During the Cold War the WDs' role evolved. The Regiment was equipped at first with tanks, then with armoured cars and later tracked reconnaissance vehicles. As the threat facing the United Kingdom altered, the WDs underwent a number of changes including being temporarily amalgamated with the Berkshire Yeomanry and being reduced from Regiment to Squadron size to become HQ Squadron and later W Squadron of the Royal Yeomanry.

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In 1995 the Royal Yeomanry became the first NBC (Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defence) unit in the British Army. In 1998 this role was taken over by a combined Army and RAF unit, the Joint NBC Regiment (Jt NBC Regt).

However, W Squadron retained its NBC role and continued to train closely with the Jt NBC Regt including supporting them on exercise in Kuwait in 2001.