Defending the Heights

The British had a heavy gun batterry on the heights above Queenston Village in the 1812 battle.

This battery disrupted the American crossing of the Niagara River and was defended by the Light Company of the 49th Foot. I painted the artillery last month and have just finished the Light Company. The figures are Perry 28mm metals from their Napoleonic range.

The 49th's Light Company sported red plumes rather than the usual light infantry green. This stemmed from the battle of Brandywine (1777) when the light company was accused of taking no prisoners. The Americans vowed vengeance and the red plume was adopted as a mark of defiance. The overalls of the 49th in 1812 were made up from sailcloth appropriated from the Royal Navy. The officer commanding was Captain John Williams. His figure is Wargames Foundry. The men are Perry.