Canadian Fencibles and Provincial Regulars

Canadian Fencibles / Regulars

Many of these units were in existence prior to the start of the war. They were British regulars in every sense except that they did not have to fight outside North America. 

The New Brunswick Fencibles / 104th Regiment of Foot

This was the only numbered Canadian Regiment. It became part of the British army at the beginning of the war and was stationed in Kingston. 

New Brunswick Fencibles

After the original unit became the 104th and marched to Upper Canada a new unit was formed which stayed in New Brunswick. It had the same uniform as the 104th, but probably retained the shako below. 

Royal Newfoundland Fencibles

This unit fought as marines in Upper Canada. 

Canadian Fencibles

Canadian meaning French Canadian. This was a light infantry unit. It was divided into 2 company sections over Lower Canada and Eastern Upper Canada. 

Nova Scotia Fencibles

Same uniform as the Canadian Fencibles above. Stayed in Nova Scotia for the war. 

Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles

This unit was raised in 1812 from Scottish Canadians along the St.Lawrence. They saw lots of action in Upper Canada, also Sacket's Harbour and Oswego.

Canadian Voltigeurs

These were formed in 1812 from French Canadians. These were not technically Fencibles but were treated as such. Divided up in 1812 and 1813, but converged for the invasion of New York.

Provincial Regulars

These units were equipped and trained as British regulars, but just for the duration of the war. These were volunteers except for the SEM which were French Canadian conscripts. 

Select Embodied Militia

There were 6 battalions of SEM in Lower Canada. These were provincial regulars. For the invasion of 1813, 2 more temporary regiments were formed. In 1812 and 1813, their flank companies were formed into separate light battalions with British regulars' flank companies. The 5th Regiment of SEM were formed as light infantry, in 1814, they were reformed as the Canadian Chasseurs. 

Canadian Chasseurs and Voyageurs

The Canadian Chasseurs were formed in 1814 from the 5th SEM. The British embodied several hundred Voyageurs for the duration of the war. 

The Incorporated Militia Battalion

This regiment was formed in Upper Canada as a light infantry regiment. It was divided up for mostly garrison duties up until 1814 where it fought heavily in the Niagara campaign of 1814. 

Canadian Light Dragoons

These were used as couriers and scouts. 

Canadian Artillery

Caldwell's Western Rangers

This regiment was the same unit as Butler's Rangers from the Revolutionary War. Two companies strong, they were created to fight alongside Indian allies. 

Raunchey's Coloured Corps

Originally used as light infantry, they were turned into artificers attached to the artillery in 1813. About 30 to 40 strong, these were Canadians of Aftican descent.