August 2009
Sackets Harbour Aug 1 & 2, 2009
The Incorporated Militia along with representatives of the Royal Scots, The Glengarry Light Infantry and the 49th Regiment ventured to the Battlefield in Sackets Harbour new York for their annual 1812 weekend. We would like to thank our gracious hosts for a very good weekend. They even managed to hold off the rain for most of it - not an easy feat this summer!
LINK - Sacket's Harbour Battlefield Alliance
Old Fort Erie Aug 8 & 9, 2008
The Siege of Fort Erie, 2009 proved to be one of the best attended events of the year, both the the Incorporated Militia and the other War of 1812 regiments. We almost stayed dry. Weather Friday and Saturday cooperated. The pyro-techniques this year were spectacular, making this event a definite must see. Unfortunately on Sunday, the storm clouds rolled in and the final battle had to be cancelled.
LINK - Fort Erie
Beaverton Invaded Aug 15 & 16, 2009
A "What if?" look at Beaverton on its 125th anniversary.
Beaverton is likely typical of the early settlements built along the waterways that were the highways of Ontario's early years. But, what if Beaverton were located on Lake Erie?
In the spring of 1814, settlements on Upper Canada's Lake Erie shores were worried about topsails on the horizon. Late in 1813, Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry, US Navy, led a small scratch built fleet of warships against a similar flotilla of British vessels led by Commander Robert Barclay, Royal Navy, and defeated them decisively, capturing all the British ships in the bargain. After that, US mastery of the upper lakes was barely challenged.
Even the previous spring and summer, the town of York (now the city of Toronto) was twice captured by US forces. However RN forces on Lake Ontario continued to dispute the US Navy flotilla and raids against lower lake settlements were rare.
Not so those quiet towns and villages on Erie's shores as Brigadier Duncan MacArthur, US Army (the direct ancestor of WWII's famous Douglas MacArthur), led raid after raid in efforts to destroy Ontario's capacity to resist the annexation planned by the War Hawks in Washington during the War of 1812.
Needless to say, their desires were foiled, not least by the resistance of the local populace who organized into militia companies and who were bolstered by British troops and First Nations' warriors.
MacLachlan's/US 25th Infantry, the Lake Simcoe Squadron, the Incorporated Militia and other re-enactment groups involved are dedicated to showing the public the elements of that struggle for survival from which emerged the concept of the Dominion of Canada. We are pleased to be able to demonstrate the tactics of that conflict as well as show how an army on campaign would function, both as bachelor soldiers and family men, living under canvas, cooking on open fires, and enjoying simpler pleasures when opportunity allowed.
Spring 1814: Beaverton has been selected by the invasion planners as a likely target for a raid by amphibious forces of the United States. While private property will be respected (The US does not make war on civilians), material that is deemed useful to prosecuting the war by British interests is to be destroyed, including grain, livestock, blankets, arms, and factories such as smithies and mills.
Summer 1814: The raiding force will be assembled and is to arrive off Beaverton's port facilities no later than Friday August 14. It is not anticipated that any resistance will be met but a sufficient force will be available to secure the village and an assessment of Beaverton's suitability as a headquarters for an inland invasion is to be made.
The force will consist of elements of the 25th Infantry Regiment and the 1st Regiment of Rifles as well as a party of sailors to be utilized as the commander sees fit but may find employment on shore as artillerists.
If the commanding officer believes there are sufficient facilities at Beaverton (which may include locals sympathetic to liberation), then plans should be made for a body of soldiers to be stationed here. Otherwise, destruction of goods deigned to be useful to the British cause, are to be taken or destroyed to prevent their use by the enemy.
All this is to be completed by week's end for it is believed that it will require that time or more for the enemy to respond and send a superior force to dispute the occupation.
LINK - Beaverton
Uxbridge Heritage Fair Aug 22 & 23
Again this year the Incorporated Militia has been invited to participate in the 2009 Uxbridge Heritage Fair at the Uxbridge Scott Museum grounds. This annual event has proven to be one of our favourites as it allows god time to interact with the public and explain a major part of Canada's early history.
LINK - Uxbridge Historical Centre
LINK - Uxbridge-Scott Museum
Willowbank House - Queenston Heights Aug 29, 30
A couple of years ago, The Incorporated Militia, along with other Canadian 1812 regiments (Glengarry Light Infantry, Norfolk Militia) participated in a Canadian militia Muster at Willowbank House in Queenston Heights. We were invited back this year.
This weekend represented a militia call up, with drill, weapon demonstrations and tactical situations. On Sunday a walking tour of the Battle of Queenston Heights was conducted by our own Richard Feltoe, showing where his research has indicated the different regiments and personalities were positioned during the battle.
Members of the Glengarry Light Infantry and the 1st Lincoln gun crew were also in attendance.
The Incorporated Militia has an attachment to Willowbank House, as its original owner Mr. Hamilton, was a lieutenant in Captain Kirby's 1sy company of the original IMUC, raised in 1813.
LINK - Willowbank Militia Muster
LINK - MyCompass Article - Willowbank's Legacy
This site is one of the Upper Canadian Heritage Websites. IMUC.ORG and this site are under the ownership of the Military Re-Enactment Society of Canada - The Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada (War of 1812 Re-Enactors) and all information, unless otherwise documented, is under the ownership of said group. If you wish to use any images or information on this page, please contact paulkelly@uppercanadianheritage.com and make your request. Students and non-profit organizations wishing to use the information can do so without permission provided proper credit is given to the Military Re-Enactment Society of Canada and/or IMUC.ORG.
© 2004 - Military Re-Enactment Society of Canada
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