Unidentified Officer, Militia, 1775 (c)

Oil on canvas, artist unknown, 1775 (c).

During the 18th century militia units were responsible for home defence and maintaining law and order in vulnerable locations such as Ireland and the south coast of England. Militia units did not have to serve overseas, but they were seen as a useful reserve of trained men. Bounties were offered to militiamen who exchanged into the regular Army for overseas service.