Born: October 6,1769
Died: October 13, 1812 Place of Birth: Saint Peter Port,Island of Guernsey
Major Notes:
Major-General Isaac Brock is considered as a major hero in the early development of Canada.
He began his military career in 1785 and by 1791 became a Captain in the Hertfordshire Regiment of Foot.
Brock became the commander of this regiment in 1797 and saw his first combat two years later in what is now known as the Netherlands.
The 49th under his leadership proved their merit against the French although Brock himself was wounded in the throat.
Brock gained further experience in warfare when he observed Lord Nelson at the Battle of Copenhagen.
Shortly after this battle, Brock was instructed to move the regiment to Quebec City, Canada.
When several of his men deserted to the United States, Brock sent troops out who captured the deserters and brought them back.
Following this incident, Brock received notice from an officer of a possible mutiny in Fort George, Ontario.
Brock, with the help of an orderly named James Fitzgibbon, was able to single out the mutineers and the remainder of the force pledged obedience.
Those who took part in the mutiny were brought back to Quebec to face trial along with the deserters.
Subsequently, seven were executed by firing squad, and Brock had established his reputation as a firm commander.
In 1805, Brock was rewarded for his efforts by being promoted to the rank of Colonel.
During the next few years, relations between the United States and the British Empire became strained.
The United States decided to invade Canada and deal with Native Indians who the U.S. thought supported the British.
Some American leaders felt the U.S. would be better off by controlling all of North America.
In 1811, Brock was again promoted, this time to the rank of Major-General making him the administrator of Upper Canada.
Brock requested that he be moved to Europe but the War of 1812 broke out and Brock felt it his duty to remain to guard Canada.
He had fortified the Quebec garrison and he took a number of steps to improve the logistics of war including seeking support
from the American Shawnee chief Tecumseh.
Brigadier-General William Hull and the American forces crossed into Canada and took control of Sandwich, now Windsor, Ontario.
Hull moved back to Detroit as he expected the British to arrive with a large force however Brock's army was outnumbered 2 to 1.
In addition, Brock was advised to take defensive positions and not risk battle, a move Brock did not agree with.
Brock and Tecumseh agreed upon a ruse where the Indian forces appeared not to be obeying Brock and wanted definitely to attack Hull.
Brock ordered cannon fire and the strategy persuaded Hull to arrange surrender terms with Brock.
A few months later, Brock took charge of a small group of soldiers who pushed back the Americans from taking control of the hills around Queenston.
Unfortunately, Brock was shot and killed as he rushed up a hill leading the troops.
Later Brock was honored by his fellow troops and the Shawnee in a funeral procession showing the respect all had for this military leader.
Major-General Isaac Brock had proved to the Americans that Canada would not be easily conquered.
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