General Roger Sheaffe was a British General in the first part of the 19th century. He is best known for commanding British and Canadian forces in the War of 1812, particularly during the Battle of Queenston Heights. During the battle, American troops captured the heights, overlooking the Niagara River. When General Isaac Brock attempted to push them back, he was shot dead. Sheaffe assumed command and switched tactics, pushing his troops up the heights from the back. They trapped the American soldiers at the cliff and captured 1,000 of them, compared with losses of less than 50 for Sheaffe's force. As a result, the entire American army was put out of action.

Despite his achievement, Sheaffe was unpopular with the people he was to defend. This only worsened when he made the strategic decision to abandon the town of York to the Americans. He was recalled to England shortly afterwards and enjoyed a successful military career.