local militia/territorial force/territorial army

[jon attwood]

One of my ancestors was involved in a local militia, so I have been looking for information on the history of the various local militia forces with very little success. Much of the published information seems to contradict that published elsewhere.

One source has said that service in the militia was compulsory in 1757, and each county filled its quota by ballot, proper millitary training was given. By 1852 it had become a voluntary service, and in 1908 it changed its name to the territorial force, which became the territorial army in 1921.

Can anyone shed any more light on this? I may have got some dates wrong or missed out some important information, perhaps there is a website which explains the histories of the various local militias? was it known by any other names before it became the territorial force?, and most importantly....did they keep records which are available to view today?

thanks
Jon

 

[Minden]

Given the usual caveats about Wikipedia, this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militia#United_Kingdom

appears to summarise it reasonably well.

I would start looking for records at the various regimental museums you're interested in. They can be patchy WRT what they hold, but some are very friendly and helpful. You would need to work out what regular regiment took on reponsibility for your particular TF/militia unit in 1881, and then work out which museum would hold the records. For instance, in my area we have the Suffolk Regiment museum in Bury St. Edmunds (plus others in the area for the Essex Regiment, the Royal Norfolks etc.), and their successsors the Royal Anglians have their own museum at Duxford.

 

[benny1982]

Hi Jon

Do you know what militia he worked for, ie, the regiment? We can then point you in the right direction.

Ben

 

[jon attwood]

I don't know which regiment he served in, the only information I have on his millitary service is that he was imprisoned in Gillingham convicts prison (which I have been told was situated in Gillingham barracks) for desertion from the local militia. I assume this means he was in a Gillingham area regiment.

Jon

 

[Minden]

Kent or Devon?

 

[jon attwood]

Oops, I forgot to mention that it was Gillingham Kent, thanks for pointing out my omission.

Jon

 

[Minden]

It should be the Royal East Kents (The Buffs). You're a bit stuck till 2011, because they're shifting their collections to the National Army Museum (see here: http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=601 ).

Failing that then maybe the people at the PWRR/Queens Regt museum might be able to help you, but I'd call them last if I were you ( http://www.pwrr-army.co.uk/pwrr_museums.htm ).

There seems to be a strong Royal Engineer presence in that area too, with an engineer militia regiment too ( http://www.remuseum.org.uk/corpshistory/rem_corps_part11.htm ). Brompton Barracks in Gillingham was the home of the Engineers, and most of the current TA in that area are still Engineers, so maybe try them first.

Best of luck.