Captain Richard Duncan's company represents the common Yorker hat company. Hat companies formed the muscular backbone of the regiment.
Captain Duncan's company was part the 1st Battalion of the King's Royal Regiment of New York between 1777 and 1783. Duncan's operated on the Canadian frontier where they conducted many successful campaigns and raids into rebel territory. Duncan, like many other loyalists, had been under open arrest during the early stages of the war and it was not until late in the campaign season of 1777 that he was able join Royalist forces assembling in Quebec.
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Number 1 section fires a crisp volley while Number 2 loads in the background
Crysler Farm Battlefield Park Reenactment 2003 |
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One most notable raid took place in 1778 when a force drawn from the regiment supported by Kanehsatake Mohawks recovered Sir John's papers from the grounds of Johnson Hall in Johnstown where they had been buried when he had been forced to flee two years earlier. Along with the remainder of the regiment, Duncan's was disbanded in December 1783 and the troops, being loyal to the crown, were allowed to winter in barracks in Montreal whilst preparations were made to settle them and their families in Quebec Province away from rebel persecution. Duncan's company occupied Royal Township No.4 at Williamsburgh. Ontario.
In their distinctive bicorn hats the recreated Duncan's Company is the largest in the regiment, drawing recruits from as far west as London Ontario and as far east as Sherbrooke Quebec. Their are strong sections based in Ottawa, Toronto and the Kingston area.
Proficient in line infantry drill and in the essential light tactics of 18th century warfare, the "Hats" of the Yorkers are the most reliable and flexible company in the regiment.
No battlefield obstacle is too much for the company, whether it be water woods, or open fields. Their tactical performance and camaraderie sets the founding example for all companies in the Yorkers.
Their clothing, including the signature bicorn hat, is based on the clothing warrants issued by the Crown in 1768. This uniform formed the base for all the variations that were to follow during the struggle to maintain the Crown's rightful place in the Loyal provinces of America.
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Serjeant Lorenzen Commands
Duncans Coy, Second Section
After advancing them in light infantry extended order, Serjeant Lorenzen has his section stand and deliver a volley into the opposing line. The pairs of "file partners" from the front and rear rank are several paces from the next pair off to their left. Note the "flash in the pan" from Musketman Taylor's Brown Bess flintlock musket. The powder in the pan has been ignited by the flint striking the steel frizzen and in turn ignited the powder in the bottom of the barrel which will soon propel the heavy lead musket ball from the barrel. Mastering the art of skillfullying loading and firing the exact reproductions of the period long arms is one of the true joys of the hobby. Learning the long dead skill brings the Yorkers into a close spiritual contact with the men who fought for the Crown during the American rebellion. Recruits are carefully tutored in the drill, deportment and period battle tactics they will use with the regiment.
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The Wolfe
Bateaux were the pickup trucks of the colonial wars in America. Here a section of Duncan's men row the bateaux Wolfe, under the command of Mark Pergunas, and provide covering fire as they slide up an inlet in search of Loyal Refugees fleeing the oppression of one of the rebel's so called Committee of Safety somewhere in the Mohawk Valley.
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The Wolfe and its Cargo
Their mission successful, the Wolfe slowly carries its precious cargo to safety. Sjt Major Moore and Musketman Taylor keep a sharp watch while other members of the section row through the shallow water. Two more Loyal Refugees will join their soldier husbands and eventually find a new home in Canada.
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Indian File
"The section will advance in Indian files from the right!" Serjeant Fernberg leads off his section in single or Indian File. The men carry their muskets at the "Trail Arms". This loose but efficient method of forming up for a move is perfect for getting troops through obstacles or restricted spaces. A rare sight in the ranks of the King's Royal Yorkers, Musketman Wannamaker (second from the left) visits the company from his other home in the New Jersey Volunteers. Each man carries a black cartidge box that contains his rolled paper cartridges of ammunition, a tin canteen (water bottle) and a canvas haversack that contains their rations and a few personal possessions.
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"Front Form"
On the next simple command of "Front Form" the men rush back into line. Note Corporal Lindsey (white shoulder knot designates his rank) in the foreground, coat collar turned up to the wind, coat tails lowered and a wooden stopper in his musket barrel to keep moisture out. An old efficient professional providing an example for the men. Members of Sjt. Fernberg's Ottawa based section, they wear the traditional "Baker's Hawk" feather tucked into their bicorn.
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Recruits are always welcome to Duncan's Company. Visit the recruiting page on the site for information on how you can become a member of the regiment's elite line company.
The Officer Commanding the company can be contacted at allan.joyner@sympatico.ca.
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A moment in time caught
on film. Captain
Joyner on the extreme right has just given the command “Fire!” and
every man in the company is squeezing the trigger to fire his
musket. The Rebel line is about the get a a very
strong message from Duncan’s company.
Crysler Farm Battlefield Park Reenactment 2003 |
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Sjt Major Moore leads Duncan’s Company in three loud Huzzahs! for His
Majesty King George III
Crysler Farm Battlefield Park Reenactment 2003 |
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