BG 12.048 - September 17, 2012
The Battle of Maumee took place on May 5, 1813, on the Maumee (or Miami) River in Ohio, USA. This battle occurred during the first siege of the American installation Fort Meigs, which was built in the aftermath of their loss of Detroit and the defeat at the battle of Frenchtown in Jan. 1813. In an effort to forestall an American offensive against British-held Detroit, a small force consisting of British regulars, Canadian militia and First Nations allies attempted to capture the fort.
Led by British Commander Major General Henry Procter, the siege, which commenced late April 1813, was aimed at disrupting American preparations for a summer campaign and the capture of supplies. Procter's force disembarked at the mouth of the Maumee on April 26th. In addition to the British 41st Regiment of Foot and First Nations allies, units serving under his commanded included:
- Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Fencible Infantry;
- The Western Rangers (Caldwell’s Rangers);
- 1st and 2nd Regiments of Essex Militia; and
- 1st Regiment of Kent Militia
It took several days for the British force to move up the Maumee and set up siege batteries around Fort Meigs. Most of these were on the north side of the river, but one was set up on the south side where most of the First Nations allies led by Shawnee chief Tecumseh were stationed and loosely investing the fort.
Early on the morning of May 5, 1813, a relief column of 1200 American troops landed on the north bank of the Maumee River and stormed the batteries on the north bank. Coming under fire from Indians in the woods, part of the American force pursued Tecumseh's men, who led them deeper into the forest where they were killed or captured. While the American relief column was fighting on the north side of the river, the American garrison sorted and captured the southern battery. In conjunction with men of the British 41st Regiment of Foot, soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Fencibles then retook the battery. In his dispatch following the battle, General Proctor specifically recognized Captain Peter Chambers and the Royal Newfoundland Fencibles. He stated that: “I have to notice the Gallant conduct in the Attack of the Enemy near the Batteries, at the Point of the Bayonet, a Service in which he was well supported by Lieutenants Bullock, 41st Regiment and [John] Le Breton of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment”.
American casualties were significant with 400 killed and 600 prisoners of war. More importantly, the American column was not able to join with the besieged garrison of Fort Meigs. As Proctor later reported: “If the enemy had been permitted to receive his reinforcements and supplies undisturbed, I should have had, at this critical juncture, to contend with him for Detroit, or perhaps on this [Canadian] shore.” While the siege of Fort Meigs proved unsuccessful, the Battle of Maumee bought the defenders of Upper Canada (Ontario) preciously needed time. Ultimately the American forces in the western theatre of the war were never able to combine with American troops in Niagara that year.
To publicly honour those involved in this great achievement, the United Kingdom created the Battle Honour “MIAMI” in 1816. Unfortunately, when this honour was created in London the Royal Newfoundland Fencibles had already been disbanded and the service of the Canadian Militia was forgotten. Nevertheless, Canada has never forgotten what these early Canadians accomplished in this battle of the War of 1812. Their bravery lived on in the memories of local military units that were formed after them.
This past year, members of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Advisory Panel recommended that this recognition be completed by permitting Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate units that served in the War of 1812 to carry a Battle Honour for “MAUMEE” to justly honour the sacrifice and success of Canadians serving there 200 years ago. The same recommendation has been made by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment advisory council.
The Government of Canada has agreed with this recommendation and as a result The Essex and Kent Scottish that perpetuate the history and heritage of elements of the regiments of the Essex and Kent militias that served with merit at Maumee will receive the Battle Honour “MAUMEE”.
In addition, to commemorate the service of the Royal Newfoundland Fencible Infantry, the Battle Honour “MAUMEE” will be awarded to The Royal Newfoundland Regiment stationed in St. John’s, N.L.
The War of 1812 was instrumental in the development of Canada’s military history and established the basis of the Canada we know today - an independent and free country with a constitutional monarchy and its own parliamentary system. The Government of Canada and the Canadian Forces are proud to commemorate the achievements of those early Canadian soldiers and sailors who fought in the War of 1812.
The 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 is an opportunity for all Canadians to take pride in our history and to pay tribute to our founders, defining historical moments, and the heroes who fought for Canada.
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