If it weren't for the FRASERS...
...the official language of Canada may well have been French!
The original 78th Fraser Highlanders were raised in Inverness county, Scotland in 1757, at the behest of King George II to serve in the Colonies.
Upon their arrival in Canada, they distinguished themselves by capturing the French stronghold of Fortress Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island, and fought valiantly in New York State, Quebec City and Montreal.
On the morning of September 13, 1759, they won a decisive battle on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City that sealed the future of Canada as we know it today!
Read on for a more complete history!
Early History...
The final phase of the 150-year struggle between Britain and France in North America began in 1754. It became evident that a large-scale military intervention in the colonial conflict was required if Britain was to prevail and that this would necessitate sending British regulars to North America. Authority was therefore granted for the raising of two Highland Battalions of foot, the 62nd regiment of Foot (Montgomerie’s Highlanders) and the 63rd Regiment of Foot (Fraser’s Highlanders), for service in the new world.
Simon Fraser was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel and on 5 January, 1757 was authorized to raise a regiment of foot. The regiment, later re-designated the 78th Regiment, 2nd Highland Battalion, assembled in Inverness, and soon recruited to full strength. By the time the regiment embarked at Cork, Ireland in April 1757, the unit had reached a formidable strength of 1542 all ranks.
In spring of 1758, the regiment joined the force being assembled for the assault of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, and participated in the original assault landing and the subsequent siege of the fortress, which capitulated in July 1758. In spring of 1759, the regiment joined General Wolfe’s Quebec expedition, and served with distinction throughout the campaign.
They were the only Highland troops present, and formed the largest Regiment at the battle of the Plains of Abraham, which resulted in the surrender of Quebec City and the conclusion of the 7 Year War.
In 1763, many of the soldiers opted to remain in Canada. Some joined other regiments, others married into the local population and a few returned to Scotland where the 78th Fraser Highlanders officially disbanded on Glasgow Green and returned to their family holdings in Inverness county.
