A Canadian-born naval officer is being honoured for his actions ashore and afloat in Amherstburg during the War of 1812.
An Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship will be named in honour of Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette, who commanded the brig General Hunter.
Both Minister of National Defence Jason Kenney and Essex MP Jeff Watson made the announcement on Thursday.
Rolette is credited for capturing an American vessel, the Cuyahoga, in Amherstburg before the crew became aware that their country had declared war on Britain, on July 3, 1812.
This was the first action of the War of 1812 and a significant prize, because on board the Cuyahoga were American commander General William Hull’s papers and dispatches, providing the British with a great deal of intelligence on American strengths and deployment.
