Army Nurses

Both American and British soldiers were permitted to have wives and children attached to the regiment but the commanding officer limited the number of dependents. Women attached to the army were expected to contribute by working or she could be turned out of the regiment. Jobs such as sewing, cooking, cleaning, and acting as laundresses were popular, but one vital job performed by women was acting as nurses.

1812 wound (photo from PBS)

Under American regulations, every hospital and infirmary was to have one or more female attendants under the discretion of the senior surgeon. Nurses were not only expected to attend to patients, but were also expected to “scour and cleanse the bunks and floors, to wash the blankets, bed sacks, and cloths of the patients, to cook the victuals of the sick, and to keep clean and in good order the cooking utensils.” For this work, American nurses were paid six dollars a month and one ration a day.

British army regulations concerning hospitals stipulated that:

           

there is to be one decent, sober woman nurse, who shall receive at the rate of one shilling [about 20 cents] per diem, whose duty will be to prepare the slops and comforts for the sick, and occasionally to assist in administering medicines, cooking the victuals, washing, &c. and for every ten men confined to bed by fever, an additional Nurse and Orderlyman should be allowed.

British regulations also showed that nurses were to ensure that patients were extremely clean and that cloths brought into the hospital “should be purified.” Patients were to be given a clean shirt and pair of stockings twice a week and were to be shaved two or three times a week. Some additional duties included combing the patients’ hair, washing their hands and face each morning, and preparing food for the patients.

One good thing about the job was that nurses would not have to face disorderly conduct as British regulations specified, “every species of gaming is strictly forbidden” and patients who were “convicted of swearing, disorderly behaviour, insolent and provoking conduct towards the attendants, or of any deviation from the hospital regulations, must be severely punished.” The role of army nurses was gruelling and challenging, having to deal with horrible combat wounds and patients suffering from terrible diseases. Due to their important work, men recovered from their aliments and those who did not recover were no doubt eased in there suffering. 

To learn more about women in the War of 1812, head out to the historic forts in the Niagara Region while they are still open seven days a week.

From Garryowen and glory

The song Garryowen today is best associated with the U.S. Civil War and later as the regimental marching song for George Custer’s Seventh Calvary. The song actually originates from the Irish city of Limerick in the 1780s.

Garryowen was sung by a gang of wealthy troublemakers who enjoyed drinking in the popular and fashionable Limerick suburb of Garryowen (translated as “the garden of John”). The young hooligans enjoyed smashing property that did not belong to them. The song eventually became popular in the British Army since many Irishmen were recruited. During the wars with France between 1793-1815, Garryowen became the second most popular song in the British Army, after British Grenadiers. 

The lyrics for Garryowen:

            Let Bacchus’s sons be not dismayed,

            But join with me each jovial blade,

            Come, booze and sing and lend me aid,

            To help me with the chorus.

                        Instead of spa we’ll drink down ale,

                        And pay the reckoning on the nail,

                        For debt no man shall go to jail,

                        From Garryowen and glory.

            We’ll break windows, we’ll break doors,

            The watch knock down by threes and fours,

            Then let the doctors work their cures,

            And tinker up our bruises.

                        Instead of spa we’ll drink down ale, etc.

            Our hearts so stout have got us fame,

            For soon ‘tis known form whence we came,

            Where’er we go they dread the name,

            Of Garryowen in glory.

Instead of spa we’ll drink down ale, etc.

If you want to hear this song and many more, head out to the annual Fife and Drum Muster and Soldiers’ Field Day this weekend. Fife and Drum corps and infantry units from historic sites across Canada and the U.S. will be at Fort George. Click here for more information.

Running in every direction – The burning of Buffalo

Christmas in Upper Canada was treated by citizens, and the British Army, as a Sunday. Many used the holiday as a time to spend with family and friends to share in their company.

In 1813, the Christmas holiday was not a joyous event for many residents living in the Niagara. The Town of Newark was burned by the Americans on December 10 leaving many residents to fend for themselves in the cold winter weather.  On December 19 the British began their retaliation with the capture of Fort Niagara and went on to burn the towns of Lewiston, Youngstown, Manchester, Tuscarora and the military outpost of Fort Schlosser.

The burning of Buffalo

The people of Buffalo celebrated Christmas in fear of a British attack. On December 30, the British, along with their native allies, crossed the Niagara in the early morning and proceeded to Black Rock. The Americans assembled an impressive force of about 2,000 men for the defence of Buffalo and upon hearing of the British advance, the majority of the troops were sent to defend the community of Black Rock. Unfortunately for the Americans, a number of militia disappeared during the march to Black Rock upon hearing British musket fire and native war cries.

The British were quickly able to outflank the Americans, forcing an American retreat to Buffalo. One American report commented on the misconduct of the militia involved in the defence by stating, “All except very few of them behaved in the most cowardly manner. They fled without discharging a musket.” In total, the British burned 104 homes, 43 barns and 18 stores in Black Rock and Buffalo, along with four schooners at Black Rock. Many inhabitants fled the carnage with one reporting, “women and children [were] running in every direction, to avoid the fury of British savages, which were rapidly infesting the village.”

The destruction of the Niagara left many inhabitants suffering in the cold during the Christmas season. If you want to see a more festive celebration of the Christmas season, you can check out the various Christmas events happening this weekend. Click here to see the full list of events.

A most severe conflict – The Battle of Lundy’s Lane

The Battle of Lundy’s Lane proved to be the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812. The British and Americans were unable to see each other in the thick smoke and the darkness, causing many to be shot at close range.

On July 25, 1814, the American army approached Lundy’s Lane at 7 p.m. They found the British commanding the heights and proceeded to advance upon the British position. As the darkness set in reinforcement arrived for both armies and the battle lines began to close. At about 9 p.m. the Americans captured the heights and the British guns. The British commander, Lieutenant-General Gordon Drummond, wrote about the capture of the guns, “Of so determined a character were their attacks directed against our Guns, that our Artillery Men were bayoneted by the Enemy in the Act of loading, and the muzzles of the Enemy’s Guns were advanced within a few Yards of ours.”

Battle of Lundy's Lane

Between 10 to 11:30 p.m., Drummond attempted to retake the heights and the captured guns by launching at least three counterattacks. On the third attempt, Drummond was shot and was forced to pull his men back but the British forces remained in the area. General Ripley, who took command of the American forces from the wounded Major-General Jacob Brown, eventually withdrew to the Chippawa River. The next morning Ripley’s force moved back to Lundy’s Lane and found the British in command of the hill and in possession of their lost artillery. Ripley believed that his force was greatly outnumbered and proceeded to withdraw toward Fort Erie.

Both sides claimed victory after the battle as the official reports of Drummond and Brown attest:

“The Enemy’s efforts to carry the hill were continued until about midnight, when he had suffered so severely from the superior steadiness and discipline of His Majesty’s troops that he gave up the contest and retreated with great precipitation to his camp beyond the Chippawa.” – Drummond’s Official Report, July 27, 1814

“They were met by us near the Falls of Niagara, where a most severe conflict ensued; the enemy disputed the ground with resolution, yet were driven from every position they attempted to hold.” – Brown’s Official Report, July 29, 1814

On Thursday, July 25, you can head to Battlefield Park on Barker Street in Niagara Falls for a commemoration ceremony for the 199th anniversary of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. The first 500 people will receive a commemorative medallion and four lucky people will be able to fire a cannon. In addition, you can head to the Drummond Hill Cemetery on July 28 for the Lundy’s Lane Historical Society’s commemoration of the battle. Click here for more information on these free events.

Winter survival

During the War of 1812, winter months challenged soldiers with harsh conditions. However, the British Army was well adapted to the harsh winter conditions in Upper Canada by the time of the war.

With the arrival of winter, soldiers changed their routine. Breakfast was served before the men went to work in winter months in order to give the men much needed energy to work outside. Soldiers also had more clothing to add in winter months. Normally British soldiers wore grey wool trousers along with a red wool coat. In the winter, a heavy wool grey overcoat known as a greatcoat was added to provide soldiers with some extra warmth. Although the coat provided extra warmth, it was cumbersome and difficult to work with it on.

William 'Tiger' Dunlop

At times the cold winter months proved quite treacherous for some. During the winter of 1814 to 1815, a British surgeon named Dr. William “Tiger” Dunlop found himself in Lower Canada. One day while in the woods Dunlop became separated from his party when he chased after some partridges. Dunlop was unable to find his way back to his party as the sun began to set. He endeavoured to keep moving in the snow in order stave-off the cold but soon he grew sleepy. Dunlop decided on a new plan:

“I took off my snow shoes, and poured a quantity of rum into my moccasins; I buttoned my jacket, secured my fur cap about my ears, drew on my fur gloves, and calling a little dog I had with me, and laying my hands over my face, I made him lie on the top of all.”

Dunlop managed to fall asleep but when the sun rose, he found his feet were frozen. He managed to work his way back to the camp where ‘some old French Canadians’ took off his moccasins and rubbed his feet with snow. Dunlop said he felt extreme pain, along with fainting, when the sensation returned to his feet. After three weeks of bed rest, Dunlop recovered from his ordeal. Unfortunately, his little dog, Moses, died shortly after reaching camp. 

On February 23, you can join Fort Niagara for their Winter Survival event. You can experience what life was like for soldiers stationed at Fort Niagara in the winter and learn some 1812 winter survival techniques. I’m sure these techniques don’t include pouring rum into your shoes. Click here for more information.

British grenadiers

The British grenadiers have existed as a force in the British Army since the 17th century. Their role has evolved over the years, but the men of the grenadiers have been considered the elite of the British Army since their founding.

Grenadier, Royal Newfoundland Regiment

British regiments during the War of 1812 were normally composed of ten companies. Each company had, in theory, 100 men including officers. Two companies were considered the elite in a regiment and were know as the light company and the grenadier company.

Before the War of 1812, the grenadiers carried grenades into battle as one of their main offensive weapons. These men were tasked with assaulting fixed positions, such as fortifications. By the time of the War of 1812, the grenadiers lost their grenades and evolved into the ‘shock troops’ of a regiment. Generally composed of the toughest and largest men, the grenadiers were used to smash enemy lines with devastating fire and to harass enemy flanks. 

 
The British grenadiers quickly became popular in the army, so much so that a song emerged in the early 18th century called The British Grenadiers.

During their year’s re-enactments, make sure you spot the various grenadier units who re-enact the elite of the British Army.

A soldier’s Christmas

For British soldiers in the 1800s Christmas was seen as a special time of year for the men to celebrate.

For regular soldiers in the British Army, Christmas Day was treated as a Sunday. This meant that most men had the day off and religious services were held. Most soldiers saw Christmas as a special day and attempted to prepare for its celebration. Depending on where a soldier was stationed, many would attempt to accumulate more food for Christmas Day in order to hold a special feast. Many took the opportunity to celebrate the day with their fellow soldiers.

McFarland House plaque

Another advantage to Christmas Day was that men were issued new uniforms. All soldiers in the British Army received new clothing once a year on Christmas Day as a gift from the king. Unfortunately, not everyone received a Christmas gift on time. Do to supply problems, many soldiers did not receive their new uniforms on time and were forced to make do with what they had during the long winters in Upper Canada.

This weekend you and your family can experience Christmas in the 1800s by visiting McFarland House and the Laura Secord Homestead for their annual Christmas events. Also, don’t forget to head to Fort Erie on Saturday for their annual Flames across the Niagara event. 

A Canadian Regiment

During the War of 1812, many British subjects fought to protect Canada; however, Canadians played a big part. One example of an outstanding Canadian regiment is the 104th Regiment of Foot.

The 104th was raised in 1803 as the New Brunswick Regiment of Fencible Infantry. In 1810 they were taken into the army as the 104^th Regiment of Foot. In early 1813, the 104th were ordered to make a harrowing trek from New Brunswick to Quebec in the dead of winter.

Private, 104th Regiment

Six companies, totaling about 550 men, endured this winter trek. The men proceeded on snowshoes through the wilderness from Fredericton to Quebec for a distance of 350 miles in 24 days. It was an unusually cold winter with snow falling almost constantly. One man died en route for reasons other than cold weather, and one man was left behind due to frostbite.

Generally, the march began at daybreak and end in the mid-afternoon in order to prepare shelter for the night. This trek is regarded as one of their most memorable feats during the war.

In 1814, elements of the 104th fought at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane and the Siege of Fort Erie, suffering many casualties in the process. In 1815, the battle honour of “Niagara” was granted to the flank companies and by 1817 the regiment was disbanded.

 
On Remembrance Day we remember the sacrifices that men and women endured to protect Canada from those who threatened our freedom. This November 11th, don’t forget about the Canadian veterans of the War of 1812 who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Canada.

Undaunted courage – Teyoninhokarawen/John Norton

The War of 1812 was full of courageous leaders who inspired and defended their beliefs. One of the noblest leaders was Teyoninhokarawen, better known as John Norton.

John Norton was the son of a Cherokee father and a Scottish mother. Norton was born and raised in Scotland before coming to Canada in the ranks of the British Army. He later become a teacher and an interpreter where he embraced the native culture. Through his work as an interpreter, Norton was accepted into the Mohawk tribe and became the adopted nephew of Joseph Brant. Eventually, Norton became chief under the name Teyoninhokarawen.

John Norton

During the War of 1812, Norton served as an Indian Agent for the British government and held the rank of captain in the British Army. Norton encouraged the Iroquois Confederacy in the Grand River Settlement to join the British against the Americans. Norton fought in many battles throughout the war including Queenston Heights (were he was wounded), Beaver Dams, Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane, among others.

Throughout the war, Norton placed the welfare and interests of the Iroquois on both sides of the Niagara as a top priority. An example of this occurred in July 1814 when Norton allowed nations from the American side of the Niagara to address the Grand River Iroquois in Burlington. The purpose of this meeting was to end the Iroquois involvement in the war.

Near the end of the war, Norton was promoted to the rank of major and granted a pension of 200 pounds annually for his service. In 1815, he traveled to Britain with his wife and son where he wrote a lengthy memoir concerning his experiences and the history of native people. Norton eventually returned to Canada and settled on a large tract of land that overlooked the Grand River where he began to translate the bible into Mohawk. Later in life Norton left Canada and traveled west in order to live with the Cherokee nation. He never returned to Canada and is believed to of died in the late 1820s or early 1830s.

Lieutenant General Gordon Drummond described Norton in 1815 by stating, “This man is of the coolest and most undaunted courage and has led the Indians with the greatest gallantry and much effect on many occasions against the enemy.” John Norton played a crucial role in aiding the British cause during the War of 1812 and his contribution, along with his warriors, helped to stave off American advances in Niagara.

Why those crazy red coats?

Many people ask the question: Why did the British wear those crazy bright red coats? As many re-enactors and those who work at historic sites know, this is a particularly popular question. 

British troops in a cloud of smoke

By the War of 1812, the red coat had been part of the British Army uniform for at least 150 years. There were two primary reasons for the use of red coats: cost and effectiveness.  The use of red dye is very cheap and readily available. In order to dye a coat with red dye the process is easier than other colours since other colours require more than one stage in the dying process. Red dye only requires one stage for dying coats and this makes the process less expensive.

Preparing to fire

The second reason for red coats had to do with the use of black powder weaponry. Muskets were the most popular weapon on the 1812 battlefield, and due to their inaccuracy and reliability problems armies during the War of 1812 employed line formations in battle. Line formations allowed armies to overcome the inaccuracy and reliability problems of the musket. However, by using line formations large clouds of smoke were produced from the concentration of so many muskets, not to mention all the artillery on the battlefield. With so much smoke, armies needed to quickly identify friend from foe as quickly as possible, and the best way to do that was to use bright elaborate uniforms. In fact, those who did not wear red or blue during the War of 1812 were often shot at by everyone on the battlefield.   

Now you know why they wore red, and yes, they are hot in those coats. Please stop asking.