Sea Fencibles – Napoleonic - Norfolk

[Geebs]

Does anyone have access to or a copy of Defence of the Realm index SEA FENCIBLES 1803-1810?
I am particularly interested in the NORFOLK/SUFFOLK coast.

Looking particularly at Yarmouth/Gorleston

For BALLS/MARTINS/CALF(and spelling variants)/WATERS

[Geoffers]

Sorry I cannot help with the index, but you can check for at least some fencibles using TNA's catalogue

In the word or phrase field just enter 'Norfolk fencibles' and see what hits you get, they should be from WO119, WO121, WO97 for those who served in the fencibles and some other army unit.

Try the same for 'suffolk fencibles'

You can search using names, e.g. just type - balls AND fencible

It won't give you the complete answer, but is at least something to do whilst waiting for the tea to brew.

If you find any useful records with the prefix WO97, you will be able to view the service record on the pay-per-view site 'findmypast'.

The specific book you mention appears to be available at a reasonable price via an online auction site.

[Geebs]

Hi Geoffers

Most of what you've said there refer to army pensioners. The WO97 hint is quite useful for chelsea pensioners.

I am looking for SEA Fensibles, a costal defence force who were a bit like a "Dad's Navy". They did not nesscesarily join full military service. In fact some signed up for this in order to avoid it or avoid prosecution for smuggling.
The TNA cat no. for that is ADM28 and ADM11. No breakdown shown.

In the meantime I have ordered SEA FENCIBLES NORFOLK COAST 1798-1810
I will make results available here for any requestors

[helachau]

"Dad's Navy" - The House of Commons, Friday December 9th, 1803. An Honourable Member is attacking the Govt's failure to build more Martello Towers (at £1,000 a touch) to defend these shores BUT, he declares -
"Instead of this, what have the Government done? They have recurred the principle of Sea Fencibles: they have armed a parcel of fishermen on the coast with pikes; for the pike (as the Honourable Gentlemen has officially told us) is a formidable weapon in the hands of a bold and noble Briton.
Sir, this mode of defence but ill accords with my ideas of a bold and noble Briton; it is not consistent with that impression which I have of the gallantry of my countrymen: it conveys to my mind the idea of a Master Fribble in the play, pushing off the enemy with bodkins and knitting needles ((a laugh). I will not deny that the employment of the Sea Fencibles may be useful in many instances but....."

[Geebs]

Dear all - Thanks for your contributions.

I now have a copy of Sea Fencibles 1803-1810 Volume 9. Norfolk Coast - Usefully compiled by Jennifer Killick.

They were paid a shilling a week to be exercised once a month - not bad?