By
the early 1800s, Lincoln County occupied all of what is
now the Niagara Peninsula, and was a thriving farming
community. All men, 16 to 60 were obligated by the Militia
Act to serve in the militia, and Lincoln County reported
5 regiments at the beginning of the war.
The
War
of 1812 began in June 1812, and while the few British
regulars stationed in the province did most of the fighting,
the militia made significant contributions in both combat
and support roles. It was quickly recognized that the
economic well-being of the province could not be sustained
if the militia as a whole were called out for long periods
of time, so "Flank Companies" were authorized.
They had an establishment of three officers and 38 men
and drilled eight days a month. They were obligated to
serve continuously for six months at a time, and this
period could be extended by the Legislature. Four of the
five regiments of Lincoln Militia had Flank Companies,
and when mention is made of one or other of the regiments,
as a general rule only the Flank Companies were meant.
They did most of the fighting. The remainder of the militia
were called out as necessary.
The
Lincoln Militia were at Detroit in 1812, and every engagement
in the Niagara Peninsula during the war.
If
the militia had been granted Battle Honours in the same
way the five honours were allocated to British regiments,
the Lincoln Militia would have been granted:
The
militia, as a general rule, were not issued uniforms,
although officers and sergeants were expected to equip
themselves with ones similar to their British counterparts.
The British musket was an updated version of the Brown
Bess used during the American Revolution, but many of
the Lincoln Militia were issued with American muskets
captured at Detroit. That created some problems, as the
two were of different calibres, although similar characteristics.
Men
who served in the War of 1812 were issued with the Military
General Service Medal, 1793-1814. To receive the medal,
the men had to apply. Seven men of the Lincoln Militia
were issued the medal with the Fort Detroit bar. A photograph
of the medal is part of the display.
The War of 1812 Display
Parks Canada has an excellent display in Fort George depicting
the War of 1812, and if you have not already done so,
you should take time to visit the Fort. The display here
is basically to document the Regiment's participation
in the war.
