Military in Essex
Essex has a long history of association with the military, based upon its proximity to the ancient Roman capital of Colchester followed by that of London and of course its proximity to Europe making it a likely landing place from invasions from enemies like the Vikings on to opponents in wars ranging from Holland, Spain, France and Germany.
For the above reasons there was a major army garrison at Colchester with barracks at Weeley, Clacton and Debden, Naval bases at Harwich and Purfleet, Airfields at Stow Maries and many other locations with a major artillery base at Shoeburyness and of course at times of actual or threatened war smaller bases and encampments sprung up all over Essex.
For the family historian, researching the major bases is possible but many of the smaller bases have disappeared with very little trace today.
The Essex Regiment, Essex Yeomanry and Essex Militia are covered in other pages on this site but clicking on the links below will help to find out other information about the military in Essex.
Essex Men who died in Afghanistan & Iraq 2001-2014
Essex Branch Western Front Association
Military Sites in Essex that are still standing
Military sites in Essex for which the military structures no longer exist
Battles & Military Events in Essex
