Despite his strong position at Detroit, Brock rushed back to Fort George in Niagara with all possible speed. He was certain of an imminent American attack across the Niagara River. His assessment of the strategic situation was correct. The American Army was forming at Lewiston and would soon use their bateaux to cross the treacherous Niagara River.

In a letter written hurriedly only hours before his death, General Brock reports his situation to Sir George Prevost (commander-in-chief of all British forces in North America):

October 12, 1812.

The vast number of troops which have been this day added to the strong force previously collected on the opposite side, convinces me, with other indications, that an attack is not far distant. I have in consequence directed every exertion to be made to complete the militia to 2,000 men, but fear that I shall not be able to effect my object with willing, well-disposed characters. Were it not for the numbers of Americans in our ranks, we might defy all their efforts against this part of the province.

In the early hours of the morning of October 13, 1812, Brock, who was at Fort George heard distant canon fire at Queenston. The attack was on and despite heavy fire from 300 British defenders in Queenston, an American Invasion force was crossing the Niagara River. Within a matter of hours the Americans held the heights due in part to a daring and steep 300ft climb up the escarpment by 60 American soldiers. Now General Brock had the task of counterattacking and retaking the heights. Believing he could not give the Americans time to establish their position, Brock decides not to wait for the reinforcements he asked for from Chippawa and Fort George. Twice he attempts to retake the heights, the second time he takes a bullet in the chest from a sniper. Brock is dead and Upper Canada is in peril.

Although this was a desperate situation, Canada’s defenders would ultimately win the day thanks to the Mohawk Indians who were making running hit and run raids creating fear in the American troops on both sides of the river and to the combined British and Canadian reinforcements from Chippawa and Fort George.

Although this was a desperate situation, Canada’s defenders would ultimately win the day thanks to the Mohawk Indians who were making running hit and run raids creating fear in the American troops on both sides of the river and to the combined British and Canadian reinforcements from Chippawa and Fort George.

Despite being killed early in the battle, Brock would become known as the “Saviour of Canada”. His courage and audacity had made him a key influence in the early months of the War of 1812 and a key figure in the history of Canada.