"Naval Hero Sir James Lucas Yeo " Topic

"When reading of action by the Royal Navy in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic War period one is struck not just by the commitment in carrying the fight into the enemy's inshore waters – and even harbours – but by the almost insane gallantry that was so widespread among officers and enlisted men alike. Nowhere was this more apparent than in "cutting out" operations – captures of enemy shipping by boarding parties in small boats – and in assaults on coastal fortifications. Hazardous as such actions were, they represented craved-for opportunities for young officers to distinguish themselves and to earn advancement, while prize-money provided a welcome inducement for officers and men alike.

One such example of a young officer who earned fast promotion, and whose career would probably have brought him to the most senior levels, had he not died young, was Sir James Lucas Yeo (1782 – 1818). He is best remembered today for his command of British naval forces on the Great Lakes in the War of 1812 but his rapid ascent to such a significant command started with a spectacular attack on coastal fortifications in 1805. Handsome and courageous, obviously a born leader, he seems like a figure who steps from the pages of a work of naval fiction.

Yeo joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman at the age of 10. By 1805, having already seen significant action, this twenty-three year old was serving as First Lieutenant on the frigate HMS Loire. Her name betrayed her French origin – it was Royal Navy policy for ships captured from the enemy to retain their original names – and this 1350-ton, 150-ft frigate had been captured off the west coast of Ireland in 1798 in the aftermath of the Battle of Tory Island…"
Full text here
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Amicalement
Armand

Cadets at the Royal Military College of Canada eat in Yeo Hall, the mess hall for cadets. Royal Military College of Canada stands on the point in Lake Ontario where Yeo commanded during the War of 1812.

Actually, Fort Frederick 'stands on the point' and behind it is the college grounds including Yeo Hall as you correctly point out.

Another interesting building (in a naval context) is located on the eastern shore of the grounds; it is the 'Stone Frigate' that was on the site of much ship building during the War of 1812. It is now used as a cadet barrack block.

The Yeo article is most informative and I look forward to part 2.

Thanks

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand