"Arms and the Men of the War of 1812" Topic

"The British land forces that defended British North America during the War of 1812 were drawn from a number of organizations. The British "army" of the time consisted of the infantry, cavalry, the Royal Waggon Train and the Royal Sappers and Miners. Personnel of the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers were controlled by another organization called the Board of Ordnance, which was also responsible for all ordnance provided to the army and the Royal Navy. The troops assigned to North America were augmented by locally raised provincial units, long service militia and members of the sedentary militia. Several Swiss regiments that were in British service and a regiment raised from French prisoners-of-war also served in North America.

The terminology used for field units varied by arm. The infantry was organized by regiments; in contrast to European armies, however, regiments were not tactical formations but institutional or administrative organizations that incorporated all elements of the regiment. Each regiment had one or more battalions that were individually assigned to theatres. The number of battalions in each regiment was not consistent. Each battalion had 10 companies, each of which had approximately 100 men, although the units were rarely at full strength. Two of the companies had specialist tasks. The grenadier company, originally organized to use grenades, included the most experienced soldiers of the battalion, while the light company was normally employed ahead of the battalion in a skirmishing role. Given the unique nature of these two companies, they were often used by higher commanders for other tasks, leaving the battalion with its eight line companies. Each company was commanded by a captain, and assisted by a number of lieutenants, ensigns and non-commissioned personnel…"
Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

Southern volunteer regiments of ten companies and battalions of five companies preferred to group men with rifles into separate companies. Militia companies, often much smaller than 100 men tended to has men with rifles scattered throughout the battalion.
By the way the term Spy or Spies is often used to describe some companies. The term spy means Scouting.
Mounted gunmen companies averaged around 30 men with some being as small as 15.
Few battalions were full strength. Lack of food was one reason but many understrength units were tasked to garrison supply forts, settlements and patrol the areas along supply routes to intercept Red Stick raiding party.
Georgia/Carolina expedition was severely restricted due to the lack of supply's. Tennessee expedition manned the most forts. Both the Tenn and Miss expeditions conducted numerous patrols.

The Royal Sappers and Miners were not formed until 1813 and their first engagement was the two sieges of San Sebastien.

Very few Canadian units were engaged in any fighting. The burden of the war on land was carried out by the British Army units that were stationed in Canada and were later reinforced from overseas.

Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand