Historic Staffordshire Yeomanry archive to be protected at county history centre

Thousands of historic records relating to the Staffordshire Yeomanry are to be protected through a new partnership between Staffordshire County Council’s Archives and Heritage Service and the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum Trust.

The collection is being transferred to the Staffordshire History Centre in Stafford, where it will be catalogued and organised before being made available for viewing next year.

The Staffordshire Yeomanry was formed in 1794 as a cavalry unit of 300 men. It is best known for its role during the Second World War, including the Normandy landings, the Western Desert, El Alamein and the Rhine Crossing.

The archive includes official records, letters, diaries, photographs and postcards from across the regiment’s long history.

Items include a map showing Sword Beach, Lebisey and German Hillman fortress positions during the Second World War. The collection also includes a photograph of Field Marshal Montgomery with Lieutenant Colonel Eadie on a tank.

Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said

“We’re steeped in history in this county, with many interesting archives and collections already at the Staffordshire History Centre.

“This was such an important moment in our history and we’re proud to be able to preserve this exciting collection for future generations to enjoy. It’s a fascinating mix of documents and photos that retell the story of this famous Staffordshire regiment.

“Teams will now work together to catalogue and organise the collection, which we hope will be ready for viewing next year.”

Miles Brough, Chair of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum Trust, said

“This partnership ensures that the Staffordshire Yeomanry’s remarkable story is preserved and shared more widely. By placing the archives within a purpose-built, professionally managed environment, we are safeguarding these materials for generations to come.

“We look forward to developing this partnership further, creating new opportunities for research, exhibitions and events, learning, and community engagement centred on one of Staffordshire’s most distinguished military regiments.”

The project has received a grant of £1,850 from the Army Museums Ogilby Trust.

A special talk about the project will take place at Staffordshire History Centre on Friday 26 June, from 1pm to 1.45pm. Tickets cost £2.50, with further details available through the Staffordshire History Centre website.