A recurrent character in TV documentaries, books and museum exhibits in the USA and Canada, Byfield has been celebrated as an uncomplaining British soldier. But the new evidence reveals Byfield’s ...

History buffs are no doubt familiar with the story of Shadrack Byfield, a rank-and-file British redcoat who fought during the War of 1812 and lost his left arm to a musket ball for his trouble.

Actor Chris McKay playing Shadrack Byfield (centre) in the 2011 PBS documentary 'The War of 1812'. This battle scene represents the Battle of Frenchtown in January 1813 in which Byfield was wounded in ...

USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere During the War of 1812. Vintage etching circa late 19th century. (Getty Images) There are good reasons why the War of 1812 is largely a forgotten conflict; a cursory ...