War having broken out with Russia in 1854 and an expeditionary force sent to the Crimea, the Militia were called out for home defence. The 2nd Devon Militia was embodied from 31 May 1854 to 10 June 1856. Unlike the other Devon units, the regiment was also embodied from 9 November 1857 to 14 May 1858 during the Indian mutiny. Thereafter the militia carried out their annual training regularly.