Capture of Somers and Ohio Plaque

CAPTURE OF THE “SOMERS” AND “OHIO”

On the night of August 12, 1814, seventy seamen and
marines, led by Captain Alexander T. Dobbs, R.N., embarked
in this vicinity to attempt the capture of three armed U.S.
schooners lying off American-held Fort Erie. One of the six
boats used had been carried some 25 miles from Queenston,
while the others were brought overland from Frenchman’s
Creek. Masquerading as supply craft, the force boarded and
seized the “Somers” and “Ohio”, the “Porcupine” alone escaping.
Two of the attackers, including their second-in-command,
Lieutenant Copleston Radcliffe, R.N., were killed. This
daring exploit was the last naval action fought on the
Great Lakes during the War of 1812.

Erected by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.