| Dorset Militia 3rd Battalion, Dorset Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1558–1953 |
| Country |  England (1558–1707) Kingdom of Great Britain (1707–1800) United Kingdom (1801–1953) |
| Branch |  Militia/Special Reserve |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Battalion |
| Garrison/HQ | The Keep, Dorchester |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Thomas Strangways George Pitt, 1st Baron Rivers Edward Digby, 2nd Earl Digby |
The Dorset Militia was an auxiliary[a] military force in the county of Dorsetshire[b] in South West England. From their formal organisation as Trained Bands in 1558 until their final service as the Special Reserve, the Militia regiments of the county carried out internal security and home defence duties. They saw active service during the Second Bishops' War and the English Civil War, and played a prominent part in suppressing the Monmouth Rebellion. After being the first English militia regiment to reform in 1758, they served in home defence in all of Britain's major wars, including service in Ireland, and finally trained thousands of reinforcements during World War I. After a shadowy postwar existence they were formally disbanded in 1953.
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