ONE of Devon's oldest British Army regiments, the Royal Devon Yeomanry was formed in 1794 and was raised by Sir Stafford Northcott Baronet of Pynes, Exeter. It was first called out for service in 1795 to put down a riot at Crediton, which had been caused by the high price of bread.

At this time the regiment was known as the First Troop of Devon Volunteer Cavalry and was later to become the Royal First Devon Yeomanry Cavalry in 1801, commanded by Colonel, the Lord Rolle.

Between 1815 and 1850 the regiment was used many times in the internal security role; the last time being so deployed was on November 4, 1867.

The regiment remained in this form until 1920 when it was amalgamated with the Royal North Devon Hussars to become the Royal Devon Yeomanry Artillery.

During the period up to 1920, a detachment served in South Africa from 1900 to 1902 and during the first world war saw service in Gallipoli and Egypt, between the years 1915 and 1916.

It later served in Palestine until May 1918 and in France from May 7 to November, 11 1918.

As a result of the reorganisation of the Yeomanry in 1920, and the formation of the Territorial Army, the new regiment was armed with 18-pounder guns.

At the outbreak of the second world war the regiment was divided to form the 96 Regt and the 142 Regt RA.

The latter fought in Italy, taking part in most of the major actions of that campaign including the landings in Sicily and Anzio and the battle for Monte Casino.

Throughout the campaign the regiment was armed with self-propelled guns.

For its support to the Canadian Division it was awarded the right to wear the Maple Leaf of Canada. The 96 fought in the Far East where it was disbanded in 1943.

The regiment survived until 1967 when it was amalgamated with the Fourth Devon's to become the Devonshire Territorials (RDY/1RV) RAC.

However this ill-fated regiment was destined to last only two years and throughout that time was kept very short of equipment and training time.

This regiment in its turn was disbanded in 1969 due to yet another major reorganisation of the Territorial Regiments as a result of Government policy.

In 1971 the Territorials were again reformed, and on April 1 a new regiment was born, incorporating three old and distinguished cavalry regiments. A and C Squadrons were formed from the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, B Squadron from the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, and D Squadron from the Royal Devon Yeomanry.

The regiment was titled The Royal Wessex Yeomanry.