Suspect that this may have been a device rather than a requirement. First Boer War and also engagements in Egypt? In a message dated 13/04/2011 20:15:38 GMT Daylight Time, bryanrichards@btinternet.com writes: John Murphy born 1855 Swansea Wales joined as a fireman on the Steam Ship Lady Bertha ON.70513 of Swansea at Swansea on the 2nd Dec 1881, previous ship was the Berlin of London. On arrival at Cette France 29th April 1882 discharged by the British Consul on the grounds that he belongs to the Militia and ordered home to join his regiment at Swansea. Bryan www.swanseamariners.org.uk ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MARINERS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Bryan, Andy I cannot remember where I read it [rootsweb military list, perhaps?] but militiamen were not permitted to join the navy, marines or go to sea as seamen. It was a punishable offence for those caught doing so. Militiamen were supposed to be available at all times for home defence. HTH Regards, Iain Rogers, Hong Kong ----- Original Message ----- From: <AndyCAdams@aol.com> To: <bryanrichards@btinternet.com>; <Mariners-L@rootsweb.com> > Suspect that this may have been a device rather than a requirement. First > Boer War and also engagements in Egypt? > > In a message dated 13/04/2011 20:15:38 GMT Daylight Time, > bryanrichards@btinternet.com writes: > > John Murphy born 1855 Swansea Wales joined as a fireman on the Steam Ship > Lady Bertha ON.70513 of Swansea at Swansea on the > 2nd Dec 1881, previous ship was the Berlin of London. On arrival at > Cette > France 29th April 1882 discharged by the British Consul on the grounds > that he belongs to the Militia and ordered home to join his regiment at > Swansea. >