Commodore Robert Hariot Barclay

Commodore Robert Hariot Barclay assumed command of the British Naval Fleet on June 1st, 1813. Commodore Barclay's base of operations was at Fort Malden in what is now called Amherstburg, Ontario. Barclay's loss in the Battle of Lake Erie decisively ended the British naval domination in the area. This gave way to open supply routes to the Americans for the remainder of the War of 1812.

Commodore Barclay lead the heavily armed warship HMS Detroit into battle that bloody September 10th, 1813. She measured over 125' or 38 metres and could carry a formidable battle force.