Colourful calvary returns to Crysler’s Farm reenactment

A colourful troop of reenactors returns to the Battle of Crysler’s Farm reenactment July 9-10th.

The 19th Light Dragoons is a troop of reenactors representing the original British 19th Light Dragoons which fought in Upper and Lower Canada during the War of 1812.

Wearing blue uniforms with bright yellow facing and cuffs, the 19th Light Dragoons acted as scouts and a first line of attack against the American invaders in Upper and Lower Canada.

The troop plans to have 28-30 members participating in the reenactment this weekend along with three horses.

“The horses are specially trained for participating in reenactments,” stated Captain Dan Williams, organizer for the troop.

“They are used to dealing with the sounds associated with gun and cannon fire that comes with these events.”
Williams, a retired Canadian Armed Forces medic from Saint-Sébastien, Quebec joined the Dragoons in 2012.

“It’s a lot of fun to go to these events. It’s living history,” said Williams. “There are members from all over Ontario, Quebec, and New England.”

In addition to the reenactments planned at Crysler’s Farm, the Dragoons plan to have different demonstrations throughout the weekend including drill parades and some unfortunate pumpkins which will meet the calvary’s swords in a charge.

“The [Light] Dragoons were an unsung hero of many battles during the War of 1812,” stated Williams. “They were professional soldiers, the commissions were more of the middle of the British class system.”

The British Army 19th Light Dragoons started as a calvary unit in India before being moved to Great Britain, then to Upper Canada during the War of 1812. The unit was disbanded in 1821.

The group of reenactors participates in six-to-eight events throughout the year, commemorating key battles or events during the War of 1812. This is their third appearance at the Crysler’s Farm Battlefield.

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