Golden Gumshoe Graves - More Mince to the Mystery

Subject: Golden Gumshoe Graves

Hi Joe;

I may be able to cast some light on one of these graves. I worked as a CPR operator at Golden on two separate occasions in the late 1950's and the early 1960's. The railway company provided us with a caboose in which to stay which was often spotted on a track in a gravel pit by the oil tanks where the grave of William Ross, NWMP was located, as the Mystery article states.

The author of "Golden Gumshoes" mentions that the grave was moved in 1955 but perhaps he is mistaken because it was still there on the two above occasions that I worked at Golden; a wooden marker with a neat little wooden picket fence around it, both unpainted.

I wanted to show friends the gravesite when I was at Golden about 6 weeks ago (October 2010), but of course it has been moved. My research as to where it had gone led me to this article in Joe's Buffalo Board.

My understanding of what happened is based on something I read somewhere perhaps "The National Dream" by Pierre Berton. I think, there was a New Year's Eve dance to be held at Donald that night and Ross, wanting to attend, waited to grab a ride there on a train from Golden. Bear in mind that the track had only reached Donald at the end of the construction season in the fall of 1884 and there was no regular train service west of Alberta. So the only trains would be the odd supply train at this time and season. It would be a case of \"catch-as-can-catch".

Anyway, after a long wait at Golden no train arrived and Ross set out to walk to Donald, about 15 miles North. Not unusual in those days when people were used to walking long distances. Anyway, it turned very cold and Ross was found frozen to death betweem Golden and Donald, (not Palliser which is East of Golden).

Ross is now buried in the Royal Canadian Legion Cemetery at Golden with the standard Mounted Police headstone. His date of death is given as January 1st, 1885, whereas I think his original grave was marked December 31st 1884.

Type in "Royal Canadian Legion Cemetery, Golden, East Kootenays, B.C. Canada" for the internment list.

Hope this might clarify things,

PS: **Although there is the descrepancy between the place of death and the date of moving of Ross's remains to their final resting place.

Yours,
Doug Turner
Burnaby, B.C.
Doug Turner [mailto:smdvturner@shaw.ca]
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.# 4308, Robert George Watson

I've attached a 1914 photo (turned into a postcard) of my great uncle Robert George Watson taken just before Lord Strathcona's Horse Regiment left to fight in theWWI as part of the CEF. My great uncle is seated on the left hand side.

Given the historical relationship between Lord Strathcona's Horse and the RCMP, I thought it might be of some interest to you - or the family members of those others in the photo (I don't have any names).

Watson was wounded three times in that service including a gunshot wound to the head. Fortunately, he was able to return to service after they put a plate in his head. He was promoted to corporal while serving.

It was a very difficult service (487 went over and 800+ were killed or wounded). He was quite disturbed by the horror of that war when he returned home.

I just recently encountered your site. I think it's a wonderful thing.

Yours truly,

C. Watson

C Watson [cjnwatson@hotmail.com]

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#17949, Sgt. John Michael Hilash

I am sad to announce that John Michael Hilash (one of my Squad Mates) passed away on November 13th, 2010 at Edmonton, AB. I attended his service.

John joined the Force on November 10, 1952. He was posted to a variety of jobs including 'O', 'A' & 'HQ' Div. He retired from Security Service on October 19, 1983. He was a Life Member of the Edmonton Vets. Association.

John has been laid to rest at Grave 4, Block 7, Section 2 of the Rose Hill Cemetery in Edmonton, AB.

Yours truly,

Ian Brownlee
Vets. Calgary  Div.


'Maintain Our Memories'

Who am I?

Guess my idenity. Who am I?

I joined the NWMP in its early days. I was born and lived in a capital city in eastern Canada.  I lied about my real idenity so that I could join the Force. Eventually, I was the first NCO to receive an annual pension from the Force.

Now it's 2010. Superintendent Brian Brennan, OIC Federal Policing Services in 'H' Div. is an avid historian and he has caught on to me. He knows my real name and the story behind the story.

Who am I?

Buffalo Joe Healy

'Maintain Our Memories'

In Memory of Reg.#13119, Cpl. Nicholas Chmara

Good evening Mr. Healy,


Thank you kindly for updating Nicholas Chmara's data sheet so quickly. I'm also sending a picture of him, I think it was taken in 1938 or 1939 in Regina. Somewhere deep in the family albums I know I have a picture of his RCMP grave headstone, sooner or later I'll find it and send it to you.

What a great project you and the other Vets have undertaken, Mr. Healy!! It is fitting and proper that all deceased members be remembered and memorialized.

As for myself, when I graduated from high school in the mid 60's, I wanted to be a member almost more than life itself. Unfortunately, there was still a minimum height requirement in those days, which I missed by a quarter of an inch. Although disappointed, I've spent my life from then to the present supporting and learning about the Force. I think I have most of the books ever written about the RCMP, and I'm always still looking for more.

Warmest regards,

Nephew to Cpl. Chmara,

Dan

Reg.# 11079, Sgt. Samuel Wrigglesworth - Vet of the Month. October, 2010

Dear Joe;

There are tears in my eyes as I write this.

Thank you so very much Joe, for honoring my father as 'Vet of the Month' and including some of my stories about our life in the RCMP!

Dad could never imagined his name and my story would someday be written for the world to see. He would probably be embarrased, as he was just 'doing his duty' as so very many, (passed and present) members of the Force.

Thank you for making such a positive difference in many people's lives.

Warren Wrigglesworth,
Alberta

www.onawing@telus.net

Reg.#13967, George William Fridgen (age 93)

Here's a note which touches on history. It was included in Frank Richter's weekly note. (FFF's 10-10-2010)

Early NWMP Detachment near MacKinnon's Post Office Ermine, SK

Reg.#13967, George William Fridgen was born near Ermine, Saskatchewan in 1917. Now, he is documenting his family, his career in the Force and his early homestead in Saskatchewan.

He remembers his grandfather (John Fridgen) saying that the first Detachment of the North West Mounted Police, in that part of Saskatchewan, was located in his grandfather’s home once located one mile north of MacKinnon's Post Office.

In the days of this NWMP Detachment, the town of Ermine did not yet exist. Eventually trains arrived and the railroad went through town at the MacKinnon Post Office site. The railway was the start of Ermine. Today no buildings or town exist.

George Fridgen was posted to Regina Detachment betwen 1963 and 1965. He recalls that he gave a special photo to a Cst. Tom Wiltshire in Regina. The photo was of a NWMP member sitting on his horse outside the Fridgen homestead/detachment. Although he has other photos, George hopes that this particular photo can be found by locating former Cst. Tom Wiltshire.

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Cst. Tom Wiltshire, please contact 'Buffalo' Joe Healy or Vet Bob Warnke, Regina RCMP Veterans' Association. www.reginarcmpvets

'Maintain Our Memories'

Missing names on database: Lamaistre & Dupuis

New names of deceased members are added to the database every day with the help of many, many volunteers.

Here's a note of support from Kingston, ON RCMP Vet. Roy Holtom.

Roy says: "I can think of three Vets that are not in your database,

1. Art Lamaistre: RCMP Marine Section (1935-38) shot down and killed over Norway while flying for the RAF. I believe he is buried in Norway, Oslo ?

2. Rene Dupuis: Also Marine Section and then over to the RAF. Rene is buried in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa.

3. Joe Dupuis (brother of Rene Dupuis). Joe left the RCMP to join the Ottawa City Police. He is also buried in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa."

Keep up the good work.

Reg.#12551, Robert F. (Roy) Holtom
Email: royholtom@yahoo.co.uk

'Maintain Our Memories'

The Royal Canadian Mighty Champ Challenge

Round One of The Royal Canadian Mighty Champ Challenge (RCMCC) has been posted on the website at www.rcmpgraves.com

I invite you to respond to the challenge by answering all 20 questions.

Some questions contain humor. Some are tragic and others are sad. Many questions and responses will remind Canadians of the sacrifices made by members of the NWMP, RNWMP and the RCMP.

Yours truly,

Buffalo Joe Healy
Reg.#23685

'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#4112, James Patrick Ryan NWMP

Subject: Grave of James Patrick Ryan

Hi Joe; Greetings from friends formerly of St. Stephen, NB

I read with great interest the article about the RCMP graves in today's Telegraph Journal. What a wonderful job you have done.

My husband (Fran McHugh - a St. Stephen native) and I are both doing family history research in our retirement. Genealogy is a great project!!

I searched your site and found my great uncle's listing of his grave in St. Mary's Cemetery, Saint John, N.B. His name was James Patrick Ryan d. Nov. 1938. James was born in Londonderry, Colchester County, Nova Scotia on September 8, 1881. The information you have indicates his birth date as 1884 which is incorrect. He was 57 when he died, although it says 54 on the gravestone.

Just thought you might like to have more correct information on this listing.

With thanks,
Carey A. Ryan

'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#9128, Jean-Baptiste Charron

PAX

Reg.#9128, Jean-Baptiste Charron

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Dear Mr. Healy,

I read the article in the Ottawa Citizen(Saturday, September 25th, 2010) with great interest but was unable to attend the Police Memorial Ceremonies.

My Grandfather, Reg.#9128, Jean-Baptiste Charron, 23 Balsam St., Ottawa, served in the RCMP in Ottawa and is pictured in the attached photo with my Dad in 1939 just before my Dad was shipped off to serve in the navy during the Second World War. I was wondering where I could go to retrieve his years of service.

As far as I remember my grandfather never left Ottawa because he was a married man and in those days the RCMP preferred that you not be married. He was assigned to Parliament Hill but I'm almost positive that he was never sent anywhere.

My grandfather is buried in Notre-Dame Cemetary, 455 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, Block 32, Lot#40.

I don't know if you feel that this is worth recording in your log or to add to your files but there it is. Where can I buy a copy of your book? Can you let me know if you get this. Thanks.

Sincerely,
Diane Liberty

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post - Reg.#16736, S/Sgt. Ralph Cave

Retired Reg.#16736, S/Sgt. Ralph Cave passed away on October 12th, 2010 in Surrey, BC.

Ralph was a member of the British Columbia Provincial Police and became a member of the RCMP in 1951 when the two forces amalgamated. At the time of amalgamation, there were 18 police officers stationed in Surrey. Ralph had a background involving horses, so he was transferred to "N" Division as a riding instructor. He returned briefly to Surrey and was then transferred to "Depot" as a full time riding instructor.

He was connected with equitation and the Musical Ride for his entire service. He traveled to many places in North America and other countries with the Musical Ride and had several personal experiences with the Queen and members of the Royal Family, both in England and Canada.

In 1964 he was seconded to Jamaica to serve as an Assistant Superintendent, teaching equitation to members of their police force. He returned to Canada in 1965 and retired in 1967. Following retirement, he worked for Sears of Canada in their security section and was in charge of Security in the Victoria store. He was subsequently offered a position with the Agrodome at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, which he accepted.

He retired from the Agrodome in 1989, but remained active with BC Fairs as an Inspector and was very much involved with the Cloverdale Stampede. He was an active member of the Lions Club of BC and the Pacific Riding Academy in Langley, where the RCMP Veteran's sponsor a horse. Ralph Cave was well known in the RCMP and his photos on horse back are on many post cards and posters. He was an outstanding person and he will be missed. Ralph was an active member of the RCMP Veterans. The family has requested an Honour Guard at the service. For condolences, call Mrs. Peggy Cave at 604-588-6164. Ralph and Peggy have a son Gordon Cave, currently serving with the RCMP in Edmonton, Alberta. Celebration of Life Service: 2:00 PM - October 18TH, 2010. Northwood United Church, 8855 - 156TH St., Surrey, BC

'Maintain Our Memories'

NWMP Reg.#4324, Arthur F. Borden

Hi Joe; My grandfather, Arthur F. Borden, Regimental #4324, served Jan.21, 1905 to Jan. 20, 1913. He died in Halifax, Dec. 19, 1949.and his grave is in Pinegrove Cemetary, Middleton, Nova Scotia. I have other info regarding his service up north (pictures and letteres; my sister has his journals from Rankin Inlet, 1911-1913 app.)I also have some more info on his army career that followed, if you are interested. Maureen Maureen Quinn msqonivy@gmail.com 'Maintain Our Memories'

Windsor launches national RCMP memorial fund - News - The Hants Journal

Windsor launches national RCMP memorial fund - News - The Hants Journal

The Sir Samuel Steele Collection

The Sir Samuel Steele Collection

Reg.#11241, Corporal Patrick McGough

Dear Joe:

I think that your BuffaloBlog write up about our father (Corporal Patrick McGoug) is wonderful, I know that Dad would be humbled and proud at the same time. He was very proud of being a member of the RCMP.  So, I thank you very much for making our Dad the 'Vet of the Month' story for October, 2010.

I'm attaching his Obituary and a picture so that it can be added sometime to your web site. Dad was buried in the Dalhousie Memorial Gardens, Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery, Halifax, NS.

The Memorial Plaque Inscription states :

"Here lie the mortal remains of those who donated their bodies to medical science at Dalhousie University. Beyond the sphere of earthly life, they have given of themselves for the good of others."

Through the years of growing up, my Dad headed the division in the Annapolis Valley, and at that time the young Mounties lived with us. I wish I could remember more of their history as they made us their extended family. Only names come to me, as I was very young (aged 4yr to 9yrs), Ed Blizzard, Irish Ireland, Ray Howard are just a few names I remember.

When you told me that you had a "wee" story - that too was an expression of Dad's when telling us stories of the wee folk (the leprechauns of course) !

God Bless you
& Thanks so much
Mary

Special Constable George Esrom Dodds

Hi Joe;

Your database shows Special Constable George Esrom Dodds as dying on January 2, 1966 and having been buried in Alberta.

A friend has asked me to make an enquiry for her. Could you help determine if S/Cst. Dodds was actually buried in Alberta and where his cemetery is located?

Thanks for your help. You and others have done a great job!


Ron deRoon (retired S/Sgt.)

Email: rsderoon@gmail.com

'Maintain Our Memories'


CC: Vet. Frank Richter for publication in FFF

Vet of the Month - October, 2010 - Reg.#11241, Corporal Patrick McGough

Our Vet story for October, 2010 may seem impossible -- it is about a member of the Force who set surprising records unlike any other member. Further, we have recent confirmation of one particular and unique feat from his family including his daughter living in Nova Scotia.

Patrick McGough came into the world on March 17th, 1906 and we know that he was born in Black Hill, Durham Co, England. He immigrated to Canada about 1928 and for a time McGough worked for W. J. Haley & Co. in Vanguard, SK.  His daughter is convinced that her Dad came to Canada to help out with the 'wheat boom' in Western Canada. At some point, McGough decided to remain in Canada rather than return home to England. In 1931, McGough applied for and was enlisted into the RCMP.

Shortly after joining the Force, McGough set his first record. His daughter, Ms Mary McGough Chiasson, believes her Dad was one of the first six Mounties who took over policing of Nova Scotia from the Nova Scotia Provincial Police Force. It might be said that this little joint in RCMP & Nova Scotia history easily sets Patrick McGough apart from most other RCMP.

It was while McGough was serving in Nova Scotia in 1932 that he was posted to Guysborough County where he met his future wife Ms. Ellen Bridget O'Connor. Like many other members, Patrick McGough loved the Force and his pals, but he had to make a tough decision in order to raise his growing family -- he decided to quit the RCMP. McGough was out for a short period of four years from September 18, 1935 to September 23, 1939. He then re-engaged into the RCMP. At one point he was transferred to 'D' Div. (Manitoba) but he returned to serve in 'H' Div. (Nova Scotia). Corporal McGough's heart was in Nova Scotia and he served many, many years in 'H' Div. Finally, he decided to retire and his last day was November 16, 1961.

After retirement, Corporal McGough took every opportunity to encourage his children to remain in school as long as they could. Speaking fondly of her Dad, Mary McGough said,  'Our Dad instilled the value of a solid education in all of us, and regretted the fact that he had not been in a position to continue his own education. However, his indominable spirit overcame this regret and we never expected that he would set another record in the way that he did.'

Mary McGough continued with her recollections. She said: 'When Dad died in October of 1986, he donated his body to research at Dalhousie University Medical School, Halifax, NS. Yes, education was very important to Dad and we (his family of 4 children) said that: Dad finally made it to university - his way!'

We tip our Stetson to Corporal McGough and along with is family we fondly recall him especially in October, 2010!

Written by Reg.#23685, Buffalo J. J. (Joe) Healy with lots of help from Mary McGough Chiasson.

Corporal Patrick McGough is buried in Halifax, NS.

'Maintain Our Memories'

NWMP Reg.# 3679, Constable James S. Mullan

Hi, Joe.

Great item in the Ottawa Citizen! And a great job you are doing!

Someone from Harvey, NB told me they met and talked to an RCMP Veteran at the Harvey Station Cemetery several years ago who was looking for RCMP graves. Didn't take long to ascertain that it was you!

I am enclosing an obituary I turned up in family tree research years ago. James S. Mullan was an uncle of mine by marriage. Several years ago I was in Norwood visiting my daughter and took the opportunity to walk through a large cemetery there looking for his grave. No luck.

I have a note I wrote to myself years ago showing him as engaging on 18-4-1900 and being discharged on 20-8-1902. I may have gotten those dates from Force personnel records but I am not sure now, although I don't know how else I would have obtained them. In any event, you will see that those dates do not correspond with the information contained in the obituary - including being a member of the first detachment at the White Horse Pass.

If those dates are correct he may have embellished the details of his service and thus led his obit writer astray. I just don't know.

Perhaps he met Robert Service and decided to create a little fiction to emulate him!

Anyway - obit forwarded. Use information as you see fit.

Best regards!

Ellis Craig, Superintendent. (R'td)
Reg.#18995

'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#12091 Cst. George Hall, Reg.#19915, Cst. George Ransom & CM Lewis Winichuk

Hello Joe,

I have placed your website on my desktop as I will most likely be a regular supplier of information on a semi-regular basis.

While working in Manitoba I became the Manager of the Shoal Lake Police and Pioneer Museum Inc. (Manitoba's official Mounted Police Museum and I remain the Museum Manager). During that time I started to research local NWMP-RCMP graves and I found a few.

A retired member Steve McBeth, also was working on a similar project and we joined forces. Steve unfortunatly passed away, and is buried in Birtle, Manitoba. I will be sending the information to you in due course, once I dig it up from my archives.

In regards to Cst. George Ransom, I had the opportunity to visit his grave today in Melville. (Photo attached). As the local detachment commander I put a call out in the local paper looking for any force graves, and historic sites so that we can start a local inventory. A local legion veteran Steve Guliak called me up and took me on a quick tour. He also identified the grave of Cst. George Hall # 12091, and Civilian member Lewis C.Winichuk #C1114. I have also attached photos of their grave sites.

I am aware that Cst. Ransom drowned in 1958 on Lake Simcoe, Ontario when their police boat capsized in a storm. 4 other members also drowned with him that tragic day. He was returned to his hometown of Melville, where he presently rests.

Cst. Hall's history is a little foggy, but it sounds like he died of self inflicted wounds. I'll have to research that a little further. He was working at Melville detachment at the time.

Lewis Winichuk was 47 years old, when he passed away. I'll also have to research what happened to him.

I'll keep you posted.

I have also CC'c this to Rhonda Lamb, Force Historical Collections Unit.


Thanks

Ewen D.W. Booth S/Sgt.
Detachment Commander
Melville/Ituna RCMP Detachment
515 Main Street
Box 880
Melville, Saskatchewan
S0A 2P0
1-306-728-1700 (Phone)
1-306-728-1703 (Fax)

Reg.# 1890, Cst. Jean Charles Routhier, NWMP

Dear Joe;

Officer Routhier is the son of Basil Routhier, the composer of  'O Canada' and the father of Henri Routhier O.M.I., the late Archbishop of the Grouard-McLennan Archdiocese.

According to his Cst. Routhier's son, he dropped out of law school or gave up law to join the NWMP at the time of the Riel Rebellion (il a lâché le droit pour joindre la police montée pendant la rébellion de Riel).

This was an action, even almost a century later, that was still strongly condemned as foolhardy by an 80 something year old son and retired bishop!

Raymond Pallard
raymondpallard@yahoo.ca

'Maintain Our Memories'

The Fraser duo

Dear Joe;

I read a great story about the RCMP Graves website in today's Edmonton Journal.

My sister married into a Fraser family which included two, I believe, RCMP.

I have encouraged my niece to view your site with the objective of ensuring her uncles' data are included.

What a generous and wonderful initiative on your part!

Dorothy Hollands
dmhollands@xplornet.com

'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#857, NWMP Sgt. Wm. Brock Wilde

Dear Joe;

There was a wonderful full page article about you and your RCMP Graves website in the Edmonton Journal, Sunday, October 03, 2010.

I am a member of the Edmonton Metro Chapter of the Blue Knights® International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Inc. I retired from the Edmonton Police Service in Aug 2003.

In 1999, a retired EPS member and former member of our Edmet Chapter, Ian MacLeod of Coleman, AB took the time to speak with the elderly in his town and do library and artifact research about the location of a cairn that was built for NWMP Sgt. William Brock Wilde in the Crowsnest Pass area. From his research and interviews, he narrowed down the approx. location of this cairn.

He climbed a few of the hills in the area southeast of Bellevue, AB along what I recall is Hwy 507 and located a small pile of large rocks in an area where none were naturally occurring. He dig around and found several dozen of them. He was satisfied that this was in fact the cairn built for Brock Wilde, likely 100 years ago. He rebuilt the cairn with the rocks there and several members of our Chapter accompanied Ian to the site to honour the brave NWMP Sgt. William Brock Wilde.

I have photos of our visit there as well as an information brochure that Ian produced for the Chapter members. I suggested he forward a copy to RCMP HQ in Ottawa. I don't know if he ever did.

I can scan and email this material to you.

Best regards,
Cst. Jim Holowchak
Edmonton Police Service (retired Aug 2003)
Email: cbx6@shaw.ca

'Maintain Our Memories'

Grave entry, William Walter Assheton-Smith

Dear Buffalo Joe;

First and most important, thanks for your work! Here's new info on on my grandfather's record

William Walter Assheton-Smith was born in London, England

Joined date: Nov. 27, 1882 Regina, SK. Retired Feb 28, 1910 at Camrose Alberta.

He served briefly at Fort Qu\'Appelle, 1883 to Fort Pitt, April 1885 to Battleford (with Dickens), September, 1886 to Fort Macleod with 'D' Div. (led by Steele), May 1887 to Fort Kootnai aka Ft Steel.

In February, 1888 he re-enlisted at Calgary; likely back to Macleod. October 15,1889 to Fort Saskatchewan; October 16 to Edmonton.

In 1893 to Lac Ste. Anne; in 1896 or 1897, to Wetaskiwin; August 1901 to Duhamel; 1905 to Camrose.

William Walter Assheton-Smith retired as a Corporal: afterwards to Ferintosh as the postmaster, telephone agent and Justice of Peace until his death in 1944.

If you wish documentation, please advise  as I think I have specific evidence for each point.

Yours truly,

Marilyn Assheton-Smith


(And confusing as it may be, the cemetery is called New Norway Cemetery. It is a mile or so from the village --about 8 miles from Ferintosh; it is one of a number that served Ferintosh families through the years; there isn't a cemetery at Ferintosh.)

Vet of the Month: July 2010. Reg.#1032, George Henderson

Certain traits identify human beings. For example, humans strongly identify with their name -- be it Jim, George, Jane, or Janet. Another human trait is that we prefer to be in the presence of other people rather than being alone or cut off from society. In short, there exist within humans a respect for self as well as a deep fear of being isolated or dying alone.

We have heard about people stranded on a remote island perhaps for days or months. Reports are that they were about to go 'out of their minds' until they were rescued. In the criminal justice system, the most serious sanction for a prisioner is to be placed in solitary confinement. The prisoner lives the remainder of his or her life apart from all other human beings and never experinces personal contact. One cannot imagine a dreadful life of solitary stillness and aloneness.

In his last days, Our Vet of the Month for July, 2010  was poor and abandoned. Sadly, upon his death, he lost his name and, after all these years, is still waiting for a more honourable burial.

First, let's reveal what is known about our Vet of the Month. It is known that Reg. #1032, Constable George Henderson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and after immigrating to Canada, he joined the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) on May 29, 1884. 

He was posted to 'Depot' Division in Regina, SK. He must have been brave because he was present and fought in the Riel North West Rebellion.

Like many others, Cst. Henderson had human flaws. On September 4, 1898, he was charged in Service Court for 'neglect of duty'. His punishment was a demotion in rank from Staff Sergeant to Sergeant. Hardly five months later, Henderson was in Service Court again for being intoxicated. For this offence, he was fined $10 and demoted again from Sergeant to Constable. Unquestionably, these experiences marked Henderson.  After years of hard work which had earned him notable promotions, he lost two ranks and his reputation. Shortly afterwards, he quit the NWMP.

There is no mention in the records of a family for Cst. Henderson. He died in Fort QuAppelle, SK and the lack of care for his remains might indicate that he was desperately alone.  He was buried at St. Hubert's Mission in the Whitewood District of Saskatchewan in an unmarked grave.

RCMP Vet. George Anderson, presently living in Saskatchewan, reports that he tried to obtain a headstone for Cst. Henderson in 1984, but he was unsuccessful.  It seems that RCMP policy regarding the care of grave sites did not apply to Cst. Henderson. 

Since his death, Cst. Henderson has had no name as he continues to lie with no grave marker in a pauper's grave. Surely, something can be done for him.

Written by Reg.#23685, Buffalo J. J. (Joe) Healy assisted by Vet. George Anderson and with the kindness of notes by Vet. Jack White.

'Maintain Our Memories'

Obituary - Paul Alexander Leduc

LEDUC, Paul Alexander

Peacefully at the Brockville Hospital on September 2, 2010 at the age of 73 years.

Beloved husband of Dorothy May (nee Bell). Beloved son of Samuel Alexander and Joyce (both deceased). Dear father of Mark (deceased), Shawn (Jane McClurg) and Lynn Young (Kevin).

Also survived by eight grandchildren and one great grandson. Retired RCMP (Ottawa Headquarters). Resident of Brockville and previous resident of Stittsville where Paul was involved with the Hockey Association and the building of the Stittsville Arena.

A private graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Maitland. Arrangements are entrusted with the Irvine Funeral Home and Chapel, 4 James Street East, Brockville. In memory of Paul, donations may be made to the C.P.H.C. or the Leeds and Grenville Alzheimers Society will be greatly acknowledged.

'Maintain our Memories'

Public Servant, Florence Helen Cooper

Obituary

COOPER, Florence Helen (nee Cosgrove) RCMP (Ottawa).

Retired peacefully at St. Patrick's Home on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at the age of 92. To the end of her days, Flo kept her sweet smile, humour and strong spiritual faith. How lucky and blessed we all are for having had her in our lives.

She was the much loved sister of Patricia Keelan of Ottawa and cherished stepmother of Helen Kelly of Belleville. Loving grandmother of Alan, Donna, Lisa, Aimee, Helen, Margaret, Eric and Michael. Dear aunt of Sheilagh Marie Keelan; Dan, Paul, Brian, Michael, and Maureen Coffey. Treasured great aunt, great grandmother, cousin, neighbour, and friend. Daughter of the late Henry and Louisa Cosgrove, Flo was predeceased by her beloved husband Eric Cooper; sisters Mary, Margaret, Bertha, Violet and brothers William and Michael; and stepson Michael Cooper.

The family is forever grateful to Louise Marsden for the devoted care and companionship she gave Flo in her final years and also extends its deep appreciation to the staff and volunteers of St. Patrick's Home.

Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 585 Somerset St. W. (Centretown) Ottawa, Saturday, June 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Funeral will be celebrated on Monday, June 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 399 Victoria Ave, Belleville. Interment at St. James Cemetery, Belleville.

In Memoriam, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Belleville General Hospital Foundation or St. Patrick's Home Foundation appreciated.

The Ottawa Citizen from 6/24/2010 - 6/25/2010


'Maintain Our Memories'

*Whenever I met Florence during my visits at St. Patrick's Home in Ottawa, she would fondly recall yonder days when she was Assistant to senior Officers including deceased Reg.#12001, Deputy Commissioner William 'Bill H. Kelly.

JJH

Reg.#262, Sub-Const. Frederick Brown

Regimental numbers

How does a mix-up differ from down-right confusion?

The photo which shows Sub/Constable Brown and inscribed Reg.#262 was sent in by Ms. Denise Farwell from Assiniboia Detachment, 'F' Division (SK).

On the surface, does anything appear irregular with the Regimental number (Reg.#262)?

 

Well, since the inception of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) in 1873, there began a mix-up in the regimental numbering system for recruits as well as Officers -- it seems that the Comptroller's Office in Ottawa and other recruit sign-up points all issued regimental numbers which added to long reign confusion. In short, no one kept track of regimental numbers through the use of a single 'master list'.

As well, in the early days, regimental numbers were recycled -- if a member quit it was easy to reassigned his number to an incoming recruit. The Force was very small and apparently no one considered reserving assigned numbers in the event that an ex-member might rejoin the NWMP at a later date.

This early 'error' resulted in Sub-Constable Brown and many other NWMP actually being assigned three different regimental numbers -- one number (OOS115) was assigned when Brown first joined the Band in Regina, another number (Reg.#262) when a 'new system' was implemented and another number (Reg.#171) when he re-joined the NWMP after a short absence.

I explained to Denise Farwell that when I tried to enter Brown’s Reg.# in the database, I discovered that another old timer (Constable William D. Armstrong) already had also been assigned Reg.#262 -- the reason was because there was a short period when Constable Brown was out of the Force so his original number 262 was given to new recruit Armstrong and when Brown rejoined in 1878 he was given another old recycled number of 171!

This whole mix up has confused historians since 1873 and it means that the entire regimental numbering system is out of wack --- some believe that everyone presently in the Force should have a number about 3 less or 3 more…

Anyway, it's all part of history and it can be counted among the least of our worries today.

'Maintain our Memories'

Joe Healy
Reg. #23685 more or less

Reg.#16404, S/Sgt. W.A.A. (Tony) West

Recalling S/Sgt. 'Tony' West

Hi Joe ...

May I add my thanks to those of many others for the fine work you have done in creating this most valuable resource for our Members.

I see that you have indicated the NCO's that you served under, i.e Ernie Ruttan who was my NCO i/c at Maillardville Detachment and Roland Harding who was my NCO i/c at Haney following the retirement of S/Sgt. Tony West who was my NCO i/c when I went to Haney in 1964. Tony was a former BCPP and had some wonderful stories to tell about his time when he and his white steed, also named Tony as I recall, patrolled the vast areas surrounding Burns Lake.

Upon retirement he was very much involved in the local riding club and founded a mini-muscial ride for children and had them outfitted in our Review red serges. I was unable to find anything about him on your site and was wondering if in fact he has been included.

Thanks again Joe and continue to keep up the wonderful research and work you are doing on behalf of all of us.

Best regards ...

Ron Mangan,
#22196, S/Sgt. (RTD)
formerly NCO i/c Powell River, Detachment.
Email: rmangan@mac.com

'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#14679, S/Sgt. William George Campbell

Obituary

William George Campbell passed away peacefully on June 15th, 2010 in his 86th year.

Beloved husband of Isabel for 55 years. Loving Father of Margaret, Betty (John), Scott (Zenaida). Cherished Grandfather of Will, Michael, Maria and Victoria. He was a serving member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for 25 years retiring in 1971, and the same year joined Commonwealth Hospitality as Director of Security for Canada, the Caribbean and United Kingdom.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Heart and Stroke or Alzheimer Society. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held in Georgetown, ON.

Rick Roy
RCMP London Veteran's Association

'Maintain Our Memories'