Millbay Barracks, Plymouth

[Aalandjana]

Has anybody got any information about Millbay Barracks in Plymouth. My ancestor John Lambert (Middleton) was stationed there in 1901.
Any help appreciated.

Allan

[pwenlock]

Hi Allan

The barracks were built circa 1794 to house prisoners of war. In the 1870's it was the Headquarters of the 2nd Devon Volunteer Corps & a large drill hall was built on the site.

The photo is of the large wall that used to run around the outside perimeter of the barracks in West Hoe Road.

Regards
Paul

[Aalandjana]

Thanks a lot for the info. Would that mean that if my ancestor was stationed there in 1901 that he was in that regiment? Where could I find more about the 2nd Devon Volunteer Corps?

Thanks

Allan

[pwenlock]

I'll have a dig around for you Allan. I just wonder if he was in the Marines!
Have you tried a search of service records at the NA?

[Aalandjana]

My great uncle John George Lambert (Middleton) - he used both names - was in 1901 census in Millbay Barracks, Plymouth, 18 years old and his occupation was gunner as were most of the lads on the page, apart from one who was acting bombardier and another who was soldier, gunner, then some letters I can't read, finishing with W D RGA - I don't know if any of this helps.

His two brothers William Lambert Middleton and Bertie Lambert Middleton were in the navy. William as the oldest brother joined in 1897 on his 18th birthday and Bertie joined in 1902, when I suspect he was only 16. So there is a strong connection with the navy in the family, but I haven't found John George's Naval Records on NA website - only William's and Bertie's, which would confirm that he was in the army rather than navy.

Thank you for your help

Allan

[whoami]

My grandfather was also stationed at Millbay Barracks Plymouth in 1901 census as a gunner. I am really confused as it looks as if they were in the Royal Garrison Artillery (i think) - could anyone tell me whether that would have been the Army or the Royal Marines? (and indeed whetehr they were stationed at Millbay in 1901)
My grandfather went on to be in the RNAS in 1917 and then to the RAF so I feel it was unlikely to be army in 1901. I would really like to know as am trying to piece together a completely unknown part of his life - I always thought he was just a publican at that time!