	In November 1940 the Household Cavalry Composite Regiment became the 1st Household Cavalry Motor Battalion. The 1st Household Cavalry Motor Battalion arrived at Haifa on 22 February 1941 under a new commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Heyworth. The final decision to become mechanized was not taken until later that month. In the Judean desert they were ordered to end their horse cavalry days: horses older than 15 years were put down. In March 1941, the 1st Household Cavalry Motor Battalion was redesignated as the 1st Household Cavalry Regiment.