Rose, Castle and Crown: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s Citizen Soldiers

Patrick Crowley will tell the unique history of the part-time soldier of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, from the time of the militia, yeomanry, and volunteer, through to the Territorial Army and today’s Army Reserve, all placed within the wider context of the British Army’s history.

For centuries, the country has defended its shores with a mixture of regular and auxiliary soldiers, but little has been written about the latter, particularly in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. All military volunteers, throughout history, have had to balance the requirement of their service with family demands and their main civilian employment. This is their story.