History Browser

Iron carriages were introduced in the British artillery in 1810. They were to be placed ‘in such parts of fortifications as are least exposed to the enemy’s fire’ as it was feared they would shatter if hit by enemy artillery. The examples seen in this photograph are found at the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site.

Mortars were designed to shoot an exploding shell at a very high angle, 45 degrees or more. They were used in the siege and defence of fortifications. An explosive shell was fired up into the air and arced downwards to drop within the enemy defences. When the shell's fuse burned down, it exploded. These projectiles are the 'bombs bursting in air' mentioned in the American national anthem, where they were being fired from a British fleet attacking Baltimore.

These early 19th century British artillery pieces are mounted on platforms that allow guns to swing in a wide arc and thus follow a moving target such as a ship. These reconstucted carriages are found at the Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site near Montreal, Quebec. The fortifications were built to defend the canal lock - the first built in North America.

Painted by a British officer of the 76th Regiment of Foot, this watercolour of the 1850s confirms that open fireplaces still heated some barracks, despite wood stoves being introduced in the 1840s. The man at centre wears a grey military greatcoat, while others wear the red regimental coat. At right can be seen several soldier's beds, each with storage above for a knapsack, clothing and accoutrements. (Library and Archives Canada, C-008404)

The Royal Regiment of Artillery had this blue full dress uniform with red facings and the ‘Albert’ shako from 1845 to 1856. This model of shako owed its nickname to Prince Albert, the Consort of Queen Victoria. This reconstruction of an officer (left) and gunner (right) in 1854 shows the grenade badge on the collar that became characteristic of later uniforms.

Fort Lennox was built on Isle-au-Noix just north of the American border between 1819 to 1826. Its purpose was to block the way towards Montreal to any hostile force coming up the Richelieu River from Lake Champlain. (Parks Canada)

The Victoria Voltigeurs were members of a volunteer unit of Métis raised on Vancouver Island in 1851. Their clothing and weapons were provided by the Hudson's Bay Company. The Voltigeurs acted as a combination of military unit and police force until 1858. Reconstruction by Ron Volstad. (Canadian Department of National Defence)

American Colt revolvers were purchased by the Canadian government to issue to the newly raised cavalry companies of the Canadian Volunteer Militia in 1856. These six-shot percussion weapons allowed their users to produce a hail close range fire, and replaced the sword as the cavalryman's best weapon at close range. The revolver shown in this photograph is what is known variously as the 'model 1851 Navy'. Colt's 'Navy' pistols were military weapons, larger than the 'Pocket' (or 'Baby Dragoon') pistols favoured by civilians. (Parks Canada)

The Royal Newfoundland Companies were a British garrison unit of veterans, stationed in St.John's, Newfoundland from 1824 to 1862. In 1862 they were absorbed into the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment. Reconstruction by David Webber. (Parks Canada)

Built between 1828 and 1856, the Quebec Citadel has remained largely the same ever since, as this 1950s picture shows. It is now the regimental HQ of the Royal 22e Régiment / Royal 22nd Regiment - the famous 'Van Doos'. (Library of the Canadian Department of National Defence)