Yeomanry to be focus of display marking centenary of Great War

The display, being held at the Treasure House in Beverley, will focus on the East Riding Yeomanry, particularly its role in the campaign in Palestine and Egypt between 1915 and 1918.

The two-month exhibition is due to be held in autumn 2014,

Dr David Marchant, museums registrar at East Riding Council, said: “The Yeomanry were very much a local regiment, raised almost exclusively from our area.

“We’ve done small displays on them before, but this is an opportunity to properly commemorate their role in what is a forgotten, but very hard fought campaign when compared with the great battles on the Western Front.

“If you had any ancestors that were in the East Riding Yeomanry during the Great War and have any related items that you would be willing to loan or donate for the display then please get in touch with us.

“Alongside the display, we are hoping to be able to put together a book of remembrance, with short biographies and photographs of men who served in this important local regiment. It’s a subject I’m passionate about and I’d love to hear your family history stories about your yeomanry relatives.”

The regiment was formed in 1902 by Lord Wenlock as the East Riding of Yorkshire Imperial Yeomanry, and was initially a cavalry unit.

In 1915, the Yeomanry was sent to Egypt and later saw in action in Palestine. After returning to England it was converted into a machine-gun battalion and was sent to France in 1918.

Original photographs can be copied and quickly returned to their owner of required.

Anyone who can help can call Dr Marchant on 01482 392771.