Loch's Horse
was raised in London in March 1900 by Lord Loch, a former Governor of Cape Colony.
It was unique in that it was the only privately raised and funded Regiment of the South African Mounted Irregular Forces.
Its approximately 220 members presenting a diverse mixture of society. The qualification for joining was the possession of either military or African experience and the Troopers ranged from retired Army Officers to former Foreign Legionnaires.
![LochsContingent-TrWarA13LR.jpg]()
Lord Loch’s Contingent on Parade.
The contingent which owes so much to the munificence and public spirit of Lord Loch is composed of men who are Imperial Yeomen with a difference. They have been recruited mostly out of old campaigners who have had experience in South Africa, many of them with the Cape Mounted Rifles and the Cape Mounted Police, and better men for their work could not be found. Two contingents went out under command respectively of Captain Howard Brown, late of Lord Kitchener’s staff, and formerly Town Commandant at Buluwayo, and of Captain Hodson. a greatly experienced officer. The utmost public interest was attracted by the formation and despatch of this remarkable corps, and it will Illustrate the character of its members if we say that one gentleman came all the way from Klondyke to Join it. The riding and shooting tests for the men were exceptionally severe, and for the former the services of an experienced buck-jumper were called Into requisition, so that no doubt those who passed the test had attained a high standard of rough-and-ready horsemanship. Lord Loch’s yeomen are, Indeed, a very tough set, men who may be depended upon alike for courage and endurance, and whose qualities for South African warfare could not be surpassed. Altogether this Is a very remarkable contingent.
Source: Transvaal War Album
Tylden notes: Raised in February, 1900, for the S.A. War, with a strength of 220. Officially classed as a S.A. corps, but recruited largely in England. Served in the Transvaal and other areas.
The unit was disbanded in England in April 1901.
![QSAnaming-LochsHorse700.jpg]()
It was unique in that it was the only privately raised and funded Regiment of the South African Mounted Irregular Forces.
Its approximately 220 members presenting a diverse mixture of society. The qualification for joining was the possession of either military or African experience and the Troopers ranged from retired Army Officers to former Foreign Legionnaires.
Lord Loch’s Contingent on Parade.
The contingent which owes so much to the munificence and public spirit of Lord Loch is composed of men who are Imperial Yeomen with a difference. They have been recruited mostly out of old campaigners who have had experience in South Africa, many of them with the Cape Mounted Rifles and the Cape Mounted Police, and better men for their work could not be found. Two contingents went out under command respectively of Captain Howard Brown, late of Lord Kitchener’s staff, and formerly Town Commandant at Buluwayo, and of Captain Hodson. a greatly experienced officer. The utmost public interest was attracted by the formation and despatch of this remarkable corps, and it will Illustrate the character of its members if we say that one gentleman came all the way from Klondyke to Join it. The riding and shooting tests for the men were exceptionally severe, and for the former the services of an experienced buck-jumper were called Into requisition, so that no doubt those who passed the test had attained a high standard of rough-and-ready horsemanship. Lord Loch’s yeomen are, Indeed, a very tough set, men who may be depended upon alike for courage and endurance, and whose qualities for South African warfare could not be surpassed. Altogether this Is a very remarkable contingent.
Source: Transvaal War Album
Tylden notes: Raised in February, 1900, for the S.A. War, with a strength of 220. Officially classed as a S.A. corps, but recruited largely in England. Served in the Transvaal and other areas.
The unit was disbanded in England in April 1901.
