War of 1812 uniform returned to Canada

09/27/2012  | Erin Criger, CityNews.ca

A re-staging of the War of 1812 near the real site west of London, Ont., on May 5, 2007. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley

The uniform and sword worn by a key player in the War of 1812 will be returned to Ontario on Thursday.Sir Roger Hale Shaeffe served in the Battle of Queenston Heights as second-in-command to Sir Isaac Brock. With Brock mortally wounded, Sheaffe rallied the troops to turn the tide and win one of the key battles of the war.

His belongings have been with his family in Australia for nearly 200 years.  His family members will be on hand as Shaeffe’s uniform, regimental sword and related documents are permanently loaned to Ontario to celebrate the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Lieutenant Governor David C. Onley will preside over the Queen’s Park ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

Afterward, some of the items will be on display at the Niagara Historical Museum until October and then permanently on loan to the Ontario Heritage Trust.

Sheaffe, a former lieutenant governor, passed the first legislation in Canada providing financial support for wounded veterans and their families. It was the first support program for disabled soldiers.

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