The brigade, commanded by
Henry West Hodgson, was mobilised on 4 August 1914 at the outbreak of the
First World War, concentrated in the
Ipswich area of
Suffolk and joined the
1st Mounted Division on formation. In late August it moved to
Woodbridge. On 1 December 1914, the
Essex Yeomanry was posted to the
BEF, joining the
8th Cavalry Brigade. It was replaced by the
2nd King Edward's Horse. 2nd King Edward's Horse left for the
Canadian Cavalry Brigade on 1 February 1915 and was replaced in turn by the
Welsh Horse Yeomanry. In September 1915, the brigade was replaced in the 1st Mounted Division by
2/1st South Wales Mounted Brigade. In this period, the brigade consisted of the three yeomanry regiments, a signal
troop and the
field ambulance under the command of
Br.-Gen. H. W. Hodgson.
Egypt In December 1915, the brigade landed in
Egypt. On 22 February 1916, the brigade was absorbed into the
3rd Dismounted Brigade (along with the
South Eastern Mounted Brigade). ==Commanders==