Stratford Mercenaries formed in January 1997 in London, England. Like most musicians, once inflicted with the virus for playing music, its difficult to cure, and the Stratford Mercenaries are not immune. The group includes ex-members of Dirt, Buzzcocks, SS Trolleys, Conflict, CRASS and Current 93, among others.

After forming, an initial tour of the U.S. was soon to follow in April 1997. While on tour, the group recorded a 7" single which was released on SMB. Appropriately entitled "Live in the U.S.", the 7" sold out of the initial 1000 pressing in 15 days.

Within a year, the Stratford Mercenaries were in Southern Studios recording their debut album "No Sighing Strains of Violins" with Penny Rimbaud as producer. With close links to John Loder from the Crass days, a deal was reached for the Stratford's albums to come out on Southern Records throughout the world. "No Sighing Strains of Violins" was released in June of 1998.

In the time since forming, the Stratford Mercenaries have completed 2 sell out tours of the USA, a 3 week tour in Europe, 2 weeks in Japan and a handful of appearances in the UK, playing both traditional, and DIY venues.

In early 1999, the band again recorded at Southern Studios, only this time with Tony Barber of the Buzzcocks as producer, and the addition of a keyboardist, Mariska. The Stratford Mercenaries plan on releasing the new album entitled "Sense of Solitude" in March 2000, in conjunction with a European tour.