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History Americas

Four Years on the Great Lakes, 1813-1816

The Journal of Lieutenant David Wingfield, Royal Navy

by (author) Don Bamford & Paul Carroll

Publisher
Dundurn Press
Initial publish date
Jun 2009
Category
Americas, Pre-Confederation (to 1867), General
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781554883936
    Publish Date
    Jun 2009
    List Price
    $28.99
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781770706064
    Publish Date
    Jun 2009
    List Price
    $9.99

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Description

David Wingfield joined the Royal Navy in 1806, at the age of fourteen. His service took him to the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. Captured, he was a POW in the United States for nine months. Following his release, Wingfield had some intriguing adventures on the Upper Great Lakes before returning to England. Once home, he used his handwritten notes, kept during his time in North America, as the basis for an account of his experiences there

This unique account of the history of Canada during the events of the War of 1812 and the stories of the people and places he was exposed to during this time is being made available in book form for the first time. This is the only account of the War of 1812 as seen through the eyes of a young seaman. Included is a Wingfield genealogical description that spans the modern world.

About the authors

Now retired, and after 55 years of sailing, Don Bamford lives in London, Ontario.

Don Bamford's profile page

Paul Carroll, a "wharf rat" in his youth, brought forward the first Waterfront Development Plan for the long-term evolution of the Goderich shoreline and was involved with the sidescan sonar search for the Wexford. Paul's most recent book is Four Years on The Great Lakes. He and his wife Mary live near Goderich.

Paul Carroll's profile page

Editorial Reviews

Wingfields life overlaps Austen and Dickens and though he is certainly not in their league, he is eloquent and shares the same dry English sense of humour. He starts out a bit self conscious but quickly finds a personable tone as much MASH as Melville.

Niagara Life magazine

Whether you are a student of the War of 1812, naval history, or Ontario history, Four Years on the Great Lakes belongs on your reading shelf. Reading it will present you with a history you will never forget, and you will come away learning a lot more on the subject.

Shelf Life