Berkshire Yeomanry Museum

Two Centuries of Volunteer Service

The Berkshire Yeomanry Museum documents the remarkable history of one of England's oldest volunteer military units, tracing its lineage back to 1794 when the regiment was first raised in response to fears of French invasion. Over more than two centuries, the Berkshire Yeomanry evolved from mounted cavalry into a modern signals unit, earning numerous battle honours across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. The regiment's service spans from the Napoleonic era through the Cold War, representing a continuous thread of voluntary military commitment from Berkshire's communities.

From Cavalry to Signals: Transformation and Adaptation

The museum's collection reflects the dramatic transformations the regiment underwent throughout its operational history. Originally organized as a cavalry unit with squadrons based across Berkshire—at Windsor, Reading, Newbury, and Wantage—the Berkshire Yeomanry adapted to changing military needs. During the First World War, the regiment converted to a cyclist unit before being reformed after the war as an artillery regiment. By the 1960s, it had evolved into an armoured car unit and finally into 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron, a role it maintains today as part of the Royal Signals. The museum's displays illustrate these transitions through uniforms, weapons, communications equipment, and regimental insignia spanning different eras.

Gallipoli Heroism and Battlefield Honours

Among the most poignant artifacts in the collection are those commemorating the regiment's service during the Gallipoli Campaign of the First World War, where Private Frederick Potts earned the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery. This singular honour represents the highest recognition of military valour and stands as a testament to the courage displayed by Berkshire soldiers. The museum also preserves records and memorabilia from the Boer War and the Second World War, when the regiment served across multiple theatres of operation. Battle honours won from Europe to the Far East underscore the regiment's extensive combat experience and sacrifice.

Cold War Communications and Modern Role

During the Cold War, the Berkshire Yeomanry took on a specialized role providing post-nuclear-strike communications for Military Home Defence, equipped with high-power HF radios and later sophisticated antenna systems. The museum exhibits the technical equipment and documentation of this critical period, when the regiment maintained readiness to support national defence infrastructure. In 1953, the regiment fired a salute in Windsor Great Park for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and in 1958 participated in national celebrations marking the Territorial Army's 50th anniversary, reviewed by the Queen herself in Hyde Park.

Regimental Recognition and Community Legacy

The Berkshire Yeomanry's contributions to the nation have been formally recognized through the granting of the freedom of the Royal Borough of Windsor in 1994 on the regiment's 200th anniversary, and the freedom of the borough of Runnymede in 2009. These honours reflect the deep connections between the regiment and the communities it has served. The museum serves as a repository of this shared heritage, preserving not only military artifacts but also the stories of ordinary soldiers who volunteered their service across generations.

The Museum Experience

Located within the Army Reserve Centre on Bolton Road, the museum presents its collection in a permanent display that educates visitors about the regiment's multifaceted history. The setting within an active military facility adds authenticity to the experience, allowing visitors to see the regiment's legacy in its operational context. The museum's mission extends beyond preservation to active education, ensuring that the sacrifices and achievements of the Berkshire Yeomanry remain understood and appreciated by present and future generations.