HMS Caledonia (1810)

HMS "Caledonia" was a British brig which saw service on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. HMS "Caledonia" was built in Malden, Ontario and launched in 1810. In partnership with HMS "Detroit", HMS "Caledonia" gave the British forces undisputed control of Lake Erie.

On 9 October 1812 an American boat expedition commanded by Lieutenant Jesse D. Elliott captured the two ships at Fort Erie. Under US command "Caledonia" made it to the temporary American base at Black Rock, but "Detroit" also with its American commander, was swept away by the Niagara River's currents and forced to drop anchor within range of British cannons. Lieutenant Elliott shifted his guns to the side facing the British guns and engaged in an artillery duel until his ammunition was consumed. Following which, he cut the anchor cable and "Caledonia" drifted down the river, grounding on Squaw Island where she was abandoned. British troops seized the ship, but were driven off by American fire, after which both sides fired on the ship. She was eventually set on fire and destroyed.

External links

* [http://www.thewarof1812.com/Warof1812ships/ships_from_the_war_of_1812.htm Ships from the War of 1812]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/a2/adams-i.htm Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]