A historical event unfolded on Canadian land just a year before Confederation, known as the Battle of Ridgeway or Limestone Ridge in 1866. This battle marked the first instance of Canadian troops led by Canadian officers engaging in combat. It also served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day observed in certain regions annually. Despite the significance of this battle, the nine individuals who lost their lives are not included in the Books of Remembrance on Parliament Hill.
A new petition is in the works to advocate for the addition of these fallen soldiers, along with others who perished in the aftermath of the battle, to the aforementioned list. Conservative MP Fred Davies, representing the Niagara South riding which encompasses Fort Erie where the battle occurred, is championing this cause in Parliament. Reflecting on the battle site, Davies expressed the need for national recognition of this historic event.
The Battle of Ridgeway was not a clear victory for the Canadian forces. Untrained volunteers confronted Fenian raiders, many of whom were veterans of the American Civil War. The Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish American group aspiring for Irish independence, attempted to seize parts of British North America to leverage for their cause. In response, approximately 800 Canadian volunteers from various regiments engaged the raiders near Ridgeway and Fort Erie.
Historian Peter Vronsky highlighted the rapid mobilization of Canadians from the Golden Horseshoe region but noted their lack of preparedness for what he termed Canada’s first modern battle. Despite facing challenges such as inadequate supplies and ammunition, the Canadian troops engaged the invaders. Although the Canadians faced a battlefield defeat and retreated in disarray following a Fenian assault, the Fenians eventually withdrew from Canadian territory.
Davies emphasized that the defeat at Ridgeway does not diminish the sacrifice made by those who fought to defend Canada. A memorial honoring the nine soldiers who perished in the Battle of Ridgeway was erected in 2016. Efforts have been ongoing to have their names added to the Books of Remembrance, with advocates underscoring the importance of recognizing their contribution to shaping Canada’s history.
Even though the battle occurred before the official establishment of Canada, the Books of Remembrance include soldiers who died prior to Confederation, such as those in the War of 1812. The impact of the Battle of Ridgeway on Confederation was acknowledged by Redekop, Davies, and Vronsky, with Vronsky suggesting that the battle played a pivotal role in solidifying Canada’s identity.
Several regiments that participated in the 1866 battle, including the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, continue to exist today. Alexander Muir, renowned for composing “The Maple Leaf Forever,” fought with the Queen’s Own Rifles at Ridgeway. It is believed that the falling leaves of a silver maple tree in Toronto’s Leslieville neighborhood inspired his composition, although Vronsky suggests that the maple leaf from the regiment’s insignia may have also influenced his work.
The Battle of Ridgeway symbolized a shift in Canadians’ allegiance, with a focus on defending their homeland community rather than serving as British subjects. This battle marked a significant moment in Canadian history, laying the foundation for the country’s future identity and armed forces.
