One of key aims of the Regiment when it was reraised in 1966 was “to preserve the memory of the Fraser Highlanders, their commanders, comrades-in-arms, and their adversaries”.
On Friday May 24th, Lt. Col. Bolton, M’lady Bolton, Captain Hart and Captain Nicholson attended Quebec House in Westerham, Kent England, the ancestral home of our beloved Commander General James Wolfe.
The Regiment played a key role in the Battle of Louisburg in 1758 when we served as General Wolfe’s personal bodyguard and were among the first to land in the assault at Kennington Cove.
The Regiment played at key role at the Battle of Montmorency Falls when Wolfe dispatched his Highlanders to act a rear guard and help carry the wounded back to the ships after the failed attack.
Besides being the largest Regiment on the field at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, it was a 78th Fraser Grenadier who carried Wolfe’s body from the field using his plaid, after Wolfe was struck down by a sniper’s bullets.
The purpose of our visit was to present the museum with a full officer’s scarlets and kit to be on permanent display at Quebec House.
Thanks to the support of the Fort Conestoga Garrison, Calgary Outpost, York Garrison, Headquarters and donations from Major Chapman and Captain Hart, we assembled the uniform and delivered it to the Museum.
The ceremony was attended by about 20 people including Jonathan Lord, Council Chairman Westerham, Richard Arris, President of the Wolfe Society, Ghazala and Freddie from Quebec House, Katherine Barnett, Manager of Chartwell, and numerous volunteers and guests, Lt. Col Bolton, Capt. Hart and m'lady Bolton and myself.
Everyone was delighted with the uniform and kit, and speeches were offered from Lord Lovat, Regimental Historian Major Chapman and author and Wolfe biographer Stephen Brumwell.
We had a private tour of Quebec House, including the private collection featuring General Wolfe's sword.
Afterwards, Quebec House provided a lovely reception in the Coach House, including refreshments and a wee dram.
We then retired to the George and Dragon Pub in Westerham for appies and drinks hosted by Lt. Col. Bolton and M’ladie Bolton.
In addition to establishing our Regimental presence at Quebec House and Westerham, we also cemented our relationship with the National Trust staff there.
Special thanks to Col. Commandant Staveley, Major Bolton and the Officers and Garrisons who provided support to make this outstanding contribution a reality.
Thank you.
Captain Hugh K. Nicholson, MSMF
Second in Command
289-830-4224
Hughknicholson@gmail.com
The 78th Fraser Highlanders
Fort Conestoga Garrison
Waterloo, Ontario
Photos of 78th Frasers
