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American Rebels advancing on Quebec, courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, C-8724
 
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0M8
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The American Revolution, 1775-1783

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American Revolution Artifacts

Camp Colour | Scottish Dirk | Militia Officer's Gorget | Badge of Loyalty | Loyalist Uniform

Camp Colour, CWM 18950002-004
Camp Colour
Royal Highland Emigrants
CWM 18950002-004

Camp Colours marked the streets in British army campsites so that the soldiers from each regiment would know where to pitch their tents. Recruited in North America in 1775, the Royal Highland Emigrants played a leading role in the defence of Quebec City.
Scottish Dirk, CWM 19800027-001
Scottish Dirk
around 1775
CWM 19800027-001

Scottish soldiers carried long daggers known as dirks. This one belonged to John Nairne of the Royal Highland Emigrants. Nairne was one of the soldiers at the Sault-au-Matelot Barricade who climbed the ladder into a house occupied by the Rebels.
Militia Officer's Gorget, CWM 19790001-008
Militia Officer's Gorget
Quebec Militia
CWM 19790001-008

Officers wore gorgets as a badge of rank. The markings on this gorget commemorate the successful defence of Quebec City in 1775-1776.
Badge of Loyalty, CWM 19800978-399
Badge of Loyalty
Pouch Plate, Butler's Rangers
CWM 19800978-399

Loyalist soldiers wore badges bearing a crown and the King's initials. The G.R. on this cartridge box plate stands for Georgius Rex, Latin for King George. George III was King of Great Britain during the American Revolution.
Loyalist Uniform, CWM 19830092-001, CWM 19830092-002, CWM 19830092-002
Loyalist Uniform
Officer's Coatee, Light Infantry Company
CWM 19830092-001
Officer's Breeches, Light Infantry Company
CWM 19830092-002
Officer's Waistcoat, Light Infantry Company
CWM 19830092-002

In 1779, Loyalist soldiers received scarlet uniforms, similar to those worn by British regulars. This one belonged to Lieutenant Jeremiah French of the King's Royal Regiment of New York. The gold buttons bear the regiment's initials. They are arranged in pairs to indicate that French belonged to the 2nd battalion of the regiment. This is one of the oldest complete uniforms in Canada.