Birmingham Rifles
| Birmingham Rifles | |
|---|---|
| Active | 20 October 1859 – 1 May 1961 |
| Country |
 United Kingdom
|
| Branch |
 Territorial Army
|
| Role |
Infantry Air Defence Anti-Tank |
| Garrison/HQ | Birmingham |
| Engagements | First World War: Western Front Italian Front Second World War: Blitz Burma Campaign |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
William Gell |
The Birmingham Rifles, was a volunteer unit of the British Army founded in Birmingham in 1859. As the 5th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, it served as infantry on the Western Front and in Italy during the First World War. Its successor units served in air defence during the early part of the Second World War, and later as anti-tank gunners in Burma.
The enthusiasm for the Volunteer movement following an invasion scare in 1859 saw the creation of many Rifle Volunteer Corps (RVCs) composed of part-time soldiers eager to supplement the Regular British Army in time of need. One such unit was the 1st (Birmingham Rifles) Warwickshire RVC, formed on 20 October 1859, with Lt-Col John Sanders, late of the 41st Bengal Native Infantry, in command. In March the following year it absorbed two other Birmingham-based units, the 3rd Warwickshire RVC raised on 8 November 1859, and the 6th raised on 8 February 1860. Further companies were raised, and the unit soon reached a strength of 12 companies, one recruited from newspaper workers, one from gunmakers, and another from Scots residents in the city. A cadet corps of the battalion existed at King Edward's School from 1864 to 1866, and again from 1883 to 1884. At first the uniform was grey with green facings, then Rifle green with red facings. The headquarters and drill hall was at Thorpe Street, Birmingham.
On 14 June 1871, retired Major-General John Hinde, CB, (1814–81) formerly of the 8th Foot, was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of the Birmingham Rifles. On 4 March 1882 he was succeeded by Colonel William Jervis, late of the Royal Munster Fusiliers, and one of the founders of Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
...
Wikipedia