Military history of Birmingham facts for kids
The city of Birmingham, in England, has a long military past. For hundreds of years, it has been a major maker of weapons. It might have been located between Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
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Ancient Roman Times in Birmingham
Near Harborne, at Metchley Park, you can find the remains of two large Roman forts. People believe these forts were used as a base when the Romans invaded Britain. They might have helped the Romans move north-west into Cheshire and Wales.
Much of the old fort area is now gone. Building the banks of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal destroyed parts of the southern camp. In 1999, new digging showed that the main fort likely held a group of 1,000 Roman soldiers. These soldiers were heavily armored foot-soldiers with some cavalry (soldiers on horseback).
In the 1800s, some people thought the ancient Britons built the camp. This idea came because it was near Ryknild Street, an old Roman road. Others thought the Danes built it, but there is no proof for this. A few old weapons, like swords, battle axes, and parts of bucklers (small shields), have been found there.
Digging has also uncovered Roman granaries (food stores), storehouses, barracks (soldier homes), and a wall with wooden towers. A guard chamber, smaller buildings, pottery, and tools were also found. These finds show the fort was built a few years after the Romans first landed in Kent. Experts now think the Romans left the site by the end of the 1st century.
New Roman Discoveries
In June 2006, new Roman items were found near a McDonald's in Kings Norton.
A local archaeologist named Peter Osborn thinks that the famous battle between the ancient Briton warrior queen Boudica and the Romans might have happened near Birmingham in 61 AD.
He said, "We know for sure that the battle between 200,000 ancient Britons and the Romans happened somewhere in the Midlands." He added, "This spot is on the way to Metchley, the Roman fort in Birmingham. For this reason, we think this could be where the battle took place."
However, Dr. Simon Esmonde Cleary, an archaeology expert from the University of Birmingham, is not so sure. Until recently, people thought the battle happened in Leicestershire or Warwickshire. Building new apartments in the area has stopped until a full dig is finished.
Birmingham in the 1500s: The Spanish Armada Threat
By the early 1500s, Birmingham was already a key place for working with metal. For example, in 1523, when Henry VIII planned to invade Scotland, Birmingham's smiths (metalworkers) made many arrowhead tips for his army.
In 1538, a churchman named John Leland traveled through the Midlands. He wrote about Birmingham, calling it a "Good Markett Towne." He saw many smiths who made knives and other cutting tools. Many others made horse bits (for bridles) and nails. He noted that a large part of the town made a living from smiths. They got their iron and coal from nearby Staffordshire and Warwickshire.
At this time, Birmingham and London were the main towns making military weapons. However, King Henry VIII did not fully trust British-made weapons. He bought bronze cannons from Italy, shells and bombs from the Dutch, and much armor and swords from the skilled Flemish. Most gunpowder came from Antwerp until the Spanish Armada threatened England in 1588.
English leaders like Howard of Effingham and Sir Francis Drake won an early victory against Philip II of Spain's fleet. But they could not fully defeat it because they ran low on imported gunpowder. This showed how important it was for Britain to make more of its own weapons instead of relying on other countries.
During the Spanish Armada threat, rich people from Birmingham and nearby areas gave a lot of money. This money was enough to hire and equip about 43 warships.
Birmingham in the 1600s: The English Civil War
By the early 1600s, Birmingham looked like a large village of smiths. There was plenty of coal and iron nearby. Many metalworkers set up small workshops. Birmingham was an important town for making things, especially small arms (like guns). Its trade reached far and wide. In 1637, a London cutler complained about "Bromedgham blades." These blades were often just as good but cost less.
Unlike nearby towns such as Tamworth or Coventry, Birmingham had few or no military defenses.
In 1642, fighting between the Royalists (who supported the King) and the Parliamentarians (who supported Parliament) led to many small battles. The loyalties around Birmingham were mixed. Landowners and rich families fought for different sides.
The Royalists first marched through Birmingham in 1642. The town was mostly Puritan (supporting Parliament), and some looting happened. To apologize, King Charles ordered two of his captains to be hanged. But this did not calm the town. Later, a supply train of the king was captured and sent to Warwick.
As more unrest grew, both sides got ready for war. Birmingham's smiths were called upon. They made over 15,000 sword blades, which were only given to Parliamentarian forces.
Kings Norton and Hawksley were battlefields in October. Prince Rupert's troops were attacked, and many were hurt. Both sides said they won the fight (see Battle of Kings Norton).
In March 1643, Prince Rupert led about 1,900 men. He asked to enter the town, which had no defenses. About 200 townspeople and some soldiers from Lichfield refused him. The Battle of Camp Hill began with the Cavaliers attacking the earthworks (dirt walls) at Camp Hill. After being pushed back twice, the Cavaliers captured the earthworks by attacking from the sides with their cavalry.
The Cavaliers chased the fleeing townspeople into Birmingham. They came under fire from some houses, which they then set on fire. At the far end of town, at Cape Hill, the Parliamentarian soldiers charged. They stopped the Cavaliers, killing their officer, William, Earl of Denbigh. This allowed the Parliamentarian captain and his men to retreat safely back to Lichfield.
During this time, if soldiers were shot at from houses in an undefended town, the laws of war allowed those houses to be burned. The Royalists set fire to houses they thought were shooting at them. People living there were not allowed to put out the fires or save their belongings. About 80 houses were "burnt to ashes," and about 15 men and two women were killed. Many more were hurt and lost everything. Historian Trevor Royal wrote in 2004 that by destroying the town, Rupert's forces gave Parliament a way to spread propaganda. King Charles told Rupert off for his men's actions. Rupert had tried his best to control his men, but the damage was done. Birmingham paid the price for supporting Parliament and seeming to profit from it.
Birmingham kept making all kinds of weapons during this time. Parliament's armies relied heavily on the town for these goods. Birmingham remained on the border between Royalist-held Worcestershire and Parliamentarian-held Warwickshire. Colonel Tinker Fox worked from Edgbaston House near Birmingham. He likely took part in the attack on Aston Hall on December 28, 1643. This removed the main Royalist base in Birmingham. He and his soldiers often raided into Worcestershire during the First Civil War. One of his most famous actions was a commando-style raid on Bewdley. This led to the capture of Sir Thomas Lyttelton, its governor.
By the late 1600s, Birmingham's population was between 4,000 and 15,000 people. Birmingham continued to make small arms. In the mid-to-late 1600s, Birmingham smiths were known for making quality weapons. There is no clear proof that firearms were made in Birmingham until the 1690s. But it is likely that guns were made there before then. In 1689, Sir Richard Newdigate asked Birmingham makers to supply the British Government with small arms. These weapons needed to be good enough to match those imported from other countries. After a successful test order in 1692, the Government placed its first contract. On January 5, 1693, the "Officers of Ordnance" chose five local gun makers. They were to make 200 "snaphance musquets" each month for one year. They paid 17 shillings per musket, plus 3 shillings per hundredweight for delivery to London.
Birmingham in the 1700s
Gun making in Birmingham kept growing, mainly around the Digbeth area. It also grew in what later became known as the Gun Quarter.
On October 5, 1745, a meeting was held by the 6th Regiment of Foot. They wanted to raise a group of volunteers to fight against The '45 Jacobite rebellion.
The town helped raise money to stop a rumored invasion by France in 1758.
The 6th Regiment of Foot recruited many men in Warwickshire in 1778. Birmingham provided a large number of these men. The town also raised £2,000 by public donations to help equip them.
In August 1782, a group of soldiers was formed, but it likely broke up soon after. When army regiments were first linked to specific areas in 1782, the 6th became the 1st Warwickshire Regiment. This showed their recent ties to the county. During the French Revolutionary Wars in 1794, the 6th helped capture Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St Lucia from the French. In Casdebar in August 1798, they earned a Battle Honour (a special award for bravery).
In 1798, when it seemed a revolution might happen, two groups of cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and one group of infantry (foot soldiers) were formed. Each group had 500 members. They were called the Birmingham Loyal Association of Volunteers. They had their first parade on Coleshill Street on August 15, 1797. The infantry used muskets brought from Prussia. On June 4, 1798, a big review was held on Birmingham Heath. Over 100,000 people were said to have watched.
With many gun makers and workshops, the quality of guns made in Birmingham needed to be checked. Government viewing rooms opened on Bagot Street in 1798. They employed 60 or 70 people to make sure the guns were good enough for the British army. Besides military use, there was a big market for guns in the Atlantic slave trade. A 1788 report said there were over 4,000 gun makers. They sent 100,000 guns a year to slave traders.
Birmingham in the 1800s
The Birmingham Volunteers had the honor of escorting Lord Nelson when he visited the town in 1802. At a review on August 2, 1804, the regiment was given its colors (flags). For years, the "Loyals" were very popular.
Duddeston Barracks were built in 1793. They cost £13,000. This was done because of the city's riots in 1791.
In 1809, a statue of Lord Nelson was unveiled in the Bull Ring. It was to remember the men who died in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
A special medal was made to remember the Battle of Trafalgar. With government permission, one was given to everyone who took part in the battle. Flag officers and commanders received gold medals. Lieutenants received silver, and the men received bronze. Because they were not for sale, these medals are very rare.
The Handsworth Volunteer Cavalry had to charge and scatter rioters in Snow Hill on May 29, 1810.
The bombs used in Paris on January 15, 1858, were made in Birmingham.
A town meeting on December 14, 1859, can be seen as the start of the "national rifle movement" in Birmingham. The first company had 111 members. By the end of 1860, this number grew to 1,080. The first parade was in Calthorpe Park. A shooting range opened at Bournbrook. The first battalion was formed with twelve companies. Even with many donations, the group was still over £1,000 in debt.
The first uniform was a grey tunic with green trim and a peaked cap with feathers. In 1863, it changed to a green uniform with red trim, similar to the 60th Rifles. In 1875, the red stripe on the trousers was removed. The cap and feathers were replaced with a busby and glengarry. In 1884, the glengarry was swapped for the standard army helmet.
The Birmingham corps received high praise for its neatness and skill at many reviews. These included reviews before the Duke of Cambridge in 1861 and the Prince of Wales in 1865. It was one of the best corps in the country.
The first march of 720 men to Sutton happened on June 21, 1875. Over 800 men camped out. Camping at Streetly Wood happened every year after that. The first practice battle took place on June 20, 1877. The "coming-of-age" (21st anniversary) was celebrated with a dinner on January 29, 1881. By then, government grants were over £26,000. Local donations were over £8,700. The Birmingham Rifle Corps is now known as the First Volunteer Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
The Midland Rifle Club started in 1875. Both clubs used the shooting range at Sandwell Park. At an international match in New York in 1881, people from this area scored high. Corporal Bates from the Midland Rifle Club won the only first prize for visitors.
In 1881, The Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers were created. They drew many soldiers from Birmingham. The Royal Warwickshire Regiment became the county regiment for Warwickshire. It also included its Militia and Volunteer infantry.
Around this time, a report showed that the Warwickshire regiment had 213 Yeomanry Cavalry (soldiers on horseback) on parade. Staffordshire had 422.
Birmingham in the 1900s
World War I
The Warwickshire regiment recruited many men from Birmingham, especially in World War I. An early recruitment drive in the city gathered over 8,000 men to fight. Because this was so successful, the government asked for more volunteers. They recruited another 4,000. These groups were first called the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd city battalions. Later, they joined The Royal Warwickshire Regiment. These forces later fought in the trenches of World War I.
After the war, a company briefly made airplanes. The Austin Greyhound was a two-seater fighter. The Austin Ball was a single-seater. There was also a single-seater biplane with folding wings that sold for £500. Another was called the Austin Whippet. Many people died during the war.
Millions of Percussion caps (parts of bullets) were sent from Birmingham each year. The making of complete gun cartridges came later. Making these caps involved dangerous steps. Birmingham lost many people due to accidents from this work.
The ammunition factory of Messrs. Kynoch and Co. in Witton covered over 20 acres. It employed hundreds of people. It was interesting that women mainly made these "death-dealing articles." The factory could make 500,000 cartridges a day. This happened during the Turkish war. It took 50 tons of rolled brass, 100 tons of lead, and 20 tons of gunpowder each week to keep the factory running. All kinds of ammunition for rifles and machine guns were made there. Other large factories were the Birmingham Small Arms and Metal Co. at Adderley Park Mills, and the National Arms and Ammunition Co. at Small Heath and Perry Barr.
Between the World Wars
In 1936, the government bought land next to the Castle Bromwich Aerodrome. This land was developed into the Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory.
World War II
On September 1, 1939, about 75,000 Birmingham schoolchildren were moved out of the city. This was to prepare for the Battle of Britain. On August 8, 1940, the first air raid on Birmingham happened over Erdington. During Birmingham's 27 enemy air raids, the government asked news editors not to publish reports of the attacks. This made the families who lost loved ones very upset.
Over 2,000 women, children, and elderly people were killed. More than 3,000 were seriously hurt in the air raids. Many attacks targeted the thousands of factories that made war weapons. This included the Castle Bromwich airplane factory, which mass-produced the Spitfire fighter aircraft. The longest raid happened on December 11 and lasted 13 hours. King George VI inspected the damage the next day.
Finally, 60 years after World War II ended, a memorial was placed near the new Bull Ring. It remembers the civilians who died during air raids. It names all those who were killed or gave their lives protecting the city.
B.S.A. and Longbridge factories once again helped with the British war effort.
After the Wars
The Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers joined with three other Fusilier Regiments in 1968. These were The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, The Lancashire Fusiliers, and The Royal Fusiliers. Together, they formed the Royal Regiment Of Fusiliers.
Selly Oak Hospital fully closed in 2012. All military personnel are now treated at the recently built Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. This hospital is now home to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine. It cares for injured service members from conflict zones. It also trains Army, Navy, and Air Force medical staff.
HMS Daring, the first Type 45 destroyer, has a special connection to the city of Birmingham.
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