Penetaguishene Bay Naval Shipyard

From Discovery Hatbour Site.

In 1812, the British command in Canada decided that it was imporatnt to build and outpost and shipyard at Penetanguishene Bay on Lake Huron.

It was established late in the war in 1814. On November 12th, Lt. Newdigate Poyntz, Royal Navy, surveyed the harbour and decided to build a 36-gun frigate with equipment shipped from Kingston.

In December, the Canadian Fencibles and militia began work on a road to it. But, after news of peace arrived March 10, 1815, work on the frigate ended.

Britain still needed naval a presence on Lake Huron, though, and two 124-foot transport ships, the HMS Tecumseth and HMS Newash were built. After the Rush-Bagot Agreement was signed, limiting the size and armament of warships on the Great Lakes, these two ships were decommissioned and placed in ordinary.

In 1820, it had over 70 personnel and its captain, Samuel Roberts, had fought Americans in Virginia, Baltimore and New Orleans. The assistant surgeon of the base, Clement Todd, had received a wound at the Battle of Lake Champlain.

Never Heard of It. --Brock-Perry