Medal, Award: Fenian Raid, 1866

Object/Artifact

-

Bytown Museum / Musée Bytown

Name/Title

Medal, Award: Fenian Raid, 1866

Entry/Object ID

A177

Description

One circular, silver general service medal with Fenian Raid (1866) bar, complete with effigy of Queen Victoria on the face, the red ensign of Canada on the reverse, a plain silver suspender and double-toe claw, and a ribbon with three equal vertical stripes of red, white and red. The face of the medal shows a veiled effigy of Queen Victoria wearing the Order of the Garter, facing left, and reads "VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX" while the reverse shows the red ensign of Canada surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves and reads "CANADA." The bar reads "FENIAN RAID 1866."

Made/Created

Date made

1866

Notes

Country of origin: CANADA Additional create date: 1899

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Transcription

"VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERIATRIX // T.B."

Notes

The inscription is embossed on the front of the medal.

Transcription

"CANADA"

Notes

The inscription is embossed on the back of the medal.

Transcription

"Pte. T. H Birks, 3rd Ottawa R."

Notes

The inscription is engraved on the edge of the medal.

Transcription

"FENIAN RAID 1866"

Notes

The inscription is embossed on the front of the bar on the ribbon.

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Tertiary Object Term

Medal

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Decoration of Honor

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Award

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Achievement Symbols

Nomenclature Class

Personal Symbols

Nomenclature Category

Category 08: Communication Objects

Search Terms

Award, Award, Communication Artifacts

Legacy Lexicon

Object Name

Medallion (medal), Award

Dimensions

Height

10.5 cm

Width

3.5 cm

Diameter

3.5 cm

Dimension Notes

Ribbon: Length 3.5 cm x Width 0.5 cm

Material

Silver, Fabric

Research Notes

Notes

Reference: [object Object] The medal was awarded to members of the Imperial and Canadian forces who had taken part in the suppression of the Fenian raids and Riel's First Rebellion, the latter being generally referred to as the Red River Expedition. Because the medal was not issued until 1899, it was awarded only if applied for and the recipient must have: been on active service in the field; or, served as guard at any point where an attack from the enemy was expected; or, been detailed for some specific service or duty. Fenians is the name of the old Irish National Militia. After the Civil War in the USA, the American Fenians were bolstered by Civil War mercenaries. In need of something to occupy this large force, John O'Neil crossed the Niagara River, captured Fort Erie, and made his headquarters at Limeridge. The Fenians defeated a unit of the Canadian Militia at Ridgeway, but withdrew to the USA when a stronger force was sent to the area. President Johnson had many of the Fenians arrested.