Media Advisory - Lieutenant Governor celebrates return of War of 1812 uniform and artifacts from Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe

TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, is pleased to announce that, after almost 200 years, the uniform and sword worn by Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe, the victor of the Battle of Queenston Heights, will return to Ontario. As second-in-command to Sir Isaac Brock, and with Brock mortally wounded on that fateful day of October 13, 1812, Sheaffe rallied the troops to turn the tide and win one of the key battles of the war.

On Thursday, September 27 at 3:30 pm, the Lieutenant Governor will preside over a repatriation ceremony of the uniform, regimental sword and related documents which have been passed down through the Sheaffe family for 200 years. After months of discussion with Sheaffe family descendants in Australia, the artifacts have been turned over to the Lieutenant Governor's Office in commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Following repatriation, some items will be on display at the Niagara Historical Museum through October and then permanently on loan to the Ontario Heritage Trust.

A controversial leader, Sheaffe also defended Fort York against the American invasion of April 1813, dynamiting the Fort's ammunition dump, killing the American commanding officer. While acting as Lieutenant Governor, Sheaffe passed the first legislation in Canada providing financial support for wounded veterans and their families, in fact, the first support program for disabled soldiers.

Joining His Honour on this historic occasion are Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, John Wright, Chair of Wounded Warriors, Niagara historian Linda Stanley and members of the Sheaffe family who have travelled from Australia for the bicentennial.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Who:	The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
What:	Repatriation of Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe's 1812 uniform, sword and related artifacts, the unveiling of the Roger Hale Sheaffe portrait.
Where:	Lieutenant Governor's Suite, 1st floor, Queen's Park
When:	Thursday, September 27, 2012, 3:30 p.m. - Attending media are asked to arrive at the 1st floor before 3:15 p.m. -

 

 

SOURCE: Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Office of the Lieutenant Governor  416-325-7780 www.lt.gov.on.ca