by Kim Stacy
During the 19th century, Canada was under constant threat of invasion and annexation by the United States. Depending on the perceived level of threat, Britain garrisoned the frontiers with regular regiments of the line. Many militia companies, some Highland, were raised in the 1830s and then disbanded as the threat passed and the cost of maintaining these units rose and the Crown refused to fund them. Most of these organisations were long disbanded until the treat of war in America loomed on the horizon in the late 1850s. With the onset of the American Civil War, concern in Canada was rightly focused on the threat that the massive Union Army was likely to be employed in finally annexing Canada after defeating the Confederacy. The British garrisons were very undermanned and the only way to prepare for defence was to raise militia regiments locally. Scottish emigrants where well organised and supported the military traditions and raised money and men for Highland companies and regiments.
In the United States, this tradition also flourished and efforts were made to raise Highland volunteer companies. It is not known how many were attempted prior to the American Civil War. During the Civil War, at least two groups were raised, the 79th New York and the Highland Company of the South Carolina Militia. Do to the logistics of war, the traditional Highland dress was eventually discarded.
Do to the conflicting and often confusing information available on the Canadian Militia for the 1830s and 1860s, the author request that readers assist in updating these summaries. No effort has been made to define or note the differences between the various types of militias. Units are listed (more or less) by the year of founding.
British
1st Royal Regiment of Foot (Royal Scots)
War of 1812
The 1st Battalion was sent to Canada in 1812 where it protected the border from American encroachments. The Regiment was spread thin as independent detachments fighting at Sodus, Fort Niagara, Longwood, and Fort Erie and many other skirmishes in the Niagara peninsula.
71st Highland Light Infantry
Canada
The HLI was raised in 1777 as the 73rd (later renumbered to the 71st) MacLeod’s Highlanders (not to be confused with Fraser’s Highlanders, 71st Regiment). Served in Canada starting in 1824. Garrisoned Quebec, Sorrel, Three Rivers, Montreal, Kingston, Toronto, Niagara, Amherstburg, and Pentanguishene. Shipped to Bermuda in 1831. Half the companies returned to Canada in 1838 and went into garrison at St. John New Brunswick and again at Montreal. Possibly raised local reserve companies in Canada. In 1854, the HLI returned to Britain and then went to the Crimea in the mid-1850s.
73d Regiment
Canada
The 73rd was stationed in Nova Scotia in 1838, remaining until
1841 when it was withdrawn.
78th Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs)
Canada
The 78th arrived in Montreal from Gibraltar in 1867. Served in garrison at Quebec and Halifax. The 78th remained at Halifax and St. John until brought home in 1871.
79th Cameron Highlanders
Canada
The Camerons embodied in 1793 and arrived in Canada in 1825. They garrisoned Montreal and Quebec until 1833 when they were rotated home. The 79th served again in Canada 1848 to 1851.
93d Regiment of Foot (Sutherland Highlanders)
War of 1812
The 93d was raised in 1799 and garrisoned the Cape of Good Hope from 1805 to 1814 when they were shipped to North America to be decimated at the Battle of New Orleans (LA) after the war had been officially ended. A second battalion was raised in 1813 and sent to Newfoundland for 16 months before returning home. Most likely amalgamated with the 1st Battalion thereafter.
Canada
The 93rd was sent to Canada in 1837 as a deterrent to rebellion. Companies of the 93rd went into combat against the rebels supported from the United States at the Battle of the Windmill at Prescott Ontario in1838. Garrisoned mainly Toronto and Niagara. "This fine regiment still continues to maintain its character for comparative sobriety and good order amidst the dissipation with which it appears to be surrounded, and that it is as remarkable for its splendid appearance in the field, and the correctness of its evolutions, as for the quiet and orderly habits of its men in their quarters." Also served in Montreal, Quebec and Kingston. The 93rd returned home in 1848 and saw service in the Crimea War of the mid-1850s.
Canadian
Royal Canadian Volunteer Regiment of Foot
This regiment was raised in 1792 in two battalions. The second battalion was composed of mainly Scots from Glengarry County and were the precursor to the many Scottish companies that were to form in this area up to the modern times. The RCV was disbanded in 1802.
Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles
The Glengarrians were the future embodiment of the Scottish settlers in Glengarry, Upper Canada. When the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Volunteers (believed to have been on the British establishment), staffed from veteran officers of the disbanded 84th Royal Highland Emigrants of the American Rebellion and other Loyalists regiments, were disbanded about 1802, these unemployed loyalist officers offered to raise another corp on the militia establishment. The 2nd Battalion RCV was manned almost entirely of Scots and their descendants. The County of Glengarry "is almost entirely inhabited by Highlanders and their descendants." The disbanded soldiers of the Glengarry Fencibles raised in Britain, upon disbanding, emigrated to Glengarry, Upper Canada and were a major influence on this effort. The original name of the Regiment was to be Glengarry Highland Fencibles and also referred to as the Regiment of Glengarry Highlanders. The actual embodiment of this corp was retarded until the War of 1812 at which time it was finally raised as the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles. The GLIF fought well during the war in Upper Canada. They were disbanded in 1816 after being denied permission to be placed on the British Army Establishment. Glengarry raised another corp in the 1830s, the Lancaster Regiment of Glengarry Highlanders which served in the rebellion of 1837-8. The Modern Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highland Regiment of today is still known as the Glengarrians. The Glengarry won the Battle Honour “Niagara”.
1st and 2nd Regiment of Glengarry Militia
This militia unit was formed for local service during the War of 1812 and disbanded in 1815. They were uniformed in green jackets with blue trousers and fought at Ogdensburg twice, Salmon River and Hoople’s Creek.
1st Regiment of Dundas Militia
Formed in the County of Dundas for the War if 1812 and fought at Toussaint’s Island, Prescott, Salmon River and Ogdensburg in 1813.
1st Regiment of Stormont Militia
Formed in the County of Stormont for the War of 1812 and served at Ogdensburg, Hoople’s Creek, Chrysler’s Farm and Salmon River.
1st Regiment of Prince Edward Island, circa 1812
Most likely raised for the War of 1812. No other information at this time.
Black Watch (RHR) of Canada
The Canadian Black Watch traces its lineage back to Montreal in the 1830s to the independent Highland Company of Montreal attached to the Montreal Light Infantry. This company faded away to be revived in 1856 as a Highland Rifle Company of Montreal in the reorganised Montreal Light Infantry. Sometime later, the Highland Rifles became part of the 1st Prince of Wales Regiment which later became the Canadian Grenadier Guards. In the 1860s, the Prince of Wales Regiment Highland Rifle Company was transferred to the 5th Battalion Royal Light Infantry (see Highland Rifle Company of Montreal elsewhere). Title changes were: Royal Fusiliers, 1875, Royal Scots Fusiliers, 1880, Royal Scots of Canada, 1884 and Royal Highlanders of Canada in 1906. It was not until 1904 that the Royals went to kilts and became associated with the Black Watch of the British Army and was renamed the Black Watch of Canada. Detachments of the Black Watch fought in South Africa, WW1 and WW2. The BW won over 26 Battle Honours from South Africa through WW1.
For service in WW2, the BW earned 19 Honours.
All of the following were raised for the Rebellion
of 1837
1st or Carlottenburg Regiment of Glengarry Highlanders,
1837-38
2nd of Lancaster Regiment of Glengarry Highlanders, 1837-38
3rd or Lachiel Regiment of Glengarry Highlanders, 1837-38
4th or Kenyon Regiment of Glengarry Highlanders, 1837-38
Williamstown Regiment of Glengarry Highlanders, 1837-42
Cote St. George Highland Company, 1838-42
Lincoln Scots, 1837-38
Royal Quebec Volunteers
The Royal Quebec Volunteers were formed circa 1839. The 6th company was Highland and wore Rob Roy tartan trousers.
Active and Volunteer Militia in 1857
Highland Company of Montreal (active)
Highland Companies of Toronto (1 company active, 1 volunteer) below
Highland Companies of London (1 company active, 1 volunteer)
Highland Company of Hamilton (volunteer)
Highland Company of Kingston (volunteer)
Scottish Volunteer Rifle Company of Halifax (No.1 Co. Halifax Vol. Bn., 1860).
Toronto Company of Highland Rifles
This company was raised in 1856 and traces its origins back to the Highland company of the Queens Rangers who fought in the American Rebellion. Formed as and independent rifle company and attached to the 2nd Battalion Volunteer Rifles of Canada and then to the Queens Own Rifles and designated the 4th Highland Rifle Company of Toronto. Uniformed in rifle green and government kilts and said to be the same as the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders and served on the left of the line on parade. Fought at the Battle of Ridgeway during the Fenian Raids and was the last to retreat from the field after expending all ammunition. The company disbanded in 1868 because the Government refused to grant an allowance in lieu of the ordinary uniform for the kilts and insisted that the Highland Company conform in uniform to the line. The Company declined to re-enroll under the Militia Act of 1868. After disbanding, the officers and men formed the Caledonian Society of Toronto and supported the standing Canadian Highland Regiments.
Whitby Highland Company
The Whitby Highland Company was raised about 1859(?) And joined with the Highland Rifle Company of Toronto to become one of two Highland flank companies of the Queens Own Rifles as the Highland Company of Whitby and incorporated in 1860. One report claims that it did not parade although not removed from the role until 1862. Another report claims that they paraded on the flanks and converted to full Highland dress in 1860. The voluntarily disbanded when the Government refused to allow the traditional Highland dress. The refused to reenlist under the Militia Act. Uniform was rifle green with government kilts and glengarry bonnets. Reported to be resurrected as the 1st Company of the 34th Regiment in 1900.
Highland Rifle Company of Montreal
This company was re-raised under the Militia Act of 1859 as part of the Prince of Wales Regiment (7th Company), raised under the title “First Battalion Canadian Militia.” Another source claims that they were incorporated into the Montreal Light Infantry Battalion. Apparently, the Montreal Lights became the Royal Light Infantry. The rest of the companies in this regiment were independent rifle companies of volunteers.. Sometime later, the company joined the 5th Royals which became the 5th Battalion Royal Scots of Canada. Uniform was originally rifle green, MacKenzie trousers and bonnet until 1883 when this company converted to full Highland dress. The Royals Served in civil unrest operations during the Fenian Raids of 1886 and 1870, Orange Riots of 1877, Quebec dock riots of 1878, Smallpox riots, 1885, Valleyfield strike 1900, and Montreal dock riots of 1903. A detachment served in South Africa during the Boer War (1899-1900), Great War, and World War Two. It was not until 1904 that the Royals went to kilts and became associated with the Black Watch of the British Army and was renamed the Black Watch of Canada.
Scottish Rifles
Formed in Nova Scotia circa 1860 as one of many volunteer companies. The various volunteer companies were formed into a battalion and named the Halifax Volunteer Battalion of Rifles and commonly known as the Chebucto Greys. This rifle regiment was renamed the 63d Halifax Battalion of Rifles in 1869. The Scottish Rifles paraded on the right of the line. The Scottish Rifles kept their Scottish dress quite late even though the rest of the companies went to Rifle green in 1865.
5th Battalion, Royal Scots of Canada
Raised in1862 as the 5th Royals in Montreal and by 1900, were dressed in full Highland uniform with kilts (see Black Watch and Highland Rifles of Montreal elsewhere).
Perth Regiment
The Perth's were raised in 1866 as the 28th Perth Battalion of Infantry. In 1936 it was converted to a machine gun battalion and in 1941 a motor transport element was added. The Perth Regiment is still extant today. The Perth’s wore the Glengarry bonnet and green uniforms until 1946 when it was kilted. These men won the Battle Honours for "Ypres 1915 and Festubert 1915." In 1954, they were amalgamated with the Highland Light Infantry, Perth/Waterloo (HLI of Canada) and then separated in 1957.
Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders
The SDG was raised from the traditions of the disbanded companies that preceded it in 1868 as the Stormont and Glengarry Battalion of Infantry, to include the 59th Stormont and Glengarry Battalion of 1868 and the 154th Overseas Battalion of World War One. The Dundas was added in 1922 to form the Dundas, Stormont and Glengarry Highlanders. The SDG wore the Glengarry bonnet and trews in 1904 and was kilted in 1922. During WW1, they contributed one battalion which won 6 Battle Honours. During the Second World War, the SDG earned 19 Battle Honours. This regiment is still active today. The Glengarrians claim decent back to the disbanded Loyalist of Ontario after the American Revolution to include the 84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants) and the Kings Royal Regiment of New York and the earlier Glengarry Highland companies who served well during the War of 1812.
15th Argyle Light Infantry
The 15th was raised in 1863 as the 15th Battalion, Infantry, "Belleville." In 1871 they became the Argyll Light Infantry and were converted to a tank battalion in 1936. The amalgamated with the 44th Field Regiment (artillery) in 1946 to take the present title of the 9th Anti-Tank Regiment (Self-Propelled) (Argyll Light Infantry) R.C.A. The Argyll sent the infantry (non-Scottish) 155th overseas battalion to France during the Great War. The ALI was converted to a tank battalion in 1936. The ALI was reorganized as part of the 9th AT Regiment and was absorbed in the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment in the reorganization of 1954.
Pictou Highlanders
The Pictou Highlanders were raised in Nova Scotia as the Colchester and Hants Provisional Battalion of Infantry in 1871 and were shortly thereafter renamed the 78th Colchester and Hants, or Highlanders Battalion of Infantry. In 1879, they were renamed the Colchester, Hants and Pictou Regiment of Infantry, "Highlanders." By 1910 they were known as the Pictou Highlanders. They raised two battalions for the Great War and won 5 Battle Honours. In 1946, they were converted to a motor battalion.
Cumberland Highlanders
The Cumberland Highlanders were raised in Nova Scotia in 1871 as the Cumberland Provisional Infantry Battalion. In 1927 they simplified the name to the Cumberland Highlanders. They amalgamated in 1936 with the Colchester and Hants to become the North Nova Scotia Highlanders (M.G.)
94th Victoria Battalion (Argyle Highlanders)
The 94th was raised in 1871, and stationed at Baddeck, Nova Scotia.
79th Shefford Battalion (Highlanders)
The 79th Shefford Battalion was raised in 1872, in Shefford, Waterloo and Quebec as part of the active militia. They amalgamated with the 52nd Brome Battalion (1866) in 1903(?) and in 1904 were mounted as the 13th Scottish Lt. Dragoons below.
13th Scottish Light Dragoons
In 1872, the 79th Shefford and Brome Regiment (Highlanders) was formed. In 1901, they were amalgamated with the 52nd Regiment (Brome Light Infantry) and in 1904, were converted to cavalry with the above title. They suffered heavy casualties in the Great War and were disbanded in 1936.
Cape Breton Highlanders
Formed in 1871 as the Victoria Provisional Battalion of Infantry and converted to a Highland regiment in 1879. In 1885 they were designated as the 94th Victoria Battalion of Infantry (Argyll Highlanders). The title of Cape Breton Highlanders was given in 1920. Two battalions were sent to France with the C.E.F. to earn 13 Battle Honours. Redesignated the 2nd Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders in 1954.
Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin, and Halton Regiment)
First raised in Halton, Ontario, as the 20th Halton Battalion of Infantry in 1866. In 1872 they became a regiment of rifles and in 1881 took the name of Lorne Rifles and uniformed in tartan trews and diced bonnets and by 1900, had lost its Highland distinctions. In 1866 the 36th Peel Battalion of Infantry was amalgamated as a second battalion. In 1923, the Peel was renamed the Peel and Dufferin Regiment. In 1931, the Halton Rifles became the Lorne Rifles (Scottish) and in 1936, both battalions were amalgamated to form the modern Lorne Scots. During the Great War, the Lorne supplied 6 battalions for the C.E.F. and won 11 Battle Honours. The Lorne served in Sicily, Italy and North West Europe and won three Battle Honours for their service. The regiment wore trews from about 1931 and were kilted in 1954.
Hamilton Highlanders
The Hamilton Highlanders were raised in the 1890s, of two companies and were to be attached to the 13th Regiment when completed. Some dispute arose and the battalion was not completed although men, money and uniforms were in place. Hamilton had plans to raise a complete Highland battalion in 1900. It is not thought that this came to fruition at this time.
48th Highlanders of Toronto
The 48th was raised in 1891, with great support and motivation from the various Scottish societies in Toronto. Originally to be numbered with a sister regiment of the British Army but assigned the number 48th on the Canadian Establishment. Originally this regiment was to be named the Queen’s Highlanders but the politicians in the Militia Department decided against it. They were authorised full Highland dress. The 48th served in the Great War and World War Two. During South Africa and WW1, these men won 25 Battle Honours. Three battalions were sent to France with the C.E.F. Another 27 Battle Honours were earned during the 2d World War. A detachment served in Korea in 1950-52. A whole company was sent to the Highland Battalion in 1951. The 48th is still active today in Toronto.
78th Highlanders (Pictou Highlanders)
The 78th was raised in Nova Scotia in 1871 as the Colchester and Hants Provisional Battalion of Infantry. In 1879, they were converted to Highlanders. In 1910, they were renamed the 78th Pictou Regiment of Highlanders and in 1920, the Pictou. They were converted to motor in 1946 and in 1954, amalgamated with the 189th Lt. A/A to form the 1st Bn. of the Nova Scotia Highlanders.