Been there, won that: Inglorious battles of 1812

Painting by Ken Riley

Missing from history lessons on the Canada-U.S. war: Treason, revenge and guerrilla combat.

by Peter Shawn Taylor...In fact, the War of 1812 was a very unconventional war, marked by brutal guerilla combat and attacks on civilians. It was a war in which neighbours and relatives fought against each other. A war of shocking acts of treason and revenge that saw entire towns put to the torch as payback for personal slights. Lawlessness reigned in many parts of the country and economic predation in others. This was no gentleman’s war of honour and duty. This was total war.
Long before Louis Riel muddied the distinction between patriot and traitor, Joseph Willcocks established for himself a dual reputation as “the most hated man in Canada” and a heroic freedom fighter. As such, he represents one of the most fascinating, if little-known, stories of the war.
Born in Ireland, Willcocks emigrated as a young man to Upper Canada, where he opened a newspaper, sought out political connections and got himself elected to the provincial legislature. There he positioned himself as an outspoken opponent of government. “I am flattered to be ranked among the enemies of the king’s servants,” he once boasted. Willcocks was instrumental in foiling Brock’s attempt to impose martial law in the colony prior to war. His natural abrasiveness, however, made many enemies...Read here...