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Suffolk Fencibles

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Alan

Alan Report 17 Sep 2025 14:30

Does anybody have any knowledge regarding the Suffolk Fencibles. I have an ancestor who joined the 10th Light Infantry (Hussars) in March 1800, having previously been a member of the Suffolk Fencibles. I know that a bounty was offered to those who were part of the County militia on becoming a member of the British Army. My ancestor served in the Peninsular Wars until February 1815,then being discharged from duty on health grounds from Hillsea Hospital. The County Militia were formed throughout the country to defend us from possible French invasion and, also from the fear of a revolution happening here as in France. I am certain that my ancestor was part of the Suffolk Fencibles because, I personally saw the entry in the Muster Rolls at Kew some years ago with the insertion 'Suffolk Fens'. I have assumed my ancestor was Suffolk born because he appears to have joined the Militia at a young age, and it was the custom for the younger male members of the farming community to join such organisations as a Militia to boost family income in what could only be described rather uncertain income from farming.

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 17 Sep 2025 14:46

I suppose we can assume that you have googled?

Would you care to post his name and birth year...........also the name of his spouse, if he married.

GOOGLED

The "Suffolk Fencibles" were temporary units of home-service soldiers (fencibles) established in the county of Suffolk during times of war, primarily in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, to defend the UK and free up regular army units for offensive operations overseas. These units, recruited locally and commanded by regular officers, performed duties such as garrisoning towns and guarding military assets. While most were disbanded once the threat of invasion passed, some fencible regiments could volunteer for overseas service. ETC ETC..............................

ALSO

https://www.napoleon-series.org/military-info/organization/fencibles/c_fencibles2.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_fencible_regiments

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 17 Sep 2025 14:50

https://www.askaboutireland.ie/learning-zone/secondary-students/history/1798%20Rebellion%20in%20Ireland/1798-rebellion-in-co.-kil/mary-leadbeater-annals-of/military-excesses/

Jink20

Jink20 Report 18 Sep 2025 16:38

National Army Museum has a guest speaker on 5th December 2025. Watch online or book to attend. FREE but booking required.

The Fencible Regiments in Britain and Ireland, 1793-1802

https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/fencible-regiments-britain-and-ireland-1793-1802

Jink20

Jink20 Report 18 Sep 2025 16:44

If your relative was an Officer then you may find this useful

List of the Officers of the Several Regiments and Corps of Fencible Cavalry and Infantry: Of the Officers of the Militia; of the Corps and Troops of Gentlemen and Yeomanry : and of the Corps and Companies of Volunteer Infantry [1795, British Army]

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https://archive.org/details/listofficersfenciblecavinf1795