General Service Medal with “Fenian Raids 1870” Clasp
Date1870
Credit LinePurchased with funds from the "Friends of the Historical Museums," 1994.
Object number1994.004.018
Label TextGunner J. Law, of the London (Ontario) Field Battery was presented with this medal to commemorate the 1870 Fenian Raids. The Fenian Brotherhood was an Irish republican group consisting of members who had emigrated to the United States. From 1866-1871, the Fenians carried out armed incursions of Canada, with a goal of Irish Independence and freedom from British Colonial rule. Canada was targeted and the Fenians attempted to leverage control of Canadian territories in exchange for Ireland's Independence from Britain. Dozens died on both sides of the fights. These raids exposed the poor state of national security in Canada and became a catalyst for improved military training and the Confederation of Canada in 1867.
NameMedal
