UK 1939-41

In 1938, as the threat of war increased, the 23rd LAC built back up to regimental strength and resumed their former title of 3rd County of London Yeomanry. The Territorial Army was called upon to double its strength, but unlike most regiments which split in half, the 3rd CLY remained virtually unchanged and the 4th County of London Yeomanry. was built up from a small cadre of junior officers and senior NCOs.

For the first two years of the war the 3rd and 4th CLY served alongside one another with the 2nd Royal Gloucestershire Hussars in 22nd Armoured Brigade equipped as armoured regiments, training on a variety of different tanks.

Both Regiments were sent to the Middle East in late 1941 and first saw action at El Gubi where they suffered heavily from Italian artillery. After this baptism of fire, 22nd Armoured Brigade formed part of 7th Armoured Division (Desert Rats) for the remainder of the campaign.

MIDDLE EAST 1941-43