24th July 1203
The Royal Militia of Jersey is formed
King John decreed that each Channel Island must gather sufficient men and money to defend itself from invasion and, on 24 July, plans were laid for a local militia that could take care of Jersey. After all, it was unlikely a force from the mainland would be able to reach the Channel Islands quicker than an invading army from France.
Although the Militia itself wasn’t formed on that day, it can trace its routes back to King John’s proclamation. It has been through various guises over the years but, in 1337 its existence as a militia was formalised, and it remained as such until 1946, despite leaving the island in 1939 prior to the Occupation. Although suspended after the war, it was re-formed as a Territorial Army regiment in 1987 and, in 2007, incorporated into the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers.
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Other events that occured in July
King George V visits Jersey
- Jersey pulled out all the stops to welcome the King, Queen Mary and Princess Mary when they visited the island in 1921.
- Read more…
Author and actor Anthony Faramus is born
- Anthony Faramus, who became an author and actor, was working as a hairdresser in St Helier when arrested early in the occupation.
- Read more…
Triple Cross opens in cinemas
- Triple Cross tells the story of Eddie Chapman who was arrested in Jersey during the occupation and became a triple agent.
- Read more…
Jersey Football Association is established
- Jersey FA was founded at the headquarters of the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society in July 1905.
- Read more…