7th Battalion, Dominion Day 1867

Date1867

Credit LineTransfer from the London and Middlesex Historical Society, 1958

Object number1958.001.205

Label TextLondon’s 7th Battalion, London Light Infantry, pose on the first Dominion Day, July 1, 1867, in this photograph. The Fenian Raids helped bring about Canadian Confederation in 1867. The individual provinces recognized their vulnerability to attack. They also recognized the United States’ military and economic strength. Between 1866 and 1871, the American-based Fenian Brotherhood tried to capture Canada. They hoped to secure Ireland’s independence from Britain. Composed of Irish-American Civil War veterans, the Fenians defeated a small Canadian force at the Battle of Ridgeway in June 1866. Their other raids failed. The 7th Battalion was a product of the 1855 Militia Act, which encouraged the establishment of volunteer companies. Author Bill Corfield, in "Silent Victory: The Canadian Fusiliers in the Japanese War," notes that "London progressively had a series of units - the 1st and 2nd Infantry Company, Highland Volunteers, Foot Artillery, St. Johns Infantry, Merchant Volunteers and Number 1 Company, London Battalion of Fusiliers. These units recruited enthusiastic 'citizen soldiers.' Because these companies needed coordination, direction and training, London Military District headquarters consolidated them into the 7th Battalion, Prince Arthur's Own, on April 27, 1866. The unit was renamed the 7th Battalion, London Light Infantry in 1867. In 1870, the name changed again to the 7th Battalion Fusiliers.

NamePhotograph