2nd Regiment of York Militia-Thompson's Company

05/10/2026

"...with warlike aggression"

05/10/2026

Spring Drill day...

11/21/2025

The militia offers it's muskets to the HMS Psyche

11/21/2025

Rear guard action. A squad of 2nd York militia getting a few last shots off before getting the hell out of Dodge (aka Fort George)

10/28/2025

A great loss for Canada and Canadian history. Rest in Peace

Sad, and stunned this morning reading about the passing of Dr Tim Cook, Chief Historian at the Canadian War Museum. Tim passed away yesterday following a valiant struggle with cancer. I had met Tim several years ago at a book launch, and we corresponded several times. His encouragement, and courage inspired me, and will continue to do so. Rest in Peace Tim, We Remember Them.

Victory 1918 – The Last 100 Days by Tim Cook and J. L. Granatstein

No Place to Run: The Canadian Corps and Gas Warfare in the First World War

At the Sharp End Volume One: Canadians Fighting the Great War 1914-1916

The Madman and the Butcher: The Sensational Wars Of Sam Hughes And General Arthur Currie

Shock Troops: Canadians Fighting the Great War 1917-1918

The Secret History of Soldiers: How Canadians Survived the Great War

Vimy: The Battle and the Legend

Lifesavers and Body Snatchers: Medical Care and the Struggle for Survival in the Great War

10/28/2025

1,890 signatures are still needed! Protect and Preserve the Niagara Military Museum

10/13/2025

On this day in 1812, war came to Upper Canada. American forces lead by General Stephan Van Rensselaer, crossed the Niagara river at Queenston in a surprise attack and captured the Redan battery (a large cannon located on the Heights, which was perceived to be a threat to the village of Lewiston New York).

Some of the Americans lead by Captain Wool had gone along the river bank where they found a way up the steep gorge, climbed to the top and captured the battery by attacking from the rear. The Americans then turned the cannon at the tiny village of Queenston.

British General Brock personally took command of his old regiment, the 49th Regiment of Foot, and the 2nd Regiment of York Militia to wrestle Queenston Heights back from American control.

Brock led his “Brave York Volunteers” up the Heights to the American positions. Despite being shot in the arm, the General continued to lead his men and almost closed the distance, when, leading from the front with sword held high, an American sniper took aim and shot him. The musket ball penetrated his heart and he fell to the ground dying almost instantly. Despite the death of their beloved leader, the 49th and the 2nd York nearly took the heights from American control before additional American reinforcements arrived and finally pushed the attacking British from the heights.

The counterattack faltered, then retreated down the slope. An aide to Brock, Colonel John Macdonell, arrived with two more companies, renewed the attack, and reached the abandoned gun postion on the heights before Macdonell too was killed.

The Americans on the Heights began to fortify their postition against a British Frontal attack up the escarpment.

British General Roger Hale Sheaffe, leading a British column from Fort George along the river road, made a detour back off the river road to remain out of the Americans site arriving at the top of the Heights out-flanking the Americans.

A small detachment of Major John Norton's Mohawk warriors harrassed the Americans with sporadic attacks during which they filled the air with piercing war cries terrifying the American troops.

The Americans were in an exposed position with the gorge and escarpment on the sides and in their rear and the British in front of them. By the time more British and Canadian troops arrived from Fort Erie (including Rauncey's 'Coloured' corps), most of the American attackers had been either killed, captured, or retreated back across the river.

09/16/2025

🚨 The countdown is ON! 🚨
In less than a week, the battlefield comes alive at Engagement at Bradley 2025 ⚔️

👀 Watch history unfold with thrilling battle reenactments, shop unique finds from sutlers & artisans, try tasty food (yes, peameal on a bun is back!), and step into the world of Regency dancing 💃🕺

📍 Bradley Museum, Mississauga
📅 Sept 13–14 | 10 AM – 5 PM
🎟️ $5 adults | FREE for kids

👉 Don’t miss your chance—grab your tickets now before they’re gone!
https://EngagementatBradley2025.eventbrite.ca

09/07/2025

Some photos from two of the reenacting events attended by 2nd York this past summer - the Battle of Fort George and the Siege of Fort Erie. Photos courtesy of Olivia Chonchera

09/07/2025

Attempting to shield ourselves from the heat of a July heatwave at Fort George. Photo courtesy of Ray Henriksbø