Armagh(75th) Militia/68th foot Light Infantry

[boland]

Hi,
Can anyone help I have a gggrandfather who was a voluteer in the Armagh Regiment of Militia in 1855 who was released from his militia engagement for the purpose and upon the condition of his enlisting  into the 68th foot light infantry.
My question is :What was the Armagh (75th ) Militia and why would he only be released on condition of his enlisting in the 68th foot light infantry if he was originally a volunteer.

Any information would be appreciated

Angela

[km1971]

Hi Angela

He would have attested (ie taken an oath) to serve six years in the Militia. Recruits served about 8 weeks initial training and 6-8 week a year annual training. While they served they received pay as a regular soldier. If he wished to be discharged, without enlisting as a regular, it would have cost him £1-2 to purchase his discharge.

Part of the oath was agreeing to be 'embodied' - ie called out to serve full-time in the event of a war. Although, in Ireland, they were also used to 'assist the civil powers'. For which they also received payment.

Ken

[Jmama]

I have just noticed this post although dated back to 2011 and wondered if this lady inquiring could tell me where she found this information? My gggrandfather  David Lynas was also part of the Armagh Regiment of Militia in 1855 as stated on his marriage record.  Is it too late to enquire as to where I can find these records?

[km1971]

Angela only found out he was in the Armagh Militia because he later joined the Regular army, and was discharged to pension. And it is these records that have been kept.

Findmypast have a large number of Militia Attestation Papers but the date range they state is a bit bogus. Most are from c1880 to 1913. However you should look on Findmypast first.

After that you have the muster books for the Armagh Militia in the National Archives in Kew. But you will have to visit or pay a researcher, as they are not online.

WO 13/2619   Armagh   01/01/1823   31/12/1844
WO 13/2620   Armagh   01/01/1844   31/12/1856
WO 13/2621   Armagh   01/01/1856   31/12/1859
WO 13/2623   Armagh   01/01/1867   31/12/1872

Ken

[Jmama]

Hello Ken,

Thank you for your insight into this. I have been stuck on him ever since I have started. The only tangible evidence is his marriage certificate. I will have to join FindMyPast as I did realize that they seem to have the best resources for Military records. Three of his sons military records came from FindMyPast through a dear friend.

Regards,
Jan

[Jmama]

Hi Ken,

Do you think I will have better luck with the archives as FindMyPast doesn't have any Military records on David Lynas(or name variants). I am wondering if he would have participated in the Crimean War and if their would be a name list for that. What do you think?

Jan

[km1971]

Hi Jan

FindMyPast have the service records for the 19th Century. However Ancestry have the medal rolls. Some members on this site also have the Crimean rolls which were published on DVD before they went online. So I am sure someone can have a look for you.

Added..sorry I was confusing your information with the original request who transferred to the Regular army. The Militia did not go to the Crimea. Some Militias were embodied - made full-time - during the Crimean War to allow Regular regiments to serve there. The musters will tell you what happened to your man.

Ken

[Jmama]

Hi Ken,

Thanks again foryour insight. Will see if I can get a researcher to look up the musters for him! You have been a great help!

Cheers,
Jan