Robert Heriot Barclay
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert Heriot Barclay (18 September 1786 – 8 May 1837). He was a British naval officer who was engaged in the Napoleonic Wars, and its North American counterpart, the War of 1812. He was born in Scotland, and at the age of about 15 he entered the Royal Navy. 5 years later he fought in the Battle of Trafalgar, where he lost his left arm. As a result he carried with him a combination knife and fork which he used to cut up his food one handed. Commissioned as a Commander, he was placed in charge of British naval forces on Lake Erie in 1813. He was not the first choice for this job, as a senior officer was offered command, but would have nothing to do with such an underequipped outfit. As a result, his 6 ships with an under-trained crew were defeated by Oliver H. Perry and his 9 ships at the Battle of Lake Erie. He was seriously injured during the engagement. After a court of inquiry acquitted him of wrongdoing, he was finally promoted to the rank of Captain in 1824. He died in Edinburgh.
He was a capable albeit undistinguished officer; his purpose on Lake Erie was made impossible by the lack of adequate support.
