The Essex Yeomanry
| Essex Yeomanry | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1797–1828 10 February 1831 – 31 March 1877 13 February 1902–present |
| Country |
 Kingdom of Great Britain (1797–1800) United Kingdom (1801– ) |
| Branch |
 British Army
|
| Type | Yeomanry |
| Role | Signals |
| Size | Squadron |
| Garrison/HQ | Colchester |
| Motto(s) | Decus Et Tutamen (Shield and Protection) |
| Engagements |
|
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Richard Beale Colvin Reginald Hobbs |
36 (Essex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron, is a reserve squadron of the Royal Signals. It traces its origins to the Essex Yeomanry which originated as a yeomanry regiment raised in 1797. It recruites volunteers from the county of Essex in the East of England.
The Essex Yeomanry was raised in 1797 during the Napoleonic Wars as a number of independent troops. Its Band was formed in 1809. The regiment was brought together as the Essex Yeomanry Cavalry in 1814. It was disbanded in 1828.
On 10 February 1831, the West Essex Corps of Yeomanry Cavalry (of one troop) was formed. It continued to serve without pay from 1838 to 1843. On 23 July 1852, it was designated as the West Essex Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry. It was disbanded on 31 March 1877, but a troop continued to serve with the Loyal Suffolk Hussars.
In 1902, the Essex Imperial Yeomanry was raised with four sabre squadrons, one machine gun section, and its regimental headquarters at Colchester Garrison. In 1908, the regiment was renamed the Essex Yeomanry and transferred to the Territorial Force.
In accordance with the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907 (7 Edw. 7, c.9) which brought the Territorial Force into being, the TF was intended to be a home defence force for service during wartime and members could not be compelled to serve outside the country. However, on the outbreak of war on 4 August 1914, many members volunteered for Imperial Service. Therefore, TF units were split in August and September 1914 into 1st Line (liable for overseas service) and 2nd Line (home service for those unable or unwilling to serve overseas) units. Later, a 3rd Line was formed to act as a reserve, providing trained replacements for the 1st and 2nd Line regiments.
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