From the Battle of Queenston Heights to the burning of Washington to the little-known role of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, this 12-part series of videos hosted by Tim Compeau brings to life the major events of the conflict.
Even though the Battle of Queenston Heights was a British victory, it will forever be known as the battle where Sir Isaac Brock was killed. Episode 1 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
The Battle of Frenchman’s Creek (November 1812) was the second attempt of the Americans to invade Canada across the Niagara River following the battle of Queenston Heights and their defeat there. Episode 2 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
In April 1813, Fort York was a strategic location, and capturing it would be a great success for the Americans. Seizing the fort would cement their dominance on Lake Ontario. Episode 3 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
June 1813: Thanks to a warning from Laura Secord, a force about 600 US Soldiers were ambushed by 400 Mohawk warriors in the thick woods east of a place called Beaver Dams. Episode 4 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
The Battle of the Thames (October 1813) was a decisive American victory that brought Michigan and the Old Northwest back under American control. Episode 5 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
The final months of the War of 1812 were marked by increasingly fierce fighting. One of the bloodiest battles ever fought in Canada took place at Lundy's Lane in present-day Niagara Falls in July 1814. Episode 6 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
It wasn’t common for the British to burn public buildings because it didn’t serve a military purpose. The burning of Washington in August 1814 was more an act of vengeance. Episode 7 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
Jeffrey Seibert describes a long lost hospital site that was built towards the end of the War of 1812 to alleviate the pressure on the ships in the harbour that were being used as medical ships. Episode 8 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
It’s difficult to fight a war on an empty stomach. In this video, historical reenactor Marie Zorniak, discusses her role as the camp cook and the task of trying to recreate the rations of 1812. Episode 9 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
During the War of 1812, British soldiers carried the India Pattern Flintlock Musket, affectionately known as "the Brown Bess." We spoke with re-enactor Kevin Thompson to learn more about this weapon of war. Episode 10 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
In the summer and fall of 1814, the British and Americans conducted a desperate struggle for control of the Niagara peninsula. Episode 11 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
Members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment were one of the most versatile groups of the entire war, on either side of the border. And yet, they were never given the battle honours that they should have had. Episode 12 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.
More than 650,000 Canadian and Newfoundland soldiers marched into the First World War and paved the way to peace. Keep the memory of their dedication and courage alive.
