Fencibles in the War of 1812

During the NAPOLEONIC WARS, the British government raised regiments known as "fencibles" for home service. These temporary units were used to protect British interests wherever the units were raised, in Great Britain or North America, and were not to be deployed for overseas duty on foreign soil. In this regard, they were similar to the members recruited under Canada's National Resource Mobilization Act (NRMA) during the Second World War; these members served in uniform in Canada but were not meant to serve with Canadian forces overseas. Unlike those soldiers, however, the fencibles faced a clear and present danger during the turbulent age of Napoleonic warfare that engulfed Europe as the WAR OF 1812 was waged on the battlefields and waterways of North America.

Beginning in 1803 in British North America, fencible regiments were raised in Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Upper and Lower Canada for defence anywhere on the continent. Despite the initiative, none of the fencible regiments ever recruited to full strength. Other fencibles had their origins in units originally raised on the British Isles, which also suffered from weak numbers. For instance, the Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry was originally raised in Scotland, but suffered from massive desertion when rumours spread that they might be posted to the malaria-rich East Indies, thus requiring a recruitment drive in Upper and Lower Canada. While Scottish named and led, the regiment was filled primarily with French Canadians.

Fencibles had similar structure on paper to that of other regiments, and held similar pay, but their uniforms were naturally different to separate them from other units. Each fencible unit had a differently coloured facing on the traditional British red coats to help distinguish them amid the chaotic battlefield filled with ear-piercing artillery fire and fog of gun smoke.

Fencibles in Action in the War of 1812
Most fencible units saw action in key battles of the War of 1812, either in part or whole. The Royal Newfoundland Fencibles served at the BATTLE OF MACKINAC and the engagements on Lake Huron. The New Brunswick Fencibles contributed their services to the BATTLE OF SACKETS HARBOR. The Canadian Regiment Fencibles of Infantry saw many of its units serve in a series of battles, including CHATEAUGUAY, LACOLLE MILLS, and CRYSLER'S FARM. Units of the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles also served in a series of battles, and the entire regiment served at LUNDY'S LANE. The tiny Michigan Fencibles, only forty-five souls strong, saw action as well.

All these fencible units were disbanded in 1816, or were reconfigured as part of the general armed forces of Great Britain. With some exceptions, given their ad hoc nature and poor fighting strength, the fencibles served well but were comparatively undistinguished as part of the British forces during the War of 1812.

Author JASON RIDLER

Links to Other Sites
Historica-Dominion Institute
The website for the Historica-Dominion Institute, parent organization of The Canadian Encyclopedia and the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Check out their extensive online feature about the War of 1812, the "Heritage Minutes" video collection, and many other interactive resources concerning Canadian history, culture, and heritage.

Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site of Canada
This site offers a description of the Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site of Canada. From "Canada’s Historic Places.”

The Problems of Recruitment for Scottish Line Regiments During the Napoleonic Wars
See page 58 of this online article for a description of the terms of service of “fencibles” and a comparison with “line soldiers” in 18th century Great Britain. Also explains the issues which prompted the formation of fencible military units. From the journal “Scottish Tradition.”

Glengarry Light Infantry
A brief article about the participation of the Glengarry Light Infantry in many of the major actions in the War of 1812. Includes a description of their armaments. From the "Canadian Army Journal."

His Majesty's Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry 1803-1816
A brief history of the Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry and their critical role in engaging American forces in the War of 1812. From "The War of 1812" website.

Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry
A brief history of the role of Canadian Fencibles, who played a significant role in the Battle of Crysler’s Farm and the Battle of the Chateauguay. From the reenactment group The Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry.

French Canadian Participation in the War of 1812
A detailed article about the trying conditions endured by French Canadians who served in the Voltigeurs Canadiens and other colonial militia units in the defence of Lower Canada during the War of 1812. With illustrations of military uniforms. From the journal "Canadian Military History."

Recruiting Poster for the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles
Recruiting Poster for the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles

The Forgotten Army: Fencible Regiments of Great Britain 1793 - 1816
A brief history and description of military units referred to as “fencibles.” From the Napoleon Series website.

An Account of The Battle of Châteauguay
See the full text of a detailed lecture about the Battle of Châteauguay delivered to the Châteauguay Literary and Historical Society in 1889. Includes a brief summary of the issues leading up to the 1812 declaration of war by the United States. From the gutenberg.org website.

James FitzGibbon
A biography of James FitzGibbon, soldier and public servant. From the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.

War Along the Upper St. Lawrence and the Canadian Regiment, 1812-1814
This article chronicles various conflicts between British and American forces that occured in the St Lawrence River region during the War of 1812. From the "War of 1812" Magazine.