THE GERMAN AUXILIARY WORK ON THE QUEBEC (CITY) “TEMPORARY CITADEL,” 1779–1783: UNEXPECTED BUT BENEFICIAL DUTY.

This article focuses on the role of German auxiliary troops in the construction of the “Temporary Citadel” fortifications at Quebec City between 1779 and 1783 during the American Revolutionary War. German regiments, including Brunswickers, Hesse-Hanau, Anhalt-Zerbst, and Hesse-Cassel units, provided a significant portion of the skilled labor—such as miners, masons, and carpenters—under British direction to build earthen and wooden defensive works on Cap-aux-Diamant, despite challenges with civilian labor shortages and disputes over military versus construction duties. Although the temporary fortifications were never fully completed due to harsh weather, budget constraints, and labor difficulties, the German soldiers’ work contributed to the defense of Quebec City and offered them valuable civilian skills. The article notes that while remnants of these works remain, formal recognition of the German contribution is limited to commemorative plaques, and the project laid groundwork for later permanent fortifications completed in the 19th century.