The Origin and Services of the 3rd (Montreal)

""""""service on account of threatened Fenian incursions. These calls were obeyed withsuch alacrity that the enrolled men literally sprang to arms on their services beingrequired by their country.The latter emergency took place at a period when the greater part of themembers of the Force were exposed to much inconvenience and personal loss.They cheerfully left their agricultural and commercial pursuits and at onceresponded to the demand of duty to the state.Lieutenant-Colonel Osborne Smith, Assistant Adjutant Genera.1 of Militia, andCommandingfollowing to say ofthe trouble :the Volunteer Militia Force on the South Western Frontier had thethe force that had been under his immediate command during"It is my pleasing duty to report to you most satisfactorilyofficers generally are zealous and intelligent, whilst of the generalon this force. Theconduct andspirit displayed by the men I cannot speak too highly.Colonel P. Robertson Ross, the then Adjutant General, in his report for 1869,remarked in connection with a reference to a voluntary parade of the MontrealForce on the 6th of August:After the usual inspection, the brigade marched past in open column ofcompanies headed by the Troop of Cavalry and the Field Battery, and again incontiguous columns at quarter distance, after which a change of front was effected ;the brigade deployed, skirmishers were thrown out, and the whole advanced undercover of the fire of the artillery subsequently retiring, the guns taking up otherpositions to cover the retreat, fresh skirmishers and supportswere extended, relieving those first employed.from the reservesSeveral charges were made in good style, and the manoeuvres, consideringthe very few opportunities that have of late been afforded the Montreal force forBrigade drill, were very creditably performed.The manner, in particular, in which the Field Battery took upits variouspositions, fired and manoeuvred, was most praiseworthy, and both its commander,Lieutenant-Colonel Stevenson, and those under him, proved themselves tobe nottheir duties."only well acquainted with, but very proficient in the performance ofSpeaking of the Field Artillery in general in the same report, ColonelRobertson Ross said :With regard to the Field Batteries of Artillery, ten in number, they are in aperfectly serviceable and effective condition, and this satisfactory result reflectsgreat credit not only on the officers in command of these Batteries, but on theindividual officers and men composing them."At various reviews which were held last summer, these batteries worked wellin brigade, taking up positions in good style, and firing with ease and rapidity and;they only require, in addition to the periodical practice instruction in firing shot andshell, to be trained at the annual drills in Brigade, in co-operation with Cavalry andInfantry, to acquire and maintain an adequate and reasonable degree of efficiency."76