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.
Canada’s armed forces were about to be rolled into one — same training, same ranks, and same (gasp!) uniforms. For the proud leaders of the Royal Canadian Navy, this could only mean war.
