The Rotary Club of Mississauga Meadowvale welcomed back Matthew Wilkinson who shared with us some of the Mississauga links to the war of 1812.  Interestingly many solidiers had family on both sides of the conflict.   Canada was expected to fall easily to the American's, Thomas Jefferson famously said the "the acquisition of Canada...will be a mere matter of marching".   We only had 600 enlisted men to protect about 100 miles of border.  The enlisted men were aided by militia.  This caused it's own problems and some tragic comedy; militia had to provide their own uniforms and weapons so there was no consistency in terms of ammunition or identifying garb.  At one point troops had fought for two hours before sadly realizing they were all fighting for the same side!   

He spoke about Isaac Brock and the important and critical contributions of Major Charles Plenderleight.  Once the treaty was signed in December 1814 news did not reach the front lines until March of 1815.

Matthew informed us that their would be a re-enactment of the battle at Queenston Heights on the 13th of October. 
 
Sponsors