Richard Smith (soldier)
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United KingdomSergeant Richard Smith | |
|---|---|
 Gravestone of Richard Smith | |
| Born | c. 1790 New Brunswick, Canada (supposed) |
| Died | September 21, 1819 (aged 29) |
| Buried | 44°38′N 63°34′W / 44.64°N 63.57°W |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service years | 1805-1817 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 104th (New Brunswick) Regiment of Foot |
| Conflicts | War of 1812 |
Richard Smith was a Canadian soldier who fought in the War of 1812 for the 104th (New Brunswick) Regiment of Foot.
The place and date of birth of, and the background of, Richard Smith are unknown. On June 18, 1805, he enlisted in the New Brunswick Regiment of Fencible Infantry. (That regiment became the 104th (New Brunswick) Regiment of Foot in 1810.) He was under the minimum age of 15, so could have enlisted as a "Boy"; but he lied about his age, and joined as a Private. He was assigned to the Grenadier Company, where the biggest and strongest men were placed: the minimum height requirement was 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m), and he was 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m).
War of 1812
In February 1811, he was promoted Corporal; and in February 1812, Sergeant; signs of exemplary service. In June 1812, war broke out between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. In February and March 1813, he was with his regiment on their 750 miles (1,210 km) epic winter march from Fredericton, New Brunswick through Quebec (Lower Canada) and Kingston (Upper Canada) to the Niagara corridor. On November 25, 1813, he was appointed Regimental Colour Sergeant; an honor reserved for the bravest of soldiers, his duty being to protect the junior officer (the Ensign) who carried the regimental colours during battle.
On July 3, 1814, American troops attacked Fort Erie, and captured it. The British attempted to retake it by siege, but ultimately failed. During the assault on August 15, Smith attacked as part of the forlorn hope under Colonel William Drummond to try to scale the walls and to open the entrance from inside. The Colonel had promised Smith that if the assault succeeded, he would recommend him to the Prince Regent for a commission; although the attack was partially successful, the Colonel was unable to fulfill his promise: he had been killed during it. Meanwhile, Smith had been wounded five times: twice in the head, once in the thigh, and twice in his right arm. His arm was afterwards amputated close to the shoulder.