Picture courtesy of wikipedia
Valour Drive at Point Frederick Drive, RMC Grounds
Commemoration
Born in Southampton, England, Yeo entered the British Navy, served throughout the Napoleonic Wars and won rapid promotion by his ability. In 1813, already a Commodore, he came to Canada to command British forces on the Great Lakes. Yeo successfully blockaded the American fleet in Sackett’s Harbour for some months and subsequently commanded the naval forces at the capture of Oswego in 1814. Returning to England after the war he was posted to the West African Coast and died at sea while returning from that tour of duty.
Background
Yeo is considered one of the two great naval commanders of the War of 1812. His efforts ensured British control of Lake Ontario and protection of the lifeline to Quebec.
The other great commander of the war was the American Commodore Perry who successfully gained control of Lake Erie, enabling the Americans to invade southwestern Ontario.