Battle on the Plain

British General Riall was convinced that the greater part of Brown's army was still surrounding Fort Erie. He did not know the Fort had surrendered and he was facing the entire U.S. division. Still, the number of men deployed on both sides was virtually the same: 6 British guns verses 7 U.S., with each side mustering about 1400 regulars, 200 militia and 300 warriors.

Confident in the abilities of his regulars, Riall advanced towards the waiting grey-coated line. The Redcoats pushed to within 75 meters (82 yards) of the American line and a vicious stand up? fire fight ensued: standing being the quickest means of loading a musket. The British artillery guns were now screened by their own infantry. The 11th U.S. Infantry advanced obliquely to the left to fire into the flank of the British brigade. Scott ordered Towson's artillery gunners to enfilade or fire across the front of the British line. The 25th U.S. Infantry, under fire from British artillery, advanced into the woods against the British light troops. Once the light troops were cleared, the 25th turned to fire into the British flanks, preventing the King's 8th from joining the main British line with the 1st Royal Scots and 100th Regiment.

Redcoats:

The famous redcoat was known around the world as the symbol for the hardest fighting and most disciplined troops. In virtually every engagement against enemy troops in the open, British infantry prevailed in a stand up fire fight.

Marker can be reached from Niagara River Parkway just west of Edgworth Road, on the right when traveling south.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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