The War of 1812 - 1814

As lighter artillery transformed warfare in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, rapid manoeuvers replaced slow sieges, new light infantry and artillery corps were created, militia mobilization increased, and armed forces became more mobile. The strategy and tactics of the Anglo-American War of 1812 reflected these changes. Although naval forces on the Great Lakes remained important throughout the conflict, British officers grew increasingly concerned about overland invasion routes, watched for enemy movement on them, and relied on the mobility and speed of their defensive troops. During the war, many infantry and artillery detachments and several militia corps converged on Coteau-du-Lac, where some served on garrison duty and helped build defensive works while others passed through on their way to the Great Lakes front. Many troops assembled there were tasked with guarding against enemy land manoeuvres between Prescott and Montréal. In February 1814, the force at Coteau-du-Lac included at least 13 officers and more than 300 soldiers of the 103rd Infantry Regiment, which had established its winter headquarters there for 1813-1814, accompanied by 34 women and 26 children. At the same time, more than 50 soldiers of the Royal Artillery, 33 militiamen from the 5th Battalion Embodied Militia, and 3 soldiers from the Royal Veterans’ Battalion were also staying at Coteau-du-Lac.

Quebec · Canada