Yeomanry Mounted Division: Difference between revisions
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{{infobox military unit |
{{infobox military unit |
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|unit_name=Yeomanry Mounted |
|unit_name=Yeomanry Mounted Division |
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|image= |
|image= |
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|caption= |
|caption= |
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|dates= June 1917 |
|dates= June 1917 – April 1918 |
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|country={{ |
|country={{flagcountry|UKGBI}} |
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|allegiance= |
|allegiance= |
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|branch={{army|United Kingdom|23px}} |
|branch={{army|United Kingdom|23px}} |
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|equipment= |
|equipment= |
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|equipment_label= |
|equipment_label= |
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|battles=[[World War |
|battles=[[First World War]] |
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*[[Sinai and Palestine Campaign|Palestine |
*[[Sinai and Palestine Campaign|Palestine 1917–18]] |
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**[[Third Battle of Gaza]] |
**[[Third Battle of Gaza]] |
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**[[Battle of Beersheba (1917)|Battle of Beersheba]] |
**[[Battle of Beersheba (1917)|Battle of Beersheba]] |
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**Capture of the Sheria Position |
**[[Battle of Hareira and Sheria|Capture of the Sheria Position]] |
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**[[Battle of Mughar Ridge]] |
**[[Battle of Mughar Ridge]] |
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**[[Battle of Nebi Samwil]] |
**[[Battle of Nebi Samwil]] |
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|commander4= |
|commander4= |
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|commander4_label= |
|commander4_label= |
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|notable_commanders=[[Major-General]] [[George Barrow (Indian Army officer)| |
|notable_commanders=[[Major-General]] [[George Barrow (Indian Army officer)|G. de S. Barrow]] |
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The '''Yeomanry Mounted Division''' was a [[Territorial Force]] [[cavalry]] division formed at [[Khan Yunis]] in [[Palestine]] in June 1917 from three [[yeomanry]] mounted brigades. In April 1918 six of the regiments were withdrawn from the division and sent to [[France]], being converted from Yeomanry to battalions of the [[Machine Gun Corps]]. These were replaced by [[British Indian Army|Indian Army]] cavalry regiments withdrawn from France, and the division was renamed '''1st Mounted Division''', the third such division to bear that title. In July the combined division was renamed as the '''[[4th Cavalry Division (British Indian Army)|4th Cavalry Division]]''' |
The '''Yeomanry Mounted Division''' was a [[Territorial Force]] [[cavalry]] division formed at [[Khan Yunis]] in [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]] in June 1917 from three [[yeomanry]] mounted brigades. It served in the [[Sinai and Palestine Campaign]] of the [[First World War]], mostly as part of the [[Desert Mounted Corps]]. In April 1918 six of the regiments were withdrawn from the division and sent to [[France]], being converted from Yeomanry to battalions of the [[Machine Gun Corps]]. These were replaced by [[British Indian Army|Indian Army]] cavalry regiments withdrawn from France, and the division was renamed '''1st Mounted Division''', the third such division to bear that title. In July the combined division was renamed as the '''[[4th Cavalry Division (British Indian Army)|4th Cavalry Division]]'''. |
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==History== |
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==Yeomanry Mounted Division== |
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===Formation=== |
===Formation=== |
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In June 1917, it was decided to reorganize the mounted troops of the [[Desert Column]] into three divisions.<ref>In accordance with Eastern Force Order No. 53.</ref> Previously, the two existing divisions ([[ANZAC Mounted Division]] and [[Imperial Mounted Division]]) each contained four mounted brigades; hereafter, the three divisions would have three mounted brigades each. As a result, between 20 June and 22 July 1917, the '''Yeomanry Mounted Division''' was formed at [[Khan Yunis]], [[Palestine]].<ref name=Becke34>{{harvnb|Becke|1936|p=34}}</ref> |
In June 1917, it was decided to reorganize the mounted troops of the [[Desert Column]] into three divisions.<ref>In accordance with Eastern Force Order No. 53.</ref> Previously, the two existing divisions ([[ANZAC Mounted Division]] and [[Imperial Mounted Division]]) each contained four mounted brigades; hereafter, the three divisions would have three mounted brigades each. As a result, between 20 June and 22 July 1917, the '''Yeomanry Mounted Division''' was formed at [[Khan Yunis]], [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]].<ref name=Becke34>{{harvnb|Becke|1936|p=34}}</ref> |
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* the [[6th Mounted Brigade]] was transferred complete from the [[Imperial Mounted Division]] on 27 June 1917, joining the new division at el Maraqeb.<ref name=Perry55>{{harvnb|Perry|1992|p=55}}</ref> On 20 June, the Imperial Mounted Division was redesignated [[Australian Mounted Division]] as the majority of its units were now Australian. |
* the [[6th Mounted Brigade]] was transferred complete from the [[Imperial Mounted Division]] on 27 June 1917, joining the new division at el Maraqeb.<ref name=Perry55>{{harvnb|Perry|1992|p=55}}</ref> On 20 June, the Imperial Mounted Division was redesignated [[Australian Mounted Division]] as the majority of its units were now Australian.{{efn|Two [[Australian Light Horse]] brigades and one British [[Yeomanry]] brigade.}} |
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* the [[8th Mounted Brigade]] arrived back in Egypt from Salonika on 8 June 1917. The Machine Gun Squadron was formed in Egypt on 14 June. The brigade moved forward and joined the new division on 21 July 1917 at el Fuqari.<ref name=Becke33>{{harvnb|Becke|1936|p=33}}</ref> |
* the [[8th Mounted Brigade]] arrived back in Egypt from Salonika on 8 June 1917. The Machine Gun Squadron was formed in Egypt on 14 June. The brigade moved forward and joined the new division on 21 July 1917 at el Fuqari.<ref name=Becke33>{{harvnb|Becke|1936|p=33}}</ref> |
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* the [[22nd Mounted Brigade]] was transferred complete from the [[ANZAC Mounted Division]] on 6 July 1917, joining the new division at el Fuqari.<ref name=Perry51>{{harvnb|Perry|1992|p=51}}</ref> |
* the [[22nd Mounted Brigade]] was transferred complete from the [[ANZAC Mounted Division]] on 6 July 1917, joining the new division at el Fuqari.<ref name=Perry51>{{harvnb|Perry|1992|p=51}}</ref> |
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* the CCLXIII (V Lowland) [[Brigade#United Kingdom|Brigade]], [[Royal Field Artillery|RFA]] from [[52nd (Lowland) Division]]{{ |
* the CCLXIII (V Lowland) [[Brigade#United Kingdom|Brigade]], [[Royal Field Artillery|RFA]] from [[52nd (Lowland) Division]]{{efn|[[Hampshire Royal Horse Artillery|Hampshire]], [[Essex Royal Horse Artillery|Essex]] and [[West Riding Royal Horse Artillery|West Riding]] Batteries, RHA concentrated at Leicester on 13 January 1916. The batteries were rearmed with [[18-pounder]]s before departing for Egypt on 18 February. The brigade landed at [[Port Said]] and joined [[52nd (Lowland) Division]] at El Qantara on 17 March as V Lowland Brigade, RFA. On 28 May the brigade was renumbered CCLXIII and the batteries as A, B and C, respectively. On 30 December, C (West Riding) Battery was split up, providing one section to each of the other batteries, thus bringing them up to 6 guns apiece. On 5 July 1917, the brigade was rearmed with [[13-pounder]]s, and the batteries resumed their original names (Hampshire and Essex Batteries, RHA).<ref name=Becke113>{{harvnb|Becke|1936|p=113}}</ref>}} joined as [[XX Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery (T.F.)]] (less Essex Battery, RHA which was attached to [[7th Mounted Brigade]]) on 7 July 1917 at Khan Yunis. On the same date, the [[Berkshire Royal Horse Artillery|Berkshire Battery, RHA]] (formerly of the Imperial Mounted Division) and the [[Leicestershire Royal Horse Artillery|Leicestershire Battery, RHA]] (formerly of the ANZAC Mounted Division) joined XX Brigade.<ref name=Becke33/> |
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* the Field Squadron [[Royal Engineers]] was newly formed at el Maraqeb between 1 and 22 July 1917.<ref name=Becke33/> |
* the Field Squadron [[Royal Engineers]] was newly formed at el Maraqeb between 1 and 22 July 1917.<ref name=Becke33/> |
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* the signal squadron was newly formed at [[Alexandria]] between 29 May and 11 July 1917. It joined the division at Khan Yunis on 14 July.<ref name=Becke33/> |
* the signal squadron was newly formed at [[Alexandria]] between 29 May and 11 July 1917. It joined the division at Khan Yunis on 14 July.<ref name=Becke33/> |
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|+Order of Battle, July 1917<ref name=Becke32>{{harvnb|Becke|1936|p=32}}</ref> |
|+Order of Battle, July 1917<ref name=Becke32>{{harvnb|Becke|1936|p=32}}</ref> |
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|- |
|- |
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|'''[[6th Mounted Brigade]]'''<br> |
|valign=top|'''[[6th Mounted Brigade]]'''<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1/1st Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars]]<br /> |
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[[Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry]]<br> |
[[1/1st Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry]]<br /> |
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[[Berkshire Yeomanry]]<br> |
[[1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry]]<br /> |
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17th Machine Gun [[Squadron (army)|Squadron]], [[Machine Gun Corps|MGC]]<br> |
17th Machine Gun [[Squadron (army)|Squadron]], [[Machine Gun Corps|MGC]]<br /> |
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6th Mounted Brigade Signal Troop<br> |
6th Mounted Brigade Signal Troop<br /> |
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2/South Midland Cavalry [[Field Ambulance]], [[Royal Army Medical Corps|RAMC]]<br> |
2/South Midland Cavalry [[Field Ambulance]], [[Royal Army Medical Corps|RAMC]]<br /> |
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4/1st North Midland Mobile Veterinary Section |
4/1st North Midland Mobile Veterinary Section |
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|'''[[8th Mounted Brigade]]'''<br> |
|valign=top|'''[[8th Mounted Brigade]]'''<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1/1st County of London Yeomanry]]<br /> |
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[[City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders)]]<br> |
[[1/1st City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders)]]<br /> |
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[[3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters)]]<br> |
[[1/3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters)]]<br /> |
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21st Machine Gun Squadron, MGC<br> |
21st Machine Gun Squadron, MGC<br /> |
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8th Mounted Brigade Signal Troop<br> |
8th Mounted Brigade Signal Troop<br /> |
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1/London Cavalry Field Ambulance, RAMC<br> |
1/London Cavalry Field Ambulance, RAMC<br /> |
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3/1st Highland Mobile Veterinary Section |
3/1st Highland Mobile Veterinary Section |
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|'''[[22nd Mounted Brigade]]'''<br> |
|valign=top|'''[[22nd Mounted Brigade]]'''<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1/1st Staffordshire Yeomanry]]<br /> |
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[[Lincolnshire Yeomanry]]<br> |
[[1/1st Lincolnshire Yeomanry]]<br /> |
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[[East Riding of Yorkshire Yeomanry]]<br> |
[[1/1st East Riding of Yorkshire Yeomanry]]<br /> |
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18th Machine Gun Squadron, MGC<br> |
18th Machine Gun Squadron, MGC<br /> |
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22nd Mounted Brigade Signal Troop<br> |
22nd Mounted Brigade Signal Troop<br /> |
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1/North Midland Cavalry Field Ambulance, RAMC<br> |
1/North Midland Cavalry Field Ambulance, RAMC<br /> |
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3/1st North Midland Mobile Veterinary Section |
3/1st North Midland Mobile Veterinary Section |
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|- |
|- |
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|'''XX Brigade, |
|valign=top|'''[[XX Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery (T.F.)]]'''<br /> |
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Hampshire |
[[Hampshire Royal Horse Artillery|Hampshire RHA]]<br /> |
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Berkshire |
[[Berkshire Royal Horse Artillery|Berkshire RHA]]<br /> |
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Leicestershire |
[[Leicestershire Royal Horse Artillery|Leicestershire RHA]]<br /> |
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XX Brigade Ammunition Column |
XX RHA Brigade [[Ammunition column|Ammunition Column]] |
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|'''Divisional Troops'''<br> |
|valign=top|'''Divisional Troops'''<br /> |
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6th Field Squadron, [[Royal Engineers|RE]]<br> |
6th Field Squadron, [[Royal Engineers|RE]]<br /> |
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Yeomanry Mounted Division Signal Squadron<br> |
Yeomanry Mounted Division Signal Squadron<br /> |
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31st Sanitary Section |
31st Sanitary Section |
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|'''Yeomanry Mounted Division Train'''<br> |
|valign=top|'''Yeomanry Mounted Division Train'''<br /> |
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999th Company [[Royal Army Service Corps|ASC]]<br> |
999th Company [[Royal Army Service Corps|ASC]]<br /> |
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1000th Company ASC<br> |
1000th Company ASC<br /> |
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1001st Company ASC<br> |
1001st Company ASC<br /> |
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1002nd Company ASC |
1002nd Company ASC |
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|} |
|} |
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===Battles=== |
===Battles=== |
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The Yeomanry Mounted Division served as part of the [[Egyptian Expeditionary Force]] in [[Palestine]] throughout its brief existence. From 31 October it took part in the [[Third Battle of Gaza]], including the [[Battle of Beersheba (1917)|Battle of Beersheba]] (in GHQ Reserve) and the Capture of the Sheria Position under the [[Desert Mounted Corps]] (DMC). Still with the DMC, it took part in the [[Battle of Mughar Ridge]] on 13 and 14 November and the [[Battle of Nebi Samwil]] for 17 to 24 November. From 23 November it was attached to [[XXI Corps (United Kingdom)|XXI Corps]]. From 27 to 29 November, it withstood the Turkish counter-attacks during the [[Battle of Jerusalem (1917)|Capture of Jerusalem]]. From 28 November it was attached to [[XX Corps (United Kingdom)|XX Corps]].<ref name=Becke34/> |
The Yeomanry Mounted Division served as part of the [[Egyptian Expeditionary Force]] in [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]] throughout its brief existence. From 31 October it took part in the [[Third Battle of Gaza]], including the [[Battle of Beersheba (1917)|Battle of Beersheba]] (in GHQ Reserve) and the Capture of the Sheria Position under the [[Desert Mounted Corps]] (DMC). Still with the DMC, it took part in the [[Battle of Mughar Ridge]] on 13 and 14 November and the [[Battle of Nebi Samwil]] for 17 to 24 November. From 23 November it was attached to [[XXI Corps (United Kingdom)|XXI Corps]]. From 27 to 29 November, it withstood the Turkish counter-attacks during the [[Battle of Jerusalem (1917)|Capture of Jerusalem]]. From 28 November it was attached to [[XX Corps (United Kingdom)|XX Corps]].<ref name=Becke34/> |
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===Restructured and renamed=== |
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==1st Mounted Division== |
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In March 1918, the [[1st Indian Cavalry Division]] was broken up in France. The British units (notably [[6th Dragoons]], [[17th Lancers]], 1/1st |
In March 1918, the [[1st Indian Cavalry Division]] was broken up in France. The British units (notably [[6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons]], [[17th Lancers]], [[1/1st Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons]] and [[A Battery, Royal Horse Artillery|A]], [[Q Battery, Royal Horse Artillery|Q]] and [[U Battery, Royal Horse Artillery|U Batteries]] [[Royal Horse Artillery|RHA]]) remained in France and the Indian elements were sent to Egypt.<ref name=Perry16>{{harvnb|Perry|1993|p=16}}</ref> |
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By an [[Egyptian Expeditionary Force]] GHQ Order of 12 April 1918, the mounted troops of the EEF were reorganised when the Indian Army units arrived in [[Theater (warfare)|theatre]]. On |
By an [[Egyptian Expeditionary Force]] GHQ Order of 12 April 1918, the mounted troops of the EEF were reorganised when the Indian Army units arrived in [[Theater (warfare)|theatre]]. On 24 April 1918, the Yeomanry Mounted Division was ''indianized''{{efn|British divisions were converted to the [[British Indian Army]] standard whereby brigades only retained one British regiment or battalion and most support units were Indian (artillery excepted).}} and its title was changed to '''1st Mounted Division''',<ref name=Becke34/> the third distinct division to bear this title.{{efn|See [[1st Mounted Division]] and [[3rd Mounted Division]].}} |
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On 24 April 1918, the 6th Mounted Brigade was merged with elements of the [[5th (Mhow) Cavalry Brigade]], the 8th Mounted Brigade with the [[8th (Lucknow) Cavalry Brigade]], and the 22nd Mounted Brigade with the [[2nd (Sialkot) Cavalry Brigade]]. Six of the Yeomanry Regiments were merged in pairs, converted to Machine Gun Battalions, and posted to the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]]:<ref name=Becke33/> |
On 24 April 1918, the 6th Mounted Brigade was merged with elements of the [[5th (Mhow) Cavalry Brigade]], the 8th Mounted Brigade with the [[8th (Lucknow) Cavalry Brigade]], and the 22nd Mounted Brigade with the [[2nd (Sialkot) Cavalry Brigade]]. Six of the Yeomanry Regiments were merged in pairs, converted to Machine Gun Battalions, and posted to the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]]:<ref name=Becke33/> |
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*C Battalion, [[Machine Gun Corps]] was formed by the merger of the [[ |
*C Battalion, [[Machine Gun Corps]] was formed by the merger of the [[1/1st Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars]] and the [[1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry]] |
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*D Battalion, Machine Gun Corps was formed by the merger of the [[Lincolnshire Yeomanry]] and the [[East Riding of Yorkshire Yeomanry]] |
*D Battalion, Machine Gun Corps was formed by the merger of the [[1/1st Lincolnshire Yeomanry]] and the [[1/1st East Riding of Yorkshire Yeomanry]] |
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*E Battalion, Machine Gun Corps was formed by the merger of the [[City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders)]] and the [[3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters)]] |
*E Battalion, Machine Gun Corps was formed by the merger of the [[1/1st City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders)]] and the [[1/3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters)]] |
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They were replaced by Indian Cavalry Regiments from France. The Field Ambulances and Mobile Veterinary Sections merged with their Indian counterparts. Other units were retained unchanged, though some were renumbered to reflect the new divisional designation.<ref name=Becke32/> |
They were replaced by Indian Cavalry Regiments from France. The Field Ambulances and Mobile Veterinary Sections merged with their Indian counterparts. Other units were retained unchanged, though some were renumbered to reflect the new divisional designation.<ref name=Becke32/> |
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| ⚫ | On 22 July 1918, the 1st Mounted Division was renumbered as the '''[[4th Cavalry Division (British Indian Army)|4th Cavalry Division]]''' and the brigades as the [[10th Cavalry Brigade (British Indian Army)|10th]], [[11th Cavalry Brigade (British Indian Army)|11th]] and [[12th Cavalry Brigade (British Indian Army)|12th Cavalry Brigade]]s.<ref name=Perry22>{{harvnb|Perry|1993|p=22}}</ref> The sub units (Signal Troops, Combined Cavalry Field Ambulances and Mobile Veterinary Sections) were renumbered on the same date.<ref name=Becke33/> |
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==4th Cavalry Division== |
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| ⚫ | On |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|+Order of Battle, September 1918<ref name=Perry22/> |
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|- |
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|'''[[10th Cavalry Brigade]]'''<br> |
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[[Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry]]<br> |
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[[2nd Lancers (Gardner's Horse)]]<br> |
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[[38th King George's Own Central India Horse]]<br> |
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17th Machine Gun [[Squadron (army)|Squadron]]<br> |
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10th Cavalry Brigade Signal Troop<br> |
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10th Combined Cavalry [[Field Ambulance]], [[Royal Army Medical Corps|RAMC]]<br> |
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10th Mobile Veterinary Section |
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|'''[[11th Cavalry Brigade]]'''<br> |
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[[1st County of London Yeomanry|County of London Yeomanry]]<br> |
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[[29th Lancers (Deccan Horse)]]<br> |
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[[36th Jacob's Horse]]<br> |
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21st Machine Gun Squadron<br> |
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11th Cavalry Brigade Signal Troop<br> |
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11th Combined Cavalry Field Ambulance, RAMC<br> |
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11th Mobile Veterinary Section |
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|'''[[12th Cavalry Brigade]]'''<br> |
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[[Staffordshire Yeomanry|Staffordshire Yeomanry (Queen's Own Royal Regiment)]]<br> |
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[[6th Prince of Wales's Cavalry|6th King Edward's Own Cavalry]]<br> |
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[[19th Lancers (Fane's Horse)]]<br> |
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18th Machine Gun Squadron<br> |
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12th Cavalry Brigade Signal Troop<br> |
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12th Combined Cavalry Field Ambulance, RAMC<br> |
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12th Mobile Veterinary Section |
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|- |
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|'''XX Brigade, [[Royal Horse Artillery|RHA]]'''<br> |
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Hampshire Battery, RHA<br> |
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Berkshire Battery, RHA<br> |
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Leicestershire Battery, RHA<br> |
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XX Brigade Ammunition Column |
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|'''Divisional Troops'''<br> |
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4th Field Squadron, [[Royal Engineers|RE]]<ref>6th Field Squadron, RE renumbered.</ref><br> |
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4th Cavalry Division Signal Squadron<br> |
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|'''4th Cavalry Division Train'''<br> |
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999th Company [[Royal Army Service Corps|ASC]]<br> |
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1000th Company ASC<br> |
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1001st Company ASC<br> |
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1002nd Company ASC |
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|} |
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===Chronicle=== |
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The 4th Cavalry Division remained with the DMC for the rest of the war, taking part in the [[Second Transjordan attack on Shunet Nimrin and Es Salt|Second Transjordan Raid]] (30 April to 4 May 1918) and the Final Offensive, in particular the [[Battle of Megiddo (1918)|Battle of Megiddo]] (19 to 25 September) and the [[Capture of Damascus (1918)|Capture of Damascus]] (1 October).<ref name=Perry24>{{harvnb|Perry|1993|p=24}}</ref> |
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The division remained in Palestine on occupation duties after the end of the war. However, demobilization began immediately and most of the British war time units had left by May 1919, though the 1/1st County of London Yeomanry did not leave until March 1920. The division was finally broken up in 1921.<ref name=Perry24>{{harvnb|Perry|1993|p=24}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{Portal|United Kingdom}} |
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*[[List of British divisions in |
* [[List of British divisions in World War I]] |
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* [[British yeomanry during the First World War]] |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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{{notelist}} |
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{{reflist|group=note}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==Bibliography== |
==Bibliography== |
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* {{cite book |
* {{cite book |
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| ref = harv |
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| last = Becke | first = Major A.F. |
| last = Becke | first = Major A.F. |
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| year = 1936 |
| year = 1936 |
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| title = Order of Battle of Divisions Part 2A. The Territorial Force Mounted Divisions and the 1st-Line Territorial Force Divisions (42-56) |
| title = Order of Battle of Divisions Part 2A. The Territorial Force Mounted Divisions and the 1st-Line Territorial Force Divisions (42-56) |
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| publisher = His Majesty's |
| publisher = His Majesty's Stationery Office |
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| location = London |
| location = London |
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| isbn = 1-871167-12-4 |
| isbn = 1-871167-12-4 |
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}} |
}} |
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* {{cite book |
* {{cite book |
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| ref = harv |
|||
| last = Perry | first = F.W. |
| last = Perry | first = F.W. |
||
| year = 1992 |
| year = 1992 |
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| title = Order of Battle of Divisions Part 5A. The Divisions of Australia, Canada and New Zealand and those in East Africa |
| title = Order of Battle of Divisions Part 5A. The Divisions of Australia, Canada and New Zealand and those in East Africa |
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| publisher = Ray Westlake Military Books |
| publisher = Ray Westlake Military Books |
||
| location = Newport |
| location = Newport |
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| isbn = 1-871167-25-6 |
| isbn = 1-871167-25-6 |
||
}} |
}} |
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* {{cite book |
* {{cite book |
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| ref = harv |
|||
| last = Perry | first = F.W. |
| last = Perry | first = F.W. |
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| year = 1993 |
| year = 1993 |
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| title = Order of Battle of Divisions Part 5B. Indian Army Divisions |
| title = Order of Battle of Divisions Part 5B. Indian Army Divisions |
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| publisher = Ray Westlake Military Books |
| publisher = Ray Westlake Military Books |
||
| location = Newport |
| location = Newport |
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| isbn = 1-871167-23-X |
| isbn = 1-871167-23-X |
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}} |
}} |
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*[http://www.1914-1918.net/CAVALRY/yeomtddiv.htm The British Army in the Great War: The Yeomanry Mounted Division] |
*[http://www.1914-1918.net/CAVALRY/yeomtddiv.htm The British Army in the Great War: The Yeomanry Mounted Division] |
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{{British Divisions |
{{British Army Divisions}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Cavalry divisions of the British Army in World War I|Yeomanry]] |
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[[Category:British cavalry divisions]] |
[[Category:British cavalry divisions]] |
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[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1917]] |
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1917]] |
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[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in |
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1918]] |
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Latest revision as of 18:55, 11 February 2024
| Yeomanry Mounted Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | June 1917 – April 1918 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Yeomanry |
| Size | Division |
| Engagements | First World War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Major-General G. de S. Barrow |
The Yeomanry Mounted Division was a Territorial Force cavalry division formed at Khan Yunis in Palestine in June 1917 from three yeomanry mounted brigades. It served in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of the First World War, mostly as part of the Desert Mounted Corps. In April 1918 six of the regiments were withdrawn from the division and sent to France, being converted from Yeomanry to battalions of the Machine Gun Corps. These were replaced by Indian Army cavalry regiments withdrawn from France, and the division was renamed 1st Mounted Division, the third such division to bear that title. In July the combined division was renamed as the 4th Cavalry Division.
History
[edit]Formation
[edit]In June 1917, it was decided to reorganize the mounted troops of the Desert Column into three divisions.[1] Previously, the two existing divisions (ANZAC Mounted Division and Imperial Mounted Division) each contained four mounted brigades; hereafter, the three divisions would have three mounted brigades each. As a result, between 20 June and 22 July 1917, the Yeomanry Mounted Division was formed at Khan Yunis, Palestine.[2]
- the 6th Mounted Brigade was transferred complete from the Imperial Mounted Division on 27 June 1917, joining the new division at el Maraqeb.[3] On 20 June, the Imperial Mounted Division was redesignated Australian Mounted Division as the majority of its units were now Australian.[a]
- the 8th Mounted Brigade arrived back in Egypt from Salonika on 8 June 1917. The Machine Gun Squadron was formed in Egypt on 14 June. The brigade moved forward and joined the new division on 21 July 1917 at el Fuqari.[4]
- the 22nd Mounted Brigade was transferred complete from the ANZAC Mounted Division on 6 July 1917, joining the new division at el Fuqari.[5]
- the CCLXIII (V Lowland) Brigade, RFA from 52nd (Lowland) Division[b] joined as XX Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery (T.F.) (less Essex Battery, RHA which was attached to 7th Mounted Brigade) on 7 July 1917 at Khan Yunis. On the same date, the Berkshire Battery, RHA (formerly of the Imperial Mounted Division) and the Leicestershire Battery, RHA (formerly of the ANZAC Mounted Division) joined XX Brigade.[4]
- the Field Squadron Royal Engineers was newly formed at el Maraqeb between 1 and 22 July 1917.[4]
- the signal squadron was newly formed at Alexandria between 29 May and 11 July 1917. It joined the division at Khan Yunis on 14 July.[4]
| 6th Mounted Brigade 1/1st Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars |
8th Mounted Brigade 1/1st County of London Yeomanry |
22nd Mounted Brigade 1/1st Staffordshire Yeomanry |
| XX Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery (T.F.) Hampshire RHA |
Divisional Troops 6th Field Squadron, RE |
Yeomanry Mounted Division Train 999th Company ASC |
Battles
[edit]The Yeomanry Mounted Division served as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Palestine throughout its brief existence. From 31 October it took part in the Third Battle of Gaza, including the Battle of Beersheba (in GHQ Reserve) and the Capture of the Sheria Position under the Desert Mounted Corps (DMC). Still with the DMC, it took part in the Battle of Mughar Ridge on 13 and 14 November and the Battle of Nebi Samwil for 17 to 24 November. From 23 November it was attached to XXI Corps. From 27 to 29 November, it withstood the Turkish counter-attacks during the Capture of Jerusalem. From 28 November it was attached to XX Corps.[2]
Restructured and renamed
[edit]In March 1918, the 1st Indian Cavalry Division was broken up in France. The British units (notably 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, 17th Lancers, 1/1st Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons and A, Q and U Batteries RHA) remained in France and the Indian elements were sent to Egypt.[8]
By an Egyptian Expeditionary Force GHQ Order of 12 April 1918, the mounted troops of the EEF were reorganised when the Indian Army units arrived in theatre. On 24 April 1918, the Yeomanry Mounted Division was indianized[c] and its title was changed to 1st Mounted Division,[2] the third distinct division to bear this title.[d]
On 24 April 1918, the 6th Mounted Brigade was merged with elements of the 5th (Mhow) Cavalry Brigade, the 8th Mounted Brigade with the 8th (Lucknow) Cavalry Brigade, and the 22nd Mounted Brigade with the 2nd (Sialkot) Cavalry Brigade. Six of the Yeomanry Regiments were merged in pairs, converted to Machine Gun Battalions, and posted to the Western Front:[4]
- C Battalion, Machine Gun Corps was formed by the merger of the 1/1st Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars and the 1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry
- D Battalion, Machine Gun Corps was formed by the merger of the 1/1st Lincolnshire Yeomanry and the 1/1st East Riding of Yorkshire Yeomanry
- E Battalion, Machine Gun Corps was formed by the merger of the 1/1st City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders) and the 1/3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters)
They were replaced by Indian Cavalry Regiments from France. The Field Ambulances and Mobile Veterinary Sections merged with their Indian counterparts. Other units were retained unchanged, though some were renumbered to reflect the new divisional designation.[7]
On 22 July 1918, the 1st Mounted Division was renumbered as the 4th Cavalry Division and the brigades as the 10th, 11th and 12th Cavalry Brigades.[9] The sub units (Signal Troops, Combined Cavalry Field Ambulances and Mobile Veterinary Sections) were renumbered on the same date.[4]
See also
[edit]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Two Australian Light Horse brigades and one British Yeomanry brigade.
- ^ Hampshire, Essex and West Riding Batteries, RHA concentrated at Leicester on 13 January 1916. The batteries were rearmed with 18-pounders before departing for Egypt on 18 February. The brigade landed at Port Said and joined 52nd (Lowland) Division at El Qantara on 17 March as V Lowland Brigade, RFA. On 28 May the brigade was renumbered CCLXIII and the batteries as A, B and C, respectively. On 30 December, C (West Riding) Battery was split up, providing one section to each of the other batteries, thus bringing them up to 6 guns apiece. On 5 July 1917, the brigade was rearmed with 13-pounders, and the batteries resumed their original names (Hampshire and Essex Batteries, RHA).[6]
- ^ British divisions were converted to the British Indian Army standard whereby brigades only retained one British regiment or battalion and most support units were Indian (artillery excepted).
- ^ See 1st Mounted Division and 3rd Mounted Division.
References
[edit]- ^ In accordance with Eastern Force Order No. 53.
- ^ a b c Becke 1936, p. 34
- ^ Perry 1992, p. 55
- ^ a b c d e f Becke 1936, p. 33
- ^ Perry 1992, p. 51
- ^ Becke 1936, p. 113
- ^ a b Becke 1936, p. 32
- ^ Perry 1993, p. 16
- ^ Perry 1993, p. 22
Bibliography
[edit]- Becke, Major A.F. (1936). Order of Battle of Divisions Part 2A. The Territorial Force Mounted Divisions and the 1st-Line Territorial Force Divisions (42-56). London: His Majesty's Stationery Office. ISBN 1-871167-12-4.
- Perry, F.W. (1992). Order of Battle of Divisions Part 5A. The Divisions of Australia, Canada and New Zealand and those in East Africa. Newport: Ray Westlake Military Books. ISBN 1-871167-25-6.
- Perry, F.W. (1993). Order of Battle of Divisions Part 5B. Indian Army Divisions. Newport: Ray Westlake Military Books. ISBN 1-871167-23-X.