In addition to serving in militia units, other black Canadians enlisted in the regular British forces defending Upper Canada (Ontario).
One of the most common roles they fulfilled was that of percussionist in military bands. An officer of the 104th Foot recalled the regiment's bass drummer, Private Henry Grant, accompanying his regiment's epic march through the snow from New Brunswick to Upper Canada between February and April 1813.
After reaching Kingston, he and his regiment took part in the Battle of Sackets Harbor on 29 May 1813, in which several band members were killed.
Other British regiments garrisoned in Canada for long periods of time recruited black Canadian musicians in a similar manner, including the 100th Foot, whose cymbal player was Black.
--Brock-Perry
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