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Museum Web Trail > Marriage > Marriage 'Off the Strength'
Marriage: 'Off the Strength'

During the 18th and 19th centuries the army discouraged soldiers from marrying. The soldier's loyalty had to be to his regiment and not to a wife and children. Men had to ask permission to marry. About 6 out of every 100 soldiers were allowed to do so. These were mostly sergeants. Women who married soldiers without permission were said to be 'off the strength'. The husband was treated as if he were single and his wife and children were ignored by the army.

bullet point Marriage: Introduction
bullet point Marriage: 'Off the Strength'
bullet point Marriage: 'On the Strength'
bullet point Marriage: Overseas Service
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