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Ontario, Tourism - Travel Guide
The Siege of Fort Erie An annual event |
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The Siege of Fort Erie
The British are attacking the fort
This annual and spectacular event is performed by volunteers from the USA and Canada. It brings back the historical attempt by the British army to reconquer the fort which was in the hands of American troops.
Both parties had at 8 pm their "fighters" in position. The fort was manned by the "Americans" and the "British", their native allies and the "Canadians" were ready for the attack.
British troupes in their colorful uniforms were marching into the battle field accompanied by drummers. The "Canadians" in different uniforms were ready for the attack same as the natives.
Cannons were manned. It was a really impressive force which was ready to take b ack the fort.
The British Army was very professional. In order join her a minimum age of 18 years was required. The only exception were the drummer boys which could be as young as 9 years. I was surprised to learn that they were better paid than their fighting fathers.
Both sides used drums and pipes to submit orders to the combatants. These signals could be clearly heard despite of the noise of the battle.
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The artillery of the "British" was already firing and the smoke over the battle became really dense. You could also smell it.
Don't be surprised to see some of the soldiers wearing straw hats. They were used by the "Canadians". You can get all these very helpful information when you find a place close to a loud speaker. During my visit to the "Siege of Fort Erie" a commentator kept us always informed. Just watch our video! This video will never replace an actual visit of this event. The battle is only the highlight. Visit the camps of the volunteers and talk to them. See how they prepare delicious smelling meals and enjoy them together. I wish they would be allowed to invite paying guests, because the restaurant on the premises closes for dinner and advised me to go to McDonald's. |
Earsplitting noise and flashes from the fired muskets and cannons gave me the feeling of being at a real battle.
"Killed or injured" attackers went down and others combatants took there former place. I learned that a well trained gunner should be able to fire every 14 seconds a bullet. However the accuracy, especially of the muskets, was another matter. But still the battles at this time were also very bloody and the medical treatment was very rough when available at all. The "British" and their allies kept on attacking the fort despite their losses. | 
The battle looked real to me |
 Occasionally the battle scene was covered in smoke |
The cannons kept firing at the fort. Naturally the "American" defenders returned the fire as I could see by heavy explosions between the attackers. They continuously had losses - but still they did not give up.
Sometimes the battle field was covered in dense smoke and I could not see anything. I smelled the gun powder and the signals from the drummers became sometimes weaker. But I also could hear yelling and screaming from the fighters. The attackers still marched very disciplined upright against the fort. |
Bravely they kept on with their attack. Nobody was allowed to run or lay down. They were exposes fully to the defenders. Martial music encouraged them do so. Probably this was a sign of bravery.
The "Americans" defended themselves with some troupes outside of the fort. They were allowed to lay down when firing their rifles. Soon they withdrew behind the protecting walls of the fort. I would have preferred to fight on the US side if had no other choice. | 
The "British" and their allies are advancing |
Did the music make dying easier? | Nothing stopped the attackers and the situation for the defenders became more critical every minute.
The first "British" put ladders against the walls of the fort and began entering it. In real attacks these were always volunteers and the survival rate was only about 10%. I assume that these got a bonus for their bravery. I could not see what was going on in the fort but more and more troupes disappeared behind the walls and the "Americans" obviously were going to be defeated - but they still fired back from their defending positions. Our video shows most of it. It is one of our first ones and I am aware of certain flaws which will help me to improve the quality in future. |
Suddenly a big explosion in the fort. What happened? Did the
"British" fire by accident on their own troupes?
No the "Americans" had either prepared deadly booby trap or the powder magazine blew up by accident which killed and wounded hundreds of the attackers and naturally also some defenders in the fort. That is what happened at the real event during the war of 1812. Because of the heavy losses the "British" retreated and the re-enactment of this even which took place in 1814 ended. Don't miss to participate in a tour through "Old Fort Erie" immediately after the battle. You can see how wounded soldiers were treated, and much, much more. Following the real battle the Americans achieved some more victories, but for the price of high losses. They retreated back after the British landed on the east coast of the US to fight them there. |  A hit by the "British" (friendly fire)? |
Watch the video: Die Belagerung von Fort Erie. The siege of Fort Erie.
Many thanks to all the participants and the organizers.
Many thanks to all the participants and the organizers.
