hile we have discussed clothing within the context of the winter and the Army in the North, to this point we have yet to discuss equipment. One of the most essential pieces of equipment when operating in deep snow and one rarely seen at recreated events, is that of the snowshoe. Most often in the region of lake Ontario, the most common style of snow shoe to be used would be that of the “St Lawerence, or Huron” shoe, a long teardrop shaped set, bound to the foot using ties. The ties would go below the snow shoe and over the foot of the wearer, crossing over and then across the ankle and lower calf, leaving the back of the foot loose for movement.
Views Of Montmorency Falls Outside Quebec City, James Peachy 1781
An Assortment of Snowshoes From a Regimental Member, Featuring the Huron/St. Lawrence Style
In the case of the light company, we are aware of these items specifically being provided not only to the theatre, but to the unit specifically, along with numerous other records for their use by Canadian civilians, provincials and yes, even refugees and followers of the Army (please inquire for more information privately, as some of these documents are extensive and beyond the limits of a piece of this nature). On May 12th of 1770 in the Province of Quebec, the 8th had been provided with sixty pairs for use by the unit (thank you to Justin Clement for the noted record below, Carleton Papers, H-23.49M, FM-113.76).
Having made use of this equipment live shooting (with buck and ball, as well as standard ball), we can say that they most definitely provided sure footing for a soldier, while also permitting you to keep your feet above the snow and dry, while moving far more rapidly than a man, or woman, without them. With period footwear as it was, these would have made the difference between frost bite and comfort, operability of a unit, and failure.
Marcio R. A. da Cunha M.A., L.L.B., B.Ed., OCT.
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