For the Regt Adjt to envy.
A North West Canada medal named to Pte EJ Mayes of the Canadian Infantry School Corps (C.I.S.C.). Mayes is on the roll of the detachment of "C" Company under Maj Smith which accompanied Gen Middleton's column and was one of the soldiers aboard the steamer
Northcote at the battle of Batoche. The C.I.S.C. later became The Royal Canadian Regiment and the North West Rebellion was the Regiment first action and Battle Honours.
Particulars of the Taking of Batoche (LINK)
Clarke’s Crossing, May 14. -- Emanuel Champage, Piere Parantian, senior Pierre Henri, and Bears Borba, The Sioux Interpreter four of Riel’s councillors just surrendered themselves and taken on board the steamer Marquis en route to Prince Albert. A party is now out after Riel and Dumont. Mr. Bedson gives the following story of the Northcote’s narrow escape. Five miles from Batoche I saw scouts on trail who watched them all the way down. Orders were given for the steamer to anchor half mile above Batoche, but were unable to carry them out, as after proceeding a mile along the river rebels commenced firing maintaining two volumes for six miles, running along the river bank. The coolness displayed by “C” company was remarkable. Fortunately well barricaded so casualties were few. Major Smith commanded, chief transport officers Bedson, Capt. Wise and transport clerk Vinen were in the upper part of the boat and were unable to get down and remained taking pot shots at the rebels on the banks. Bedson was shot through the coat; Vinen severe flesh wound in the thigh. Boat dismantled passing under cable at Batoches. Major Smith, Bedson, and Wise exerted themselves greatly to maintain discipline amongst the crew. The boat drifted stern foremost five miles below Batoche, where under fire from the west bank dropped anchor, officers in command refusing to allow the boat to go further until they had communication with Middleton, knowing formidable nature of the rebel position. Rebels maintained fire on the boat all night, “C” Company returning it, wood giving out the boat went to Hudson Bay Crossing and found the Marquis had returned here with a company to Batoche to assist Middleton, arriving just as the enemy was routed. The whistle was carried away with the smokestack. Bedson offered a large reward to the men who would replace it in the face of the rebels fire, and was done by two volunteers without loss. This is the first naval engagement in the North West.
The medal suspension needs a new upper bar for the ribbon (it came with the DIY repair).
