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Old 03-10-21, 05:13 PM
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TomPC TomPC is offline
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Default Did Militia badges change in 1908 Haldane Reforms?

Hi Chaps,

Just before the Haldane Reforms of 1908, the Militia existed as battalions of regular regiments*, for example the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

After the Haldane Reforms the militia was abolished (temporarily, as it turned out) and an entirely new force, the Special Reserve, was created (with a new liability for overseas service). Only about 60% of militiamen joined the new force.

So now our 3rd (Militia) Battalion became the 3rd (Reserve) [or (Special Reserve)] Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Was there a wholesale altering of badges around this time, or did Special Reserve Battalions just crack on with the same militia badges?

Thanks,

Tom

*There were some exceptions overseas (eg Bermuda Militia) and in the Channel Islands
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Old 03-10-21, 06:03 PM
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manchesters manchesters is offline
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Very few Militia Battalions had different cap badges to their Regular Battalions and those that did usually had reversed metals, such as the example you have quoted in the East Lancs.

The problem that that creates when looking at black and white photos of the period, say 1902 -1914 covering the Militia and Special Reserve, is that you cant tell them apart.

My best guess would be that if a Militia Bn had a different cap badge then it would continue wearing it after 1.4.1908 but that no more would be made and so as new men joined they would get a standard cap badge.

regards
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Old 03-10-21, 07:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by manchesters View Post
Very few Militia Battalions had different cap badges to their Regular Battalions and those that did usually had reversed metals, such as the example you have quoted in the East Lancs.

The problem that that creates when looking at black and white photos of the period, say 1902 -1914 covering the Militia and Special Reserve, is that you cant tell them apart.

My best guess would be that if a Militia Bn had a different cap badge then it would continue wearing it after 1.4.1908 but that no more would be made and so as new men joined they would get a standard cap badge.

regards
Thanks, Simon. It's the reversing of metals that led me to ask the question. K&K state that the badge in question (3 E Lancs) was worn in the forage cap 1902-1914. I'm wondering what happened to the badge next.

T
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