Both regiments served throughout the North African Campaign (notably at El Alamein), before moving on to Sicily (3rd CLY) and Italy.

Due to losses, and a shortage of replacement personnel and equipment, the regiments were amalgamated in August 1944 as 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).

Post-war, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) reformed as a Territorial Army armoured regiment in 1947.

Unlike most IY battalions, which were formed from the existing Yeomanry regiments providing service companies of approximately 115 men each, the Sharpshooters were selected from volunteers who could prove their skill with a rifle and their horsemanship.

[2][3][4][5][6] The battalion was formally inspected by the Prince of Wales outside Chelsea Barracks on 29 March 1900,[7] and arrived in South Africa in April 1900.

In 1912, the regiment moved to Henry Street (renamed Allitsen Road in 1938) in St John's Wood.

[20] The regiment landed at Suvla Bay on the morning of 18 August and moved into reserve positions at Karakol Dagh.

[16] Due to losses during the Battle of Scimitar Hill and wastage during August 1915, the 2nd Mounted Division had to be reorganised.

It moved forward and joined the newly formed Yeomanry Mounted Division on 21 July 1917 at el Fuqari.

[26] By an Egyptian Expeditionary Force GHQ Order of 12 April 1918, the mounted troops of the EEF were reorganised when the Indian Army units arrived in theatre.

In May 1918, the regiment moved to Ireland and was stationed at The Curragh and Athlone, still in 2nd Cyclist Brigade, until the end of the war.

Following the experience of the war, it was decided that only the fourteen most senior yeomanry regiments would be retained as horsed cavalry,[33] with the rest being transferred to other roles.

[34] As a result, on 29 September 1920, the Regiment was one of eight[c] converted and reduced to 5th (London) Armoured Car Company, Tank Corps.

[9] By 1939, it had become clear that a new European war was likely to break out, and the doubling of the Territorial Army was authorised, with each unit forming a duplicate.

[39] On 16 September 1942, the 3rd CLY left the 22nd Armoured Brigade and was placed under command of GHQ, British Troops in Egypt.

In January 1944, the regiment left Italy for the United Kingdom, where it prepared for the upcoming invasion of Northern France.

[39] In December 1943, the regiment left Italy for the United Kingdom where it prepared for the upcoming invasion of North West Europe.

[50] 4th CLY lost its commander, Lieutenant Colonel The Viscount Cranley, and second-in-command; "A" Squadron was destroyed.

4 CLY's losses for the day amounted to 20 Cromwells, four 17-pounder Shermans, three Humber scout cars, three Stuart light tanks and a half-track.

[49] The lost squadron was reformed within a week and the Regiment fought through to the amalgamation, taking part in Operation Goodwood.

[37] The combined regiment replaced 3rd CLY in 4th Armoured Brigade, and served with it (under Brigadier – later Field Marshal – Michael Carver) for the remainder of the Second World War.

It changed role in 1956 as a result of TA reorganisation and became the reconnaissance regiment for the 44th (Home Counties) Infantry Division.

[53] On active service in South Africa the three battalions wore the standard khaki serge clothing and drab slouch hats.

[54] Special uniforms in the unique green and yellow shades included levee order for appearance at court and mess dress for evening functions.

[55] The colourful appearance of the regiment may have assisted recruiting but between 1902 and 1914 a number of modifications aimed at simplification and economy were adopted.

[57] For the remainder of its existence after 1914 the regiment wore the standard field and battle dress of the British Army, although traditional features such as the green and yellow cap (see illustration above), mess uniforms and patrol jackets were preserved where possible.