In Memory of Reg.#o87, Constable S.W. 'Sam' Thurber

C A N A D A

Double click on photo for larger version

Double click on photo for larger version

In Memory of Reg.#o87,

Constable 'Sam' Thurber

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Reg.#3846, NWMP Constable James A. Bennett

C A N A D A  

Double click on photo for larger version

Double click on photo for larger version

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#3846,

NWMP Constable James Arthur Bennett

Killed in 'Halifax Explosion'

All Vets who are connected to the National RCMP Database collection are especially touched when a member of the Force is contacted by a family member with information on a past loved one.

Recently, a family member of Reg. #3846, Constable James A. Bennett contacted Supt. Brian Brennan, CROPS, 'H' Div. and provided the photo and information as seen above.

Sadly, Cst. Bennett had to leave the Force in the Yukon for medical reasons. Up until that time, his conduct was reported to be '...very good'.

Equally sad was that after a few years upon returning to Halifax, he was killed in the 'Halifax Explosion' on December 6, 1917. Reg.#3846, Constable James Arthur Bennett is buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Contributor: Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.# 21915, S/Sgt. Arejas J. Smilgis

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.# 21915, S/Sgt. Arejas J. Smilgis

S/Sgt. Arejas J. Smilgis was born on January 27, 1941 in Kaunas, Lithuania. 

In 1944 Harry traveled on foot with his parents to Germany from Lithuania leaving everything behind. The family lived in a camp until 1947 when they came to Canada.

Harry joined the RCMP in 1961 and he retired in 1988 as a Staff Sergeant after twenty seven years of honourable servive .

Harry's main hobby was woodworking and examples of his work can be found in various locations including Bridge Community Church Kindergarten.

Aejas is survived by his wife Anna, son Jeff, daughter Leanna, mother Vanda, four grandchildren and two sisters.

He died on December 25, 2007. A celebration of Harry's life was held Friday Feb 2, 2007 at Bridge Community Church in North Vancouver.

'Maintain our Memories'


Contributor: Supt. Brian Brennan CR OPS, 'H' Div., HAlifax, NS

OPP Cruiser 2011

C A N A D A

OPP Cruiser

In the past year or so, the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) have reverted back to the 'black and white' colours for their police cruisers.

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

REg.#18310, Kenneth William Anderson (married to former Elsie Irene Brown)

FROM: Annie Kaps [mailto:akaps@kwik.net]

TO: KIRBY Anderson; Susan Caverly
FOR RECORD & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY
Your son isn't Ken Kaps by chance?  If so we live two doors from his house.  Small world.

THANK YOU ALL FOR FACILITATING THE RECONNECTION.   

TWO HOUSES NOW.     TWO HOUSES THEN.

How long have you been there?  Know that Ken and Jeannette bought their home from two RCMP officers. They were also friends with officers who lived at the end of the cul-de-sac.  They moved to Chilliwack with their two girls.

Wonder if I’ve been at your place?  Have been to several Christmas “street light-ups” at different neighbours on Ferley.  Recall fires in sand-filled wheel barrels.

Let me tell you about your mom and our old neighbourhood........

Her aunt and uncle lived in the suite on top of a garage on King George Highway.  This was across the street from a green grocer where my brother Joe worked while at high school.  I’ll have to asked him for sure, but I think that there is where we first met.  Our farm of twenty acres abutted the original twenty acres on which this garage stood (garage just recently demolished).  We kids would, in the summer, hike through the farm (old logging railway was its north border and our access road) onto King George Highway to hitchhike to the beach at White Rock.  Adjacent to and/or on these properties is a school named Cindrich Elementary (you can google) with a library called the Kate Cindrich Library.

Our mother, Kate Cindrich,  was widowed and left with us seven kids (she and dad had lost two in Croatia before coming to Canada) ranging from teenagers to a four year old (it’s his daughter’s wedding on August 6th which Ken and Jeannette are attending).  All seven of us finished Grade XII and most went on to post-secondary.  This was something, as in the 50’s many left school in Grade X.  All seven of us are alive.  Sister Helen is in a home in Sidney and she/her husband still have a house in Royal Oak area of Victoria.  Sister Mary, brothers Joe, Tony, Nick and families live on acreages in Langley.  Sister Lena and hubby are in Penticton.  Retired are all but sister Lena, brother Nick and wife Linda.  Nick’s the engineering manager at Weldco and his wife is a public health nurse.  Our sister Lena is a nurse at Penticton hospital.  Our children all have degrees of some sort.  Nick’s daughters are back to UBC, one is part way through med and the other dentistry (one getting married).  My daughter is a geriatric pharmacist who has received much recognition for innovation in long-term care.  Sister Lena’s son was teacher of the year in Manitoba and his brother was awarded Canada’s Golden quill.  At acceptance at Pier 21, he said in his speech that all it took was three generations to get to Pier 21:  grandmother and grandfather immigrated there, they had his mom, and here he was back.

Brother Joe yearly takes his motorhome to Tolquert Bay on Vancouver Island’s west coast.  He passes by you.  I’ve gone fishing with him.  He loves to go “way” out past the small islands.  I am unable to land the salmon he facilitates my hooking.  Last year, went with him and wife Elaine to the North West Territories.  Stayed overnight in Whitehorse with friends of theirs.  They are two RCMP officers and he’s the RCMP pilot up there.  Should you wish to connect with Joe, let me know and, perhaps, he can stop by en route to/from west coast, which will be immediately after the wedding.

Mom was friends with your mom’s aunt, a friendship which continued until Aunt Gerda passed away.  Mom died in 2003 at 93.  Mom told us when your mother passed away.  I really don’t know why I--or one of us—did not try and get in touch over the years.

Mom often came through the farm to have coffee with my mom.  Believe she mentions that in one of the letters.  As the letters are at my home in Surrey, can’t confirm, but I believe that in re-reading the letters I recall that was mentioned. 

When your mom was going to Bells Corners to get married, on a lark she asked us why didn’t we come to her wedding.  So I, my brother Joe, my sisters Helen and Mary agreed it would be fun.  Then, one of our neighbours, who was going to quit his job and start a heavy duty mechanics course in the new year anyway, said he’d come too as he’d not seen anything of Canada.  He (Ken Charlton) eventually married my sister Mary.  We were your mom’s few guests at the wedding.  Know we sat with some elite officers (believe a Commissioner, if memory serves me correctly).  Afterwards we went to a house party and sang well into the night.  We were “camping” so you can believe it was an effort to dress for the wedding.  “Camping” meant either tenting or sleeping in the station wagon (Ken front seat, Joe back seat, three sisters in the luggage area).  My sister Mary says she still has her western hat from the trip.  We all brought along similar hats, but where mine went I don’t know..

This trip was a milestone adventure to which we often refer.  My youngest brother’s son Colin, who graduated from mechanical engineering at UBC this year, joined a fellow student and the other student’s boss for a motorcycle trip this spring to the tip of South America.  Unfortunately, the third rider, whose father-in-law is David Suzuki, was killed by a hit and run.  I know that this trip will always be a milestone in my nephew’s life, as was our trip to ours.. 

Along with your grandmother, we saw your mom off at the train.  I have photos on slides somewhere and will try and find for you.  Your mom was an beautiful lady and enjoyed the boisterous household my mom had.  The place was always open to our friends and we kids were always up to adventures......what’s on to-morrow?  Okay, we’ll hike that mountain! 

Along with “the letters” I’ll send along another letter.  This was to a neighbour’s son who was in military college back east (am travelling across Canada this fall with his sister and we’ll be staying with him in his home on one of the islands in the St. Lawrence).  This is a letter diarizing our trip.  It will be of interest to you in the section regarding your mom, culminating in the wedding.

Enough ramblings of an “old” lady.  I’m sure I’ll hear back once the letters find their way to the Island.

Kindest personal regards, Annie (Cindrich) Kaps

FOR RECORD & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Officer 0.264, Commissioner L. N. Nicholson

C A N A D A

Officer 0.264, Commissioner L. N. Nicholson

In Office : May 1, 1951 to March 31, 1959

and below, Who am I?

Mrs Margie Galbraith, one of 

Commissioner and Mrs Nicholson's daughters

of Ottawa, ON

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Mystery Person Visits the Glebe

C A N A D A

A Friend of the Force

Visits the Glebe, Ottawa, ON

Who Am I?

Clues:

Whenever I am given the opportuity I visit the Glebe area of Ottawa. It gives my husband a chance to visit a dentist and I take our dog for a walk in the sun.

Absolutely no one would recognize me, well perhaps, with the exception of Buffalo Joe so I was surprised when he said 'Hi'...

I keep in touch with a few 'ole timers' and I remain a Friend of the Force. Years ago, my father was a senior Officer in the Force. As a result of his position, my sister and I always got the good seats whenever we were with him.

My Dad had a great life in the Force. But, a sad incident happened just as he retired. He and my Mom had all their belongings stored in a locker but a fire broke out and they lost everything...all his 'connections' to the Force were destroyed including his entire photograph collection.

Today, I value every photo of Dad and Mom which is given to me.

Who Am I?

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Reg.# 5700, 0.209, A/Comm'r A. N. Eames

C A N A D A

 

'Friends Not Forgotten'

As one ages, forgetfulness can affect all of us. Once the proud Inspector who was responsible for the pursuit of the 'Mad Trapper' in 1932,  forgetfulness also affected A/Comm'r. Eames in his last days.

Tomorrow, read about the secret Mystery which has surrounded A/Comm'r Eames since his death in 1965. Speculate why A/Comm'r Eames was exiled - forgotten by everyone for over forty-six years.

The Death Certificate of A/Comm'r Eames is shown below.

Go to Home Page at www.rcmpgraves.com. Click on 'RCMP Vet of the Month. Scroll down to 2011 and click on the month of August.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Help - RCAF Robert Ridley and RCMP Alan Ridley

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Searching for

RCAF Robert Burns Ridley

and

RCMP Alan Ridley

Dear Sir,

I am researching my cousin Sgt. Ross Lewis Clark, RAF. He was lost on air operations along with his Skipper W/O Robert Burns Ridley ( RCAF J/85631). Robert Ridley served with #166 SQN - Kirmington, Lincolnshire. The men died on the 27/28th of April 1944 in Hamikon -Switzerland.

Skipper Robert Ridley was a Canadian originally from Port Credit, Ontario. Skipper Ridley also had brother, Alan Ridley, who once served with the RCMP.

So, I'm looking for anything on Skipper W/O Robert Ridley, or his family, or perhaps there might be some photos of RCMP Alan Ridley?

Can you help or advise me please?

Kind Regards,

Michael Clark
[kermington@btinternet.com]

PS: Mr. Clark was referred to RCMP graves database; see Reg.# 13773, Sergeant Alan Pierre Ridley as a photo of Sergeant Ridley 's grave does exist. For more, he has also been referred to Vets Jack O'Reilly and John  Henderson.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Help! Identification of Recruits 'E' Squad. 1949

C A N A D A

REQUEST TO IDENTIFY RECRUITS

Member, Superintendent Brian Brennan, 'H' Div. asks for help in the identification 

of the recruits in this photo.

Supt. Brennan provides these clues;

On the back of the photo is written:  "This is 'E' Squad, our Track Meet Contestents. The fellow we are holding is Smitty, the one who took the honours."

Also written on the back is "1949 - Mrs. J.W. Leadbetter, Wolfville."

Supt. Brennan speculates that the photo was taken at 'Depot in 1949 and Mrs. Leadbetter is likely the mother of one of the recruits.

Please help! 

Replies to buffalojoe@rcmpgraves.com

and/or to : Supt. Brennan [bcbrennan@eastlink.ca]

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Graduation Days at 'Depot' 1960's

C A N A D A

'DEPOT DAYS NOT EASILY FORGOTTEN'

(below) Memo:

Pass Out - 'G' Troop 1961

(Click on each photo for enlarged view)

(below) Memo:

Number of hours allocated to each subject

'G' Troop 1961

(Click on each photo for enlarged view)

Appreciation to: retired Chris Scowen, 'E' Div.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Reg.# 45194, Constable Jimmy Ng

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.# 45194, Constable Jimmy Ng

Honour Roll #201

Hi Joe,
Thank you for the excellent website you have created.

I have just recently found it and while researching names I found Jimmy Ng's name in the
database. I noticed the database indicates Jimmy is buried at 'Depot'?

Jimmy was on my watch in Duncan, B.C. and while his funeral was held in Richmond, BC his
ashes were buried in the Ng family plot on Saltspring Island, B.C.

His parents along with the members from his watch in Duncan Det. and Richmond Det. were
present at the burial and after the graveside service we all placed handfulls of dried
flowers from the memorial at Richmond Detachment, in his grave. It was a very moving service.

Thank you for allowing my imput.

Vet. Blair Martens,
Reg.#36808 (Rtd)
Leduc, Alberta

Dear Blair;

We now know that Cst. NG was cremated. His remains were first buried in the Ganges Cemetery, Salt Spring Island, however, cemetery records show his remains were transferred to the RCMP 'Depot' Cemetery in Regina, SK in August, 2007

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg. #23685

Who Am I?

C A N A D A

Who Am I?

Hint:

If I must say, it was my brilliant playmaking as a center but I was also known by my firm reputation as one of the most gentlemanly figures ever associated with the NHL.

Teamed with Bill and Bun Cook, we formed the dangerous Bread Line of the New York Rangers and dominated the annual voting for the Lady Byng Trophy between 1928 and 1935.

I was also proud to have been a member of the Force, but  I served long, long before your time.

So, can you guess. Who Am I?

I'll let you muddle over this for a day or two, then expose myself...Good Luck!

'Maintain Our Memories'

Supt. Brian Brennan, and

J. J. Healy,

REg.#23685

RCMP Plane Crash - July 15, 1963

RCMP PLANE CRASH - JULY 15, 1963

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Appreciation: Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div. (Nova Scotia)

and

The Whitehorse Star; July, August & November 1963

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Officer Number 0.7, NWMP Supt. J. M. Walsh

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Officer Number 0.7,

NWMP Superintendent James  Morrow Walsh

James Morrow Walsh was born in 1840 in Prescott, Upper Canada (Ontario).  He was an Officer at the rank of Lieutenant in the Prescott Rifles during the Fenian Raids of 1860.  Lieutenant Walsh joined the NWMP as an Officer in 1873. He was one of the Originals in the March West, he built a NWMP fort at Cypress Hills, SK and named it Fort Walsh. 

Supt. Walsh left the Force as a Superintendent in 1883 and he died in 1905. He is buried in Brookville, Ontario.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Appreciation: Photos; Kingston Div Vets and Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div.

The Mystery of the Mountie Dying For Love

C A N A D A

'Friend Not Forgotten'

The Mystery of the Mountie Dying For Love

Shakespeare could easily suggest unique ways to die. Poison, for instance. He might also provide the best time to drink it for its best effect. 

Cleopatra gave death very serious thought. She wanted her death to be dramatic. Something people would remember.  A surprise. One minute a snake may seem cozy and satisfied, then without warning it strikes.

Death by poison requires too much planning, whereas a snake will suddenly pop up, bite and be done. Poison might be flushed out but a snake bite is far more difficult to overcome.

From its inception, members of the Force have unfortunately met death in many, many ways. Falling off or being thrown by a horse, drownings, shootings, car accidents, aircraft accidents and death due to being exposed to poor weather. These are but some ways that members have lost their lives. Many of most of these men and women are listed on the RCMP's Honour Roll.

'The Mystery of the Mountie Dying For Love' involved a member and an incident in Toronto many years ago. Recently, some relatives of our deceased member have contacted me and want to revive his story so that they can learn more about it. 

Warning: This Mystery story is not for young readers for love is discussed. And, read not this story if you are faint of heart!

The 'Mystery of the Mountie Dying For Love' can be found buried among many other mysteries.

Click on the link.

http://www.rcmpgraves.com/buffalo/mysterymountieinlove.html

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
REg.#23685

Who Am I?

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Who Am I?

by

Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div., Nova Scotia

Looking back, I likely shouldn't have done it. But, I can't change the facts now. Anyway, my troubles didn't seem to hurt me...or my career in the Force.

Allow me to tell you a wee bit about myself.

Years ago, after I joined the NWMP, shortly afterwards I deserted. I was 'on the lamb' for let's say 'awhile'. Afterwards, I felt guilty so I surrendered. My superiors seemed unimpressed, so I was sentenced to six months in the stockade. I paid my dues. In full.

I was allowed to resume duties and a few years later I was promoted to Sergeant. I seemed to be doing just fine because a year later I received my Commission and was promoted to Inspector.

I was posted to the west during my career. But I needed a wife, so I went to Nova Scotia and fell in love with Florence. We married.

Well, now you know a little about me. Yup, I'd say I did things just about right.

Who Am I?

Tid-bits about my career and photos by Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div., Nova Scotia.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who Am I?

by

Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div., Nova Scotia

Part Two

July 12, 2011.

I can't wait any longer...my name is David H. MacPherson, I was the youngest son of Sir David L. MacPherson...that's right.

Here's a snap of my career in the North West Mounted Police;

I, Inspector David H. MacPherson engaged in the NWMP on June 25, 1880,
I, deserted 4 months later,
I, surrendered 3 years later,
I, spent 6 months in jail,
I, resumed my duties May 1884,
I, was promoted to Sergeant 1887,
I, was granted a Commission as an Inspector, Sept 1, 1888,
I, was Inspector of the Southern Division in Alberta in 1890,
which consisted of Standoff, Lee's Creek, Milk River, and Pot Hole, 
I, NWMP Inspector David H. Macpherson became a Captain, Honorary Aides-de-Camp to "Lord Aberdeen", Nov 18, 1895 and to John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, '1st Marquis of Aberdeen and Temair', and to the Governor General of Canada 1893-1898
I, retired on a pension in September, 1897.

I, married Florence Gourley Nash, June 6, 1893 at Brookfield House in Truro, Colchester, Nova Scotia, Canada. The ceremony took place at St. John's Episcopal Church, Truro, NS

Well, that's about it.

'...Oh, there is one small matter. Rumours that my father, Sir David L. MacPherson had anything to do with my success in the NWMP is pure heresay. I'll have none of it'.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#25163, Cst. J. B. Baldwinson

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#25163, Constable John Brian Baldwinson

Source: Vet. Sheldon Boles, Surrey, BC

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#1833, George A. Knox

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

In Memory of Reg.#1833,

NWMP Constable George Albert Knox

Vet. Merle Armstrong of 'O' Division recently submitted this information and photo of George Knox's gravestone.

Merle's research on graves has reminded me to extend my thanks and deep appreciation to all volunteers, Vets, members and friends who are so generous with time, interest and help with our database. 

Thanks Again to all and all!

George Knox was born about 1866 in Ontario. He joined the NWMP on July 3, 1886. He was posted to 'Depot' for about three years after which he decided to purchase his discharge. Merle Armstrong reports that Cst. Knox's conduct in the Force was rated as very good.

George died on June 27, 1913 and he is buried in the Jerseyville Cemetery, Jerseyville, Ontario

The inscription on Cst. Knox's stone is worn due to the weather and is difficult to read.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Reg.#1570, Cst. J. H. Rose

C A N A D A

From an Infant Force,

North West Mounted Police

In Memory of Reg.#1570, Constable Joseph Herbert Rose

Every once in awhile, a file previously researched by deceased Vet. Jack White, makes one stop an think if the story is real?

Here's one example. It seems that Reg.#1570, Cst. J. H. Rose may have had trouble adjusting to conditions in the Force. Here's a snap view of Cst. Rose's Service Court (SC) file and the penalities which he received;

October 4, 1889 - Absent from roll call - Fine $1 - Supt Antrobus at Battleford

January 2, 1894 - Absent from roll call - Fine $3 - Supt Howe, Battleford

January 31, 1894 - Overstay pass - Fine $5 - Supt Howe, Battleford

February 2, 1894 - Under influence of liquor - Fine $10 - Supt Howe

October 22, 1894 - Absent from stables - Fine $1.00 - Insp Begin

November 1, 1894 - Leave stables without permission & drunk - Fine $10 & 1 month Hard Labour & dismissal at expiration - Supt. Howe

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
REg.#23685