Robust, active, and good looking – 100th Regiment of Foot

The 100th Regiment of Foot formed during the Napoleonic Wars in 1804. Most of the men in the regiment were raised in Ireland from a Protestant background. The regiment’s commander, John Murray, joined the regiment shortly after it was formed, remaining with the regiment for most of its service.

By 1805 the 100th was sent to Nova Scotia were they remained until being sent to Quebec in 1807. Colonel Isaac Brock wrote a letter to the adjutant-general of the Crown Forces in 1807 reporting on the state of the 100th Regiment in Canada. The colonel had high praise for the men, writing that they were very well behaved and wrote that, “The men were principally raised in the north of Ireland, and are nearly all Protestants; they are robust, active, and good looking.” Brock also had high praise for Colonel Murray and Brock wrote about Murray to his brother in 1811 noting, “Colonel Murray, 100th, went home last year, married, and brought out a charming little creature, full of good sense and spirit.” Clearly, Brock approved of the colonel’s wife as well.

Private and officer, 100th Regiment of Foot

During the War of 1812, the regiment served in various areas and in December 1813, the whole regiment participated in the Capture of Fort Niagara. The regiment’s participation guaranteed prize money for officers and men since a large quantity of military and civilian goods were captured. Later in December, the 100th participated in the raids on Buffalo and Black Rock.

In 1814, the 100th fought at the Battle of Chippawa where they received a number of casualties since they were leading in the centre of the line of infantry. Later on in 1814, the men fought at the Siege of Fort Erie. For their service, the 100th regiment was awarded the battle honour Niagara.

After the war, many soldiers in the 100th accepted land grants in Canada, many near modern-day Ottawa. A later 100th regiment was raised in Canada in 1858 and was eventually declared the successor to the original 100th regiment. The new 100th regiment was amalgamated into another regiment in 1881 and finally disbanded in 1922.

If you want to find about more about the 100th Regiment of Foot, check out the re-enactor website by clicking here.