How were Catholics treated while serving in British forces during this period?
Short answerFormal restrictions existed, but many commanders pragmatically ignored them when Catholic, especially Irish, personnel were essential to their crews and regiments.
NotesCatholics faced formal restrictions, but the largest Catholic population available to British forces was Irish and could provide a substantial share of a ship's company or regiment. Enforcement depended heavily on the officers and operational context. A commander who persecuted reliable personnel risked weakening his own unit for little military benefit. Discriminatory regulations issued by Parliament could therefore be applied selectively by working armed forces.