| Exeter and South Devon Volunteers 1st (Exeter and South Devon) Volunteer Battalion, Devonshire Regiment 4th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment Devonshire Regiment (1st Rifle Volunteers) | |
|---|---|
| Active | 26 March 1852–1 April 1967 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Volunteer Force/Territorial Force |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | 1-3 Battalions |
| Part of | 43rd (Wessex) Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Exeter |
| Nickname(s) | '1st Rifle Volunteers' |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Lt-Col Hugh Acland Troyte |
The Exeter & South Devon Volunteers was the premier unit of Britain's Volunteer Force. Formed in 1852 it went on to become a battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. Both its active service battalions went to garrison India on the outbreak of the First World War, and then saw action in Mesopotamia and Palestine. In the Second World War, the battalion served in the garrison of Gibraltar. It continued in the postwar Territorial Army until it was merged with other West Country units. Its successors today serve in a reserve battalion of The Rifles.