General James Wolfe posthumously became one of Britain’s greatest war heroes, because his victory was among the main reasons why the French do not rule over Canada.
One of the most famous British generals who, died a hero’s death, was born on this day. His name was James Wolfe, and he came from a prominent English family of Irish descent (his father was also a general). Young James Wolfe moved up the ranks until he became a general at the age of only 31. The famous British Prime Minister William Pitt the Elder, after whom the city of Pittsburgh is named, chose the young General Wolfe as the leader of the British attack on the French in Quebec (present-day Canada).
Namely, it was the time of the Seven Years’ War – the first “world war” in the true sense of the word – because the fighting went on in Europe, America, Africa, and Asia. General Wolfe boldly attacked the French and defeated them in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham at Quebec. The surprised French were overwhelmed in only 15 minutes, but General Wolfe was mortally wounded in the battle. He was shot with three bullets – one in the arm, one in the shoulder and one in the chest. The scene of General’s last dying moments is immortalized on the famous painting by Benjamin West (above). The general posthumously became one of Britain’s greatest war heroes, because his victory was among the main reasons why the French do not rule over Canada.
