Victoria Rifles (Nova Scotia)

Captain George R Anderson (left), commanding officer of the Victoria Rifles

The Victoria Rifles was a military unit of black soldiers in Halifax, Nova Scotia that was established in 1860 in the wake of the Crimean War and on the eve of the American Civil War.[1] It was one of the oldest black regiments established in Canada.[2] On January 30, 1860, at a meeting of the Victoria Rifles, George Anderson was elected Captain and John H. Symonds (1st Lieut. 2nd Halifax Queen's) elected 1st. Lieut.[3] [4]

On May 15, 1860, the volunteer regiments met at Lt. Haliburton's residence to form the Halifax Volunteer Battalion and a representative of the Victoria Rifles was present. [5] Six regiments were chosen for the distinction and five were rejected. The Victoria Rifles regiment was prevented from becoming part of the Halifax Volunteer Battalion. As an elite Haligonian later observed of the Rifles: “The other companies would not allow them to come near them, to mingle with them, in the event of any united movement rendering it desirable to equalize the companies – they must be kept at a distance.”[6]

Despite this exclusion, on June 8, 1860, the anniversary of Halifax’s founding, the Victoria Rifles and the other volunteer battalions and regular troops in the city took part in garrison at the North Common. [7] On July 31, 1860, the Victoria Rifles were present at a ceremony at Government House in honour of the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII). When the Prince arrived in Truro a short time later, the Victoria Rifles formed a Guard of honour on the occasion.[8]

February 1861, the Victoria Rifles mustered at Grand Parade and then followed the 63rd Regiment to Government house to present a loyal address. That evening the company attended a lecture at Dalhousie College.[9][10]

On Oct 1-2, 1861, the first provincial rifle match was held in Windsor, with members of all regiments in the competition. Under the white commanding officer Captain Anderson, the Rifles were represented by Cpl. G. Liston and Cpl. B. Janey, who ranked #13 and #29 respectively out of 31 competitors.[11]

At the competition, a dispute arose between Captain Anderson and Commander Sgt. John Albro of the Chebucto Grays. Albro was described as expressing “himself more forcefully than complimentary to his fellow soldiers”.[12] A court martial on the matter sided with Albro and Anderson resigned his position in protest.


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References

Endnotes

  1. ↑ Egan, p. (166)
  2. ↑ The Captain Runchey's Company of Coloured Men was the first during the War of 1812. In 1860 there was an all-black military unit named Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps (also known as the "Victoria Rifles" and "African Rifles") in British Columbia (see Blackpast.org). It was a Volunteer Military Company from Victoria, BC, active between 1860 and 1864. It is unknown if either "Victoria Rifles" regiment was aware of the other.
  3. ↑ Morning Chronicle (Halifax, Nova Scotia) Saturday, 4 February 1860, p. 3, col. 2:
  4. ↑ 2nd BRIGADE MILITIA ARTILLERY of HALIFAX Matner Byles Almon George Anderson, 1 Upper Water street. In 1900 he received a Fenian Raid medal for his service. (MG 100 Vol. 188, #13).
  5. ↑ Egan, p. 4
  6. ↑ Marquis, p. 65
  7. ↑ Egan, p. 6
  8. ↑ Robert Cellem. Visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to the British North American Provinces …, p. 61, p. 71
  9. ↑ Marquis, p. 22
  10. ↑ The Halifax Volunteer Battalion also became known as the 63rd Regiment in 1869.
  11. ↑ Egan, p. 171
  12. ↑ Egan, p. 102

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