The Northamptonshire Yeomanry was a Yeomanry regiment of the British Army, formed in 1794 as volunteer cavalry. It served in the Second Boer War, the First World War and the Second World War before being reduced to squadron level in 1956. It ceased to have a separate existence in 1971. History Formation and early history In 1793, the prime minister, William Pitt the Younger, proposed that the English Counties form a force of Volunteer Yeoman Cavalry that could be called on by the king to defend the country against invasion or by the Lord Lieutenant to subdue any civil disorder within the country. The regiment was originally formed as the Northamptonshire Yeomanry Cavalry in 1794 but it was disbanded in 1828. It was raised again as independent troops in 1830 but disbanded again in 1873. Second Boer War A Northamptonshire Imperial Yeomanry regiment was formed during the Second Boer War. The regiment was based at Clare Street in Northampton at this time. First World War 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. 1/1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry On mobilisation in August 1914, the 1st Line regiment was attached to the Eastern Mounted Brigade, which was part of the 1st Mounted Division. In November 1914, the regiment moved to France with the 8th Division. It remained with the 8th Division until April 1915, when it was split up: Regimental HQ and B Squadron joined the 6th Division A Squadron joined the 4th Division C Squadron joined the 5th Division. This lasted until May 1916, when the Regiment re-formed, becoming the 6th Corps' Cavalry Regiment. In November 1917, it moved to Italy, becoming 14th Corps' Cavalry. 2/1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry The 2nd Line regiment was formed in September 1914. In November 1915, the regiment joined the 59th (2nd