The 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles was formed on March 17, 1911.

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.

As a part of the larger New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade (of the ANZAC Mounted Division) they went on to serve in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.

[1][2] In 1921 they amalgamated with the 1st Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry) and became the 1st New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry).