Militia (United Kingdom) facts for kids

George Rice-Trevor, 4th Baron Dynevor in a militia uniform

The British Militia was like a backup army for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. These groups of soldiers were formed many times during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Their main jobs were to keep the country safe inside its borders and to protect against attacks from other countries. The British Militia later changed into the Special Reserve in 1907. This change made all militia groups part of the main British Army.

The Militia in the 1800s

A separate group called the Local Militia was created in 1808. However, it was stopped in 1816.

Around 1813, the British Army needed more soldiers. They were having trouble keeping their army groups full. So, on November 4, 1813, a new law was suggested in Parliament. This law would let Militia volunteers serve in Europe. Only three groups were formed, and they went to serve under Henry Bayly. They arrived in Bordeaux in April 1814 and joined the 7th Division.

After the Napoleonic Wars, the Militia was not used much. Even though lists of soldiers were still made, people were no longer forced to join. For example, the City Of York Militia lists continued until 1829.

Reviving the Militia in 1852

The Militia was brought back by the Militia Act 1852. This happened when there was a lot of tension between countries. Like before, groups were formed in each county. People joined voluntarily, but if not enough joined, they could be forced to. The Militia was seen as another option instead of joining the regular army.

New recruits trained for 56 days when they first joined. After that, they went back to their normal lives. But they had to come back for 21 to 28 days of training each year. They received full army pay during training and extra money afterward. This was a helpful addition to their regular wages. Many soldiers saw the yearly camp as a paid holiday. The Militia was popular with farm workers and miners. These were often men in jobs where they could leave and come back easily. The Militia also helped many men decide to join the Regular Army. They had already experienced army life.

Joining the Militia as an officer was sometimes a way to become an officer in the Regular Army. This was for young men who could not get a place through other ways, like joining Sandhurst.

When the Militia Could Be Called Up

Under the 1852 law, Militia groups could be called up for full-time service in three situations:

• When there was a war between Britain and another country.
• If the country was being invaded or was in great danger of invasion.
• During a rebellion or uprising within the country.

New Types of Militia Units

Before 1852, the Militia was only made up of soldiers who fought on foot (infantry). But the 1852 Act added Militia Artillery units. Their job was to protect coastal areas and forts. This allowed the Royal Artillery to go and fight elsewhere. Some of these new units were changed from existing infantry militia groups. Others were newly created. In 1877, the militia groups from Anglesey and Monmouthshire became Royal Engineers.

Changes in the Late 1800s

In 1881, Secretary of State for War Hugh Childers made some changes. The remaining militia infantry groups were renamed. They became numbered battalions (groups of soldiers) within the main army regiments. They were usually the 3rd and 4th battalions. Irish regiments often had three militia battalions (3rd to 5th).

It is important not to confuse the Militia with the volunteer groups that formed later in the 1800s. The Militia was seen as more for ordinary people. The Volunteer Force and the Yeomanry Cavalry were different. Volunteers could leave their group with two weeks' notice. Militia members had to serve for a set time. Also, volunteers had to pay for their own equipment. This meant that people with lower incomes usually could not join volunteer groups.

The Special Reserve

Recruitment poster for the Regular Army and the Special Reserve.

The Militia changed into the Special Reserve in 1908. This was part of the army changes made by Haldane. He was part of the Liberal government after 1906. The militia infantry battalions were renamed "reserve" battalions. Some were combined or stopped. New Territorial Force battalions were also formed from the volunteer units at the same time. In total, 101 infantry battalions, 33 artillery regiments, and two engineer regiments of special reservists were created.

When called up, the special reserve units would gather at their base. They would continue training and guard important places in Britain. The special reserve units stayed in Britain during the First World War. However, their soldiers did not. The main purpose of the special reserve was to send new soldiers to replace those fighting overseas. The original militiamen soon left, and the battalions became purely training units.

The Special Reserve was called the Militia again in 1921. Then it became the Supplementary Reserve in 1924. These units were mostly inactive until they were officially stopped in 1953.

The Militiamen of 1939

The term "militiaman" was used again for a short time in 1939. After the Munich Crisis, Leslie Hore-Belisha, who was in charge of the army, wanted to start a limited form of conscription. This meant forcing some people to join the army. This was very unusual during peacetime. It was thought that calling these conscripted men "militiamen" would make it more acceptable. It would make them seem different from the rest of the army.

Only single men aged 20 to 22 were to be conscripted. They were given a free civilian suit as well as a uniform. After six months of full-time training, they would be released into the reserve. The first group was called up. But the Second World War started soon after. The militiamen then became part of the rapidly growing army.

Modern Survivals

Two units in the British Army still use the militia name today. They are part of the Army Reserve. These are the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, which started in 1539. The other is the Jersey Field Squadron (The Royal Militia Island of Jersey), which began in 1337.

See also

• Fencibles