The early WYC was raised in 1794 during the Napoleonic Wars as a back up to the regular army in case of invasion.  

 

They were also used to prevent civil unrest up until 1827 at which time they were disbanded.  In 1831 they were re-formed with the later pattern uniform and equipment. 

 

The separate troops raised consisted of:

 

Worcester

Wolverley

Kings Norton

Kidderminster

Stourbridge

Bromsgrove

Dudley

 

Manoeuvres were held at Eastnor Castle, Bevere, Madresfield Court, Strensham Court, Kempsey, Pitchcroft and Powick Hams.  

 

Lt. Colonel John Somers Cocks commanded, and was also first Earl of Eastnor.  The Earl's son an ADC to Wellington, and a major in the 16th Light Dragoons was killed at Burgos during the Peninsular War.

 

An interesting point to note was that a WYC instructor, Edwin Hughes, who lived in Birmingham until he was 96 years old, was also one of the last survivors of the Charge of the Light Brigade, 25th October 1854.