Dated 5th April 1861.

7 April 1863:
Lieutenant Victor William Bates Van de
     Weyer to a Captaincy, vice Willes,
     resigned. Dated 27th March 1863.

Hungerford Troop Royal Berkshire Yeomanry Cavalry, 1885
(Given by Miss Geraldine Richens, 2003)
Standing: G Andrews (hand in pocket);
H Slade Richens; Lt Ricardo;
Thos Fruen Snr; H J Beard; Bert Cundell; (?); F Jessels; (?)
Seated: Lt Col G S Willes (with cane)
 

Hungerford Troop RBYC, Summer 1913.
The officer in front is Lieutenant
CTJG Walmesley of Kintbury.
(Given by Miss Richens, 2003)

The Old "C" Troop, by G C Ricardo (given to HHA by Miss Richens in 2003):

"Adeppa", she stood at the Squadron's head,
Champing her bit with glee
For she knew in her own little thoroughbred mind
There was none so handsome as she.

But she wished for the sake of her Captain bold
For the sake of his lady of course
That the Cup the Hungerford troop might win
For the best mounted man and his horse.

For the troop had formed a great resolve
And had sworn by their horses eyes
That back again to Hungerford town
They would carry the coveted prize.

They knew their Officers anxious were
When they carefully scanned the troop
Particular were as to breastplate and chain
and mindful of every look.

So out rode "Davis" and out rode "Dick"
and grimly others rode on,
And out went "Cundell's" Sergeant Platt
Determined the Cup should be won.

But a fear pervaded the old "C" troop
and clouded the Captain's face,
For the Lancer not with its smart young men
Were the favourites in the place.

Twas now the Lieutenant ground his teeth
and nervously tapped his boot
For "Davis" went out the very first man
and "Richard" soon followed suit.

But the old "C" Troop only grinned a smile
And watched for their champions all.
For Bathe Cundell's, Platt and Daniel Crook
Were the pick of the Hungerford Stable.

But now the officers brightened up
And their spirits rose every minute
For the walking was done and the trotting on
And their own troop still was in it.

The Lancers were tailing, the Newbury's beaten
The Wantage string led on,
And now was the time to make your bets
For the galloping had begun.

Tom Ward, he rode with a right cool seat
The Lancer was not yet out
And the Hungerford three had not yet moved
When up went a joyous shout

For they turned out the chestnut, they put out the
     black
Mr. Crook had next to retire
And Cundell of Chisbury and old John Platt
Were the only ones left to admire.

Suffice it to say the "Old in" won
But they both deserved the prize
And "Chisbury's son" was just beat a head
In spite of admiring eyes.

Now fill up a bumper, I'll give you a toast
And we'll drink it with three times three.
And here's to Capt. Wills and his own "C" troop
Long may they united be.

          G.C. Ricardo (Col).

-"Adeppa" was  the name of Capt. Wills' mare.
- Capt. Wills was the M.F.H. and lived at Hungerford 
     Park.
- Davis was a huntsman, and Cundell and  Platt
     were brothers-in-law.
- Charles Davis was also a Jockey, and there is a
     photograph of him on "Taverna"

(Miss Richens added a note saying that "I believe this Col. Ricardo used to live at Donnington Elms").
An article in the NWN on 1 Nov 1979 on motoring in Newbury mentioned the firm of Martin & Ricardo, Motor & Cycle Manufacturers. It changed soon after to Martin & Chaddleworth. See advertisement for Martin & Ricardo.