Bermuda Militia Infantry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Bermuda Militia Infantry
The Bermuda Militia Infantry wore the same cap badge as the General Service Corps, the Royal Garrison Regiment, English regiments of the Royal Reserve Regiments and other units without a unique badge
Active	1939-1946
Country	Bermuda (United Kingdom overseas territory)
Branch	Army
Type	Infantry
Garrison/HQ	Bermuda Garrison

The Bermuda Militia Infantry (BMI) was a special group of soldiers in Bermuda. They were formed in 1939, just before World War II began. These soldiers were a part-time reserve force. This meant they trained and were ready to help the main British Army troops stationed in Bermuda.

The Bermuda Militia Infantry: A Story of Service

Bermuda's Military History

Bermuda Garrison For a long time, Bermuda has had military forces. The first local soldiers, called the militia, started in 1612. They helped protect the island. After the American War of 1812, the government stopped funding them. The militia slowly disappeared.

Later, in 1892, Bermuda decided to create new part-time army units. These units would support the regular British soldiers. The first of these was the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps (BVRC), formed in 1894. They were like a backup for the main infantry (foot soldiers). The BVRC had four companies. Each company covered a different part of the island.

In 1895, the Bermuda Militia Artillery (BMA) was formed. Their job was to help operate the big coastal cannons. These cannons protected Bermuda's shores and harbors. Many forts and cannons were built around the island. The BMA helped make sure there were enough trained gunners.

A third unit was planned to help with underwater mines. But this unit was never actually formed.

During this time, the BVRC only accepted white members. The BMA, however, mostly recruited Black Bermudians. But all of its officers were white.

Both the BVRC and the BMA sent soldiers to fight in France during the First World War. After the war, Britain spent less on defense in Bermuda. So, the part-time local units took on more duties. In the 1920s, they were reorganized. In 1931, the Bermuda Volunteer Engineers (BVE) was created. They operated searchlights at the forts. By 1939, only one main cannon battery was still active.

When World War II was about to start in 1939, Bermuda's local units were fully activated. Soldiers had to serve full-time. Conscription (requiring people to join the army) was also introduced.

Starting the Bermuda Militia Infantry (BMI)

The Bermuda Militia Infantry was officially created on October 6, 1939. It started at St. David's Battery, Bermuda. Its first job was to defend this important battery. The BMI, like the BMA, recruited Black Bermudian soldiers. But all of its officers were white. People often called the BMA and BMI together the "Bermuda Militia."

The BMI began its training in November 1939. In January 1940, they moved to Warwick Camp for rifle training. Then, they went back to St. George's. Their training was not considered good enough. So, in April 1940, the whole BMI company trained with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry (KSLI). This training lasted six weeks.

After training, the BMI moved to St. David's Island in May 1940. They lived in tents and new hut buildings. The BMI quickly grew in size. They took over the entire St. David's area from the BVRC. By June 1940, the unit was approved to have five officers and 120 soldiers. It was split into two rifle companies. One company was at St. David's, and the other was at Prospect Camp.

In 1941, a BMI platoon was stationed near Flatts Village. They took over from another British unit.

At first, Bermudian units were not allowed to send soldiers overseas. This was because Bermuda was very important during the Battle of the Atlantic. It had a vital naval dockyard, air bases, and was a meeting point for ships traveling across the Atlantic. It was crucial to keep Bermuda's defenses strong.

Serving Overseas

By 1943, the threat to Bermuda had lessened. The German navy was less active. Also, the US Army had built up a large force in Bermuda. So, the rule about not sending soldiers overseas was lifted. Volunteers from the BMI and BMA formed a special company. They trained at Prospect Camp to serve in Europe.

In 1944, this Bermuda Militia company joined with other soldiers. They went to Virginia, USA. There, they helped form a new regiment called the Caribbean Regiment. The Bermudian soldiers arrived in April 1944. They became trainers for the new regiment at Fort Eustis. Soldiers from many British West Indies islands joined this regiment. The Bermudian soldiers often became non-commissioned officers. This was because they had more experience and education.

The Caribbean Regiment left the USA in June 1944. They sailed to North Africa. Then, in July 1944, they went to Italy. In Italy, they performed general duties behind the front lines. Later, they escorted 4,000 German prisoners of war to Egypt. In Egypt, they helped clear mines around the Suez Canal area.

Back in Bermuda, the BMI was split into two companies in April 1943. "A" Company was at St. David's Battery. "B" Company was at Prospect Camp. The soldiers who did not go overseas stayed in "B" Company. A new "A" Company was formed from new recruits. In October 1944, "A" Company took over guarding RAF Darrell's Island.

In 1945 and 1946, "B" Company of the BMI provided an Honour Guard. This was for the opening of Parliament. It was the first time a local unit had this important duty.

The End of the BMI

The Bermuda Militia soldiers who served overseas returned to Bermuda in January 1946. Some BMI soldiers, along with others from Bermuda's units, went to London. They represented Bermuda in the London Victory Celebrations of 1946. This was the final duty for the BMI. They marched in the Victory March on June 8, 1946. After the celebrations, they returned to Bermuda.

After the war, the BMI was permanently disbanded. "B" Company was disbanded in July 1945. Its soldiers joined "A" Company. "A" Company was then disbanded in March 1946. Its soldiers joined the BMA. The BMA and BVRC were reduced in size but later rebuilt with new recruits in 1951.

In 1953, the coastal cannons in Bermuda were no longer used. The BMA changed its role to infantry. But they kept their old uniform and badge. In 1965, the BMA and the BVRC (which was renamed the Bermuda Rifles) joined together. They formed the Bermuda Regiment.

See also

• Military of Bermuda

Images for kids

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  Bermuda Militia Infantry soldiers in camp

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  Bermuda Militia Infantry soldiers who served with the Caribbean Regiment.

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  B Company Bermuda Militia Infantry in 1944

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  An Honour Guard from B Coy, BMI, parades at the opening of Parliament in 1945