Cannon fire echoed across Lake Ontario more than two centuries ago, as British and American forces raced to build ships and control the inland waters — a dramatic chapter of the War of 1812 that is often overshadowed by battles on land.
That lesser-known history will take centre stage later this month as the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum continues its lecture series with a presentation by historian Gurth Pretty.
Titled “The Forgotten Squadron: The Royal Navy on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812,” the talk is scheduled for April 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Pretty will explore the naval clashes that unfolded on Lake Ontario, including a fierce shipbuilding race between British and American fleets. His presentation will examine both triumph and tragedy, from vessels lost in violent storms to the legacy of ships such as HMS Hamilton, HMS Scourge, HMS Wolfe and HMS Royal George.
The lecture will also address the role of the British Royal Navy during the conflict. While Royal Navy forces were largely engaged overseas in the fight against Napoleonic Wars, responsibility on the Great Lakes fell primarily to the Provincial Marine, a British naval force tasked with transportation and defence in Upper Canada.
Despite a reputation for inefficiency, the Provincial Marine played a key role in supporting British operations, including those led by Isaac Brock, Pretty argues.
Pretty, of Oakville, is a founding member and director of the HMS Psyche Canadian Maritime Heritage Society and regularly takes part in War of 1812 naval re-enactments.
He portrays a warrant officer, serving as both a gun captain and mess cook, and is also a crew member aboard the society’s replica late 18th-century longboat.
In addition to his historical work, Pretty is a certified cheese professional through the Cheese Education Guild of Toronto and the author of “The Definitive Guide to Canadian Artisanal & Fine Cheese,” which won a World Gourmand Cookbook Award in 2007.
Prints featuring War of 1812 naval themes by Canadian artist Peter Rindlisbacher will be available for purchase at the event for $25 each.
The museum is located at 43 Castlereagh St., and registration is required to attend the lecture.
