Name/Title
1814 - Battle of Chateauguay - A 1848 British Military General Service Medal (MGSM) named to Private Antoine Couture (1st Battalion) affiliated with The Regiment de la ChaudièreDescription
1814 - Battle of Chateauguay - A 1848 British Military General Service Medal (MGSM) named to Private Antoine Couture (1st Battalion) affiliated with The Regiment de la Chaudière. The medal contains a damaged 'Chateauguay' bar with incorrect rounded letters and lack of beading on the bar surface.
ABOUT CGG and The War of 1812:
The 2nd Battalion, Select Embodied Canadian Militia at the Battle of Chateauguay on 26 October 1813. On that famous day approximately 1,300 Regulars, Volunteers, Militia and Mohawk warriors from Lower Canada faced off - and won the day - against nearly twice as many invaders from the United States.
It should be noted that one of the active units from the War of 1812 now perpetuated by us,, the 2nd. Battalion Select Embodied Militia were also presented colours, personally authorized by HRH, The Prince Regent in 1815 for their active service during the war. Sadly, these colours have since disappeared and are now lost to history. The bulk of this unit, along with the Militia Light Infantry, another active unit perpetuated today by the CGG, fought at the Battle of Chateauguay, amongst other places, which earned for us two Battel Honours - Defense of Canada 1812-15 and Chateauguay. The so-called flank companies of the 2SEM played a decisive role with indigenous allies in throwing back a flank attack by the Americans at heavy cost to them.
The Select Embodied Militia, much like the Canadian Expeditionary Force of WW1, were full time uniformed soldiers recruited from the Sedentary Militia for the duration of the war. They were fully trained to the high standards of the British Army, arguably the best trained infantry in the world at that time and dressed appropriately in red coats. Chateauguay was considered one of the three most strategic victories of the War of 1812. It soundly defeated with minimal casualties a major US Army headed directly to take Montreal. And it was fought entirely by Canadians, both French and English speaking, aided only by indigenous allies and led by a Canadian officer Col. CHARLES-MICHEL DRUMBERRY DE SALABERRY; No British troops actually fought at Chateauguay. It was a uniquely Canadian victory.
All told the Regiment officially perpetuates 7 units that were active during the War of 1812, including the 2SEM.Created By
Bertille L. HurelCreate Date
July 14, 2022Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
September 4, 2025
