Name/Title
1870 - Canadian General Service Medal (CGSM) FENIAN RAIDS issued in 1899 to Private Francis Summers with 1870 Clasp. One of only 85 Sixth (6th) Battalion Hochelaga Light Infantry 'Red Coats' to be awarded the CGSM - Veteran of the Fenian attack at Pigeon Hill, QuebecDescription
6th Hochelaga Light Infantry Fenian Raids Medal with one Clasp 1870. Naming is officially impressed, (Pte. F. Summers, 6th. H.L.I.). Condition: Toning, slight contact marks on rim, replacement ribbon, near mint.
ABOUT THE RECIPIENT:
Private Francis Summers is shown in the roll of the 85-man 6th (Hochelaga Infantry) Battalion and is listed in "Canada General Service Medal Roll, 1866-70" by John Thyen, entitled to the Fenian Raid 1870 clasp. He is documented on the roll as having been posted to St. Johns, Quebec, from 24 May to 2 June 1866, and Pigeon Hill with an attack made where he served as infantry.
ABOUT THE PINGEON HILL RAID: (ONLY VICTORIA CROSS ACTION ON CANADIAN SOIL):
Despite the strengthened defences however, a party of 1,000 Fenians commanded by General Spier crossed the Canadian frontier on June 7, 1866 and made its way up the Lake Champlain route and took up position at Pigeon Hill in Mississquoi County Militia engaged in this campaign. However, with the arrival of Canadian Militia reinforcements and the seizure of much of their arms and ammunition by American authorities at St Albans, Spier and his troops made their way back to the United States with the loot they had plundered during this brief foray.
The only Victoria Cross earned on Canadian soil was awarded to Pte. Timothy O’Hea of the 1st Bn., Prince Consort’s Own Rifle Brigade for extinguishing the flames of a fire in an ammunition train bound for the Canadian Militia engaged in this campaign.Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
January 21, 2025Updated By
Major Brian Tracey, MMM, CD4, retiredUpdate Date
May 20, 2025
