The Nova Scotia Fencibles were a military regiment raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1803. The unit had red uniforms with yellow facings.

A display at the Halifax Citadel featuring pieces of equipment used by the Nova Scotia Fencibles, and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Fencible Infantry.
Otto Schwartz, Nova Scotia Fencibles, c. 1806[1]
Nova Scotia Fencibles Drum

History

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The Nova Scotia Fencibles were the only regiment stationed in Newfoundland in 1812.[2]

Although posted to Kingston in Upper Canada in 1814, the regiment did not see action and was disbanded in 1816.

Half the unit, some 210 officers and other ranks, together with 48 wives and children, were on board the Archduke Charles when it wrecked on 10 June 1816 near Green Island, having cleared the Saint Lawrence River. The Regiment had marched from Kingston to Quebec and had embarked there for Nova Scotia. Four soldiers, two wives, and two children lost their lives; all others were saved. Contemporary accounts referred to the regiment as the Royal Nova Scotia Regiment, which had, however, been disbanded some years earlier.

Notable members

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  • William Ross, d. 1822, Nova Scotia Fencibles; founder of Ross Farm, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia
  • Colin Alexander McNabb, Lieut. in H.M. late Nova Scotia Fencibles Regt., who departed this life Nov. 10th, 1820.[3]
  • Otto Schwartz, Nova Scotia Fencibles
  • Colonel Edward Baynes
  • Lieutenant Colonel Baylies of the Nova Scotia Fencibles

See also

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References

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