Isaac Brock

Sir Isaac Brock was born on the island of Guernsey and purchased a commission in the 8th Regiment of Foot, serving in the Caribbean and Europe before taking command of British military forces in Upper Canada in 1802. When the United States declared war in June 1812, Brock seized the initiative despite facing overwhelming numerical odds.

Forging an alliance with Shawnee leader Tecumseh, Brock captured Fort Detroit in August 1812 without firing a shot, through psychological warfare. On October 13, 1812, at the Battle of Queenston Heights, Brock personally led an uphill charge with his sabre drawn to recapture a redan battery, shot through the chest by an American marksman. His dying words rallied Canadian defenders to complete victory.