A visit to Queen’s Park with Newfoundland connection in the war of 1812. I am an Ontarian, with deep family roots that date back to the late 1820s, to the original settlers of Simcoe county, and whose ancestor defended Upper Canada (Ontario) during the War of 1812 with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Myself and my wife visited The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. I’m very proud to have met Her Majesty’s representative of Ontario and was privileged to have met Her Majesty’s representative of Newfoundland & Labrador this past February. I wanted to bring to his Honour's attention to the service of the “Royal Newfoundland Regiment” during the war of 1812, or as it was called during that time, “The Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Fencible Infantry 1803-1816.” In May 1812, weeks before outbreak of the war with the United States, Major-General Sir Isaac Brock Commander of his Majesty’s Forces in Upper Canada deployed The Regiment into smaller companies in defensive positions all over Upper Canada. Some even employed as Marines onboard naval vessels on the Great Lakes (known as His Majesty’s Provincial Marine). Elements of this Regiment were present at almost every battle in the Great Lakes region and are listed in the pages of my book. “A Directory of Officers & Men of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment 1795-1816.” One little known fact: During battle of York (Toronto), 27 April 1813, as a superior American force advanced to overrun the British position and the fort, it was a captain of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who was ordered to set the powder magazine alight, preventing it from being taken by American troops. Recently, after looking through British military records, I have proof my ancestor was involved in the successful raid on Ogdensburg N.Y., 22 February 1813. The raid was put into action after the constant harassing by the Americans on British military supplies and civilians along the St. Lawrence River near Prescott. Units that took part were about 30 members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Royal Artillery, 8th Regiment, Glengarry Light infantry and local militia marched across the frozen St. Lawrence River. In a two-pronged attack which was led by Newfoundland-born Lt-Col George MacDonell of the Glengarry Light Infantry, also known as (Red George), this mixed force pushed their way through the town, capturing the enemy military equipment and burning two barracks, gunboats and other vessels. After the raid the Americans never launched another attack from Ogdensburg again. This and countless other actions The Royal Newfoundland Regiment gave in the service of His Majesty King George III during the War of 1812. Photo: Rodney is dressed in the Uniform of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Fencible Infantry.   Submitted By: NULL