Sir Isaac Brock | |
|---|---|
-2_(cropped).png) Portrait c. 1809, possibly by William Berczy[1] | |
| Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada | |
Acting | |
| In office 1811 – 13 October 1812 | |
| Monarch | George III |
| Governor General | George Prévost |
| Acting for | Francis Gore |
| Succeeded by | Roger Hale Sheaffe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 October 1769 St Peter Port, Guernsey |
| Died | 13 October 1812 (aged 43) Queenston, Upper Canada |
| Cause of death | Killed in action by a gunshot wound to the chest |
| Resting place | Brock's Monument, Queenston |
| Signature |  |
| Nickname | "The Hero of Upper Canada" |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Great Britain (1785–1801) United Kingdom (1801–1812) |
| Branch/service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1785–1812 |
| Rank | Major-general |
| Commands | Upper Canada |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Order of the Bath |
Major-General Sir Isaac Brock KB (6 October 1769 – 13 October 1812) was a British Army officer and colonial administrator from Guernsey. Brock was assigned to Lower Canada in 1802. Despite facing desertions and near-mutinies, he commanded his regiment in Upper Canada (part of present-day Ontario) successfully for many years. He was promoted to major general, and became responsible for defending Upper Canada against the United States. While many in Canada and Britain believed war could be averted, Brock began to ready the army and militia for what was to come. When the War of 1812 broke out, the populace was prepared, and quick victories at Fort Mackinac and Detroit defeated American invasion efforts.
Brock's actions, particularly his success at Detroit, earned him accolades including a knighthood in the Order of the Bath and the sobriquet "The Hero of Upper Canada". His name is often linked with that of the Native American leader Tecumseh, although the two men collaborated in person only for a few days.[2] Brock died at the Battle of Queenston Heights, which the British won.
- ^ Kosche (1985)
- ^ Tupper (1847) p. viii