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20 • The Militia
Peterborough's militia was formed in the early 1830s to protect Upper Canada against threats of rebellion. Following its reorganization in the late 1860s and early 1870s, the militia served not only as a military defense, but also as a key factor in the town's social life.
It has been rumoured that British and Canadian militia coats were red to hide blood during battle, but in fact the colour had a more practical function of visibility on a battlefield when black-powder muskets and cannons where used. Khaki (olive green) uniforms were adopted in the early 20th century.
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By Dustin McIlwainPeterborough's militia was formed in the early 1830s to protect Upper Canada against threats of rebellion. Following its reorganization in the late 1860s and early 1870s, the militia served not only as a military defense, but also as a key factor in the town's social life.
It has been rumoured that British and Canadian militia coats were red to hide blood during battle, but in fact the colour had a more practical function of visibility on a battlefield when black-powder muskets and cannons where used. Khaki (olive green) uniforms were adopted in the early 20th century.