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Author Topic: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit  (Read 2231 times)

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Offline Danjanou

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Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« on: October 11, 2009, 14:18:10 »
I could use a bit of help identifying the unit in this picture. A relative provided it and one of the persons in it is supposedly an ancestor. I’ve tried blowing it up to identify the cap badge etc, but no luck.

Judging by the uniforms I would say it’s late 1890’s early 2oth century and the sash on the Sgt makes it Line Infantry (as opposed to rifles etc).

The picture was probably taken somewhere near Aurora or Newmarket or in that general area of York Region.


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Offline Dennis Ruhl

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Re: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« Reply #1 on: October 11, 2009, 14:53:00 »
It must have been a rich unit - no straw hats and unfaded uniforms that fit.  A search for "York Rangers"  brings up the New York Rangers so I'm stumped.  I've never noticed the hats before.  Are they white or wearing condoms?  The photo might be somewhat more recent than you think.
« Last Edit: October 11, 2009, 15:00:24 by Dennis Ruhl »
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Offline Dennis Ruhl

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Re: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2009, 15:14:23 »
The badge is a definite maybe for the 12th York Rangers.


http://www.arcticmedals.com/catalog/item/3730557/4953890.htm

The bayonet looks shorter than the 23 1/2 inch SMLE model so it must be pre 1915/1916 unless militia units still had old kit.
« Last Edit: October 11, 2009, 15:30:11 by Dennis Ruhl »
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Offline mariomike

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Re: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« Reply #3 on: October 11, 2009, 15:21:45 »
« Last Edit: October 11, 2009, 15:44:05 by mariomike »
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Offline Danjanou

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Re: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« Reply #4 on: October 12, 2009, 13:58:41 »
I think you may be right, thanks.

I automatically discounted the QYR and predecessors as they’re now armoured and were descended from what could have been termed rifles. However forgot other units would have existed there, classic error and I’m going to go and beat myself over the head with my Military History Degree now. For missing the obvious.

 A quick search of the 12th and it supports other things known about said ancestor in the picture including service in the Riel Rebellion.

As I said around turn of the century is when I believe it was taken., mainly based on the tunics and the peaked caps ( those appear to be slip on covers BTW).

The bayonet may be for a Lee Metford or even an older Martini Enfield?

Off to do some more digging.
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Offline Old Sweat

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Re: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« Reply #5 on: October 12, 2009, 14:08:34 »
James

I have a 1906 Militia List. The entry for the 12th Regiment, "York Rangers" indicates that the headquarters was in Aurora, with companies in Riverside, Aurora, Sutton Village, Newmarket, Toronto June, Parkdale, Weston and Yorkville.
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Offline Spectrum

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Re: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« Reply #6 on: October 12, 2009, 14:14:56 »
The Aurora Armoury is one of the oldest in Canada if I'm not mistaken. I used to parade there and remember a plaque being erected to recognize it as a historical site.

The regimental museum at FYA might be of some assistance as well.

Cheers.
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Offline George Wallace

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Re: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« Reply #7 on: October 12, 2009, 16:14:44 »
Quote from: Danjanou on October 12, 2009, 13:58:41
IAs I said around turn of the last century is when I believe it was taken., mainly based on the tunics and the peaked caps ( those appear to be slip on covers BTW).


There.  Fixed that for ya.  Definitely not from the 1990/2000 era.   ;D


Now looking at the belt buckles, the majority seem to be wearing the "Snake" buckle.  Is that not a cavalry style buckle?
« Last Edit: October 12, 2009, 16:17:33 by George Wallace »
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Offline Michael O'Leary

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Re: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« Reply #8 on: October 12, 2009, 16:20:16 »
Quote from: George Wallace on October 12, 2009, 16:14:44
Now looking at the belt buckles, the majority seem to be wearing the "Snake" buckle.  Is that not a cavalry style buckle?

No, it was a generic buckle pattern.
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Offline Danjanou

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Re: Unidentified Ontaro Militia Unit
« Reply #9 on: October 12, 2009, 17:01:14 »
I Just spent some time looking through the online copy of the book mariomike posted. Other group photos look similar to the one I posted including the headress.

I also located the nominal rolls in the back and found matches for my ancestors surname.
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