Queen’s Rangers Historical Guard Statement of Guiding Principles

The Queen’s Rangers Historical Guard (QRHG) is a group of living history enthusiasts who portray the Queen’s Rangers Light Company, Highland Company, and Civilians of 1778.

The QRHG stand with our brothers and sisters of ALL races, and believe discrimination, racism, sexism, and bigotry are unacceptable and wrong. Furthermore, we believe love is love and, ​thus, we support those of the LGBTQ2S communities.

As living historians, we recognize that while the actual events of history do not change, the act of scholarship adds perspective to information, enabling us to examine our past through ​new lenses. In light thereof, we shall be descriptive, not prescriptive.

As individuals who live in the 21st century, the QRHG seeks to foster an environment where everyone is respected, and where differing points of view may be presented.

Going forward as a unit, we will always acknowledge the ancestral lands of the Indigenous Peoples, upon which we live and re-enact. As individuals and as a unit, we will also seek to know ​more about these people through their descendants and representatives, respecting their wishes regarding the use of their folkloric and material culture. All due credit will be given to the ​practices and historiography provided both by individuals and groups.

As we are lovers of history, and of the “storied” memories of the past, the QRHG will look at historical figures using the lens of today’s learnings, as well as within the context of the times in ​which they lived.

To paraphrase the great Sydney Smith(1771-1845): “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” With due regard to the intentions of Smith’s ​maxim, the Queen’s Rangers Historical Guard continue to learn and will not be silent…we will call out racism, sexism, inequity, and harassment when we perceive it, especially amongst ​ourselves. As a unit we call on you to do the same…please help us to be better, richer, and stronger, together.

The Queen's Rangers, also known as the Queen's American Rangers, and later Simcoe's Rangers, were a Loyalist military unit of the American Revolutionary War that specialized in ​cavalry tactics, close combat, irregular warfare, maneuver warfare, raiding, reconnaissance, screening, and tracking.

Formed in 1776, they were named for Queen Charlotte, consort of George III. The Queen's Rangers was a light corps in the tradition of British rangers during the Seven Years War, ​operating on the flanks and in advance of Crown forces, manning outposts, conducting patrol for screening, and carrying out raiding and reconnaissance operations.

American Revolutionary War

When the American Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, about fifty Loyalist regiments were raised, including the Butler’s Rangers, the King’s Royal Regiment, and the Maryland and ​Pennsylvania Loyalists. Robert Rogers again raised a unit, this time in New York (mostly from Loyalists living in Westchester and Long Island), from western Connecticut, and with men ​from the Queen's Loyal Virginia Regiment. The new unit was named in honour of Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. It first assembled on Staten Island in August 1776 and grew ​to 937 officers and men, organized into eleven companies of about thirty men each, and an additional five troops of calvary.

The unit immediately set about building fortresses and redoubts, including the one that stood at Lookout Place. Rogers did not prove successful in this command and he left the unit on ​January 29, 1777. The regiment had suffered serious losses in the Battle of Mamaroneck, a surprise attack on their outpost position at Mamaroneck, New York, on October 22, 1776. Eleven ​months later, on September 11, 1777, they distinguished themselves at the Battle of Brandywine, suffering many casualties while attacking entrenched American positions. They were then ​commanded by Major James Wemyss. On October 15, 1777, John Graves Simcoe was given command, when the unit became known informally as "Simcoe's Rangers".

John Graves Simcoe turned the Queen's Rangers into one of the most successful British regiments in the war. They provided escort and patrol duty around Philadelphia (1777–8); fought in ​the Philadelphia Campaign; served as rearguard during the British retreat to New York (1778); fought the Stockbridge Militia in The Bronx (1778); fought on October 26, 1779, at Perth ​Amboy, New Jersey, where Simcoe was captured but freed in a prisoner exchange on December 31, 1779; at Charlestown, South Carolina (1780); in the raid on Richmond, Virginia with ​Benedict Arnold and in other raids in Virginia (1780–1).

The unit surrendered at Yorktown, its rank and file imprisoned at Winchester, Virginia. Earlier, on May 2, 1779, the regiment was taken into the American establishment as the 1st American ​Regiment and was later, on December 25, 1782, taken into the British establishment. In 1783, when the war was ended by the Treaty of Paris, the Queen's Rangers left New York for Nova ​Scotia, where it was disbanded. Many of the men from the unit formed Queensbury, New Brunswick on land grants.

Post-war years

After 1791, when Simcoe was named lieutenant governor of the newly created Upper Canada, the Queen's Rangers was revived to form the core of the defence forces. The leaders were ​mostly veterans of the American War of Independence. Although there was little military action during this period, the Rangers were instrumental in building Upper Canada through ​Simcoe's road building campaign. In 1795–6 they blazed the trail for Yonge Street, and then turned to Dundas Street and Kingston Road.

They also built the original Fort York, where they were stationed. The Queen's Rangers were again disbanded in 1802 with most of the men joining the York Militia. During the War of 1812, ​many of the disbanded rangers saw active service with the Upper Canadian militia.

During the Rebellions of 1837, Samuel Peters Jarvis raised a new Queen's Rangers out of the York Militia to fight the rebels, which again disbanded soon after being raised.

Legacy

A Canadian Army Reserve Regiment called The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC) traces its roots to the original Rogers' Rangers.

In 2012 the Rangers were assigned the perpetuation of three War of 1812 units and received battle honours accordingly.

An Ontario historical plaque was erected in Yorktown, Virginia, by the province to commemorate the Queen's Rangers' role in Ontario's heritage.

The Highland Company of the Queen’s Rangers occupied a unique positiion within the ​regiment and other loyalist Regiments. Made up of Scottish Loyalists from Virginia and ​subsequent recruits they were crack infantry troops, used as a mainstay in the line of the ​regiment. Despite the prohibitions in Scotland for the wearing of the kilt; in North America ​and as members of the military the kilt was allowed and even provided by the goverment. ​This is why the Queen’s Rangers Highland Company is seen wearing the govermental ​tartan otherwise known as the Black Watch

The Highland Company was renowned for its discipline, agility, and fierce combat skills. ​They were often deployed in challenging terrains where their expertise in guerrilla tactics ​and skirmishing could be fully utilized. Their presence on the battlefield was both a ​psychological and tactical advantage, as the sight of their kilts and the sound of their ​bagpipes struck both fear and admiration in the hearts of their enemies.

Beyond their combat prowess, the Highland Company also played a crucial role in ​maintaining order and providing support within the loyalist communities. They were ​involved in various operations ranging from scouting missions to protecting supply lines, ​ensuring the smooth functioning of the regiment's activities.

Their legacy is a testament to the diverse contributions and sacrifices of loyalist forces ​during the tumultuous times of the American Revolution. The Queen’s Rangers Highland ​Company remains a fascinating chapter in military history, embodying the spirit of ​resilience, tradition, and unwavering commitment to their cause.

The Light Company of a regiment was made of the ablest, quickest and most agile men in ​the regiment. This flank company positioned on one of the ends of the regiment, was ​used to hold the postiton, and guard the rest of the unit while it was being formed up ​often known as the reonnaissance, or the vangard of the regiment as it was preparing for ​a battle. Specifically in the case of the Queens Rangers the Light Company would wear ​specialize epaulets denoting that they were of the premier flank company

. Their uniforms were not just a mark of their elite status but also a practical choice for the ​demands of their role. Light and versatile, their attire allowed them to move swiftly and ​efficiently through various terrains, whether it be dense forests, open fields, or rugged ​hills.

The Light Company soldiers were trained rigorously in tactics that emphasized speed, ​surprise, and precision. They often operated ahead of the main forces, scouting enemy ​positions, securing strategic points, and sometimes engaging in skirmishes to delay or ​disrupt enemy movements. Their presence was a crucial element in the regiment's overall ​strategy, providing valuable intelligence and creating opportunities for the main body of ​troops to exploit.

In battle, the Light Company’s agility and responsiveness could turn the tide. They were ​adept at rapid deployment and could quickly fortify weak points in the line or exploit ​breaches in the enemy's defenses. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances on ​the battlefield made them an indispensable asset.

Overall, the Light Company was more than just a component of the regiment; it was the ​spearhead of their military might, embodying the courage, skill, and determination that ​defined the Queens Rangers.

Documentation concerning the women associated with the Queen's Rangers is limited for ​various reasons. Consequently, the Followers of the Queen's Rangers collaborate closely ​with the Refugees of the King's Royal Regiment of New York, highlighting refugees rather ​than camp followers. Though this is a subtle distinction, it is crucial for honoring the resilience ​and challenges these individuals endured.

These individuals, confronted with uncertainties and formidable obstacles, demonstrated ​remarkable strength and resolve. They were active contributors, not mere bystanders, in the ​historical narrative, both influencing and being influenced by the events of their time. By ​portraying refugees, the reenactors pay tribute to the tenacity and flexibility that defined ​these individuals' experiences.

Through their interpretations, the reenactors bring to light the often overlooked stories of ​both women and men who navigated the trials of warfare, displacement, and the pursuit of ​stability. Their narratives serve as a testament to the bravery and fortitude displayed by ​people throughout history, particularly when faced with overwhelming challenges.

The British Brigade

Kings Royal Regiment of New York

84th Royal Highland Emigrants