The King's
Royal Hussars
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The King's |
Royal Hussars |
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The 11th Hussars (The War Years)
The 11th Hussars left England for France and the great war in mid August of 1914, shortly after arriving they were, unfortunately, involved in the great retreat from Mons. Often dismounted and working as infantry the Regiment fought at Flanders and France for the main part of their war. The Regiment saw mounted action back in their familiar cavalry role at Nery, Messines ridge, 2nd Ypres, the defence of Hamel and many other battles. During the great war the Regiment lost 163 from all ranks whilst 337 were wounded and 60 taken prisoner.
After the war the Regiment were stationed in the Rhineland prior to being sent back to England and in 1920 were retitled to the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert's Own). Back to India during the period 1921 - 1926 and back to England again for the period 1926 - 1934. After 213 years as cavalry the Regiment underwent the conversion to armoured cars during 1928.
After sailing to Alexandria in 1934 the Regiment saw action Palestine during 1936 as a result of the Arab rebellion that had started that year.
As a direct result of the experiences gained in Egypt and Palestine from 1932 until the outbreak of WW2 the Regiment were trained in desert warfare. The 11th Hussars fought in many of the desert campaigns as part of the 7th Armoured Brigade. From 11th June 1940, when the Italians declared war, until the Axis resistance ended on 9th May 1943 the 11th Hussars served in the desert The men of the 11th Hussars and their machines were involved in minor and major battles and skirmishes for the whole of this period including action at Sidi Saleh and Beda Fomm at both Tp and Regimental level. Patrolling duties included the supply of armoured cars for reconnaissance. In April of 1942 the 11th moved from the main battle area to Iraq driving some 100o miles to reach their areas of responsibility. A move into Persia (Iran) followed but the Western desert beckoned and the 11th Hussars were once again in action in a more familiar surrounding. The second battle of El Alamein ensued and subsequent operations took them to Tobruk and Italy. Italy followed the allied successes in North Africa
The Regiment returned to England briefly to prepare for the Normandy campaign where they were to be the reconnaissance Regiment for the 7th armoured Division again. The 11th had a hard time of it from then on but glory followed as the 11th made it to Hamburg and Berlin in 1945.
"During the Second World War the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert's Own) had been in contact with the enemy longer than any Regiment in the British Army and won more battle honours than any other Cavalry or Tank Regiment".
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