Roger Hale Sheaffe

General Roger Hale Sheaffe (15 July 1763 – 17 July 1851) was a British General in the first part of the 19th century. He is best known for commanding British and Canadian forces in the War of 1812, particularly during the Battle of Queenston Heights. During the battle, American troops captured the heights, overlooking the Niagara River. When General Isaac Brock attempted to push them back, he was shot dead. Sheaffe assumed command and switched tactics, pushing his troops up the heights from the back. They trapped the American soldiers at the cliff and captured 1,000 of them, compared with losses of less than 50 for Sheaffe's force. As a result, the entire American army was put out of action. Roger Hale Sheaffe, early 19th century portrait. ... Roger Hale Sheaffe, early 19th century portrait. ... July 15 is the 196th day (197th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 169 days remaining. ... 1763 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... July 17 is the 198th day (199th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 167 days remaining. ... 1851 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... The War of 1812 (in Britain, the American War of 1812 to 1815), was fought between the United States and British Empire from 1812 to 1815, on land in North America and at sea around the world. ... Combatants Britain United States Commanders Isaac Brock † Roger Sheaffe Stephen Van Rensselaer Strength 1,300 regulars, militia, and natives 6,000 regulars and militia Casualties 14 dead, 77 wounded 100 dead, 300 wounded, 925 captured The Battle of Queenston Heights was a battle of the War of 1812 which took... View from near Horseshoe Falls looking across the Niagara River toward Rainbow Bridge in winter Niagara Glens features many treacherous rapids downstream of Niagara Falls The Niagara River flows to the north from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. ... This article refers to the British general. ...

Despite his achievement, Sheaffe was unpopular with the people he was to defend, and often with his own soldiers. This only worsened when he made the strategic decision to abandon the town of York to the Americans. He was recalled to England shortly afterwards and enjoyed a successful military career. York is a very diverse and vibrant community in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ...

Despite his own notable achievements, Sheaffe was often compared unfavourably with the popular and charismatic Brock. Sheaffe had been Brock's second in command prior to their time in Canada, and continued in that role upon their arrival. Shortly after arriving at their new station, a mutiny was attempted by some of Sheaffe's men. Brock hurriedly came to the aid of his subordinate, ended the mutiny without conflict, and arrested the perpetrators. They claimed they took their actions directly as a result of Sheaffe's beligerence, but were subsequently executed after a court-martial.

External links

• Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online