The Home Front Flashcards
When was there a threat of a French invasion?
1793-1814
What was the militia?
Part time and not eligible for foreign service, performed useful duties during war and served as base to recruit regulars.
What were the cavalry militia called?
‘Fencibles’ or ‘yeomanry’
What were the fencibles?
Temporary units that couldn’t be sent abroad by terms of their enlistment. Popular in 1790s.
Why were most fencibles disbanded?
Following the Peace of Amiens in 1802
After 1803, who were most of the militia units undertaken by?
yeomanry (part time soldiers)
What was the main role of the cavalry militia?
To control civil unrest, allowing regular units to serve abroad with the army.
What could infantry units be styled as?
fencibles, militia or volunteers
How were the infantry on the home front recruited?
Each county given a quota. Given garrison duty away from home to prevent conflicting loyalties when suppressing unrest.
Who were initially units financed by in the 1790s?
Private wealthy individuals or popular subscription (which MP for Shrewsbury contributed £5,000.
When was government money made available to units?
After 1803, under certain conditions that so many days training was undertaken throughout the year.
How many were in he reserves by the end of 1803?
380,000 men
What happened to the local units following defeat of Napoleon in 1815?
Either disbanded, or continued and provided a policing role eg Peterloo Massacre killing 11. People questioned relevance of reservists, especially when civilian police force was introduced in 1829.
Which act made reservists a more structured part of the nation’s defence?
The Militia Act in 1852, which provided for a militia force of 80,000 men to be enlisted voluntarily or by ballot. Militia formed recognised part of home defence in peacetime as well as during war.
What was the Militia Act 1852 in response to?
Fear of French invasion and lack of planning for this by military.
