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F Section Two The Canadian Statesman. Bowmanvillc, December 11,1985 13 Long History for Parade Soldiers It's been more than a century century and one-half since a regiment regiment known as The Incorporated Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada fought alongside British regular forces in the War of 1812. But today, a dedicated group of volunteers is keeping keeping the memory of that famous famous regiment alive. Most Bowmanvillc residents residents will known them as the men with the noisy muskets muskets who have marched for the past three years in the Santa Claus Parade. You will also find the militia at Fort York, and Sackett's Harbour in New York, and at many other outings where they can demonstrate demonstrate the military history history of early 19th century Canada. One of the members of the group is John Gauthier, a Bowmanvillc resident, who enjoys this rather unusual hobby because it is something something in which the whole family can play a role. "The nice thing about it is that the whole family can participate," he explains. His wife and daughters wear clothes of the era and join their lather in his red coat at many weekend outings. outings. The regiment consists of about 42 but with spouses and, children, the group numbers over 100 when attending attending an event in the summer. summer. One of the purposes of The Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada is to bring to light a part of Canadian his tory which is sometimes forgotten. forgotten. When we visit many replicas replicas of pioneer settlements settlements we may think of early Canadians as farmers and log-cabin builders. In fact, Mr. Gauthier notes that early Canada had a very important important military tradition. He notes that defence was a prime consideration of early Canadians and, in fact, the colony was governed governed originally by military men. "This was not the peaceful peaceful backwater that everybody everybody thought it was," he said. And by considering military military history of a particular age, one can gain a better understanding of the people who lived at that time. "We're showing the public public a totally different aspect of history," Mr. Gauthier explains. explains. The Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada is unique in the story of Canada because because it was a regiment which was composed of Canadian volunteers. Formed in 1813, the regiment regiment was disbanded in 1815 at the close of the war. It had 10 companies of 90 to 100 men each and consisted of Canadians ranging in age from 15 to 55. Old records note that the men ranged in height from a four-foot eight inch sergeant to a soldier who was six feet, two. Medical requirements for entry into the regiment were rudimentary, to say the least. Almost anyone who appeared healthy and wasn't missing a limb would be eligible. The only real necessity was a minimum of one upper front tooth and one lower front tooth to bite the cartridge off before firing. Volunteers with wooden teen were excluded. Today's member of the Incorporated Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada may come from practically any walk of life. Some members of the group arc ex military men. But others include postal employees employees and lawyers. Mr. Gauthier is himself a former member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. His regular job is at a store fixture manufacturing company company and he has a hobby and part-time job of making military miniaturcs.. t The group started in 1979 when the guards at Fort York in Toronto needed a group which would fill out their numbers. The volunteers volunteers are part of a nonprofit nonprofit group, however the expenses of new recruits arc mostly covered by the organization. Newcomers arc only asked to buy a shirt and boots. The remainder of the uniform is supplied by the Militia. Other costly items such as powder and muskets muskets are also provided, although although those who join the regiment frequently prefer to outfit themselves once they have been part of the organization for some time. A complete kit, including authentic reproductions of the uniforms, may cost about $2,500, John explains. The musket alone is worth something in the order of $600. During the winter months, the group drills eveiy Monday night a Fort York. But once the spring arrives, the soldiers, like their predecessors of the 1800s, can expect to be on campaign. Most weekends they demonstrate demonstrate manouevres at museums and historical sites throughout Ontario and into parts of the U.S. By watching this well-disciplined well-disciplined team, you can see the firing of volleys, light infantry infantry deployment, the correct position to counteract a cavalry charge, and much more. Drummers demonstrate how the troops' orders were communicated not by vocal instructions but by drum patterns. Of course, this organization organization is always on the lookout for new members. "I think everyone who is interested in history would be interested interested in this," John Gauthier explained. In fact, he would like to find about half a dozen area residents who would be willing to learn the basic drills and then join the experienced experienced members of the militia. Anyone interested in learning more about the Incorporated Incorporated Militia ofUpper Canada is invited to call Mr. Gauthier at 623-4054. "It's a good bunch of guys to work with. They all have a common aim." "See me for all your family insurance needs" INSURANCE Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. 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