In Memory of NWMP, Reg.#o156, James B. Mitchell

It's generally accepted by the majority of RCMP members that the Drill Hall is the opposite of a church. In the Drill Hall, certain vocabulary and antics are tolerated for the psychological development of the aspirant. In contrast, a church is a place of reflection, prayer and peace. Loud, mob control training and Police Service Dogs in one place and quiet, hushed tones in the other. One accepts that's the way it is. Normally.

It's apparent that I was not meant to be a holy man; monk or minister. This in spite of having a clear conscience and being chosen to the post of Chauffeur for the Archbishop of Ottawa, Terrence Prendergast, SJ.

After our Sunday sacrifice today, I was met in the church aisle by a woman 'of age' -- older than me. She recognized me though our church community. Grace had a police story to tell -- it goes like this.

Many years ago, Grace's mother was a friend in Winnipeg, Manitoba of Mrs J. B. Mitchell, the wife of Reg.#o156. Grace didn't know 'ole J.B. personally, but Grace's mother said that he had once been in the NWMP. Grace had also been told that 'ole J.B. had also married a much younger woman (which is not a legislated crime, speaking from personal experience). Mrs J.B. had lived a long, long life after J.B. died.

Grace became momentarily surprised when an i-phone appeared with the fresh RCMP graves database. Sure enough, Reg.#o156, Staff Constable James B. Mitchell is mentioned in database cyberspace. 'J.B.' was born in Gananoque, Ontario in 1852 and he joined the NWMP in 1874. It's recorded that Mitchell was one of the newly minted NWMP members and he participated in the March West.

Sub/Constable Mitchell's career was short as he quit in 1877. For his three years of good service, he received Land Warrant # 0097. Mitchell settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba and he retured to school to become an architect -- he enjoyed a long career in architecture for over 36 years. At some point, J.B. married and his wife became a friend with Grace's mother. Full circle. Constable Mitchell died in Winnipeg on November 14, 1945. He is also buried in Winnipeg.

My 'in-hand' knowledge was quite compelling , memorable and enjoyable to Grace. She had never seen an i-phone. She had learned alot about 'ole J.B. Mitchell and I was happy to share the good news. Where better than to share good news? I guess that my joy may have caused Grace and me to giggle a wee bit but I thought that we were alone in the church with the exception of Him.

(Photo right) Constable James Betram Mitchell

Under normal circumstances I don't emulate Drill Hall practices in any holy place. I mean, I am respectful in church most of the time. The Archbishop will testify.

However, I confess that it was at the point of our second giggle when an old, prayerful man approached. He took direct aim at me. Waving his pointy, painful, arthritic finger in my direction, he said: 'It's the House of God, you're not supposed to be talking!'

History lesson over for today. Discussing Canadian history has its boundaries. Save it for the Drill Hall.

Shhhh -- promise and please, no one tell the Archbishop.

Friends Not Forgotten: In Memory of NWMP, Reg.#o156, James B. Mitchell

Credit: Historian, Vet and friend Jack White.
Photo credit: Supt. Brian Brennan, OIC Federal Policing, Halifax, NS


'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy
Reg.#23685