1st Mounted Rifles

[1] It was the oldest of twelve light cavalry units raised in New Zealand during the second half of the nineteenth century, using the British Yeomanry regiments as a model.

[2] While numbering less than 100 men, scattered in small detachments across Canterbury Province, the unit earned a reputation for well drilled smartness and provided honour guards and ceremonial escorts as required.

A scarlet and blue uniform was worn with black facings and a red plumed helmet.

They were mobilised during World War I as a squadron of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment.

They served in the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I and first saw action during the Battle of Gallipoli.