Camp Followers Flashcards
Who were camp followers?
People with no official role in the army who chose to follow the army on campaign eg relations, prostitutes etc
What were the rules and allocation for travelling wives in the Peninsular Wars?
6 wives per company for lower ranks, selection made by ballot. Subject to army rules and regulations.
What were the rules for officers wives?
Only allowed to marry with permission of commanding officer, but no restriction on the wives then following their husbands.
Who followed the camp unofficially?
Wives and children not selected by allot or local women who had formed relationships with soldiers. Had to make their own campaign. Didn’t receive rations or tents to sleep in from the army so had to fend for themselves.
Why did women choose to follow their husbands?
May have ended up going to a workhouse if they remained at home. There were also difficulties with sending money home, and some women didn’t trust their husbands not to spend it eg on drink due to recruitment of alcoholics or petty criminals. Women had few rights independent of a husband so given security by following.
Ancillary services
Provision of services from camp followers (not under control/ organisation of the army) eg medical care, catering and servicing neglected by authorities.
Why were camp followers required to provide medical services?
Professionalism of military medical care evolved slowly. Prior to Crimean, provided by bands men as stretcher bearers and surgeon attached to each battalion. Attracted worse surgeons: army jobs were unattractive. Many wives/ women however knew folk remedies eg Mary Seacole
Why did women perform culinary services?
Army rations included bread, meat, alcohol etc and soldiers were expected to cook for themself. Gender roles meant soldiers allocated culinary provision to their wives.
What three ancillary services did camp followers tend to provide?
- Nursing
- Culinary services
- Repair of uniforms
