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    C.G.S.M. 66/70 - Battle of Trout River - New Acquisition

    qsamike
    qsamike
    Member


    Posts : 567
    Join date : 2009-11-28
    Location : Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    C.G.S.M. 66/70 - Battle of Trout River - New Acquisition Empty C.G.S.M. 66/70 - Battle of Trout River - New Acquisition

    Post by qsamike Sat Mar 07, 2015 2:30 am

    Good Morning Day......

    The following is my latest find for your viewing pleasure.....

    Mike

    WHYTE, FRANCIS, CAPTAIN (Major)

    CANADA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL


    Fenian Raid 1866 - Capt. F. Whyte, Huntingdon Infantry Company
    Fenian Raid 1870 - Major F. Whyte, 50th Battalion, Huntingdon Borderers

    Reported to be Commanding Officer of the 50th at the Battle of Trout River who lead the initial attack.

    Both bars have been verified by Library and Archives Canada.

    BATTLE OF TROUT RIVER

    The Battle of Trout River was a military conflict that occurred on 27 May 1870. It was a part of the Fenian Raids. This battle occurred outside of Huntington, Quebec near the international border about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Malone, New York.

    Before the battle:

    The Fenians, an extremist group of Irish Republicans, were under the command of General John O'Neill and General Owen Starr, and the Canadians were under Col. George Bagot of the British 69th Regiment of Foot. The day before, the Fenians had crossed the border to build several positions, which were apparently well chosen and built. However, due to lack of reinforcements, they crossed back onto American soil. At 7:00 in the morning of May 27, Starr initiated the conflict after receiving more troops, by crossing the Trout River and establishing a position on "the right and left roads, with his extreme right resting on the Trout River." His force rested behind a post and rail fence which he added to the existing works. To this was added a very reliable route for retreat.

    Canadian troops advance:

    Three units of Canadian infantry were ordered to march from Huntingdon Village where they were stationed. These three units were the H. M. 69th Regiment, the 50th Battalion and the Montreal Garrison Artillery. The entire force marched along the road towards Holbrook's Corners in order to meet the Fenians. At Hendersonville, part of the Montreal Garrison Artillery was sent to flank the Fenian positions. The rest of the force proceeded towards a frontal engagement.

    Engagement at Holbrook's Corners

    The 50th Battalion formed an advance guard for the Canadian forces and advanced within 300 yards of the Fenians when they deployed to assault. The Fenian advance guard had a very strong position which they held for several minutes. The British and Canadian troops advanced out of the woods by the river, firing as they moved. Said one observer, "It was not an intermittent fire, but one continuous fusillade". Starr told his own men to fire for 10 minutes. They held the advance for several minutes until Canadian forces moved to flank the Fenian position.

    At this, Starr formed up and retreated in order to the United States border where they broke and ran. The Sydney Mail notes that the Fenians continued to "deny the truth of the reported defeat." At this time it is also mentioned that up to 1,000 Fenians were in New York and more were expected.


    (From Wikipedia)

    Trout River Battle Honour

    The oldest Canadian battle honour commemorates the Second Fenian Raid of 1870. The Regimental Colour for the 50th Battalion Huntingdon Borderers, presented by His Royal Highness Prince Arthur in 1920, bore the words "Trout River" commemorating an action that occurred on 24 May 1870. The Victoria Rifles of Canada received the battle honour "Eccles Hill" on 5 December 1879, commemorating an action from 25 May 1870. Both of these regiments have since been disbanded.


    (THE SYSTEM OF BATTLE HONOURS IN THE CANADIAN ARMY, By Captain J.R. Grodzinski, CD)

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