Landstorm

Landstorm (plural landstormen) was a form of militia (see Landsturm) and territorial defence force created in Sweden in 1885.

It consisted of all conscripts who had completed their service, generally men between 33 and 40 years of age, as well as a smaller number immediately transferred there.

The landstorm was first raised in time of war, in the parts of the country most threatened by the enemy, and organized according to existing conditions and provided with commanders based on advice and quarters.

In Sweden, since ancient times, every man fit for military service has been used to take up arms and participate in the defence of the kingdom when the enemy threatened or ravaged the country, upon the call of the King.

The 19th century's efforts to rearrange the Swedish military order based on conscription led to the need for a fixed landstorm organization.

Under the Defence Act of 1925, the landstorm continued to be formed by the eight oldest classes (35-42 years of age), but no peacetime training occurred.

The landstorm badge, affixed to the front of the cap (model 1905), consisted of an enameled circular metal plate (3.3 cm) with a blue field and a yellow Greek cross on it.