In 1813, the Septinsular Artillery, part of a military force from the Septinsular Republic (today's Ionian Islands, namely Corfu, Cephalonia, Zante, Santa Maura, Ithaca, Cerigo, and Paxos), underwent significant changes due to the shifting political and military landscape of the region.

Background

The Septinsular Republic was established under joint Ottoman and Russian protection following the Treaty of Constantinople in 1800, but effectively became a French protectorate from 1807 after the Treaty of Tilsit when the islands were ceded to France.

1813 Context

By 1813, the islands were part of the Napoleonic Empire, but the ongoing Napoleonic Wars had a significant impact. The British aimed to counter French influence in the region, and the Ionian islands were strategically vital due to their location in the Mediterranean.

• British Takeover: As part of the Napoleonic Wars, the British launched a series of campaigns in 1809-1814 across the Ionian islands to dismantle the French hold. Zante, Cephalonia, and Cerigo were seized in 1809, with Santa Maura following in 1810. Corfu, being heavily fortified, was the last to fall, undergoing a siege and ultimately surrendering to British forces in 1814.

• Disbandment and Reformation: With the British gradually taking control, the various companies of the Septinsular Artillery that were under the French had to be disbanded or restructured under British rule. Artillery pieces and personnel were absorbed into British military campaigns or repurposed to form defensive garrisons under the new administration.

Aftermath

The complete British occupation of the Ionian Islands in 1815 led to the establishment of the United States of the Ionian Islands under British protection. This transition profoundly altered the military structure, including artillery companies, aligning them with British military standards.

Unfortunately, specific records detailing the transition of each individual artillery company are scarce. However, this overarching political and military shift led to the restructuring of all Septinsular military forces.

For more detailed personal accounts or specific military records, archival resources from the British military or regional historical societies might provide further insights.