LONDON , ( PRNewswire/) -- Findmypast.co.uk, the leading family history website, has published the records of over half a million men who served in the British militia, the precursor to the UK's Territorial Army. The Militia Attestation Papers, covering 1806 to 1915, were made available online for the first time to coincide with British Armed Forces Day on 25 June 2011 . The records colourfully portray what the British militia looked like, detailing the height, weight, chest size, complexion, eye colour, hair colour and distinctive marks of each recruit. Arthur Wilson's distinguishing marks included an acrobat and dots tattooed on his left forearm. Similarly, Albert Smith , born in India , was recorded as having teeth that were 'defective but enough for mastication'. Debra Chatfield , marketing manager at findmypast.co.uk, commented: "These records provide rich insight into our past and show how the everyday man, such as your local shopkeeper, found himself ...
by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman