The Battle Flag of the HMS General Hunter will fly once again in Southampton.
The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre has unveiled the flag as part of their HMS General Hunter War of 1812 Exhibit — scheduled to open June 18th.
The 200-year-old Royal Ensign flew on the Hunter when she was captured by U.S. Naval Forces at the famous Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813.
General Hunter Project Coordinator Ken Cassavoy says the flag is currently on loan from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis — where it was taken to after being captured by U.S. Naval Commander Oliver Hazard Perry.
Cassavoy notes they likely received the flag from the Naval Academy because the wreck of the Hunter lies just off the Southampton shoreline, after it sunk in 1816.
The Museum will keep the flag for a year, but Cassavoy says that can be extended.
The flag design features a faded red background with a Union Jack in the upper left corner, and about 100 years ago — a protective mesh layer was sewn onto it.
He tells Bayshore Broadcasting News prior to her capture — the General Hunter was a successful British/Canadian warship captained by George Bignell that took part in at least six major battles.
Cassavoy adds staff at the Museum are currently working on a scaled down replica of the Hunter deck complete with cannons, masts and sails.
