Photographs of the Royal Guernsey Militia, during
the reign of Queen Victoria.
The Royal militia of Guernsey is one of the most ancient military
organisations in the world; the law of "compulsory militia
service", which obtains in Guernsey, being, in fact, a survival of
the feudal system. Since the thirteenth century every male
inhabitant has been held liable to service in the island force, between
the ages of sixteen and sixty; though, at the present time, service in
the active militia is limited to ten annual trainings for privates, and
up to forty-five for other grades - after which militiamen are
transferred to the reserve.
In 1680, the Militia, consisting of thirteen companies, was formed in
one body, under the command of the Governor or his lieutenant, the
strength of the force being 1900 of all ranks; and in 1730 these
companies were divided into three regiment, styled, respectively, the
"East
2, "North", and "South". There was also, about
this time, a troop of horse raised by Lieut.-Governor Dollon, which was
subsequently replaced by a corps of Light Dragoons, the latter being
disbanded in 1835.
Until the middle of the eighteenth century there was no artillery
corps in Guernsey - the various batteries being manned, and the field
train served, by men selected from the Infantry Militia; but in July
1755, orders were issued by Sir John Mylne for the formation of two
companies of artillery. Between 1758 and 1780 two more companies
of gunners were added to the establishment; and during the latter year,
the four companies - which had hitherto been employed in the batteries -
were formed into a field artillery regiment, styled "The Royal
Guernsey Artillery Regiment", under Colonel Nicholas Dobree.
At the same time another infantry regiment was raised, and the Guernsey
Militia now consisted of :- the Royal Guernsey Artillery: Uniform, blue;
facings scarlet; lace, gold. The 1st (East or "Town")
regiment, red; facings, white; lace, gold. The 2nd (North), red;
facings, green; lace, gold. The 3rd (South), red; facings, blue;
lace, silver. the three country regiments were popularly known as
"Le Regiment Vert", "Le Regiment Bleu", and "Le
Regiment Noir", from the colour of their facings.
during the long war with France (1793-1815) the Guernsey Militia was
constantly on duty; furnishing guards and picquets (guet et surguet),
and earned the praise of the military authorities for the efficient
manner in which these duties were performed. During the war, the
2nd, 3rd, and 4th Regiments were made Light Infantry; a distinction
subsequently conferred on the 1st Regiment. Rifle companies were
also added to the establishment.
In January, 1831, William IV was pleased to order that the Guernsey
Militia "should be made Royal, and assume the distinctions
thereof". The establishment comprises the R.G. Artillery,
four position batteries and two garrison companies, and the 1st, 2nd and
3rd R G Light Infantry, each regiment consisting of six companies.
The artillery were armed with the Martini Metford carbine, the
infantry with the Lee-Metford Rifle. The uniform of the infantry
is scarlet, face with blue; the officers wear gold lace of special
pattern, with un leon-leoparde, passant regardant, as a collar
badge.
Original page from the Army and Navy
published 1897, this text accompanies the three images below
("Group of Officers", Group of Non-Commissioned Officers, and
"On Parade") for sale priced £15.
Reference
V4/18
