Royal Guernsey Militia

Royal Guernsey Militia
Badge of the Royal Guernsey
Active1337–1946
Disbanded1951
Country United Kingdom
AllegianceThe British Crown
BranchBritish Army
TypeMilitia (United Kingdom)
RoleInfantry and coastal artillery
Sizemax 5,000
Garrison/HQGuernsey
Mascot(s)Donkey
EngagementsThe Great War.
Battle honoursYpres 1916
Passchendaele
Cambrai 1917
Lys
Estaires
Hazebrouck
France and Flanders 1917–18.

The Royal Guernsey Militia has a history dating back 800 years. Always loyal to the British Crown, the men were unpaid volunteers whose wish was to defend the Island of Guernsey from foreign invaders.

Militias were also created in the Bailiwick islands of Alderney and Sark as well as in Jersey.

The commander of all military forces in Guernsey has always been appointed by the Crown, originally Wardens or Keepers, sometimes using the title Captain or Governor. Later becoming known as the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey.