41st Regiment of foot 1812-14

   The 41st Regiment of Foot was posted to Canada in 1800. Having been an invalid battalion for all of its history up to this point the regiment held no battle honours.  This would soon change dramatically.  During the War of 1812 the regiment saw long service at most of the important battles, both in land and sea.

  Starting with General Isaac Brock the The 41st were at the siege and surrender of Fort Detroit in August 1812;  and at Queenston Heights in October  1812.  The 41st then served under General Henry Proctor (the colonel of the 41st)  at The battle of Frenchtown in January 1813 and the siege of Fort Meigs in April 1813.  Volunteers from the regiment served aboard the British naval squadron during the battle of Lake Erie September 1813.  Following the defeat of the squadron and it's total destruction Procter retreated and was defeated at the Battle of the Thames in October 1813.  Following the battle the 41st was decimated and had to be rebuilt with drafts and recruits.  All were combined into a single battalion when the 2/41st arrived.    In December 1813 the regiment took part in the successful capture of  Fort Niagara.  The Light Infantry company fought at Lundy' s Lane in 1814.

  The 41st Regiment was a red faced regiment with originally silver lacelace for the officers.  Later in 1814 when the second battalion arrived the officers lace was changed to gold.  I have painted the officers in the silver lace.   Because they were a red faced regiment drummers uniforms were white coats faced red.  I have fielded the regiment in belgic shako as these appeared to have been worn for most of their time in Canada.  Figures are from Knuckleduster miniatures;  flags are from Flags of War.

  It is very funny to me how I become attached to certain regiments.  This might come about because a friend or I was a member of that reenactment group.   Or it is because you get attached to them through reading about a certain battle or campaign.  For The 41st Regiment of foot it was through reading Pierre Berton's Flames Across the Border.  This was not only the book which got me hooked on the War of 1812 but also to the 41st Regiment.  To me they were a good but hard luck regiment which served through the War from beginning to end.  In addition the narrative of Private Shadrack Byfield provided me with a common foot soldier to follow.  Bayfield was a weaver who enlisted in the 41st and later had his narrative of service written down for him.  He served throughout the War in numerous battles and sieges.  Unfortunately he lost his arm at the battle of Conjocta Creek in 1814 ending his military career.   I have long wanted to add them to my collection and now I have.