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The Norfolk Militia was formed under the Militia Act of 1757, replacing earlier less formal arrangements. From this date, better records were kept, and the men were selected by ballot to serve for longer periods. Proper uniforms and better weapons were provided, and the force was 'embodied' from time to time for training sessions. In 1758 the Earl of Orford put the "Act for the better regulating of the Militia" into execution. This set the number of men to serve in the militia in Norfolk at 960, with the city of Norwich providing 151. The Norfolk Militia was divided into the 1st Battalion Western Regiment of the Norfolk Militia (West Norfolk Militia) and the 2nd Battalion Eastern Regiment of the Norfolk Militia (East Norfolk Militia). Between 1797 and 1798 there was also a 3rd Battalion of the Norfolk Militia, but this was not re-raised in 1803.〔(Online Database of Early British Military Buttons )〕 The East Norfolk Militia was, jointly with the West Norfolk, the first regiment formed under the Bill of 1757, and was also recognised as the first to offer to "march wherever they might be most serviceable to the public defence." Consideration was given by King George II "that every mark of his Royal Favour should be shown to this Corps" and that they "should be distinguished by the title of Militia Royal".〔 page 289〕 ==History== On 4 June 1759 the Eastern Battalion was reviewed by the Earl of Orford on Magdalen Fairstead, just outside Norwich. The event was reported in the press, with the conduct of the men being praised and a statement that the unit was now able to be ready to march given 4 days notice. The establishment of the unit was given as 1 Colonel, 1 Lt. Colonel, 1 Major, 11 Captains, 11 Lieutenants, 8 Ensigns, 1 Adjutant, 24 Sergeants, 24 drummers and 466 rank and file.〔 page 23〕 On Wednesday 4 July 1759 both battalions began a march from Norwich to Portsmouth barracks, to accept orders from Major General Holmes. Marching via Beccles, Ipswich, Colchester, Islington, and Petersfield they arrived at Portsmouth on Tuesday 24 July. During the march, they were reviewed by King George II at Kensington Palace.〔 page 27〕 Due to the heat, the Militia divisions were setting off soon after midnight, but were described as being in good spirits. By August the divisions were alternately guarding prisoners of war or undergoing training exercises. The Militia moved around the country from this point, being quartered in Cirencester on 5 July 1760, but moving back to guard prisoners in Norfolk in July. On 28 May 1761 HM King George awarded the 2 Battalions of the Norfolk Militia with a ''Warrant for Colours''. In November the East Norfolk Militia was ordered to Fakenham, then to remain at Wells and Walsingham for the duration of the Fakenham Fair. In 1798 all of the officers and most of the rank and file volunteered themselves for service in Ireland. The Militia was disembodied at Great Yarmouth in 1814, and was not called out again until 1820. In 1853 the Norfolk Militia Artillery'' was formed from detatchments of West and East Norfolk Militia. 52 men transferred from the East Norfolk Militia. The Militia was presented with new colours on 16 May 1854, and these were still being carried in 1898.〔 page 108〕 these were presented at a public ceremony held on South Denes, Great Yarmouth that was attended by 10,000 persons, including civic dignitaries.〔 page 108〕 The day concluded with a ball held at the Town Hall, which had been decorated with the new colours, mirrors and stars formed of bayonets.〔 page 112〕 An order for the provision of Militia barracks at Great Yarmouth was made in 1853. In 1855 it was noted that the government intended to convert the arsenal at Yarmouth into barracks for the 2 field officers, 15 serjeants and 408 men of the East Norfolk Militia, with Great Yarmouth barracks having been converted into an Admiralty hospital.〔 page 121〕 In 1856, the East Norfolk Militia left Great Yarmouth by train, traveling for encampment at Colchester. At Colchester railway station they were met by the band of the Royal Essex Rifles. The strength at this time was recorded as 1 Major, 13 officers, 3 sergeants and 415 men.〔 page 127〕 On April 23 the units at Colchester, including the East Norfolk Militia, were reviewed by Prince Albert, but June 4 saw orders issued for the East Norfolk Militia to return to Great Yarmouth for disembodiment. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「East Norfolk Militia」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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