Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Canada General Service 1866-70 Medal awarded to Colour-Sergeant R. Evans, 13th (Hamilton) Battalion, which unit clashed with the Fenians at “The Battle of Ridgeway” on 2 June 1866

Canada General Service 1866-70, 1 clasp, Fenian Raid 1866 (Cr. Sgt. R. Evans, 13th Bn.), extremely fine £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Ron Penhall Collection.

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Robert Evans is confirmed on the original medal roll as having served as a Colour-Sergeant in No. 6 Company of the 13th Battalion of Volunteer Militia Infantry (Hamilton) at Port Colbourne and Ridgeway during 1866. The latter location is of particular interest given the engagement fought there on 2 June 1866, when the 13th Battalion, in company with men of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Toronto, clashed with the Fenians under Colonel John O’Neill. Initially the inexperienced Canadians held the upper hand, even though pitched against some veterans of the American Civil War, but as a result of a confusing order being given, they lost the advantage and were compelled to retreat back through the town of Ridgeway towards Port Colbourne, their rear guard being comprised of riflemen from the 13th. As it transpired, the Fenians, conscious of the fact that more regular forces were heading in their direction, decided to retreat back across the Niagara river to Buffalo, where many of them were interned by the American authorities.