Frédérick Rolette facts for kids
Frédérick Rolette (born September 23, 1785, died March 17, 1831) was a brave naval officer. He was born in Quebec City. He served in the Royal Navy and later in the Provincial Marine. This was during the War of 1812, a big conflict between Britain and the United States.
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Biography
Frédérick Rolette was born in Quebec City. He joined the Royal Navy when he was quite young. Some stories say he fought in famous battles like the Battle of the Nile (1799) and the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). However, official records do not confirm his presence in these battles.
Whatever his early role, Rolette returned to Canada. In October 1807, he joined the Provincial Marine. This was a naval force that protected Canada's inland waters. He became a second lieutenant.
Start of the War of 1812
Just before the War of 1812 began, Rolette was sent to Amherstburg, Upper Canada. He was now a first lieutenant. He commanded a ship called the HMS General Hunter, which had 10 guns.
In July 1812, news of the war reached Amherstburg. Rolette quickly captured an American ship, the Cuyahoga Packet. The American crew did not even know war had been declared yet! Rolette led about two dozen sailors and Indigenous allies. They used a long boat and canoes to board the ship. There was no fighting.
This capture was very important. The ship carried papers belonging to William Hull. He was the American general planning to invade Canada. These papers fell into British hands.
Key Battles and Captures
Rolette then helped capture Fort Detroit in August 1812. The entire American invasion force had to surrender there. The British commander, Major-General Isaac Brock, praised Rolette. He reportedly said, "I have watched you during the action ... you behaved like a lion and I will remember you."
In October 1812, Rolette commanded another ship, the brig Detroit. His ship and another, the Caledonia, were captured by Americans. This was a surprise attack, and the British were greatly outnumbered. Even after his ship was captured, General Brock still called him a "brave attentive officer."
Rolette was quickly exchanged as a prisoner. He then led a group of naval guns on land. This was during the Battle of Frenchtown in January 1813. He suffered a head wound but bravely refused to leave the fight. As captain of the General Hunter from 1812 to 1813, he captured more than a dozen enemy ships.
Battle of Lake Erie and Later Life
On September 10, 1813, Rolette was second-in-command of the British schooner Lady Prevost. This was during the important Battle of Lake Erie. When the captain was badly wounded, Rolette took command. He continued fighting until he was severely wounded by an explosion.
He was forced to surrender his ship. Rolette became a prisoner of war again. He remained a prisoner for the rest of the war.
After the war ended, Rolette returned to Quebec City. The citizens of Quebec City honored him with a special sword. It was worth fifty guineas. He passed away on March 17, 1831. He never fully recovered from his many war wounds.
Legacy
Rolette's bravery is still remembered today.
- The Canton of Rolette, Quebec, was named after him in 1868. This area is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.
- A new ship for the Royal Canadian Navy will also be named in his honor. This ship is an Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship. Its construction began in May 2021.
