The second establishment of the militia was as a compulsory service for the entire Maltese male population while the island was a British crown colony.

[1] Pigot wanted to build up the former National Congress Battalions, an irregular military which had been partially trained by the British, into a militia based on that already in existence in Britain.

[2] Simultaneously, two companies of coastal artillerymen were set up to form the Maltese Militia Coast Artillery.

[1] The men were armed with muskets and bayonets, and their uniforms consisted of a cotton jacket and trousers, and a leather shako with a red sash.

The men did not receive any pay or allowances for being part of the militia, and its establishment was met with strong opposition and resentment among the Maltese.