The Edwardian Heyday 1901-1914
The Boer War proved that the British Army needed to able to call on mobile reserves of well trained volunteers, who could shoot and ride. At last a clear role for the Yeomanry had emerged. To meet this requirement, along with other Yeomanry regiments, the Berkshire Yeomanry was expanded and re-equipped on more modern lines. Realistic and demanding training was carried out, particularly at Annual Camp.
A (Windsor) Squadron in Park Street 1905
A mounted section in slouch hats, khaki tunic and breeches, collars and cuffs faced in red c 1905
In 1901 the Regiment was re-titled the Berkshire Imperial Yeomanry and by 1902 had adopted khaki uniform as the day-to-day service dress. The Regiment comprised a Regimental Headquarters (strength of 56), which included a machine-gun section, and four Squadrons, each with a strength of 135 men: A (Windsor) Squadron, B (Reading) Squadron, C (Newbury) Squadron, and D (Wantage) Squadron.
The Regiment trained to a high standard and the regular location for Annual Camp was at Churn on the Berkshire Downs, ideal for cavalry manoeuvres. The Lee-Metford rifle was introduced replacing the carbine which had proved to be too inaccurate. Although the sword was formally withdrawn, sword drill still continued.
In 1908 the Haldane Reforms brought together the new Territorial Force incorporating the Imperial Yeomanry, the volunteer infantry regiments and volunteers from other arms. The Territorial Force (later renamed the Territorial Army) had a formal brigade-based structure and incorporated more formalised links with the Regular Army.
As a consequence all Imperial Yeomanry regiments lost the title “Imperial”. Regimental Headquarters was established at Yeomanry House, Reading, and the Regiment became part of the Second South Midlands Brigade. This was a mobile brigade that included the Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars, the Queens Own Oxfordshire Hussars, the Berkshire Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, together with supply and medical units. By 1914 the Brigade also included a Brigade Signal Troop whose members were provided by the Berkshire Yeomanry.
Throughout this period the Regiment continued to train to a high standard and Annual Camp, usually at Churn, was the highlight of the training year.
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