British Militia records go online

Records of the men how served in the British militia have been put online for the first time.

The militia was the forerunner of the British Territorial Army and the records have been put online to coincide with British Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

There are now over half a million Militia Service Records online at Findmypast, covering 1806 to 1915, providing a glimpse into the lives of men who held everyday jobs but who were prepared to fight when called on.

They also portray what the men looked like, detailing the height, weight, chest size, complexion, eye colour, hair colour and distinctive marks of each recruit. For example on Albert Smith, born in India, was recorded as having teeth that were "defective but enough for mastication".

William Spencer, principal military records specialist at The National Archives, said: "It took a certain kind of individual to leave a day job as a blacksmith, labourer or barman and enlist as a part time soldier in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although the majority never left British shores, many saw active service with the regular army in places such as South Africa during the Second Boer War."

Like its modern equivalent, the Territorial Army, the pre-World War II militia offered benefits for former soldiers and civilians. They could get a break from humdrum jobs while earning and enjoying the comradeship of the services; typically the recruits included shoemakers, woodchoppers, butchers, bakers, coal miners and millers.

The men of the militia took part in military exercises and on occasions fought for their country. In the 19th and early 20th centuries. The records show that the militia during that period came not only from the UK itself, but also from around the world. Some recruits had been born in Italy, Ceylon, South Africa and even as far away as Australia and New Zealand.

Debra Chatfield of Findmypast said:" These records provide rich insight into our past and show how the everyday man, such as your local shopkeeper, found himself fighting for his country.

"In the absence of photographs, these records can help you imagine what your ancestors looked like, containing details that are largely unavailable elsewhere. Our easy-to-use website means you can unearth even more fascinating and detailed information about your ancestors at the click of a mouse."

The Militia Service Records are the only set of their kind available online and have been published in association with The National Archives and in partnership with Family Search.