A new project to help protect thousands of historic records relating to one of Staffordshire’s most distinguished military regiments has launched.
The partnership between Staffordshire County Council's Archives and Heritage Service and the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum Trust will see its fascinating archive collection transferred to the Staffordshire History Centre.
The Staffordshire Yeomanry, most famous as one of the only conventional tank units to land on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in the Second World War, was formed in 1794 as a 300-man cavalry unit. The regiment was also involved in the Western Desert, El Alamein and Rhine Crossing during World War 2.
The collection includes important military and social-history materials from across its centuries-old existence, including official records, letters, diaries, photographs and postcards.
Included is the map of Sword Beach, Lebisey and German Hillman Fortress positions during WWII. Other items of interest include a photo of Field Marshall Montgomery ‘Monty’ 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.
People can learn more about the project at a special talk at the Staffordshire History Centre on Friday 26 June from 1pm to 1.45pm, with tickets costing £2.50. Further details on the project are available on the Staffordshire History Centre website and the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum website.
