Push on Brave York Volunteers

Yet another War of 1812 Canadian unit just off the painting table.

These men will represent Capt John Chisholm’s flank company of the 2^nd York Volunteers who fought at Queenston Heights. Unlike regular British units, the Canadian militia ‘flank companies’ were not Grenadiers or Light Infantry but rather men who served on a full time basis — similar to the Fencibles.

In January 1813 green coats were issued to Upper Canada Militia due to a shortage of red cloth. I have assumed that Chisholm’s company managed to acquire their green uniforms earlier, if for no better reason that to distinguish them on the game’s table. Grey, blue and olive are mentioned as trouser colours for Canadian troops. Along with the green coats, ‘gunmouth blue’ trousers were issued in 1813 — I assume this to be a sort of dark blue/grey.

Many men in 1812 wore round hats rather than shakos. Forage hats were also popular, apparently made-up from old uniform cloth. I have therefore given two men forage hats in faded red. The figures are Warlord Games plastic Napoleonic British with head swaps from Perry and Brigade Games. The forage caps are from Warlord plastic Hanoverians with the peaks of their caps cut off.

When Sir Isaac Brock was shot by an American marksman at Queenston Heights, his last words passed down in Canadian folklore as: “Push on brave York Volunteers.” This is unlikely as forensic analysis of his uniform coat (now in the Canadian War Museum) indicates that he would have died instantly. This is also confirmed by an eye witness to his death.  If Brock ever said those words it must have been earlier in the attack.

Whatever the case, these brave York Volunteers will no doubt  push on to victory over the American invaders.