Records of the Scottish Volunteer Force 1859-1908 - Complete Unit

In this review of Records of the Scottish Volunteer Force 1859-1908 the author provides a comprehensive reference for historians and enthusiasts interested in Scotland's volunteer military tradition. The book's biggest strength is its thorough recording of every unit raised between 1859 and the 1908 reorganisation, making it the go-to volume for researchers who need precise service dates, unit types and organisational detail. This review highlights why the work is useful as a research tool rather than a light read.

Key Features

• Complete unit listings: The book gives detailed records of all Scottish Volunteer units raised from 1859 to 1908, supplying service dates and unit identities useful for academic research.
• Historical context: It examines the political reasons for establishing the Volunteers, helping readers understand the wider motives behind the force's creation.
• Personnel insight: The narrative discusses the nature of the men who enrolled, adding social context to the organisational facts.
• Equipment and dress: The work describes Volunteer weapons, uniforms and kit, which benefits reenactors and museum curators seeking accurate period detail.
• Special formations covered: The book looks at the formation of engineers, mounted infantry and garrison artillery volunteers, rounding out the complete picture of the force.

Who It's For

This volume is ideal for military historians, local historians in Scotland and genealogists tracing ancestors who served in volunteer units, because it compiles unit-level records and contextual history in one place. The strong emphasis on dates, unit types and kit details makes it particularly valuable for academic citation and reference.

Those looking for a narrative battlefield history or a general introduction to British military reforms may want a more thematic or broad survey instead, since this book concentrates on unit records and organisational detail rather than campaign storytelling.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive record of units and dates provides a dependable reference for research.
• Contextual chapters on political motives and the composition of volunteers enrich the factual listings.
• Details on weapons, uniforms and kit supply practical information for reenactors and collections care.

Cons

• The focus on records and organisation means the book is more reference oriented and less suitable for casual reading.

Specifications

Title	Records of the Scottish Volunteer Force 1859-1908
Author	J. M. Grierson
Scope	History and records of Scottish Volunteer units 1859-1908
Content focus	Unit service dates, formations, weapons, uniforms and kit
Included formations	Light cavalry, mounted infantry, engineers and garrison artillery volunteers
Coverage end date	Reorganisation into the Territorial Force in 1908

Our Verdict

Records of the Scottish Volunteer Force 1859-1908 is an authoritative and well-structured reference for anyone researching Scottish volunteer units. It is good value for historians and genealogists who need precise unit records and contextual detail, although readers seeking narrative military history should look for a more chronological campaign account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book list every Scottish Volunteer unit?
Yes, the book gives records of all units raised between 1859 and 1908 with dates of service and unit types.

Does it include information on uniforms and weapons?
Yes, there are sections describing the Volunteers weapons, uniforms and kit to aid identification and research.

Is this book suitable for casual readers?
It is primarily a reference work, so casual readers may find it dense; it best serves researchers and enthusiasts seeking detailed records.